United Way Capital Area
Stories
Del Valle
Teresa Amador’s story is a successful one. Today, she is a leadership giver with United Way Capital Area (UWCA) and has a great career as a policy management supervisor with Texas Mutual Insurance. It wasn’t always this good, however. Twenty years ago, she started out as a teenage mother struggling to finish high school.
“I know the importance of my gift and how it can make a real difference in someone’s life,” said Teresa. “I’m investing in people that need help – just like someone did for me.”
Central Austin
Wilbur Wieding is 85 and a combat veteran of World War II. Following his military service, he had a successful 39-year career with the U. S. Postal Service, which ended with his retirement in 1985. Living in New Braunfels, Wilbur and his wife, Ruth, enjoyed the good life, did some traveling and were able to care for themselves. In 2003 after 56 years of marriage, Ruth passed away.
East Austin
Cassandra is a mother of three, currently furthering her education to make a better life for her family. Cassandra wanted her children to start off on the right foot and get a good education. It’s why she wanted a quality childcare program, not just a daycare for her kids. With three children and her own higher education expenses facing her, Cassandra had little chance of getting access to childcare that would properly prepare her kids for kindergarten.
South East Austin and Manor
Cathy Jones is a busy working mother. As an assistant superintendent, it’s her job to oversee all student support services for the more than 7,000 students who attend Manor Independent School District. She rarely gets a lunch hour, but two years ago, Cathy’s lunch hour plans changed and eating lunch with Brittney, an 8th grader, became a priority.
East Austin
Meet Manessa. Two years ago, she was unemployed with a young child. Lacking a high school diploma, she was taking classes to obtain her GED. Manessa knew that a GED was just the first step toward a better life. She dreamed of a career and a nice home. However, in order to make her dream come true she needed help.
North Austin
Maria is not your typical teen parent. At 16, she gave birth to a baby boy. Shortly after, she began educating her peers about the realities of having a child early in life.
