2015 Annual Report

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

2015 Annual Report

United Way of South Texas

1 Be A Part of The Live United Movement .

A Message From The President We close 2015 with unprecedented accomplishments, new partners and extended services in Hidalgo & Starr Counties. Through collaborations, the United Way of South Texas was able to convene volunteers from all Thelma M. Garza, President sectors to meet emerging needs. Some included 1) strengthening and ex- panding the Volunteer Income Tax (VITA) program, 2) opening food pantries in school districts, 3) establishing the Volunteer South Texas website, 4) creating a local VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) Chapter that includes valley wide representation and 5) continuing support of LatinaHope. We opened our doors to many non-profits and corporations in need of conference room space. We have had 130 meetings in our conference rooms. Space may be reserved (by supporters) for a nominal fee, by calling 956-686-6331.

The VITA program was in its fourth year under the leadership of United Way. With sites located from Weslaco to Roma, we served 2,600 families and experienced a 31% increase in returns to them, $5,471,543. An esti- mated 200 volunteers saved families at least $395,000 in fees. Thanks to our community partners: City of McAllen, Affordable Homes, Goodwill In- dustries, STC, UT-RGV, La Joya ISD, McAllen ISD, Monte Alto ISD, PSJA ISD, Rio Grande City, Rio Grande City CISD and Roma ISD. Thank you to all financial institutions that made monetary contributions. 2015 was the best VITA year!

In September we launched the first comprehensive volunteer website for Rio Grande Valley residents, www.volunteersotx.org. Ms. Jeanette Ahle- nius has been the “key” to ensuring that local non-profits, municipalities and faith based organizations are properly trained to update their volunteer opportunities on the system. We have documented over 8,500 visits to the website and 569 registered volunteers. Our Board is excited about connecting people to meaningful service projects right here at home.

Local agencies responded to unexpected torrential rainfall in the mid-valley. They have worked diligently to respond to the numerous needs of families, however, they all have limited resources. The purpose of form- ing a local VOAD committee is to coordinate volunteers from counties, municipalities and other non-profits who are in a position to offer unique assistance to families after disasters. Their work will support the services offered by agencies such as The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. An application is available for entities interested in being consid- ered for membership.

LatinaHope is a collaborative effort between United Way, Wells Fargo, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Calvary Baptist Church. The number of participants grew from 15 per session to 50. Twelve women were awarded $250 worth of material to help them start a home-based business. The goal is to help women supplement their families’ income, through sales of products generated from their businesses.

We thank all of our contributors, partner agencies, volunteers who believe in our work and help us strive for a better tomorrow. Together we continue to LIVE UNITED. 2 EDUCATION

Day of Caring You ensure that 3,300 Freshmen (9th Grade) have basic school supplies Approximately 11 high schools receive supplies • 250 volunteers package school supplies

Education Council You support funding for Drop-out Recovery and Food Pantry programs at 7 districts • Grants help teachers respond to student emergency needs • 20 School District volunteers help identify and establish grant levels

“In Style” Shopping Spree You ensure that 120 Middle School students return to school with new clothing • Each student receives $150 in new clothing, plus school supplies and haircuts • 175 volunteers assist students make the best selection of school attire HEALTH

Familywize •We distribute Familywize discount prescription cards, honored at many local pharmacies •Cards sometimes offer a better savings and may be kept for unlimited usage

Transportation Vouchers •Free bus vouchers are distributed thru 42 agencies to assist residents: keep medical appointments, pick-up prescriptions, attend job interviews/training, secure emergency transportation to work •19,426 free bus rides saved families $58,278 in transportation costs INCOME

V.I.T.A. (FREE Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) •I.R.S. certified volunteers prepare income tax forms for families who earn $53,000 or less •2,631 families received the service, their returns were $5,471,543

Brian and Gennetta Griffin, FedEX If you or your company are interested in joining the movement and 2015 Day of Caring would like to volunteer, you can call (956)686-6331 or visit us at www.unitedwayofsotx.org. 3 Our New Home

United Way of South Texas has a new home. The Board of Directors and staff are eternally grateful to the Foundations, Corporations, Municipalities and private donors who have generously donated to the Capital Drive. They also ask for the business community’s support in its endeavor to continue to secure funds to wrap-up their financial commitment for the site. The organization’s physi- cal presence now allows staff to extend some direct services. In addition, cor- porate and non-profit supporters have access to a training center that allows them to gather over 100 volunteers per session. Lee Jones, AEP Texas Manager of Ex- ternal Affairs and United Way of South Texas Board Chair and his wife, Mrs. Martha Jones, gifted United Way a stun- ning mosaic of the logo. Mrs. Jones is a mosaic enthusiast. They dedicated countless hours and several months to creating the 3’ x 5’ foot mosaic that has approximately 551 stained glass pieces. Thank you to the Jones.

Lee Jones, AEP Texas and Family. Donated this beautiful mosaic. 4 Advancing The Common Good “Thank you” to the following individuals and entities, for their support of the Capital Drive.

Benefactor ($50,000 & more) City of McAllen Collins Foundation Cook Foundation

Visionary ($20,00 - $49,000) AEP Texas City of Mission Max & Alma Siporin Endowment Wells Fargo Foundation

Advocate ($5,000 - $19,999)

City of Roma D. Wilson Construction Thelma M. Garza & Manolo Garibay International Bank of Commerce (IBC) Lee & Martha Jones Frank & Annette Margo McAllen Chamber of Commerce

Pavers In Memory of $300 Dr. Linda Limon & Dr. Marla Guerra Lee, Martha Jones & Family Gina & Carly de la Garza “Shinning Stars” Jim & Joyce Deuser Pavers Cecilia & Robert Mumford MLM, Inc. $800 “Realitos’ Pride” The Garza Sisters Rhonda Gillum - Certified Public Accountant Pavers $500 Pavers Body Brite $1,000 Jenise Diaz-Finance Chair 2010-2015 Alma & Wayne Johnson Abriendo Puertas Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez LLP Adrian & Lupita Villarreal 5 5 Celebrating our Hero of the Year

Jim Deuser, Sales Manager, McAllen

Chamber of Commerce, was recognized as our 2014 South Texas Hero .The South

Texas Hero Award is presented to an indi- vidual that demonstrates commitment and leadership in his/her community, through extraordinary engagement in year-round community service projects.

Jim Deuser has worked with the United

Way of South Texas as Past Chairman of the Board and Campaign Chair. He con- tinues his involvement in Fund Distribu- tion where he has volunteered for over 20 years. Mr. Deuser also serves on the Unit- ed Way’s Building Capital Drive committee and as an outstanding campaign speaker.

The Board expresses their appreciation to

Mr. Deuser for his continuous volunteer efforts and contributions throughout the years.

6 The work ethic and passion of our Campaign Volunteer Leadership is inspiring. We commend all Campaign volunteers for their dedication and countless hours of work. 2015 has been a unique and challenging year, from which we embraced new strategies, for the benefit of local families. United Way funds 23 partner agencies and over 100 programs. The community’s support is essential to our ability to assist these important agencies. In 2014, over 286,000 residents in Hidalgo & Starr Counties were impacted by a United Way funded agency or program. This represents almost 30% of the population. Volunteer Leadership Edna Garcia, Campaign Co-Chair Security Service FCU

Alma Ortega-Johnson Campaign Co-Chair Wells Fargo

Loaned Executives

Raul Banda, Conn’s Inc. Jose Luna, H-E-B Rolando Ayala, Lone Star National Bank Jennifer Moya, Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg Robert Chamberlain, Security Service FCU Delia Perez, Starr County Emigdio Cahue, HEB Karen Pittman, IBC Elizabeth Garcia, Boys & Girls Club of Pharr David Charles Saenz, City of Rio Grande City Kay Garza, Wells Fargo Charleen Salazar, Inter National Bank 2015 Sonia Gonzalez, WellsLoaned Fargo Executives Douglas Silva, Lone Star National Bank Ventura Hinojosa, StarrRio County Grande City Cesar Rodriguez, City of McAllen Maribel Land, Security First Credit Union Melissa Tagle, Navy Army CCU Osly Licea, Inter National Bank Laura Wiles, IBC 7 TOP 10 COMPANIES & DISTRICTS

top 10 companies

1. HEB Stores & HEB RSC

2. Walmart & Sam’s Club

3. GE Aviation

4. Inter National Bank

5. Target

6. United Parcel Service (UPS)

7. International Bank of Commerce (IBC)

8. AEP Texas

9. City of McAllen

10. South Texas Health System

8 The community’s donations, through the Campaign, are invested in diverse projects, including:

•Address needs of over 286,927 local residents ... annual investment $1,711,500. top 10 DISTRICTS •Provide school supplies to 3,300 youth annually ... $131,777 invested to date.

1. McAllen I.S.D. •Provide school attire to 120 students annually ... $184,500 invested to date. 2. Edinburg C.I.S.D. •Prepare over 2,600 income tax returns at 3. Pharr-San Juan-Alamo I.S.D. no cost to local families ... over $5.4 million in returns and approximately $395,000 in 4. Mission C.I.S.D. annual savings.

5. La Joya I.S.D. •Fund transportation vouchers to prevent ER visits and hospitalizations and for securing jobs...18,866 rides annually and $199,805 6. Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. investment to date.

7. Sharyland I.S.D. •Collaborate with districts to support drop- out recovery efforts, employment oppor- 8. Roma I.S.D. tunities for youth and develop responsible young adults. 9. Mercedes I.S.D. •Fund food pantries at numerous districts . 10. Weslaco I.S.D. •Support grants in Starr County to address basic needs. 9 2015 Pillar Club Member Companies

AEP Texas H-E-B - Rio Grande City AT&T H-E-B - San Juan Best Buy H-E-B - Weslaco - Texas Blvd. Boys and Girls Clubs Edinburg/Pharr H-E-B - Warehouse/Transportation Burton McCumber & Cortez, L.L.P. H-E-B - McAllen - Trenton Children’s Advocacy Center Hidalgo County Citizens Bank Hidalgo County Head Start City of Alton Hidalgo I.S.D. City of Edinburg Holt City of McAllen International Bank of Commerce (IBC) City of Mercedes Inter National Bank (INB) City of Mission International Paper Company City of Pharr J.C. Penney City of Rio Grande City Knapp Medical Center City of Roma KRGV TV 5 City of San Juan La Joya I.S.D. Coca Cola Long Chilton L.L.P. Combined Federal Campaign Lone Star National Bank Conn’s Magic Valley Electric Co-op Delphi Mayfair Properties Dillard’s McAllen Chamber of Commerce Edcouch - Elsa I.S.D. McAllen I.S.D. Edinburg C.I.S.D. Mercedes I.S.D. Edwards Abstract & Title Co. Mission C.I.S.D. Elsa State Bank Navy Army CCU Enterprise Rent-A-Car Nuestra Clinica Del Valle Federal Express NuStar Energy Frost Bank Oxy Petroleum GE Engine Service Pepsi Co. H-E-B - Alamo Petroleum Solutions H-E-B - District Office Pioneer Hi-Bred H-E-B - Donna Pharr-San Juan-Alamo I.S.D. H-E-B - Elsa Plains Capital H-E-B - Edinburg - Closner Region One H-E-B - Edinburg - Freddy Gonzalez Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. H-E-B - McAllen - N. 10th St. Roma I.S.D. H-E-B - McAllen - Pecan Blvd. S & B Infrastructure H-E-B - McAllen - Expwy. 83 Security 1st Credit Union H-E-B - Mission - Conway Security Service Federal Credit Union H-E-B - Mission - Griffin Parkway Serving Children and Adults In Need (SCAN) H-E-B - Mission - Shary Rd. Sharyland IS.D. H-E-B - Palmhurst Shepard Walton King Insurance H-E-B - Palmview Silver Ribbon Community Partners 10 South Texas GMC South Texas I.S.D. South Texas Health System Sprint State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) Starr County Starr County Hospital Starr County Victims of Domestic Violence Program Su Casa de Esperanza Target - Las Tiendas Target - N. 10th Target - Nolana Target - Mission Target Regional Office Texas National Bank Texas Regional Bank The Monitor United Parcel Service (UPS) UPS Supply Chain Solutions United Way of South Texas Valley Land Title Vantage Bank Vaughan Interest Walmart/Sam’s Wells Fargo The Pillar Club represents donors who con- Weslaco I.S.D. tribute a minimum of $500 annually. Their Women Together gift represents their trust in United Way, to Jim & Joyce Deuser create better paths and opportunities for Manolo Garibay individuals in our community. There were C. Kenneth Landrum approximately 775 Pillar Club Members in 2015. Thanks to you and to all who invest in United Way of South Texas.

11 Fund Distribution & Community Impact

United Way of South Texas is responsible for administering, providing all support staff and training hundreds of volunteers for unique projects. Our work adds value and ensures accountability.

•Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) - manage employee giving campaign for RGV Federal employees. Raise $1,014,147.

•Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP formerly FEMA) – administer distribution of over $600,000 in federal funds for food and shelter programs in Hidalgo, Starr & Zapata Counties.

•State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) – manage employee giving campaign for RGV State employees. Raise $277,051.00.

12 •FamilyWise - distribution of free prescription discount cards. $39,263 savings for residents in Hidalgo & Starr Counties As donors become more involved with United Way, they rec- ognize that United Way is the only local non-profit organization with the capacity to affect individuals from birth to end of life. Our footprint in the local community is the largest and the most impactful. Recipients of United Way funding are carefully reviewed for accountability by dedicated volunteers. They thoroughly review applications, financial audits and make on-site visits, all with one goal in mind; to ensure that our supporters are making the best "choice" when they give to United Way. Education Council Dr. Guerra, South TX I.S.D., also leads an energetic group of educators who rep- FUND DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS: resent United Way’s Education Council. Their goal is to identify crucial needs that Dr. Marla Guerra, South Texas I.S.D., Chair are faced by students who live in severe Fito Mercado, University of Texas - RGV, Co-Chair poverty, in particular, those working to earn their High School Diploma. They share Review Team: Approximately 35 volunteers worked on the amazing stories and results about some review process, they represented the following companies: of their most successful programs, which may be replicated at another district. The team has approved UW grants to:

•purchase netbooks for students who need AEP Texas McAllen I.S.D. less than 6 credits to graduate, but do not own a computer BBVA Compass Mission C.I.S.D. •offer small emergency grants to students City of Mission Navy Army Community CU who face emergency needs

City of Rio Grande City OXY •fund food pantries at the districts Delphi Target Donna I.S.D. The Monitor Council Members represent: 1. Donna I.S.D. Elsa State Bank Universal Pawn 2. Edcouch-Elsa I.S.D. 3. La Joya I.S.D. Enterprise Rent-A-Car U.S. F.M.C.S.A. 4. Monte Alto I.S.D. 5. Mission C.I.S.D. FED EX U.S. Postal Service 6. Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. 7. Roma I.S.D. Frost Bank Valley Land & Title H.E.B.-RSC Walmart Infinity Insurance Wells Fargo Inter National Bank

JP Morgan Chase Lone Star National Bank Long Chilton, LLP Magic Valley Electric Co-op

Mayfair RIOCO Properties 13 Living United

14 The work ethic and passion of our Campaign Volunteer Leadership is inspiring. We commend all Campaign volunteers for their dedication and countless hours of work. 2015 has been a unique and challenging year, from which we embraced new strategies, for the benefit of local families. United Way funds 22 partner agencies and additional programs. The community’s support is essential to our ability to assist these important agencies. In 2014, over 244,000 residents in Hidalgo & Starr Counties were impacted by a United Way funded agency or program. This represents almost 30% of the population.

United Way has helped 1,321 students begin the school year with school clothes and supplies. Karen Pittman, IBC, Adriane Almaguer, Monte Alto I.S.D. & Jireth Martinez, IBC Instyle Shopping Spree

15 Our Partner Agencies

American Red Cross, Iris Martinez-Juergens Palmer Drug Abuse Program, Nadia Ochoa

Aurora House, Kathy Scheuerman Serving Children & Adults in Need, Isela S. Dabdoub

Boy Scouts Rio Grande Council, Rudy Gonzalez Silver Ribbon Community Partners, Rose Ramirez

Boys & Girls Club of Alamo/San Juan, Lyle Skaggs Starr Co. Victims of Domestic Violence, Delia Perez

Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg, Sabrina Hernandez Su Casa De Esperanza, Lucy Fernandez

Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, James Martinez The Salvation Army, Captain Luis Melendez

Boys & Girls Club of Mission, Luduvuco Martinez Women Together, Estella De Anda

Boys & Girls Club of Pharr, Freddy Mata Jr. 2015 Community Impact Grants CASA of Hidalgo County, Diana Almaguer Day of Caring

The Education Council Children’s Advocacy Center, Victoria Medina Good Samaritan Community Svc. Community Council of the RGV, Abby Torre “In Style” Shopping Spree

LatinaHope Girls Scouts of Greater So. TX, Lea Peacock Palmview Boys & Girls Youth Cntr. Green Path, Inc., Sara Gilbert RGV Literacy Center

Starr County Agencies Goodwill Industries of So. TX., John W. Owen Transportation Vouchers Hidalgo Youth Center, Gualberto Rodriguez Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Mercedes Recreation Center, Richard Morin United Way invests in and administers these programs. United Way Staff and Board Members are not involved in 16 the selection of any of the recipients. United Way provides funding to 23 Partner Agencies in Hidalgo and Starr Counties and funds over 100 health and human service programs .

United Way Focus Areas are: EDUCATION, HEALTH & FINANCIAL STABILITY 17 Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursement For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursement For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

Receipts Collected Campaign Pledges $2,719,285 Admin CFC/SECC $109,051 Investment Income $5,254 Designated Gifts $28,053 Grants $90,104 In Kind Donations $91,553 $3,043,300

Disbursements (Direct Investments to Community) Distribution to Partner Agencies $1,304,136 Community Impact Grants $79,577 SECC/CFC/EFSP Costs $109,051 *Program/Community Projects Costs $248,078 *Campaign Investments Costs $458,504 Emergency Grants $100,000 $2,299,346

Other Disbursements (Indirect Investment to Community) Administrative Costs $384,433

Net Contribution to Cash $359,521

*Program/community project costs include: Designated Gifts, In- Style Shopping, Drop-out Prevention/Education Council. Trans- portation Vouchers and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

*Campaign Investments Includes: 75,000 In-Kind services All figures based on 2014 Audit.

United Way of South Texas does not charge agencies any fee in return for their allocation and other services rendered. 18 United Way of South Texas Staff

Thelma M. Garza President

Lilly Lopez-Killelea Vice-President Resource Development Director

Amelia Rojas Outcome Specialist

Gloria A. Hernandez Community Relations Public Sector Associate

Marlen Ramirez Data Entry Specialist

Evangelina Scheffler Administrative Assistant

19 2015 Board of Directors

Executive Board

Lee Jones Jeanette Ahlenius Board Chair Wayland Baptist University AEP Texas Danella Hughes Edna Garcia Consultant Campaign Vice-Chair Security Service FCU Michael Leo Hidalgo County Alma Ortega-Johnson Fidencio Mercado Campaign Vice-Chair The University of Texas - RGV Wells Fargo

Dr. James Ponce Dr. Marla Guerra McAllen I.S.D. Fund Distribution Vice - Chair South Texas I.S.D. Tyler Stone RIOCO Adrian Villarreal Finance Vice-Chair Matt Wolthoff International Bank of Commerce HCA Rio Grande Regional Hospital Chris Julian Michelle Zamora Community Relations Vice-Chair Frost Bank Advertir

Thank You For Your Support.

113 W. Pecan Blvd. McAllen, TX 78501 Ph: (956) 686-6331 www.unitedwayofsotx.org