Our Videos
At the United Way of the Brazos Valley, we strive to Live United. Click below to hear our Live United Stories.
For even more videos, please visit our YouTube Channel!
Top 5 2020 Success Stories
Each week we will reveal another story in our countdown! Join us on Tuesday for the next story!
# 5 – Youth Leadership Cabinet
For nearly 20 years, United Way’s Youth Leadership Cabinet has inspired high school students to become young philanthropists in their community. Students from across Bryan College Station gather to learn about the needs in their community.
During the school year, Cabinet members host fundraisers to raise money which they then use to award grants up to $1,000 to local nonprofit organizations.
# 4 – Day of Action 2020
United Way was dedicated to hosting a safe, impactful and enjoyable Day of Action in 2020 even in the midst of a global pandemic. Although Day of Action was delayed a few months and the number of volunteers was limited to ensure social distancing, the mission for the day was unchanged – to assemble Baby Bundles to give newborn babies in the Brazos Valley their very first book. Day of Action volunteers also delivered boxes of books to child care centers across the seven-county region.
Over 4,300 books have been distributed to children in 2020 thanks to 65 volunteers and the amazing sponsors of Day of Action.
# 3 – Free Facemask Distributions
The end of June 2020 saw both the City of College Station and City of Bryan issue facemask orders that required all residents to wear a mask when in public. Through generous donations from local organizations, United Way has been able to host four drive-thru mask distributions across Brazos and Robertson Counties. United Way was also able to give an additional 500 cloth masks to Bryan ISD Schools.
In total, over 25,000 masks were distributed to over 5,000 individuals through our four drive-thru distributions.
# 2 – Community Workplace Campaign
United Way’s signature fundraising effort each year is the Community Workplace Campaign, which gives businesses the opportunity for their employees to make a contribution to United Way with a pledged gift through payroll deduction.
Even through COVID-19 interrupted the final push of campaign efforts in the early months of 2020, United Way’s Community Campaign raised over $1.6 million for the Brazos Valley.
For the launch of the 2020 Campaign, United Way adapted all of our fundraising tools to accommodate a virtual workplace to meet employees wherever they are working.
There is still time for companies to get involved and host a Workplace Campaign with United Way. It’s the most effective way to demonstrate to employees a company’s belief in supporting the community in which they live and work.
# 1 – The Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund
United Way is an adaptive organization. We are constantly evaluating our work to ensure we are addressing the Brazos Valley’s greatest current needs. COVID-19 and virus containment efforts created a new urgent need and United Way immediately adapted and responded.
In March, United Way, in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, the B/CS Chamber of Commerce and the Cities of Bryan and College Station, announced the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund.
The Relief Fund’s goals were to support nonprofit organizations who expanded services to those in need and to help small businesses keep people employed.
In total, Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund raised over $1.2 million in just 8 weeks. These funds have been used to support 134 nonprofits and small businesses, serving nearly 34,000 people and helping to preserve 590 jobs.
A Message from Our Board
While the “how” we accomplished these projects in 2020 may have changed, our overall mission has been unchanged – to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the Brazos Valley. Will you join Steve in supporting the amazing work of United Way of the Brazos Valley?
A donation of even $25 dollars will make an impact in our community.
A donation of $25 will:
- put books in the hands of children
- support nonprofit organizations
- inspire philanthropy in future leaders
If United Way can accomplish all this in the midst of a global pandemic, just imagine what can be achieved in the year ahead through your support. Happy New Year! Here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2024.
About Us
Meet United Way of the Brazos Valley
The United Way of the Brazos Valley strengthens the community by identifying issues facing the Brazos Valley, engaging individuals to build strategies and mobilizing resources to invest in change. They invest through Community Impact Grants to local nonprofit organizations and Investment Initiatives including 2-1-1 Texas, Youth Leadership Cabinet, Early Literacy Programs and the Financial Stability Innovation Fund.
2-1-1 Texas
United Way of the Brazos Valley facilitates the 2-1-1 Texas program servicing the Brazos Valley. 2-1-1 Texas is a free information and referral call center, connecting residents to community resources. Whether you need help finding child care, food pantries, care for an aging friend or programs for substance abuse, 2-1-1 Texas is the number to call when you don’t know who to call.
Trained Information & Referral Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and services are available in over 90 languages.
2020-2021 Campaign Playlists
We have a variety of videos to help make your campaign a success! Not finding what you’re looking for or have a question about United Way’s Campaign? Contact Maggie Gray at mgray@uwbv.org.
If you aren’t finding the information you are looking for, please contact us at united@uwbv.org.