United Way Capital Area in the Media

Wednesday, January 20, 2010
New Film Series Focuses on Local Community Issues
Like most people, I've been vaguely familiar with the national non-profit organization United Way all my life. Several years ago I was fortunate to meet and get to know Mando Rayo (in the center of the above photo), Director of United Way Capital Area volunteer match program Hands On Central Texas. In response to a Facebook message from Mando, I volunteered for the 2-1-1 Texas phone bank during Hurricane Ike -- one of the most humbling and memorable experiences in my life. That's just one of the many innovative ways that the United Way Capital Area is using social media and other forums to bring folks together to address critical social issues in our community.

Click here to read more.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
United Way Capital Area and KLRU Launch Live United Film Series, Austin Brains Benefit
United Way Capital Area and KLRU have joined forces for a three-part community strengthening film series that will feature that lovely and oft-skipped post-film activity: conversation. Beyond just building awareness around timely social issues, the Live United Film Series will bring in local guests and provide resources for taking action on the topic at hand.

Click here to read more.

Monday, January 25th, 2010
Live United Film series begins Jan. 28
The Live United Film Series, a three-part film series that aims to inspire, inform, and educate Central Texans about topics impacting our community, begins Jan. 28, 2010. The events will focus on education, financial stability, and Hispanic engagement and combine a film screening, followed by a moderated discussion with community leaders, issue experts, and community representatives.

Click here to read more.

City honors MLK Jr. with service
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, hundreds of people volunteered to help give Austin a facelift.

United Way Capital Area and one of its programs, Hands On Central Texas, hosted the MLK Day of Service on Saturday as part of Austin’s tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. More than 700 volunteers participated in 19 different service projects around the city, including park and street cleanups, serving at soup kitchens and building restorations.

Click here to read more.

Volunteers fan out to honor King
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Many Central Texans are celebrating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend by helping their communities.

On Saturday, hundreds of people participated in the United Way Capital Area's MLK Day of Service, an annual event in which volunteers fan across the city to spruce up buildings, pick up trash, work on nature trails and conduct other service projects.

Click here to read more.

Education focus of Live United Film Series event on 1/28
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Join KLRU and United Way Capital Area for a special film screening and discussion on education issues in Austin on Thursday, January 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in KLRU’s Austin City Limits Studio 6A. RSVP here. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided.

Click here to read more.

Mando’s name in lights!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
As we all know, Mando Rayo — who runs the United Way volunteer program Hands on Central Texas — never turns down an interview. And oh how we reporters love that!

Anyway, Mando is quoted in this week’s Chronicle of Philanthropy, the weekly newspaper covering the national nonprofit scene and the generally accepted bible of philanthropy journalism.

Click here to read more.

Austinist Altruist: Martin Luther King Day of Service
January 11, 2010
This coming weekend, whether you have Monday off or not, consider spending some time serving the community in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. This year, the United Way Capital Area's volunteer action program, Hands On Central Texas, has coordinated with local non-profits, parks, and schools to provide service opportunities for Saturday, January 16th.

Click here to read more.

MLK Day of Service: Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 11, 2010
On Saturday, January 16, United Way Capital Area and Hands on Central Texas invite you to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service.

Last year more than 700 volunteers came together to dig into community improvement projects throughout Austin. We hope you’ll join us in 2010 to participate in service in honor of Dr. King.

Click here to read more.

MLK volunter opportunities
Monday, January 11, 2010
To honor of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, more than 500 volunteers are expected to join with the United Way Capital Area’s Hands On Central Texas program and other nonprofits for the annual MLK Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 16.

Click here to read more.

Nonprofits cutting salaries, freezing raises
Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010
At a time when nonprofit groups are struggling to raise money, some local charities are cutting executive pay, freezing salaries and ditching annual bonuses.

United Way President Debbie Bresette recently declined a pay increase.

Click here to read more.

Local non-profits struggle to keep up after busy year
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Here at home, United Way Capital Area has seen a 10 percent decline in contributions this year. The decrease has led to program cuts.

The 2-1-1 hotline in the Austin area has seen those cuts firsthand, when referring people to services.

"Instead of referring someone to one particular nonprofit, that person may need to be referred to three or four nonprofits that combine funds," United Way Capital Area President Debbie Bresette said.

Click here to read more.

KLRU, United Way Capital Area team up for film series
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Join KLRU and United Way Capital Area for a special film screening and discussion on education issues in Austin on Thursday, January 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in KLRU’s Austin City Limits Studio 6A.

Click here to read more.

United Way Capital Area names new president
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Debbie Bresette has been named president of the United Way Capital Area.

Bresette has been interim leader of the nonprofit since March, when former President David Balch resigned to work for Civic Interest, a consulting group that advises clients on local issues and new initiatives.

Click here to read more.

Opinión: Si te conviertes en voluntario, serás la solución
Thursday, September 10, 2009
El presidente Barack Obama y la primera dama Michelle Obama anunciaron una iniciativa de servicio nacional, “Juntos Servimos”, que durará 81 días y terminará con un Día Nacional de Servicio y el 11 de septiembre.

Estos 81 días son el comienzo de un esfuerzo sostenido, colaborativo y focalizado para satisfacer las necesidades de la comunidad y hacer del servicio una forma de vida para todos.

¿Por qué no te nos unes? ¡Atiende la llamada, ayuda a tu comunidad y ofrécete como voluntario! En United Way tenemos proyectos de voluntariado y capacitación que te permitirán empezar este camino. Llama al 2-1-1 o visita www.vivirunidos.org.

Click here to read more.

Will foundation giving dive in 2010?
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Imagine my surprise when I saw a local report that said 64 out of 100 nonprofits surveyed believed that their foundation funding would remain the same or increase over the next 12 months. Could they be right? Were they being overly optimistic?

I couldn't ask them directly. The responses to the survey — conducted by Greenlights for NonProfit Success and United Way Capital Area — were anonymous. So, I asked Greenlights Executive Director Matt Kouri for his take on the numbers.

Click here to read more.

Opinión: Una hora para los jóvenes: Ayúdalos a aprender
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Necesitamos 400 voluntarios ahora mismo para que donen una hora a la semana de su tiempo y se conviertan en adultos voluntarios que ayuden a los estudiantes a seguir en la escuela y graduarse.

Este innovador programa está patrocinado por los distritos escolares independientes de Austin y de Manor, la Alianza E3 y la Cámara de Comercio de Austin.

Para mayor información sobre Una Hora Para los Chicos, nuestros socios, y cómo puedes participar, visita www.1HourForKids.org

Click here to read more.

Sunday, August 23, 2009
Study: Central Texas nonprofits hurting, holding on
At a time when more people are asking nonprofits for help,53 percent of local charities surveyed recently said they lost donations in the past year.

The Greenlights for NonProfit Success and United Way Capital Area study said 66 of 100 area nonprofits reported an increase in demand for services.

Click here to read more.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Hundreds Attend Vivir Unidos Party...er Volunteer Fair
Last week , we participated in the Vivir Unidos volunteer fair for Hispanics produced by the overworked and underpaid folks from United Way and Hands on Central Texas.

Click here to read the entire story.

Monday, June 22, 2009
You can help get Austin kids to college, here's how
Two new collaborations kicking off this month are determined to get more Austin kids ready for college, and they could use your help.

The first is a mentoring project called 1 Hour for Kids, which was created by United Way Capital Area to forge the efforts of eight Austin nonprofits that serve children in their middle school years. The goal is to recruit 400 volunteers by late fall to mentor an at-risk student from one of six Austin middle schools.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, June 19, 2009
United Way reaches out to Central Texas Latinos
When the United Way Capital Area officials noticed that the Hispanic population in Central Texas was ballooning but volunteerism among Latinos seemed to lag behind, they wondered why.

Among the answers they got: Hispanics said they simply hadn't been asked.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, June 18, 2009
Buscan a latinos con ganas de ayudar a su comunidad
El objetivo del estudio, cuyos resultados serán presentados el jueves 18, es iniciar una campaña para motivar a que más latinos donen su tiempo como voluntarios y de esta forma “sean parte de la solución a los problemas que enfrenta su comunidad”, señala Armando Rayo, director de Hands On Central Texas, que pertenece a United Way.

Los latinos que participan como voluntarios lo hacen motivados por el hecho de ayudar a los más necesitados. Y la mayoría considera que los principales retos de los latinos son el acceso a la atención médica, la falta de educación financiera y la deserción escolar.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, June 18, 2009
Talking with Mando Rayo about tonight's Vivir Unidos / Live United celebration
United Way Capital Area and the Hispanic Engagement Advisory Board are hosting a bilingual, family friendly celebration tonight to bring people together and advance the common good. Vivir Unidos / Live United hopes to connect with Hispanics in Central Texas and motivate us to become involved in our community. Learn how you can become a community volunteer and make a difference in the Austin community.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, June 18, 2009
United Way reaches out to area Hispanics with Vivir Unidos
Vivir Unidos is the product of United Way Capital Area’s efforts, beginning in 2007, to connect with minority communities and draw them into the volunteerism fold. For the most part, minority communities in Central Texas aren’t highly represented on the boards of nonprofit organizations.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, June 12, 2009
JUNE 18: Vivir Unidos! …but what is it?
It’s a movement. It’s an opportunity. It’s an event.

It’s a lot of things. So to clarify, I talked to Armando Rayo of Hands On Central Texas (which is part of United Way Capital Area) about Vivir Unidos.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, June 12, 2009
United Way cuts more staff
United Way Capital Area reduced its staff by 10 percent Thursday, citing a harsh fundraising environment,

Faced with lower revenue and budget concerns, United Way Capital Area was forced to lay off about 10 percent of its staff to keep down expenses, UWCA spokesman John Turner said.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, June 5, 2009
5 Reasons Why We Still Need United Way

1. Collaborations like Success By 6, which brings together more than 30 local nonprofits, community leaders, and concerned businesses to build more quality into the network of early childhood centers. SB6 has helped more than double the number of early childhood centers with a quality rating in two years.
2. Their 24×7 helpline 2-1-1 Texas, which fielded almost 200,000 calls last year from Central Texans in need of assistance, connecting them with help, whether with utility bills, finding a local food bank to escaping Hurricane Ike.
3. The over $140 million UW has raised in the past eight years for the community and nonprofits.

June 2009
Film festival lights the way for nonprofit and grassroots films
On Thursday, April 30, the Reel-to-Reality opening event officially began the festival’s submissions process. Representatives from the American Cancer Society, United Way, Capital Area Food Bank and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary discussed the value of film and video in today’s nonprofit community, showed trailers of their films and formally submitted them to the festival.

“As the saying goes, a picture speaks 1,000 words, so we really believe that video is the way of the future,” said United Way representative John Turner before showing his film that advocates the importance of volunteering. Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, May 29, 2009
United Way lays off 10 people
United Way Capital Area laid off 20 percent of its staff Thursday, citing sagging grants and donations to the nonprofit.

Click here to read the entire story.

May 27, 2009
The New Philanthropists
We photograph the young, active, and engaged people making a difference in Austin now.

Click here to read the entire story.

Saturday, May 23, 2009
High fives for ‘Give $5’
This news from the ubiquitous Armando Rayo, the deacon of the TacoJournalism evangelical street team. Mando’s day job is getting people involved in the great things United Way does to help out around here.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, May 22, 2009
Give5 Memorial Day Weekend Schedule of Events
Proceeds Weekend Shopping - Shop at the following stores & restaurants from May 23-25th and they will donate a portion of their proceeds to United Way Capital Area!

(This blog reposted our schedule of events. Click here to see the original.)

Friday, May 22, 2009
Give Five Austin
Give5 Memorial Day Weekend Schedule of Events

(This blog reposted our schedule of events. Click here to see the original.)

Friday, May 22, 2009
Kay Marley-Dilworth
The retro burger stand that Austinites either love or hate is doing it up big in this weekend's Give5 fundraiser for United Way Capital Area. In a "go big or go home" move, P. Terry's is donating 100% of their profits on Saturday, May 23rd.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, May 22, 2009
Get out and give a little
In a harsh economic climate, United Way Capital Area is seeking to remind people that every little bit helps — and giving can be as simple as shopping or dining out this Memorial Day holiday.

The nonprofit is presenting its United Way Give5 Campaign from May 23-25, a series of special events at local retailers and restaurants.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, May 22, 2009
Give — even when times are tight
...The United Way Give5 Campaign is doing just that — reminding people that something as fleeting as a $5 bill can make a big impact. To help fund programs that deliver critically needed services to families in Central Texas, United Way Capital Area is asking a lot of people to give a little — just $5.

Click here to read the entire story.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
How to tell your friends to Give5
The United Way Capital Area is a great opportunity to get first-time donors keen on the idea of philanthropy. It’s happening now and through Memorial Day weekend… but they’ll probably take your $5 any time of the year.

Click here to read the entire story.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Got $5? The United Way wants it
The nonprofit recently launched “Give5,” a fundraising campaign that asks people to donate $5 to the United Way. The idea is that lots of little donations can make a big impact.

Click here to read the entire story.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Memorial Day Post
United Way of Central Texas is throwing a mega fundraiser called Give 5, where people are encourage to donate just $5 AND tons of local business are donating 5% of their sales ALL WEEKEND to United Way. Many are also offering discounts, free gifts, and cocktails when you mention the Give 5 program.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, April 24, 2009
United Way Launches Day of Caring

The United Way Capital Area kicked off their spring day of caring program on Friday. The program emphasizes the importance of community service. More than 350 volunteers will work on more than 20 projects throughout Austin.

Watch the video coverage here.

Friday, April 24, 2009
Mayoral candidates clarify positions

Carole Keeton Strayhorn and Brewster McCracken kicked off the United Way of Central Texas Spring Day of Caring on Friday. The event featured more than 350 volunteers working on more than 20 community projects. Representatives from Lee Leffingwell's campaign spoke at the event as well.

Watch the video coverage here.

Monday, April 13, 2009
KUT MORNING UPDATE APRIL 13, 2009

More people are calling the 211 service line to get help from local charities.

To listen to the podcast of the show, click here.

Friday, February 27, 2009
United Way Capital Area president resigns

After eight years of service, David Balch has resigned as the United Way Capital Area president and chief professional officer.

The organization said they have raised more than $140 million and donated thousands of volunteer hours under Balch's administration.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, February 26, 2009
Local United Way president resigns

For eight years, David Balch has been the face of the ever-changing, often-controversial United Way Capital Area.

He's been praised for helping create a 2-1-1 call system and a powerful volunteer center. He's been criticized for cutting off funding to the Boy Scouts and to some basic-needs organizations. He's overseen recent layoffs and struggled to raise money for the agency through economic slumps.

Now, he is moving on. On Wednesday, Balch announced that he had resigned his post as president and is working at Civic Interest, a consulting firmfocused on local issues and new initiatives.

Click here to read the entire story.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Balch, United Way’s local chief, departing

David Balch, United Way Capital Area’s president, has stepped down from the organization.

Balch, who was with UWCA eight years, left to become a partner in Civic Interest LLC, a consulting group that advises public and private entities.

Click here to read the entire story.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009
United Way executive director resigns

United Way Capital Area Executive Director David Balch has resigned.

Balch spent eight years at the organization and was responsible for transitioning the nonprofit from a workplace fundraising coordinator to an issues-based charity focused on issues such as education and volunteerism.

Click here to read the entire story.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Education forum tonight leads off Hispanic Quality of Life study

Chances are you’ve received one of those email blasts crisscrossing cyberspace about tonight’s debut forum that is part of the city’s new Hispanic Quality of Life Initiative.

More than 1,000 Hispanics in Austin surveyed in 2008 (for the United Way Capital Area’s Culture Connections & Community Engagement Initiative) overwhelmingly rated education as their community’s most pressing concern.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, February 19, 2009
United Way wins grant

United Way Capital Area recently won a $250,000, three-year grant that will allow the nonprofit to strengthen its volunteer programs.

The grant was awarded by the national Hands On Network and the Corporation for National and Community Service. The money will be used to bolster the efforts of Hands on Central Texas, a United Way program designed to mobilize local volunteers.

Click here to read the entire story.

Monday, February 2, 2009
ABJ After Hours - United Way Capital Area

Janell Fotovich, Heather Mason and Charlene Hamlet of Applied Materials’ Women’s Professional Development Network, which collected gifts for the Trinity Child Development Center.

See the photo and original article here.

Saturday, January 24, 2009
Preschool gets makeover

United Way teamed up with Ace Hardware to grant the Northeast Austin preschool a $10,000, one-day makeover aimed at increasing the quality of education the school can provide to its 66 young learners.

United Way provided the planning, and Ace brought the manpower as more than 60 Ace store owners from around the country worked together to build cabinets, restore furnishings and construct a playground safe for infants and toddlers.

The preschool, part of PromiseLand Church next door, is the 28th in Austin to receive such a makeover since 2006 under a city grant to a United Way program called Success by 6.

Click here to read the entire story.

Saturday, January 24, 2009
East Austin preschool gets a $10,000 upgrade

An East Austin preschool is getting a facelift, courtesy of the United Way.

Volunteers landscaped the grounds, built a playground and picnic area outside, and painted and installed shelving, cabinets and windows.

Click here to read the entire story.

Saturday, January 17, 2009
Hundreds remember MLK

In honor of Martin Luther King Junior, hundreds took part in the MLK Day of Service in Austin. They volunteered their time through several community improvement projects. They gathered at Huston-Tillotson University to hear speeches and testimonials of the power of Doctor King's message.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, January 16, 2009
Organization offering free tax prepartion to low-income Central Texans

Community Tax Centers in and around the city of Austin have started their free service to help low-income Central Texans get their taxes prepared for free.

There are 10 locations including sites in Bastrop, Del Valle and Round Rock. Taxpayers can call United Way's 2-1-1 line for more information about locations, opening hours and what documents to bring.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, January 16, 2009
Community Tax Centers to return $26 million in refunds

Foundation Communities expect to return $26 million in tax refunds to Central Texans this year by preparing free tax returns.

To find out more about who qualifies, tax help locations, hours, and the documents you'll need to file, visit www.communitytaxcenters.org or call 211.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, January 15, 2009
Community Tax Centers to return $26 million in refunds

Community Tax Centers expect to return $26 million in tax refunds to 20,000 Central Texas families this year. Taxpayers can call United Way's 2-1-1 line for more information about locations, opening hours and what documents to bring, or visit www.communitytaxcenters.org.

Click here to read the entire story.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Rayo: Do your part on MLK Day

For many, the upcoming MLK Day of Service has a particular place in the history of our country. The significance of this day of remembrance and celebration of the life and message of Dr. King, coming just three days before the swearing in of the 44th president of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama, cannot be underestimated.

It is forty years since the assassination of Dr. King in Memphis, Tennessee. In many ways, the recent election result feels like the end of a long and harrowing journey for our country. The paradox being that at the same time, our incoming presidents' inauguration is also the start of something new. The start of change. The start of hope. Real hope renewed at a profound level for our citizens' and our country.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, January 2, 2009
Nonprofits to feel squeeze from reduced giving, increased need

United Way Capital Area, which suffered small job cuts in 2008 because of a decrease in funds raised, is working during the down economy to build support with the city and the banking community for a new financial literacy program that it hopes to launch next year, said Emily De Maria, senior director of United Way Capital Area community development.

Even as they spend more time reaching out, nonprofits are reevaluating their operations. Some charities are seeing the importance of spending limited funds on additional training or online fundraising programs.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, January 2, 2009
Resolution Run designed to help get the New Year started off right

Austin Mayor Will Wynn and members of the Mayor's Fitness Council today joined a number of Austinites for a run around Lady Bird Lake.

"To eat better and get more exercise are two of the most common New Year's resolutions that people make," said Wynn. "What better way to get started down the path to successfully implementing at least one of those resolutions than to participate in the 2009 Resolution Run?"

Most recently, the Council has turned its attention to area organizations in an effort to provide employees an avenue for improving their personal health and fitness at their worksites. To date, eight Austin-area entities have been recognized as Certified Partners of the Mayor's Fitness Program. They include the City of Austin, Austaco Ltd., Eckert Insurance Co., Live Strong Foundation, Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, the Seton Family of Hospitals, Silicon Laboratories Inc., and United Way Capital Area.

Click here to read the entire story.

December 24, 2008
Jan 17-19: Make it a Service-Service weekend

Between United Way’s Day of Service, Saturday, Jan 17 and President-Elect Obama’s National Day of Service, Monday, Jan 19, you could be a very busy volunteer.

The biggest distinction between what Obama wants us to do and what the United Way has been doing for years is that Obama wants to service commitment to last longer than a day. He wants us to make it a part of our lives. But it’s one thing to get people off the sofa for one day, how do you get them to stay off the sofa once a week for a semester, a year, or longer?

Click here to read the entire story.

December 17, 2008
Give in someone’s name, United Way will put their name on its site and newsletter

If you love someone and you care about the Central Texas community, shout it to the world.

United Way Capital Area makes it extremely easy for you to make a donation online in honor or memory of a loved one. Just complete the online donation form - in any amount - and your names will appear on the United Way homepage as well as in the January newsletter. (You can even choose the area of impact to which you’d like your donation to go.)

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, December 11, 2008
Central Texas Leaders Step Forward to Champion Critical Improvements in Region’s Education System

Eight respected business and community leaders were announced today as the Champion Team Captains of the four priority goals identified in The Blueprint for Educational Change™ as critical to building the nation’s most successful education pipeline here in Central Texas.

Sam Bryant and Ellen Balthazar will lead Goal 1: Children enter kindergarten school ready.

Sam Bryant is president of Bryant Wealth Investment Group, a financial service firm allied with Maxwell, Locke and Ritter’s Wealth Management Group. He holds leadership positions in diverse education programs, including United Way Capital Area’s Success By 6 initiative, Texas Southern University Board of Regents, the Austin Independent School District, Austin Area Research Organization, and Mt. Sinai Christian Academy.

Click here to read the entire story.

Monday, December 8, 2008
Some giving to charities in lieu of holiday gifts

"Unfortunately in the work that we do, when the demand is the greatest, the supply is the least and that's our greatest concern right now," said David Balch, United Way Capital Area director.

In a recent survey, 84 percent say they'd prefer receiving a meaningful gift that would help those who are less fortunate. Non-profits say $25, $15 even $5 will go a long way toward helping charities this holiday season.

"I think that's an excellent idea and I've already seen that starting to happen and we welcome gifts in peoples names in honor of them instead of that sweater or gift basket because its going to have a greater impact of people in this community that really need that help," said Balch.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, December 5, 2008
Nonprofits hope employees dig deep

United Way Capital Area is projecting 10 percent fewer donations overall this year compared with last year. The nonprofit does not break down how much funding stems directly from workplace giving.

“We are running slightly fewer campaigns due to internal restructuring and downsizing of corporations,” says John Turner, a spokesman for UWCA. “There are some companies that have decided not to run campaigns because they are focused on their own bottom lines right now.”

UWCA, which is assisting on 300 corporate campaigns this year, says there have been bright spots at companies, such as 3M, National Instruments and AT&T, which have all increased their giving.

Click here to read the entire story.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Charities call for more help

"In the last two months they've seen a 123% increase in the number of calls," said Debbie Bresette of United Way Capital Area. United Way Capital Area works with about 50 local charities and it is the same story everywhere, need is up while donations are down. "I think for our non profits, everyone is concerned."

Click here to read the entire story.

Monday, November 24, 2008
United Way Capital Area’s Speaker Series

Bill Wilson (left), president of the Central Texas Region at Wachovia; guest speaker James Carville; Craig Hester, chairman & CEO of Hester Capital Management; David W. Balch, United Way Capital Area president

Click here to view the original news item.

Monday, November 3, 2008
United they give

David Williams of IBM joined people from United Way Capital Area and Ryland Homes, which gives to United Way when IBM employees buy Ryland homes.

Click here to view the original news item.

Thursday, October 30, 2008
United Way Speaker Series: Carville & Matalin

We had the pleasure of attending the United Way's recent Speaker Series Event featuring James Carville and Mary Matalin. The annual series is Capital Area United Way's signature fundraiser, and has featured such luminaries and Tom Brokaw and Rudolph Giuliani in the past, but we have no doubt Monday night's dinner induced the most laughter. Carville and Matalin were charming and hilarious.

Click here to read the entire story.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Carville and Matalin agree: It ain’t over ‘til it’s over

Mary Matalin, one of the most successful Republican campaign strategists in recent memory, says Republican presidential candidate John McCain still has a shot at winning the presidency. Surprisingly her husband, Democratic strategist James Carville, seems to agree.

The two spoke Monday night at a United Way fundraiser in Austin. Both made, to some degree, the argument that it would be a mistake to consider McCain a cooked goose, despite various polls showing Democratic nominee Barack Obama comfortably ahead.

Click here to read the entire story.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Married political strategists offer advice to McCain, Obama in run up to Nov. 4

Though many political pundits have already handicapped the Nov. 4 election, former Republican strategist Mary Matalin doesn’t like such predictions.

“The thing about these polls is that they all say, ‘If the election were held today,’” Matalin said at a fundraiser Monday for the Central Texas branch of United Way. “The thing is, it’s not being held today.”

Click here to read the entire story.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Political pundits agree to disagree in Austin

The first couple of political punditry visited Austin Monday night. James Carville and Mary Matalin -- husband and wife as well as political opposites -- weighed in on the campaigns, with just over a week until Election Day.



Click here to read the entire story.

Monday, October 6, 2008
The sagging national economy is hitting some Central Texas charities in concrete ways: dwindling donations, program cutbacks and even layoffs.

In late September, the Round Rock Volunteer Center ceased operations for six days for the first time in its 20-year history because of money problems. United Way Capital Area laid off seven people, or 10 percent of its staff, last month.

Click here to read the entire story.

September - November 2008 (GivingCity Magazine)
Who needs the United Way?
Facing Austin’s shifting population, the city’s widening income gap, and maybe its own dwindling relevancy, United Way Capital Area changed how it funds local charities last year. Some say it abandoned the poorest of the poor, while others argue that it’s time to do something different. The problem is, both sides are right.

Click here to read the entire story.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
2-1-1 needs help with Ike response.
2-1-1 Texas, a program of United Way Capital Area, provides free statewide, 24-hour access to health and human services and disaster information through its multilingual helpline.

2-1-1 Texas needs Disaster Response Volunteers to answer crucial calls.

Click here to read the entire story.

Monday, September 8, 2008
United Way cutting staff due to economic down-turn
The United Way of Central Texas is laying off seven employees in order to keep its budget in line as donations drop during the current slow-down in the economy. Officials with the non-profit group say that's preferable to cutting back on their pledged grants and donations to dozens of charity organizations across the region.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, September 5, 2008
Helping out around Austin
The United Way’s “Day of Caring” kicked off this morning. Hundreds of volunteers spent their day in different locations across Austin.

Employees of Freescale Semiconductors volunteered at Gonzalo Garza high school. Some made clay pots that will be sold at the annual Empty Bowl Project event in November. Others tutored students about resume writing and job searching.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, September 5, 2008
United Way Capital Area laying off 10% of staff
Acknowledging that nonprofits are not immune to these more challenging economic times, the United Way Capital Area said Friday it has laid off about 10 percent of its more than 70 employees.

The Austin nonprofit says it was forced to make cut the seven employees because of the slumping economy’s effect on its budget.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, August 29, 2008
Ad agency loads backpacks for schools
Employees at LatinWorks, an Austin advertising agency, raised money to buy and fill 40 backpacks for the United Way to deliver through the Caring Family Network.

Click here to read the entire story.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008
What kids should know by kindergarten--but don't
So what does it mean to be “12 to 18 months” behind? What does being prepared for kindergarten mean?

One collaborative effort lead by United Way Captial Area is called “Success by 6,” as in six years old. One of their guidelines for success is a document called “Austin Vision for School Readiness.” It lists a number of emotional, intellectual and health goals for children entering kindergarten. Here are some of the skills children should demonstrate by kindergarten.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, July 25, 2008
City wise to overhaul spending on social services
In the grand scheme of things, the amount the city spends for social services— $18 million of a $2.8 billion budget — is a relatively small amount. But with the changes in the way United Way funds basic needs agencies and an anticipated budget crunch, driven by expected drops in sales tax revenue and a slowdown in the real estate market, social service dollars will have to be stretched.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, July 24, 2008
Balch: A plan for educational success
There is enormous passion for "community" in Central Texas. We are blessed to be able to say that more than 38 percent of Central Texans are active volunteers, making us third among major American cities. Austin has the highest number of nonprofit groups per capita in the state — 10 per 1,000 people — many focusing on education and the needs of our youth. Though much is achieved, these efforts are often independent of one another and efforts are often duplicated. Not only is the community need much greater than what our combined forces can address, but issues are not being tackled collaboratively. As nonprofit organizations, we should align our work and increase our overall effectiveness.

Click here to read the entire story.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008
City looks at changing funding system for social services
With a tight budget forecast and changes this year in how the United Way Capital Area is funding agencies, Austin officials are in the early stages of changing the way the city divvies up the nearly $18 million it currently contributes to programs for those in need. And Austin officials are taking cues from the system the city uses to distribute money for cultural arts programs.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, July 17, 2008
Interview with Mando Rayo – Director, Hands On Central Texas, Entrevista – Spanish Radio Austin (En Espanol)

Saturday, June 21, 2008
United Way Helps Rising Number of Austin Poor
As poverty rates rise in Austin the Capital Area United Way is starting a new initiative to get people in the community involved with United Way in any way possible.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, June 20, 2008
Hot for volunteering
United Way Capital Area leaders will be telling Central Texans to put down their cup of joe and get involved in the community at the kick-off event for its new Live United campaign.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 21 at Jo's Coffee at 1300 S. Congress.

Click here to read the entire story.

June 19, 2008
United Way Launches New "Live United" Initiative
United Way Capital Area announced yesterday the launch of a new initiative designed to invite Central Texans to "Live United" and work together to advance the common good. A "Live United" kick-off event will take place this weekend to help promote the message of the campaign: Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Live United.

Click here to read the entire story.

Sunday, June 15, 2008
Love and hate at nonprofits
Nonprofit staffers face massive pressure every day for mediocre money and paltry praise. They compete for funding. They fight for media attention that can attract donors and volunteers.

Those conditions can trigger fiery conflicts that, while often behind the scenes, can prevent collaborations and mergers, nonprofit leaders say. They can also leave a bad impression on potential donors.

"I think it does a disservice to all of us," said David Balch, president of United Way Capital Area.

Click here to read the entire story.

Monday, June 16, 2008
Projects help 6 Scouts earn Eagle honors
Jeffrey D. Bouvier, 16, son of Dan and Shirley Bouvier of Austin, constructed a large playscape at the Trinity Child Development Center. The project was affiliated with the United Way Capital Area's "Success by 6" program. He has completed his sophomore year at Anderson High School.

Click here to read the entire story.

Sunday, May 18, 2008
Phoenix can learn economically from robust Seattle and Austin
The sun was setting on a recent weeknight in the Texas capital, but many young workers weren't making a beeline for home. They packed into downtown bars like J. Black's Feel Good Lounge to network. "This city is thriving with entrepreneurs. There's constantly new business going on here," said Durel Bernard, a 30-year-old director of the young leaders society for United Way Capital Area.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, May 8, 2008
Councilman calls for look at how Austin Latinos are faring
About 60 percent of students in Austin public schools are Hispanic, and by 2011, more than 70 percent of Austin Latinos will be 18 and younger, Saldaña said. But Travis County Latinos have a 52 percent attrition rate in public schools, the highest among all races and ethnicities, he said, citing data from the Intercultural Development Research Association. United Way Capital Area is working with Adelánte Solutions to survey 1,000 local Hispanics in an effort to identify issues important to Latinos, as well as what motivates them to become engaged in public policy and volunteerism. The poll is part of United Way's Culture Connections and Community Engagement Initiative, which began two years ago.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, May 8, 2008
Council Member Martinez proposes Hispanic Quality of Life initiative
United Way Capital Area has already taken proactive steps to begin this conversation by establishing its own community survey called "Making the Connection: An Examination of Volunteering and Community Engagement in the Greater Austin Hispanic/Latino Community" as part of their Culture Connections & Community Engagement Initiative. The initial survey, in which they partnered with Adelante Solutions, will reach 1,000 people and will expand to include ten focus groups and stakeholder meetings, as well as a final report.

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, April 25, 2008
Texas Mutual Wins United Way Employee Giving Award
Texas Mutual Insurance Company has won United Way's Corporate Partnership Best Practices Honorable Mention for Employee Giving.

"The honorable mention is a strong testament to the incredible work Texas Mutual's team has done to ensure a highly engaging, organized, educational and successful employee giving campaign," said Shelley Hardeman, United Way Capital Area account manager. "The educational nature of their employee giving campaign motivates employees to give of their time and talents, in addition to the generous financial contributions they make."

Click here to read the entire story.

Friday, April 25, 2008
National Instruments honored by United Way.
The United Way Capital Area honored several Austin companies at its recent Spirit of Caring celebration.

National Instruments won the Spirit of Caring award for programs that include employee volunteering, educational opportunities and financial investment.

Click here to read the entire story.

Thursday, April 24, 2008
KLRU Docubloggers Episode
United Way Capital Area's 2008 MLK Day of Service episode aired.

Click here to view it.

Thursday, April 17, 2008
CHILDCARE'S ECONOMIC IMPACT
A new study from the United Way Capital Area of Central Texas estimates the local economic impact of formal childcare at 2 billion dollars.

Original news item here.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Childcare contributes $2 billion to the local economy, report shows
With its significant job growth and high quality of life, Austin has seen an influx of young families, and that's translated into a $2 billion childcare industry in the area.

A report today released today by United Way Capital Area shows that childcare businesses have an estimated $2 billion effect on the economy of Travis County.

Click here to read the entire story.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Gifts In-Kind corporate challenge award
David Balch, president of United Way Capital Area, Diana Santos and Mando Rayo of Hands on Central Texas present the Gifts In-Kind corporate award to Russell Bridges (center) of 3M.

Click here for the original posting.

Thursday, April 10, 2008
Third Annual United Way CI ODM User Group Conference a Success!
Community TechKnowledge (CTK) hosted the third annual United Way Community Impact ODM (CI ODM) User Conference, March 27-28, 2008, at the company headquarters in Austin, Texas. The conference was attended by 39 United Way representatives from across the United States.

Speakers Included:
Roger Wood – Impact Design and Learning Community Impact Leadership- United Way of America & David Balch, President United Way/Capital Area

Click here to read the entire story.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008
United Way Capital Area Griswell Event
Jon Hockenyos of TXP, Sam Bryant of Bryant Wealth Investment Group and J. Barry Griswell of Principal Financial Group attend an event focused on early education.

Click here to read the entire story.

Monday, February 18, 2008
Volunteering as a family project
Volunteering seemed like the way to go but Nordskog wondered how to find family-friendly projects.

She turned to Hands On Central Texas for help. It’s a program of the United Way Capital Area.

Armando Rayo, Director of Hands On Central Texas says, “We get a lot of calls from families.”

Rayo says families can search their online data base to find the project that suits them best.

The organization works with more than 400 non-profits in Central Texas.

Click here to read the entire story.

Monday, February 18, 2008
Finding a better way
(Commentary by David Balch in the current issue of Austin Business Journal)

The word "change" has been flooding the cultural zeitgeist lately, and it's safe to say we'll be hearing of a lot more about it in the coming months. But Central Texas can't afford to let change be just a political buzzword.

Article appears online here.

Read the entire article here.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Risk Taking Community Strategies
Eugene Sepulveda, Statesman Blogger (Community Matters) and Executive Director of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas recently interviewed United Way's David Balch on the new funding model:

"I've been quoted acknowledging the riskiness of United Way's new funding strategy. And, even though some of my favorite agencies are receiving reduced funding, I support the strategy and focus United Way's adopted.

I asked David if I could quote him on what's been happening and asked him a few questions..."

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Remembering a leader
Austin residents marched in a cold, steady rain Monday to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and to remember that his struggle for social justice is not over.

United Way Capital Area President David Balch said inequality is still a problem in Austin.

"Austin is like an onion, and when you peel it away, what you see underneath is not always what you see on the surface," he said. "I see a community that in 1999 had a poverty rate of 7.7 percent, but last year that increased to 10.8 percent. That's almost a 50-percent increase."

Read the entire article here.

Sunday, January 20, 2008
Volunteers gather to beautify community
Next time you are tuckered out or looking to talk, take a seat on a Peace Bench.

The first batch of 25 wooden benches painted with inspiring words and quotations of Martin Luther King Jr. will soon be popping up in East Austin, thanks to volunteers who built them Saturday in honor of the civil rights leader.

"It's pretty neat. It's something artistic yet definitely helps the community and puts out the message about what Dr. King was all about," said Michael Dula, 32, who helped build benches Saturday during the MLK Day of Service hosted by Hands on Central Texas and United Way Capital Area.

Read the entire article here.

Saturday, January 19, 2008
Rayo: Live the legacy
Would the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. have a MySpace profile? Would he share his philosophies of change and community service via a blog? Would his immortal "I Have a Dream" speech be a YouTube blockbuster? Maybe. The method of communicating it would be different, but his message would be the same. After all, one of the supreme advantages of living in such an instant-connection, digital world is the ability to share your message with people you'll never meet.

Read the entire article here.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
COMMUNITY TAX CENTERS OPEN SOON
Amanda Ryan is with United Way Capital Area. She says they just recently increased funding for Foundation Communities by 600 percent because "they're really directly aligned with what we're trying to do at United Way, which is helping people who can't afford to live in Central Texas to increase their financial stability ultimately toward the goal of building savings and assets and the community tax centers are such a great example of that type of program, really helping people get their full tax refund so they don't have to pay for a preparer."

Read the entire article here.