By: Kaylynn Clapper, Campaign & Events Manager and Kaci Pena, Community Engagement Director
As we celebrate National Philanthropy Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the importance of giving back. This year marks the 78th United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County campaign—a milestone that reflects decades of supporting local programs and providing real solutions to our community's most pressing needs. From neighbors lending a helping hand to community resources uplifting families, our strength is rooted in resilience and a shared responsibility to improve life for everyone.
This year's campaign, “United for You,” celebrates that spirit of unity, calling on each of us to say, "I am United for my community. I am United for You."
National Philanthropy Month highlights the collective power of generosity, reminding us that every donation, every act of service, and every partnership brings us closer to a future where everyone in our community has the support they need.
Philanthropy is the heartbeat of our community, fueling initiatives that provide educational support, affordable housing, healthcare services, and more. Your generosity ensures that essential programs, like Hearts and Hands of Baytown, are able to continue feeding our community. Executive director Nikki Rincon says,
“Hearts and Hands of Baytown believes food security is a building block for a healthier community, nourishing lives restored in dignity and hope. Navigating toward healthier, well-equipped futures requires access to essential resources. We are grateful that the United Way of Greater Baytown and Chambers County embraces our mission, investing precious dollars, lifting us through professional development, and arming us with critical resources and support to make a positive, long-lasting impact on people’s lives. Together, we feed this city, filling pantries and touching hearts. United, we act as a bridge, closing gaps that threaten security and progress. As a result, our community is reinforced, moving toward a healthier and well-equipped future.”
United Way is not only united for you; we are united with you. This is about more than supporting individuals; it’s about creating a stronger, more vibrant future for everyone. Every dollar donated, every partnership, and every effort we make together is designed to drive real, tangible results. From working with local agencies that provide critical services to partnering with employers who share our vision, we are all working toward one shared goal: improving the quality of life across our community.
This National Philanthropy Month, we invite you to be part of something bigger. Our campaign is about more than raising funds; it’s about building awareness, fostering a shared responsibility, and inspiring collective action for our community’s future. Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of giving and recognize the profound difference we can make when we unite our efforts.
If you’re looking for ways to make a difference, explore Volunteer Connect, our portal for local volunteer opportunities. By volunteering, you can directly impact lives and experience the true power of giving back. Every hour spent volunteering sends a message of solidarity and compassion that strengthens our entire community. Visit volunteer.unitedwaygbacc.org to find a project that resonates with you and supports our community.
As our CEO, Melissa Reabold, says, "Each day is an opportunity to unite and make our actions count. Together, we’re not only helping those in need but also building a better future for all of us."
Now is the time to act. During National Philanthropy Month, join us in making a difference. Visit www.unitedwaygbacc.org to support our mission or find volunteer opportunities on Volunteer Connect. Together, we’re sending a powerful message across our region: "I am United for my community. I am United for you."
By Melissa Reabold, CEO, MBA, CFRE
Changing the calendar is an activity that I look forward to with anticipation each year. It’s not just picking out the calendar, which can be a difficult choice with all the various style options; it is the actual action of setting up my new calendar that gives me a feeling of hope for the future.
As I turn the page to January 2025, I take time to reflect on the prior year’s professional accomplishments. In this past year, your United Way focused on community impact by delving deeper into how we can better support specific demographics through our ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) initiative. Workplace partners used their annual fundraising activities as a time for fun and team building while making a difference in our community. And one of the most significant accomplishments this year is the return of volunteers after a long post-COVID hiatus. All of these accomplishments were possible under the umbrella of Team United’s rallying call to the community: “United for You.”
Everyone who heard this message was invited to join the movement to make impact where we live, work, and play. Through the 2024 Day of Caring volunteer event, 515 volunteers completed 48 projects – a testament to the power of teamwork and compassion. To date, 700 volunteers have contributed nearly 5600 hours in support of United Way’s mission.
Reflecting on the past year, I lean into the team comradery and fun created through the workplace campaigns, the professional development opportunities that agencies and community leaders had access to, and, I would be remiss if I didn’t include the efforts everyone has made thus far to raise funds in support of important and vital programs and services.
Looking toward the future, I have a lot of hope. I am hopeful that we will continue to find ways, big and small, to work together and be united in our efforts to create a stronger community through the gifts of time, talent and treasure. When we unite for hope, individuals and families know that someone cares and things will get better. Agencies receive the resources they need to provide services to community members, paving the way for a better future. Together, with renewed determination, we can make an even greater impact in 2025 as we Unite for Hope.
Let’s keep turning the pages toward a future full of possibility. Thank you for being part of this journey and for making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive.
UNITED WAY HONORS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S LEGACY THROUGH SERVICE
Baytown, Texas (January 20, 2025) – United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County mobilized nearly 40 community volunteers for the second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. This special day invites individuals and families to come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy by making a positive impact in our community. “Dr. King reminded us, ‘Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.’ Service connects us all—whether we are building homes, serving meals, or providing resources that create hope and opportunity for those in need.”,” says Community Engagement Director Kaci Pena.
Volunteers from Chevron Philips as well as student-athletes from across the district joined together to plant 50 live trees at Banuelos Elementry around the play area, creating a safe, shady, and inviting space for students to enjoy, now and for future students... One student volunteer said, “Its a really important thing to do, be out in our community. It was a good thing for our team to come do, to come help people.” One staff member from Goose Creek CISD remarked, “I’m excited about the project to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, and especially for the young people that are out here, on their day off, making sure they’re giving back to the community. They are our future leaders for tomorrow.”
You can continue the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by serving your community today. Whether your passion is serving meals, building new homes for families in need, or donating clothing for someone who is cold, there is a way for you to make a difference. Find new opportunities daily at https://volunteer.unitedwaygbacc.org/need/detail/?need_id=1026992 or email admin@unitedwaygbacc.org for more information.
View the original publication here
By: Kaci Pena, M.A, Director of Community Engagement
United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County (UWGBACC) is proud to celebrate 79 years of dedicated service to our community this January. Nearly eight decades of meeting needs, supporting families, and fostering a thriving community give us an opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments and look ahead to a brighter future. This milestone is not just a celebration of the organization but of the collective spirit of a community united in purpose.
What began in 1946 as a modest Community Chest has grown into the United Way we know today, serving 11 ZIP codes from East Harris County through the entirety of Chambers County. Over the years, UWGBACC has evolved to address emerging challenges and provide solutions that meet the unique needs of our region. Our roots remain deeply local, driven by a passion for positive change right here at home through community leaders and donors. At the same time, we are part of a global movement, united with over 1,100 local United Way organizations worldwide, all working to create lasting impact for communities across the globe.
Looking back, the journey of UWGBACC is one of perseverance, innovation, and collective action. We have mobilized resources, partnered with countless organizations, and rallied volunteers to tackle critical issues such as education, financial stability, and health. Through programs, advocacy, and collaborations, we’ve helped individuals and families overcome obstacles and unlock opportunities for a better life. Each success story is a testament to what is possible when a community comes together.
As we honor this legacy, we also recognize that our work is far from over. The challenges we face today—whether economic uncertainty, access to healthcare, or educational disparities—require bold action and renewed commitment. That’s why, as we step into our 79th year, we’re doing so with a fresh perspective and a bold new look. United Way has recently unveiled a brand refresh, symbolizing our optimism and determination to continue driving meaningful change. The brighter colors and reimagined logo reflect our vision for the future: vibrant, innovative, and inclusive. Our commitment to thinking “outside the box” and embracing new approaches ensures that we remain at the forefront of creating solutions that work for everyone.
The future is bright, but we can’t achieve it alone. As we continue this journey, we invite you to join us in shaping the next chapter of our shared story. You can get involved, give back, and take action - your contributions make all the difference. Together, we can ensure that every child succeeds, every family thrives, and every community prospers. United is not just our name—it’s our promise. Let’s move forward, hand in hand, toward a brighter, more equitable future for all. Because united is the way to lasting change.
Click here to see the story in The Baytown Sun.
BY: ELIZABETH HAYES, Individual Giving and Grants Manager
Each February, United Way of Greater Baytown Area and Chambers County celebrates Loyal Contributors Month, highlighting the steadfast support of donors who have given to United Way for 10 years or more. These donors have shown a commitment to improving communities across the world, opening opportunities for United Ways to create meaningful, lasting change. The unwavering support of loyal contributors has allowed us to build opportunities right here in this community, keeping our promise to mobilize our community to action so all can thrive.
Over the past decade, the generosity of our loyal contributors has touched the lives of thousands of individuals in the Baytown area and Chambers County. Their continued support fuels critical programs that address pressing community challenges, including youth opportunity, financial security, healthy communities and community resiliency. With over 1,300 loyal contributors standing beside us, United Way GBACC is able to amplify our collective impact year after year.
Through continued support, we work in collaboration with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, providing safe and affordable housing to local families who aren’t able to afford the cost of buying a home. Another longtime partner, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, empowers hundreds of young women with leadership skills and opportunities throughout the Chambers County area, fostering confidence and resilience in the next generation of women.
The continued support of our loyal contributors not only allows us to partner with community organizations but also enables us to provide solutions to pressing needs through our programs, such as Clothing for Kids Closets, the Little Free Library system, and the newly launched ALICE program, which focuses on financial security for the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained but Employed) community. Clothing for Kids Closets, which provides clothes to students in all four of our local school districts, empowers students both in the classroom and at home, while also ensuring that parents and teachers have the resources they need. The Little Free Library system offers free books to our community, ensuring that students and readers of all ages have access to quality literature.
This month, we celebrate every individual who has supported United Way over the years, especially those loyal contributors who support United Way year after year. You make it possible to continue serving those in need and strengthen our community’s foundation. Every loyal contributor is a testimony to our foundational belief – united is the way to a better tomorrow. You are the driving force behind every success story, every life changed, and every challenge overcome.
As we celebrate & reflect on the impact of loyal contributors, we invite others to join this powerful movement of collective action. Together, we can amplify our efforts and create lasting change for generations to come. Whether you get involved with a volunteer opportunity or give back by becoming a loyal contributor, everyone can take action to build a brighter future.
Your support matters now more than ever. To join this movement for change, please visit unitedwaygbacc.org/give.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are united. Together, we are United Way.
Click here to see the original publication in The Baytown Sun.