2011 Community Investments Announcement

Members from United Way of the Coastal Bend's Board of Directors announce over $3.5 million of investments in programs that operate under the United Way Community Impact Areas: Education, Income and Health. (LR: Ann Hennis, Hartline, Dacus, Barger, Dreyer, LLP; Wade Smith, AEP Texas; Steve DeSutter (Chair), Stripes LLC; Catrina Wilson, United Way of the Coastal Bend; Shelley Parks, H-E-B; Mike Carrell (Chair Elect), Frost Bank; John Owen (Secretary), Goodwill Industries of South Texas)


United Way Board Member and Allocations Committee Chair, Shelley Parks, describes the grant making process which begins with nearly 30 United Way volunteers serving on the Program Review Panels that make investment recommendations to the Allocations Committee (also known as the Grant Making Committee).

Because of the dedicated groups of reviewer volunteers, United Way is able to be extremely efficient, keeping costs low and remain focused on creating partnerships which translate to positive community impact. Thank you to the members of the Review Panels and the Allocations Committee for their willingness to give of their time, talents and treasures to this portion of the Community Investments process!  


United Way of the Coastal Bend Board of Directors Chair Steve DeSutter announces the 2011-2012 Community Investment amounts.

"The work of United Way is a commitment to making real change – lasting change in people’s lives. To create lasting change, we take into account conditions across the entire community. In doing so, we believe the keys to improving the quality of life and the stability of our region rest on three pillars: EDUCATION, INCOME and HEALTH.

At the United Way of Coastal Bend we are working to help individuals receive a quality education that will lead them to a stable job and help them provide enough income to support a family through retirement. EDUCATION, INCOME and HEALTH are the building blocks of a good life and in turn, a better community.

Thanks to the generosity of thousands of United Way donors throughout the Coastal Bend, over 127,000 residents were served by United Way funded programs last year. That was a 43% increase over the year before reflecting the growing needs and the tougher economic conditions. That's why this gathering today should be a point of pride for all in the Coastal Bend as we announce the Community Investments for 2011. These investments represent dollars raised from last year’s United Way annual workplace and individual giving Campaign, and special events.

On behalf of the United Way of the Coastal Bend, its board of directors, staff and most importantly its corporate and individual donors, we are delighted to announce that $3.5 million will be invested into programs that operate under the three United Way Community Impact Areas: EDUCATION, INCOME and HEALTH.

This year over $980,000 will be invested in programs focusing on EDUCATION. These programs are helping children reach appropriate developmental milestones, achieve academic success and to develop strong life skills which will impact their future academic, employment and social opportunities.

This year over $885,000 will be invested in programs focusing on INCOME. These programs are helping individuals meet their basic needs while they work to increase their employability to gain and grow assets on a journey toward financial independence.

And finally, over $1.3 million will be invested in programs focusing on issues related to HEALTH. These programs are providing a framework of information, education and services to promote a healthier lifestyle for all citizens throughout the Coastal Bend.

Congratulations! And may we continue to demonstrate what it means to LIVE UNITED in the Coastal Bend."

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A listing of dollars allocated to each funded program can also be found here.
See a full news release here.