CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – More than $2.6 million is being distributed to 60 local non-profit organizations thanks to United Way of the Coastal Bend. The award is one of the single-largest charitable contributions regularly made in the Coastal Bend.

Donations raised for United Way of the Coastal Bend’s Community Investment Fund in 2021-2022 totaled $1,735,904. These funds will support 34 programs at 31 different partner agencies that promote education, health and/or financial stability.

To promote early childhood literacy, the Success By 6 Early Childhood Coalition is hosting a Week of the Young Child Into the Wild event.

The Week of the Young Child® is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The annual event focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognizes the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – To promote early childhood literacy, volunteers with United Way of the Coastal Bend visited local preschools and elementary schools to read to children in celebration of Read Across America Day.

Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – United Way of the Coastal Bend’s financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency has earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, for the eighth consecutive year.

“It’s important our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely,” said Libby Averyt, President and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Bend. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to both our donors and the community our good governance and financial accountability.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – Addiction is a complex condition that affects those struggling with it and also families, particularly those with children. In the Coastal Bend, about 62% of those suffering from addiction have children. To help people better understand the issue, United Way of the Coastal Bend is hosting a free virtual Real Talk workshop on addiction.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – A collaborative partnership of United Way of the Coastal Bend is helping eligible taxpayers prepare and electronically file their tax returns free of charge.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is providing tax return preparation to those whose 2021 household income was $66,000 or less. Those who qualify can have their tax returns prepared for free at one of several VITA sites in Corpus Christi:

United Way of the Coastal Bend
4659 Everhart Rd Jan. 31-Apr. 18
Mon.-Thurs.
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Drop-off only

To address the importance of prenatal care, the Success By 6 Early Childhood Coalition will host a free Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby! community resource fair for expectant mothers and those preparing for pregnancy.

“Roughly one-third of all pregnant women in Nueces County don’t receive adequate prenatal care,” said Sherry Peterson, Success By 6 Director at United Way of the Coastal Bend. “Every stage of pregnancy is important, but early prenatal care is vital because it sets the stage for the entire pregnancy and influences the wellness of both mother and baby.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – United Way of the Coastal Bend hosted a holiday-themed drive-through distribution event on Dec. 6 for first-time mothers and their families enrolled in the organization’s Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) Program. More than 60 families were greeted by Santa and staff members as they drove through and received food, activities, books, and other supplies.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – This time of year brings joy to many, but it can also be a time of increased stress and anxiety. Paired with the stress of navigating lingering effects of the pandemic, and it’s become increasingly important to know how to manage that stress and prioritize one’s mental health. That’s why United Way of the Coastal Bend is hosting a free virtual Real Talk workshop on cumulative stress and self-care.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Coastal Bend Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Coalition is seeking volunteers to help provide tax preparation assistance during the 2022 tax filing season.

The VITA program is an IRS initiative designed to support free tax preparation service for underserved populations. This service helps low- to moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speakers file their taxes each year.