October 2021

Good Deeds in Action: Backpacks, Socks, Undies, Food

Join us at the Oct. 29 Appreciation Reception

Get to Know Our WI Steering Committee Leaders

The 2021-2022 Community Campaign is Under Way

Good Deeds in Action: Project Undercover, Back to School Bash, Day of Action at the Food Bank

New Backpacks, Socks, and Undies Create Memories
Getting “new stuff” like supplies and clothes is a back-to-school right of passage and, when kids don't have to worry about the essentials, they can focus on learning. So, to help Out-2-Learn and United Way Bright Beginnings students the start school year, WI members participated in United Way's Back to School Bash and Project Undercover socks and undies drive. Overall, 476 supplies-filled backpacks and nearly 15,000 pairs of underwear and socks were collected to benefit clients at Community Assistance Center (Montgomery County), Houston Area Urban League, Urban Enrichment Institute, and Color of Life.

WI Members Pack Food Boxes at Houston Food Bank
At our first volunteer event of the 2021 - 2022 campaign on Oct. 9, we sorted and prepared 9,840 pounds of food filling 18 pallets and resulting in 15,780 meals for neighbors in need!

Women's Initiative members also volunteered remotely, creating breakfast bags and snack packs for clients. So far, we’ve created enough to serve 200+ clients.

Hear United Way President and CEO Amanda McMillian talk about how our support helps provide food and other essentials to our neighbors. Thank you to all who participated!

Join the Celebration on October 29

RSVP now to see old friends, meet new ones, and hear from a client who you helped get the education and experience she needed to start on the pathway to financial stability. We’ve re-imagined our customary Appreciation Lunch into a “socially friendly” outdoor reception at the beautiful United Way campus, and we look forward to seeing you there!

When: Friday, October 29, 2021 / 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where: United Way Center (outdoor reception)
50 Waugh Drive
Houston, Texas 77007

RSVP

Meet WI Steering Committee Leaders Tara Nutik and Karen Kershner Slack

As a Client Relationship Executive and Managing Director at Deloitte, Tara Nutik is right at home helping large, complicated businesses solve their most strategic and challenging issues. She’s given to the United Way for more than 20 years, has been an Alexis de Tocqueville member since 2012, and joined the WI Steering Committee in 2017. Reach out to Tara at linkedin.com/in/taranutik.

Karen Kershner Slack is Director of Organizational Development for Slack & Co. Contracting, a Houston-based sitework and utilities contractor. Karen joined WI in 2009, has been an Alexis de Tocqueville member since 2014, and enjoys getting involved with United Way's children’s education programs like Bright Beginnings. Reach out to Karen at linkedin.com/in/karen-kershner-817bba.

And We're Off!

United Way officially kicked off the 2021-2022 Community Campaign virtually on Sept. 21 with a dose of inspiration from Reggie Van Lee, a robust discussion about Second Century Vision, and the introduction of Campaign Chair Scott Hallam of Williams (Scott is pictured here in a dunking booth as part of the Williams United Way campaign). If you missed it, watch the recording here.

This year’s fundraising goal is $57.5 million, and, as of Oct. 1, 100% of WI Steering Committee members have already contributed. By increasing our giving, we can serve more of our neighbors and get a solid start for the launch our Second Century Vision in 2022. But we can't do it without you! If you are not a member of a company campaign, click here to contribute today.

Upcoming Events

Appreciation Reception
October 29
Register now

Wrap and Wine
Save the date! Dec. 2
The format of this event remains flexible, so watch your email and WI social media for further details.

Women Who Rock (Montgomery County)
Save the date! Mar. 4, 2022
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Connect with Us

Stay up to date on events and happenings, connect with fellow members, and learn more about the impact we make together in our Women's Initiative Facebook and LinkedIn groups.

About the Women's Initiative

Women’s Initiative members enjoy engaging networking events, personal and professional development programs, and volunteer opportunities where they learn about community issues and the impact United Way programs make. Members make personal gifts of $2,500 or more annually and collectively contributed more than $4.7 million in 2020-2021.