What is United Way?
United Way is a local movement of volunteers, advocates, partners, and donors committed to advancing the common good by mobilizing our community around education, financial stability, and health. Together we are ensuring children enter kindergarten prepared to learn, families are increasing financial stability and independence, and people are increasing access to health care, nutrition, and healthy environments. United Way believes the success and sustainability of our community are dependent on these areas.
What is the role of United Way in our community?
United Way’s role in the community continues to evolve. While United Way has historically been a sole fundraising entity, United Way has expanded to a truly unique position to recruit, convene, and collaborate with the right people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done. Few, if any, organizations can span private business, nonprofit, government, and school systems the way United Way can create a network of donors, advocates, and volunteers focused on a specific goal such as ensuring children enter kindergarten ready to learn.
Your local United Way staff works in partnership with knowledgeable, trained volunteers representing the diversity of our community. A volunteer Board of Trustees sets policy and strategic direction. Various committees make program-funding recommendations, oversee financial practices, and provide guidance on operational issues. Our internal volunteer network is the key reason our fundraising costs are among the lowest of any charity, and why more of your contribution goes directly to helping people.
Who does United Way GBACC serve?
In Baytown, Highlands, and Chambers County, United Way serves people who need help or who want to help. Your United Way is committed to helping ensure every person has access to the building blocks for a good life: education, financial stability, health, and basic needs.
Why give to United Way instead of directly to an agency?
No single agency can meet all community needs. When you give to United Way, your gift becomes a part of a collective effort. United Way convenes strategic partners who bring the right strengths to help accelerate and advance our community’s progress. Your gift, either unrestricted or designated for Community Impact allows you to accomplish more than you can alone or through a single charity.
Who benefits from my United Way gift?
When you support United Way, our entire community is strengthened because more children are succeeding in school; more families are learning to be financially stable; more people have access to healthy choices; and more opportunities are available in our community. You or a family member may have already used a United Way-supported program without realizing it. In fact, people from all backgrounds benefit from United Way collaborations like disaster services, scouting programs, youth mentoring programs, food and shelter assistance, and out-of-school activities. If your children are mentored in Big Brothers Big Sisters, take swimming lessons at the YMCA, or if a loved one needed Meals on Wheels, you have benefited from United Way.
Who determines how contributions to United Way are spent?
Knowledgeable, trained volunteers from across our community – people much like yourself – carefully evaluate and select the programs and initiatives to receive funding. Community Investment volunteers visit agencies and review programs and budgets to assure that every dollar is well spent.
Is my gift tax deductible?
United Way GBACC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) eligible to receive tax-deductible gifts. You should discuss the tax deductibility of your gift with a tax professional. Please keep a copy of your United Way gift receipt, pay stub or pledge card for your tax records.
How do I become more engaged with United Way?
Every day ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things by giving, advocating, and volunteering. Running a United Way workplace campaign is a great way to get more involved through giving, inspire your co-workers to become engaged with United Way, and to make a big impact in our community. Click here to give online.
You can also advocate for the causes that matter to you most. Anyone can champion the cause. Whether you're speaking out to improve education, financial stability and health, reaching out to elected officials, or wearing the LIVE UNITED shirt to show your support, you can help inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. So go ahead and advocate in a LIVE UNITED world. Do it in public. Be visible. Be loud!
How can I get help for myself or someone I know?
United Way is not a direct service provider, however, we partner with local organizations that provide direct resources to support individuals seeking help. If you are seeking assistance with rental and utility assistance, please contact Love Network of Baytown. If you are seeking shelter, please contact Bay Area Homeless Services. If you are seeking food, please contact Hearts and Hands of Baytown. For a full list of our partners and how they are supporting our community, visit Our Impact for listings by focus area..
Additionally, you can dial 2-1-1. By dialing 2-1-1 anyone can be connected 24 hours a day, seven days a week to community resources for basic needs. Staffed by certified specialists, this free, confidential, multilingual, and accredited helpline is made possible throughout the Greater Houston area by United Way.