stories

Check out our 2023-24 Annual Report. It highlights the year-long impact achieved with the help of our community partners, staff, and volunteers in assisting our community in times of need. This work was made possible thanks to the support of donors, corporate sponsors, workplace campaigns, board members, and more.

Raising kids as a single parent is hard enough. Fighting every day to keep them, and keep them safe, is the hardest thing Michael has ever done.

When Audrey was five, she visited a United Way-supported health care clinic requiring specialty medical services for a serious eye condition.

With help from the United Way Young Parents’ Child Care Scholarship and United Way THRIVE, Jessica finished school and started a new career.

The Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund helped homebound seniors John and his wife with home-delivered meals, food, and other assistance during the pandemic.

Leticia Herrera from ABC Home Child Care, a United Way Bright Beginnings Child Care Center, talks about how Bright Beginnings helps her best serve children and families.

Cathy Moore of Funded Partner, ECHOS, talks about how, with United Way's support, ECHOS helps clients land on their feet - and stay there.

Armando Silva from United Way funded partner, MECA, talks about partnering with United Way to create impact in our community.

Linda had been a United Way donor for many years but never thought that she would need United Way’s help herself. 

Tyeisha was ready to make a change in her career and her life. United Way was here to help.

With her children grown up and out of the house, mother-of-four Dionell was looking for a new career.

For Sara, life after service was tough. She had trouble adjusting back into civilian life and was desperate for help when she was connected with United Way Mission United.

Andy is a veteran, so when he called the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, he was immediately connected with a veterans specialist and the Mission United network.

At his wife’s urging, Don finally called 211. He had been in pain for a long time and his wife couldn’t watch him deteriorate any longer.

You are helping neighbors like David. After being diagnosed with cancer, David became unemployed, making it impossible for him to support his family as he did before. After months of treatment and being unable to work, he became ALICE and needed help landing back on his feet and staying there. Thankfully, people like you provided life-changing support to assist families like David’s. It was that support that allowed him and his family to successfully go through his medical treatment and stay afloat during these difficult times.

United Way THRIVE supported Mark in his efforts to build a better life for his family by providing education, job training, coaching, and more.

With help from United Way THRIVE, Christie was able to get back on her feet and buy a home for her family after escaping an abusive relationship.

United Way THRIVE supported Keyonna in her effort to start a new career that would allow her to support her family and spend more time with her kids.

United Way THRIVE was here to help Caroline navigate getting back into the workforce during the pandemic.

After his military service, Christopher turned to United Way THRIVE for help with job training and other skills needed to start a new career.

The mentors he met through a United Way program changed Darryl’s life, influenced him to become an engineer, and inspired him to become a mentor himself.

United Way THRIVE helped Daisy get a job earning 40% more and learn how to manage her finances to help prepare to buy a home for her family.

With support from United Way THRIVE, Marissa gained the financial knowledge and skills to achieve financial stability and purchase a home for her family.

Amanda’s success story became possible thanks to generous donors like you. After exploring various career paths, Amanda discovered her passion for working in construction. United Way THRIVE assisted her in developing a plan to improve her skill set, ultimately helping her secure an apprenticeship in her dream field. Amanda also utilized THRIVE’s financial stability resources to manage her debt, save money, and improve her credit. Today, she aims to purchase a home for her family and apply her newfound skills to build her perfect living space.

With support from United Way THRIVE, Sheila rejoined the workforce.

COVID-19 took a lot from Susan and Jack. The Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund was here to help.

The February 2021 winter storm damaged Angela and Craig's home--and their progress.

With help from United Way, Bryson kicked her addiction and rebuilt her life.

In United Way Bright Beginnings, Laura’s social and emotional skills blossomed, and she built the foundation to be a star student.

United Way Bright Beginnings helped Joseph develop, grow, and prepare to start and succeed in kindergarten.

A United Way-supported mentoring and enrichment program helped make sure Ralston could see beyond where he grew up, go to college, and pursue his dreams.

United Way-sponsored services, like home-delivered meals and check-ins from volunteers, allow Maxine to remain independent.

Patsy is a volunteer companion who provides assistance and companionship that help Lily remain independent.