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They were running out of options. After months of doctor visits, one thing became clear: 17-year-old Marco needed life-saving scoliosis surgery. The curve in his spine was worsening as he grew, beginning to crush his lungs and making it harder for him to breathe. But the Ruiz family couldn’t afford the surgery. They didn’t have health insurance, and Marco’s father had recently lost his job. A year earlier, the family applied for Medicaid but never heard back. As weeks turned into months with no answer, they began to lose hope. Then, Marco’s high school support team connected him with a Community Health Worker. The Community Health Worker, Carmen, is part of the United Way-led Pathways Community HUB. This program supports rural communities with resources to improve health outcomes.  Carmen understood their urgency and recommended going in person to the Texas Health and Human Services office. She had built trusted relationships with the staff there and believed she could help. But she didn’t just suggest it. She went to the office with them. Together, they submitted a new application. This time, Marco was approved for Medicaid on the spot. His parents, stunned and grateful, left the office in tears. After a year of silence, they finally had an answer. A few weeks later, Marco underwent surgery. It was a success. He can breathe again. The crushing pain in his neck and legs is gone. He’s back to being a teenager — dreaming about his future, walking taller, and laughing more easily. […]

*Trigger warning: This story contains content about suicidal ideation. She was sitting on the side of the road in her broken-down car. The last time she felt this overwhelmed, she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. One year earlier Single parenting caused her daily stress: Where would she find the resources to provide child care, medical care, and healthy meals for her two children? She had a baby on the way. This, combined with her mother’s passing, had plummeted Taylor into suicidal ideation. Taylor spent three months in psychiatric treatment. Her third baby’s due date was fast approaching. Negative encounters with doctors in the past left her hesitant to seek proper prenatal care. Taylor received a referral for the Pathways Community HUB program in her area. The program, launched by the United Way and supported by local donors, provides newly pregnant and postpartum mothers with resources to thrive. From the moment her Community Health Worker, Melissa, came into her life, Taylor and her family would never be the same. When Taylor delivered her baby, Melissa was right by her side, advocating for her care. She amplified Taylor’s concerns to medical professionals, ensuring her basic needs were met and providing a consistent, supportive presence. Now Sitting in her car, Taylor remembered the support her Community Health Worker provided. She picked up the phone and called Melissa again. Within 30 minutes, Melissa arrived to pick up Taylor and her children, assuring them everything would be okay. Taylor’s car was impounded, leaving her […]

Empowering. Energizing. Uplifting. A sold-out crowd of more than 300 people came to Gathering for Good on May 1, 2025, to support United Way’s mission to break economic barriers and build opportunity for all. Thanks to the generous gifts of so many, we raised over $140,000! Like a prism refracting light into brilliance, Women United takes on challenges and turns them into action. At Gathering for Good, we celebrated the many roles we play — parent, mentor, advocate, entrepreneur, friend — and the strength we carry collectively. When we bring our full spectrum of talents, perspectives, and lived experiences into focus, the possibilities are truly endless. Together, we are Empowering a Spectrum of Change. Our deepest gratitude to our amazing keynote speaker, Daniela, for sharing her inspiring story of perseverance. Her experience with United Way is an example of how access to resources and support from community members can lead to real and lasting change.   “With the guidance of United Way, I’ve learned to advocate for myself, and I have found ways to be successful despite the adversity I have faced. Struggle is universal for everyone. Just because someone carries their pain or struggle well doesn’t mean it’s not heavy. We all face different adversities. We come from different backgrounds. We are different colors, shapes, and sizes, and we carry different burdens. But together we can create change. We can empower one another. We can continue to be the change in our community by helping others shine through adversity.” Thanks […]

United Way Capitol Day on February 26, community advocates visited the Texas State Capitol and met with 13 elected officials about ways to support early care and education and access to resources. Community members, nonprofit and corporate leaders, dedicated volunteers, and more rally for a thriving Central Texas Our work in high-quality early care and education and equitable access to resources must have systemic implementation to bring about change. That’s why we use grassroots advocacy – to make sure our efforts have lasting solutions. The 89th Texas Legislative Session brings big opportunities to speak up for theselasting solutions. As our elected officials meet to discuss legislation, dozens of community members, nonprofit and civic leaders, United Way committee members, volunteers, and staff came together at the Texas State Capitol to share about their lived experiences and the public policy priorities that aim to build opportunity for all. Early childcare providers and supporters met with Marco Benitez, Senior Policy Analyst with Representative James Talarico, to discuss ways to improve the early childcare ecosystem. Capitol Days bring powerful voices together Three special advocacy days marked opportunities to elevate our work. 211 Day: Recognizing the vital services our 211 helpline provides to thousands of Central Texans each year, United Way leaders and staff advocated for crucial upgrades to the 211 system on “211 Day,” February 11 (2/11). Texas United Way Capitol Day: United Way volunteers, community members, nonprofit partners, and staff met with 13 House and Senate Representatives at the Texas State Capitol on […]