2022 Impact Report

Friends,

A century ago, a team of local leaders formed the Fort Worth Community Chest, merging the fundraising efforts of a variety of charitable organizations—united-as-one—to more effectively address the community’s most urgent needs. This early nonprofit was the forerunner of what is now United Way of Tarrant County.

Today, this organization, thanks to support from the community, continues to do important work during a transformational time in Tarrant County.

We incubate programs and initiatives that help address core social issues in the region, lift up our fellow nonprofits through funding and grants, and provide direct emergency response to our communities.

In 2022, we served more than 325,000 people through our direct-service initiatives and the programs we support. This impact report highlights much of this work and lives we’ve changed.

Yet our work is not done.

In Tarrant County, the third most populous county in Texas, one-of-three households lives paycheck to paycheck. More than 10% of our residents live in poverty, and 40% have food insecurity higher than the national average. One of five cannot read at fourth-grade level. We live in a county where 21% of adults are uninsured, and too many people report being in poor physical health.

All those stats are true today, but all of them CAN change. We have a vision for a Tarrant County that we all can contribute to, and benefit from.

As United Way of Tarrant County celebrates its 100th birthday, we’ve launched our centennial campaign building the foundation for our second century of impact. We hope you will join us as we GET UNITED to build a stronger, more resilient and vibrant Tarrant County, for all.

About UNITED WAY OF TARRANT COUNTY

United Way of Tarrant County brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. As a nonprofit leader, we help communities tackle tough challenges and work with private, public and nonprofit partners to boost education, financial stability and health resources, as well as respond in times of community crisis.

OUR WORK IS DRIVEN BY:

Identifying issues through data-driven research.

Informing the community about those issues to develop solutions.

Inviting the community to engage in these solutions by advising, giving and volunteering.

Investing in systemic solutions that yield long-term change for all.

LEAH M. KING President and Chief Executive Officer United Way of Tarrant County

HADLEY WOERNER Board President United Way of Tarrant County

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF SERVICE

GET UNITED DAY

United Way of Tarrant County commemorated our centennial year in Tarrant County and our commitment to making our communities stronger for generations to come on Get United Day, November 17, 2022 at Globe Life Field.

Joined by Dr. Opal Lee, the honorable Jeff Williams and his wife Karen, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, the Voice of the Texas Rangers Chuck Morgan and other community leaders and UWTC supporters, we announced the vision for our next 100 years of service and our focus to create a better Tarrant County for all through our Second Century Campaign.

UNVEILING THE NEED

Get United Day guests each removed large magnets representing Tarrant County’s ZIP codes revealing a giant mural. The back of each magnet highlighted a statistic about a current challenge being faced in our community, reflecting the need for us to GET UNITED to make a big impact.

“We have a vision for a Tarrant County that we all can contribute to and can benefit from. GET UNITED is the embodiment of our drive for United Way as we enter a second century of serving our communities. It is the belief that when the 64 ZIP codes spanning Tarrant County can come together with a shared vision, we can create communities that are stronger and more prosperous.”

Leah M. King, President and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County

DEFINING OUR FOCUS AREAS

United Way of Tarrant County wears many hats — we do whatever is needed to identify, address and meet the needs in our communities. We align our efforts on addressing critical needs across four primary categories. And, that’s where our focus is as we enter our second century of impact in Tarrant County.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE COMMUNITY HEALTH

Providing the basics for daily needs for Tarrant County residents, as well as disaster relief and veteran support.

Ensuring a community where everyone can be safe and healthy, with a particular focus on underserved neighborhoods, women, children, older adults and those with disabilities.

EDUCATION AND LEARNING FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Preparing the current and future workforce to contribute to their own success and to their community.

Equipping individuals with the tools for independence, such as financial literacy, stable housing and transportation.

TAKING CARE OF OUR NEIGHBORS

COMMUNITY RESPONSE

United Way of Tarrant County is there to help when disaster strikes. Because of our work monitoring the needs of the community, we are set up to respond quickly and directly. In 2022, this was evident through our emergency response to a deadly heatwave and supporting the answering of calls to the free hotline 2-1-1. We also continued to provide comprehensive support through our Mission United initiative focused on important veteran counseling, addiction treatment and high-priority programs as well as operating the Texas Veterans Network centers.

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE OUR NATION

“When you serve your country, and you say you will protect the people in this country and die for them—you are making the ultimate sacrifice, and you should at least have a decent place to lay your head.”

Betty Moreland, U.S. Army veteran

Read more about Betty’s Story

Did you know that 25% of Texas’s veterans are unable to afford their basic needs? That’s where UWTC’s Mission United program comes in to help veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

Last year, the Mission United team assisted U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Betty Moreland turn her new apartment into a relaxing home after overcoming homelessness. Betty now shares her story with veterans in her community and helps advocate for their care, referring them to Mission United and the Texas Veterans Network.

212,870 CALLS

received by the free 2-1-1 social services hotline from July 2021 to December 2022

8,315

VETERANS

connected to resources for health care, housing, education and employment from July 2021 to December 2022

BEAT THE HEAT

130+ AC UNITS

distributed to Tarrant County residents during the 2022 Beat the Heat Campaign

When outside temperatures consistently over 100°F resulted in heat-related deaths across Tarrant County, UWTC initiated its first ever air conditioner and fan collection drive to support veterans, disabled individuals, older adults and the income constrained families in our area. The need was so great, we will continue to hold this drive every year.

DAY OF ACTION

United Way of Tarrant County’s annual Day of Action mobilizes the community to help with emerging and immediate needs. In 2022, our Day of Action supported youth, older adults and veterans through multiple collection drives.

Betty Moreland, U.S. Army veteran

ADDRESSING EVOLVING COMMUNITY NEEDS

COMMUNITY RESPONSE

United Way of Tarrant County launched four new programs in 2022 to directly support the most vulnerable populations in our communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

UWTC plans to continue and, in some cases, expand these programs as additional funding is raised.

INITIAL FUNDING PROVIDED THROUGH THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) $5.58M

Tarrant County $4.41M City of Fort Worth

ONE SECOND COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY DOULAS

The #1 cause of death among teens is gun violence1. The One Second Collaborative (OSC) was created to directly address and prevent youth violence in our area. Using an evidence-based approach, the OSC unifies and coordinates the work of numerous community-based organizations that deliver street outreach, education, workforce training, internships, referrals for basic needs and other supports to everyday challenges young people and their families are experiencing. Program partners: Fort Worth Police Department, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and countless community stakeholders

Tarrant County has the second highest maternal mortality rate among Black women in Texas2, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Our new community doula program will improve outcomes for local moms and their babies. We’re identifying and training doulas and hospital staff to provide peer assistance to expectant women and families of color. This will ensure they are seen, heard and supported from early pregnancy to the months following childbirth, leading to healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies. Program partner: Trust Her

REDUCING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS COLLABORATIVE (R-SILC)

It’s well known that being lonely can lead to physical and psychological issues3. Older adults without built-in social networks or who lost that option while being homebound during the pandemic are especially affected. The R-SILC initiative supports programs that improve older adults’ well-being and social engagement, leading to reduced chronic disease rates and improved access to preventive health care. Program partners: Alzheimer’s Association, The Women’s Center of Tarrant County, Dementia Friendly Fort Worth

BRAVE/R TOGETHER SMALL BUSINESS

ZIP code 76104 is the epicenter of disparities in Tarrant County, with the lowest life expectancy in the state and vast differences in income and economic opportunity4. BRAVE/R supports local businesses in getting their minority business certification, leading to access to capital and technical assistance. The program also provides business coaching and access to an online business resource center. Program partner: BRAVE/R Together

$132,337 IN UTILITY ASSISTANCE

to help 501 families in need

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR OLDER ADULTS COMMUNITY

HEALTH

Helping those over 60, people with disabilities and their caregivers takes a devoted team focused on connecting these residents with the resources they need to thrive—independently if possible. That’s the role of UWTC’s Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County (AAATC).

The AAATC is part of a national network of 629 area agencies focused on older adults and is the only one in Texas that is part of a United Way. Our AAATC team works to provide no-cost services such as caregiver resources, nursing home resident advocacy, medical benefits counseling, utility assistance and help with food and nutrition. Support is available just a phone call away. And, our numbers show the need continues to grow year after year.

For more information about services offered, call: 817.258.8125

4,294 HOURS OF CAREGIVER RESPITE (meal preparation, housekeeping, personal care)

237 HOME IMPROVEMENTS MADE (grab bars, door widening, wheelchair ramp building)

13,821 CALLS ANSWERED by Aging and Disability Resource Center for assistance with housing, transportation, income support and Medicaid

6,412 CAREGIVERS TRAINED (health fairs, virtual education sessions, other seminars)

9,000+ MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT delivered to more than 500 older adults and their caregivers

ENABLING INDEPENDENCE FOR THOSE IN NEED

When Tarrant County resident Kenneth Fable suffered from heat stroke during the 2022 heat wave, everything changed for him. Mobility issues left him unable to care for himself and safely remain at home. Kenneth and his wife, Donna, leaned on AAATC to help them get much needed home modifications.

These updates allow Kenneth to move more independently around his home and provide relief to Donna, his primary caregiver. Home improvements such as grab bars and wheelchair ramps can have a big impact on the mental and physical health of older and disabled adults, resulting in feeling safer in their own homes, a priceless comfort.

INVESTING IN HEALTH

One in three Hispanic women living in Tarrant County will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. More than 40% of cancer cases could be prevented through an improved lifestyle1, yet health and wellness resources often don’t include cultural context or language. Rosa es Rojo™, a program supported by UWTC’s safety net allocations, works to change this. The Rojo Way shows women how to prepare nutritious meals and develop healthy habits that will have a long-lasting influence on their lives and those of their families.

Read more about Rosa es Rojo

SHARING RESOURCES TO BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY HEALTH

United Way of Tarrant County improves the lives of those in our community by sharing our resources with funded agencies and other groups who align with our mission and priorities. Community, corporate, government and foundation donations make it possible for UWTC to invest resources toward our community’s most persistent issues. Four distinctive programs provide focus to this work:

Our Women United network, a vibrant and diverse group of women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in our community.

Our Safety Net Grant allocations, which provide funding to support programs addressing the ongoing critical needs in our community.

Our UWTC - Greater Arlington office that brings together community leaders and local nonprofits to identify and address issues facing residents in Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie and surrounding areas.

Our Mission United Veterans Fund that supports military service members returning to civilian life with services such as counseling and addiction treatment.

$60,000 AWARDED IN GRANTS

to

Learn more at: unitedwaytarrant.org/WomenUnited

UWTC - GREATER ARLINGTON

As a regional arm of United Way of Tarrant County, UWTC - Greater Arlington facilitates the sharing of resources and knowledge between a variety of nonprofit, educational and faith-based organizations serving this area, on behalf of the City of Arlington.

This UWTC office is an integral part of the City of Arlington’s work building its human service infrastructure and mobilizing responses to help those in need.

Women United Fund recipients in 2022

Women United Volunteers at LVTRise

IMPROVING LITERACY & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION AND LEARNING

We are working to improve literacy rates and provide new opportunities for those in Tarrant County to shape a brighter future for all. Our efforts nurture our youngest generation to provide them pathways to success later in life. We also support adults who may require assistance figuring out the next step in their own career trajectory.

REWRITING THE STORY

In Tarrant County, only 36% of third-grade students read proficiently grade is a key indicator, as data indicates that those students who are not reading at grade level by this age are four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Through our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library working to make a difference in these rates. Research shows that young children with access to books in their homes are much more likely to read at grade level. Established by country music legend Dolly Parton, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an international program that mails free books monthly to children from birth to age 5.

United Way of Tarrant County launched our chapter of the program in 2008 and provides free books to children in underserved neighborhoods across 48 ZIP codes.

8,775+ BOOKS MAILED

®

430+ NEWLY ENROLLED CHILDREN

July 2021 – December 2022

COACHING THROUGH CAREER TRANSITIONS

After devoting your life to a career in military service, it can be hard to return to civilian life. Recognizing that our veterans may need support in this area of transition, UWTC’s Mission United provides career and financial coaching outreach through our Veterans Fund grants to local organizations. Veteran Fund awards totaling $400,000 were made in 2022, impacting 3,400 veterans. The Veterans Fund is supported through contributions from Lockheed Martin and Bell.

HELPING OTHERS WHILE NETWORKING

Recognizing they can make a difference early in their careers, members of the UWTC Emerging Leaders United network for young professionals 40 years of age and younger support childhood literacy through volunteerism and financial gifts. As a part of their membership, all Emerging Leaders give donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide free books to children.

Read more about a veteran served by Mission United

PROVIDING SERVICES FOCUSED ON INCOME STABILITY FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

United Way of Tarrant County provides tools that enable individuals and families to take control of their economic well-being and shape their own futures. Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free income tax preparation at centers across Tarrant County. The goal — to help those with household incomes of $60,000 or less get the largest return possible and have a better understanding of what they owe. Putting money back in the pockets of our neighbors is good for them and good for the local economy. VITA volunteers also help clients enroll in financial education, coaching and workforce skills training.

Our UWTC - Greater Arlington Financial Stability Partnership Subcommittee provides similar services, uniting the resources of community members and local agencies focused on promoting selfsufficiency programs and initiatives available in the community.

IMPACTING LIVES, ONE TAX RETURN AT A TIME

“I love being able to help people that really need it and appreciate the help.”

Robert Schmidt, VITA volunteer

Read more about Robert’s story

When Arlington resident Robert Schmidt volunteered to help families file their taxes for free, he wasn’t expecting to bring them to tears. But that’s what happened when he helped a hardworking household get more than $6,000 back in their return. For Robert, getting to make a difference in the lives of the clients he serves, especially the ones who need it most, is the best part of the job. Our volunteers understand that income tax refunds can deeply impact the financial situations of those we serve.

Funding coordinated through the office of Congressman Marc Veasey ensured our VITA program served local families by providing quality tax return preparation and filing, at no cost to them.

6,239 TAX RETURNS FILED $11,714,479 TOTAL REFUNDS $2,700 AVERAGE TAX RETURN 4,571 VOLUNTEER HOURS

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE

GET UNITED is supported by a committed group of community, civic and business leaders, as well as individuals passionate about the future of Tarrant County. These include our campaign chairs Jeff Williams, a long-time public servant and the former mayor of Arlington, and his wife and fellow philanthropist, Karen.

SECURING THE NEXT CENTURY OF IMPACT

GET UNITED: THE SECOND CENTURY CAMPAIGN FOR TARRANT COUNTY

In 2022, we launched our most ambitious fundraising effort in United Way of Tarrant County’s history. We’re bringing together individuals, corporations, service providers and civic organizations to build healthier, safer and thriving communities –and ultimately, a more prosperous Tarrant County for generations to come.

Our goal is to:

Double United Way of Tarrant County’s investment in the local economy to fill high-need, high-wage jobs with skilled workers through workforce development initiatives.

Quadruple United Way of Tarrant County’s investment in meeting the housing, employment, physical and mental health needs of the 400,000 veterans in the North Texas region.

Scale up support to improve health outcomes across Tarrant County among high-need populations.

Secure capacity for financial stability programs that support resiliency among low-income Tarrant County residents.

INVESTMENT NEEDED TO MAKE AN IMPACT

$100M TOTAL GOAL

$75M $25M

FINANCIAL STABILITY

COMMUNITY RESPONSE HEALTH EDUCATION

ADDRESS EMERGING NEEDS AND ISSUES

2022 BOARD MEMBERS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Board Chair: Hadley Woerner, President, Tarrant Area Frost Bank

Immediate Past Board Chair: Melinda M. Johnston, Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch

Committee Chair of Annual Campaign Committee: Richard Casarez, P.E., Vice President, Fort Worth Customer Operations, Oncor Electric Delivery

Committee Chair of Compensation and Benefits Committee: Dr. Keon Anderson, Correctional Dentist, Acclaim Physician Group

Past Annual Campaign Committee Chair: Brian Coltharp, P.E., President and CEO, Freese and Nichols

Committee Chair, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee: Carlo Capua, Chief of Strategy and Innovation, City of Fort Worth

Committee Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee and Compliance Officer: H Richard Payne, Partner of EY Assurance Services

Committee Chair of Governance Committee: Barbara M. Williams, Capital Partner, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson

Committee Chair, Investment Committee: Cory Dowell, Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor, Baumgarten Dowell Jones Wealth Management at UBS

Committee Chair, Strategic Planning Committee: Abbie Shipp, Ph.D., Professor of Management and Leadership Department, Neeley School of Business, TCU

Committee Chair, Community Investment Committee: Mia Hall, Ed.D., Executive Director of Equity and Excellence, Fort Worth Independent School District

Board Liaison for Second Century Campaign: Stevan B. Bobb, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, BNSF Railway Company

Non-Voting Member: Leah M. King, President and CEO, United Way of Tarrant County

Non-Voting Member: Beverly Boyd, Corporate Secretary, United Way of Tarrant County

BOARD MEMBERS AND VOTING EX-OFFICIOS

Tarrant County Central Labor Council: Brian Golden, President, Council AFL-CIO

Committee Chair, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council: Tito Rodriguez, Retired Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem, City of North Richland Hills

Committee Chair, United Way Arlington Steering Committee: Kathleen Bryant, Executive Director at North Texas Higher Education Authority

Committee Chair, Northeast Steering Committee: Jon McKenzie, Councilmember (Place 6), City of Hurst

Committee Chair, Women United: Jennifer Baggs Kamacioglu, Texas Capital Bank in Fort Worth

DIRECTORS

Kervin Campbell, PE, Regional Executive Principal, Dunaway

Sean Donohue, Chief Executive Officer, DFW International Airport

Marcia Etie, Manager of Special Projects, Mosaic Strategy Partners

D.J. Harrell, Director of Development Services, City of Fort Worth

Grant Helmer, Senior Vice President in Dealer Services, GM Financial

Bal Joshi, Senior Vice President Commercial Banking, Hancock Whitney

Pat Linares, Former Interim Superintendent, Fort Worth and Crowley Independent School Districts, and Education Consultant

Courtney Lewis, Executive Vice President, Cadence Bank

Kecia Mays, Arlington Independent School District Trustee

Chandler Merritt, Assistant County Administrator, Tarrant County

Allison Mullis, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Bell Helicopter

Kellie Richter, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Client Experience Officer, First Command Financial Services, Inc.

Tom Stallings, Firm Strategist, Mosaic Strategy Partners

Gloria Starling, Managing Partner, The Capital Grille Fort Worth

Kenneth Washington, Engineer II, Atmos Energy Corporation Mid-Tex Division

Jeff Whitfield, Partner, Kelly Hart

Jennifer Wichmann, Deputy City Manager, City of Arlington, Arlington City Manager’s Office

Corey Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

4,820 VOLUNTEERS

20,319 HOURS OF SERVICE $600,000 VOLUNTEER VALUE TO COMMUNITY

* Please note, the content of the Impact Report covers the time period of July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The financials reflect the time period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.