Tag: United Way of Northern Arizona

United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing You a Happy Independence Day

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2023 • Comments Off

The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate not only the anniversary of American independence, but the values that make our country great. One of those values is the importance of Living United.

Living United means coming together to solve problems and build a better future for our neighbors. It’s the sincere belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or circumstance. It’s knowing that when we include all members of society in shaping the solutions, our community will always be stronger for it.

Thank you for Living United this holiday – and every day.

Our offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.

Have a safe and wonderful Independence Day.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Stepping Up with the Summit Society

by Community Contributor • June 22, 2023 • Comments Off

The job of United Way of Northern Arizona is to bring together our community resources so we can do big and bold things that move the needle and improve life for our friends and neighbors in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

It takes the support of a whole community to make it happen. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every bit of advocacy is important.

Our Summit Society members have an outsized impact, however, because of their unique generosity with annual gifts of $500 or more to UWNA.

Here are some of the ways that the Summit Society contributions are making a difference:

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Time of Transition and Looking to the Future

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2023 • Comments Off

Many thanks to everyone who has been so warm and supportive during my first month as the new CEO and President of United Way of Northern Arizona. I’ve always been proud of this organization and the work it does.

”Improving lives by mobilizing communities to create lasting changes in community conditions” has always resonated with me. I have been involved with UWNA for over 25 years serving on the Board of Directors, the Community Investment Committee and chairing multiple UWNA campaigns.

My life’s work has been dedicated to building community, promoting equity, and improving lives locally, statewide and nationally. I will continue to bring those values and passion for community to my work at UWNA. As a native of Flagstaff with five generations of my family living in Flagstaff, it is an honor to serve my community through UWNA.

During this time of transition, I want to recognize what has come before me.

United Way of Northern Arizona — The Hardest Part of Retiring is Saying Goodbye

by Community Contributor • April 27, 2023 • Comments Off

In just a few weeks, I’ll walk out of the offices at 1515 E. Cedar Ave. in Flagstaff for the last time as the President and CEO of United Way of Northern Arizona, my professional home for the past 24 years.

While I’m looking forward to retirement and am excited about the plans I’m making with my husband for this next chapter in our lives, the truth is it’s hard to say goodbye.

Being part of this organization for almost a quarter of a century has been an incredibly meaningful part of my life and walking away from something like that is never easy.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Appreciating Our Volunteers and Remembering Gene Munger

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2023 • Comments Off

This is National Volunteer Week, a time to appreciate and celebrate the people who invest their time and talent to better their communities.

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is blessed to have many individuals who work tirelessly to improve early childhood development, promote positive youth development, and assist neighbors in times of crisis.

Their work ranges from leading our Board of Directors, to serving on Community Investment Teams that evaluate grant requests, to filling sandbags before monsoon season.

One of the most remarkable volunteers to ever lend his talents to UWNA and numerous other organizations was Eugene Marvin Munger Jr., who we lost last month at the age of 88.

When he received the Arizona Daily Sun Citizen of the Year Award in 2013, Gene was asked why volunteering was important.

“Volunteering is important because it gives everyone the opportunity to give back,” he replied.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Dolly Parton Imagination Library Hits Major Milestone

by Community Contributor • March 30, 2023 • Comments Off

Here are two statistics that should make you proud to be a United Way of Northern Arizona supporter, courtesy of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL).

Last month, the Imagination Library passed a remarkable milestone with 200 million books gifted to children since its inception in 1995!
Then there’s this fun factoid – 1 in 10 children under the age of five in the United States receives Imagination Library books. That’s a lot of Little Engines that Could and Llama Llamas in Red Pajamas.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Volunteers Evaluating Grant Requests

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2023 • Comments Off

Right now, two UWNA volunteer groups are evaluating more than 50 requests for grants from either the Community Impact Fund or the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Earlier this year, the City of Flagstaff chose UWNA to administer $700,000 in ARPA funds on behalf of the City.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Parents & Students Give KinderCamp™ High Marks

by Community Contributor • March 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Participants in last year’s KinderCamp™ program – and their parents – gave the early childhood education program high marks in a survey conducted by AZ OnTrack.

The survey was completed by 50 children who were part of the KinderCamp program at Kinsey Elementary School in Flagstaff last summer. More than 80 parents also participated in the survey. AZ OnTrack is the state’s initiative to help children catch up from learning losses caused by the pandemic.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Our board leadership

by Community Contributor • March 7, 2023 • Comments Off

To fulfill its mission of improving lives by mobilizing communities to make lasting positive change, United Way of Northern Arizona has always depended on its volunteer Board of Directors to direct its efforts.

The Board is comprised of 25 individuals representing the diversity of the region it serves. The Board sets and monitors policies, reviews the budget, and ensures United Way’s accountability to all donors.

Recently, the UWNA Board elected its officers for the 2023 year.

United Way of Northern Arizona — UWNA to Coordinate Emergency Volunteers for City of Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

United Way of Northern Arizona has signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Flagstaff to provide coordination of volunteers during “emergencies, disasters or special events” as determined by City officials.

The agreement is similar to one that UWNA has had with Coconino County since 2010 in the aftermath of the Schultz Fire.

UWNA will use Volunteer Hub as the management website for volunteers for both the City and County. The website includes the Volunteer Service Agreement that volunteers for the City need to complete before engaging in any volunteer work.

United Way of Northern Arizona Administering Flagstaff ARPA Grants

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2023 • Comments Off

United Way of Northern Arizona will be administering $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on behalf of the City of Flagstaff to benefit nonprofits recovering from challenges due to Covid-19.

The funds are intended to assist organizations working in Flagstaff that had an increased demand for services or suffered declines in fees or donations due to the pandemic.

There are three different categories that make up the funds:

United Way of Northern Arizona — NE Arizona Report Lays Groundwork for Strategic Plan

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2023 • Comments Off

A recently completed United Way of Northern Arizona report on building capacity to help UWNA better address critical needs in Navajo and Apache counties has identified substance abuse/mental health issues, affordable childcare and afterschool programs, and creating a skilled workforce as top priorities for the northeast region.

UWNA retained Phoenix Philanthropy Group to create the report, which was based on interviews with nonprofit leaders, elected officials, economic development directors, healthcare and education professionals, as well as current and past members of the UWNA Board of Directors.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Memories that YOU Made Possible

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2023 • Comments Off

We hope you are having a wonderful 2023 so far, and wanted to start off this new year right by thanking you.

You make the work of United Way of Northern Arizona possible and we wanted to share some of our favorite memories of the past year that happened because you generously gave through your donations, leadership, or volunteerism.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Celebrating a Community (and UWNA) Champion

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2022 • Comments Off

It was with tremendous sadness that we heard last week of the passing of Dr. Bert McKinnon, who epitomized the commitment to community and volunteer service that makes northern Arizona such a remarkable place.

Bert and his family came to Flagstaff in the early 1980s and he is perhaps best known as one of the co-founders of Flagstaff Bone & Joint.

United Way of Northern Arizona — ‘You Can Give with Confidence’

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2022 • Comments Off

When you make a donation to a nonprofit, you want to feel confident that your gift is being properly used by an organization that takes its fiscal responsibility seriously.

That’s why we are so pleased to announce that, for the fourth year in a row, Charity Navigator has given United Way of Northern Arizona a 4-star rating, this year with a score of 96%. This means UWNA exceeds or meets best practices and industry standards for nonprofits. Only 13 United Way organizations of our size have achieved this high a rating.

United Way of Northern Arizona and Giving Tuesday — 3 Reasons to Step Up

by Community Contributor • November 29, 2022 • Comments Off

The countdown has begun!

#GivingTuesday is the world’s largest day of giving when millions will be making a difference by donating to their favorite nonprofits.

We hope that you’ll join us and support United Way of Northern Arizona. Every donation, big or small, makes a huge difference. Together we can Step Up for Our Community by:

Supporting early childhood development and programs like KinderCamp™ and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Promoting positive youth development by providing our youth with the mentorships and initiative that help them fulfill their potential.
Providing safety and security, including assistance during times of emergency.

Thank you for considering UWNA for your #GivingTuesday contribution on Nov. 29.

United Way of Northern Arizona — UWNA Means Community Impact

by Community Contributor • November 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Here’s the power of Community Impact:

A woman in Flagstaff is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, devastating her teenage daughters. Because of you, the family is able to access free support groups and classes to help them cope during treatment and beyond. Ultimately, the daughters help form a support group specifically for children of cancer patients, paying it forward by helping other teens.

A homeless man, wheelchair bound and in bad health, arrives at a shelter in Holbrook. Because of you, the shelter places him in a housing unit for veterans close to a grocery store and gets him connected with community and medical services nearby. There he begins to rebuild his life.

A second-grader at Thomas Elementary School proudly places a sticker in his lesson chart, showing that he has finished reading another book. He eagerly chooses his next book adventure. Because of you, we are able to support the “raising readers” program to foster a love of learning.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Why They Joined the Summit Society

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2022 • Comments Off

The purpose of United Way is to do big and bold things.

Taking on the large issues – early childhood education, positive youth development, eliminating the gaps in our social safety net – requires the support of a whole community. Every donation, every volunteer hour, every bit of advocacy is important.

However, we also want to acknowledge that there are people who have an outsized impact because of their unique generosity. They are the members of our Summit Society – individuals and couples who contribute $500 or more annually.

Why do they make this investment in UWNA? Check out what they have to say in this video:

United Way of Northern Arizona — President & CEO Search Update

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2022 • Comments Off

The search for the next head of United Way of Northern Arizona is entering its final stage, with the Board of Directors opening up the application process to replace current President & CEO Carol Dykes.

The Board has spent the past few months meeting and surveying key community stakeholders to gain their insights about the future direction of UWNA and the qualities they would like to see in the next head of the organization.

“We felt that input was vital, because – let’s face it – Carol will not be easy to replace,” said Board Vice Chair Armando Ruiz (Coconino County).

Ruiz was appointed by Board Chair Mike Kelly (W.L. Gore & Associates) to head up the Search Committee.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Your Gift Puts Roofs Over Heads

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2022 • Comments Off

Homelessness – whether temporary or long-lasting – has become a more dire crisis in the past year.

According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the number of unhoused Arizonans was nearly 11,000 in early 2020. As of December 2021, that number is estimated to have increased by nearly 30 percent.

A tragic trifecta has driven up the numbers of those without housing – rapidly rising housing costs, persistent inflation for basic necessities, and the end of pandemic-era protections to keep people from being evicted.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Dolly Parton Imagination Library: Building Future Readers

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2022 • Comments Off

When Dolly Parton was given the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropylast week, she said that she doesn’t really have a strategy for her donations.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Help Them Reach Their Potential

by Community Contributor • October 13, 2022 • Comments Off

A teenage girl gains confidence by being a Girl Scout, and discovers deep wells of resourcefulness and flexibility when the pandemic throws a wrench in her plans.
A homeless boy receives life coaching at his shelter that enables him to successfully find and keep a job, breaking the cycle of poverty.
A cohort of 6th graders learn about the natural wonders of northern Arizona at Camp Colton, sparking a drive to be better stewards of the earth.
These stories are all the result of United Way of Northern Arizona’s commitment to positive youth development.

You can Step Up for our youth with your gift and help ensure our children reach their full potential and become competent, confident, and caring adults.

Just look at Emily’s story and how she adapted and persevered while trying to educate others about the importance of bees.

United Way of Northern Arizona — How You Make KinderCamp™ Possible

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2022 • Comments Off

For more than 15 years, KinderCamp™ has ensured that hundreds of preschoolers were ready for that vitally important first day of school. That they stepped into their kindergarten classrooms confident and eager to learn. That they were prepared – academically, socially, and emotionally – to make their first school year a phenomenal success.

This signature program, which takes place every June in schools across northern Arizona, is how United Way of Northern Arizona is supporting early childhood development. It’s also a great reason to donate to UWNAduring the annual campaign going on right now.

Take a look at the smiling faces in this video to see the love of learning in action.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Providing Safety & Security

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Why should you donate to United Way of Northern Arizona during our annual campaign?

Because when people struggle to meet basic needs – like food, shelter, and safety – everything else becomes more difficult.

Fueled by your financial support, UWNA and its network of partners work with families and individuals so they can move from day-to-day existence to planning for a positive future.

United Way of Northern Arizona Annual Campaign Begins Today (Sept. 22)!

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2022 • Comments Off

Step Up for Our Community and be part of the movement that is continuing to make positive, lasting changes in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties by donating today to the United Way of Northern Arizona.

Together we can:

Improve early childhood development through education initiatives like KinderCamp™ and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Encourage positive youth development to ensure strong and resilient teens.
Help our neighbors in times of emergency by providing basic needs for safety and security.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Strategic Plan for Northeast AZ Underway

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2022 • Comments Off

United Way of Northern Arizona is in the process of developing a plan to bolster our work in northeastern Arizona and support our nonprofit partners in Navajo and Apache counties.

The strategic plan being developed is similar to a process we went through several years ago in the greater Flagstaff region, which allowed us to refocus our efforts on the most critical needs in Coconino County.

A special Task Force has been assembled for this project and is being led by Eric Scott, Human Resource and Risk Manager for Navajo County and a member of the UWNA Board.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing you a Happy Labor Day

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Our offices will be closed on Monday, September 5.

Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend.

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Busy Summer for Volunteers

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

It’s been a non-stop summer for United Way of Northern Arizona volunteers as we worked together to help with post-fire recovery efforts, prepare for the increased possibility of flooding, and even help out at a couple of this year’s KinderCamp™ events.

Before we take a look at the work done – and a few upcoming events – we’d like to take a moment to thank everyone for their hard work so far this season.
The Numbers So Far: More than 1,500 Volunteer Hours

United Way of Northern Arizona — Lowell Observatory Aims for the Stars as Pacesetter for UWNA

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2022 • Comments Off

While many companies and organizations Step Up for Our Community through their workplace campaigns for UWNA, some take an extra step by becoming Pacesetters; they hold their workplace fundraisers in the month prior to the official annual campaign to help jumpstart it.

One of the most successful at this is Lowell Observatory, where typically 25% to 30% of the 163 employees participate in the Pacesetter campaign each year.

The person responsible for this pre-campaign effort at the observatory is Mattie Harrington. She’s the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director Jeff Hall; Director of Philanthropy Lisa Actor; and the observatory’s Sole Trustee, W. Lowell Putnam IV, the great-grandnephew of its founder, Percival Lowell.

The Pacesetter fundraising outreach is conducted primarily via email, she said, with her sending out a communication to the staff once a week reminding them of the work UWNA supports in early childhood education, youth development, and crisis response.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Why Pacesetters Are So Important

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

If United Way of Northern Arizona’s annual fundraising campaign is the “big game,” then the Pacesetters host the tailgate party.

Technically, Pacesetters are those organizations and businesses that hold their workplace fundraising efforts on behalf of UWNA in the month prior to the official start of the annual campaign. Collectively, they give the campaign a head start, set the tone, and are pivotal to its ultimate success.

But their importance goes beyond the money they raise. Much like the tailgaters who gather in the parking lot before a game or concert, Pacesetters build up energy for the big event. They are the superfans who get everyone excited about what’s coming up.

We are so grateful to our Pacesetter partners, the businesses and organizations that value the role of UWNA as a convener driving real, measurable results in improving our community. They lead the effort to Step Up for Our Community so together we can expand early childhood education, ensure that our youth are more resilient, and help our friends and neighbors with basic needs in times of crisis.

Our month-long Pacesetter effort starts Monday, August 15, and we are looking for additional businesses and organizations that would like to be part of this endeavor as we launch our annual campaign.

United Way of Northern Arizona — KinderCamp™ 2022: ABCs and Basketball

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2022 • Comments Off

After two years of being impacted by the pandemic, 2022 was when KinderCamp™ returned to normal.

“It felt like the kids got to be kids again,” said Sara Owen, a teacher with the Flagstaff Unified School District and the coordinator of the early education program. “They got to experience the school environment; their parents got to be part of it and we had lots of visitors.”

Those visitors included a pediatrician from North Country Healthcare, who taught the students how to use a stethoscope; firefights just back from battling local wildfires; a nutritionist; and basketball players from Northern Arizona University and Flagstaff High School.

United Way of Northern Arizona — How Agencies Came Together During This Fire Season

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2022 • Comments Off

In less than two months this spring, three major wildfires dominated our news as they charred land, displaced residents, and destroyed structures in their path.

One of the few silver linings during those eight weeks was how well individuals, nonprofit organizations and local governments came together to deal with the crises.

“What I find in Coconino County is that everyone works together like a family,” said Joel Bunis, who joined Coconino County Health and Human Services in January as its Outbreak Response Division Manager. “It’s all about connecting people with what they need.”

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Crowning Achievement — UWNA Grant Helps Launch New Shelter Service

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2022 • Comments Off

When COVID-19 made congregant shelter living a dangerous option for those experiencing homelessness, Flagstaff Shelter Services (FSS) stepped up by renting hotel rooms for their most immunocompromised clients. It was a successful – if expensive – way to continue to serve the homeless at the height of the pandemic.

It also led to an innovative idea: tap into funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act to acquire a hotel and rehab the units into emergency housing. With the support of the Arizona Department of Housing, FSS purchased a Route 66 hotel that years ago was the The Crown Motel and more recently operated as a Howard Johnsons.

Other groups helped support the launch of the new site, including the Forest Highlands Foundation and the Arizona Diamondback. A grant from United Way of Northern Arizona allowed FSS to hire a full-time manager for the new shelter complex, which is being renamed The Crown in a nod to the building’s history.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Once Again, Our Community Is Burning

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2022 • Comments Off

For the past 12 years, the names have accumulated like a litany of destruction: Schultz. Slide. Tinder. Museum. Tunnel.

Now, less than two months after the last major wildfire left our mountains glowing red at night and our skies dark with smoke during the day, we have two more names to add to this sad list – Pipeline and Haywire.

The situation northeast of Flagstaff is still very fluid. The latest statistics from InciWeb (the US Forest Service site that tracks wildfires nationwide) indicate that 20,000 acres have burned in the Pipeline Fire with another 4,000 charred by Haywire.

Evacuation statuses have shifted back and forth as officials receive more information, but even those who were allowed to return to their homes Tuesday were warned to be ready to leave again at a moment’s notice. At this point, we know two structures have burned since Sunday.

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Change is Coming

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2022 • Comments Off

A Message from Carol Dykes

It is with mixed emotions that I send you this message, because change – even when it’s welcome – often isn’t easy.

Earlier this week, I let the Board of Directors of United Way of Northern Arizona and the amazing staff of this organization know that I plan to retire by the end of this year.

The exact timing isn’t set – I plan to offer what assistance I can as the Board searches for my replacement, and will continue for however long is needed to ensure a smooth transition for my successor.

Even though it’s still several months off and even though I’m truly looking forward to the next chapter, I have to admit it’s hard to imagine my life after UWNA. I’ve been a proud member of this organization for 24 years. (I met my husband through a workplace campaign, for goodness sake.) It has been a profound pleasure to work alongside you as together we have improved community conditions, responded to emergencies, and made the future a brighter place for so many in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties.

United Way of Northern Arizona — From Fire Recovery to KinderCamp™ – We Need Volunteers

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2022 • Comments Off

On the surface, you wouldn’t think the post-Tunnel Fire recovery efforts and the KinderCamp™ program have much to do with each other. One is about cleaning up the debris so families can rebuild after a devastating fire; the other is about making sure children entering kindergarten are ready for their first day of school.

The common thread? Both require volunteer support, and we’re hoping you can spare a few hours in the coming days and weeks to help.

United Way of Northern Arizona — (Video) Community Celebrates Elevate PreK

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Last weekend, proponents of early education gathered to celebrate the first year of Elevate PreK, a pilot program that offers high-quality, full-day, year-round preschool experience at no cost to families.

The program is geared toward 4-year-olds living in households with income between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level who are not currently enrolled in preschool.

United Way of Northern Arizona is one of the program’s supporters and co-hosted the event.

In addition to offering an evidenced-based curriculum, the program also offers wrap-around services for families so that parents and caregivers get the support they need.

The celebration included a review of Elevate PreK’s progress in its first year conducted by Dr. Caroline Black, an assistant professor of early childhood education at Northern Arizona University. Her study showed that outcomes of the program included growth in students’ social skills, self-control, engagement and vocabulary in the first year.

United Way of Northern Arizona — KinderCamp™ Returns This Summer

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2022 • Comments Off

Plans are underway now for this year’s KinderCamp™ in northern Arizona, which will once again give preschoolers the foundational, social and academic skills needed to successfully transition into kindergarten.

Plus, there will be a little basketball included.

In honor of a $10,000 donation from the Phoenix Suns for this program, there will be a one-day basketball clinic for the Flagstaff preschoolers participating in the four-week program.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Last Chance to Register for Elevate PreK Celebration This Saturday

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2022 • Comments Off

We hope that you’ll join us this Saturday for our celebration of Elevate PreK’s successful first year. In case you haven’t had a chance to register. please do so here.

Our keynote speaker will be early childhood education advocate Rhian Evans Allvin, the driving force behind the establishment of First Things First.

Educators, business community leaders and experts will also speak to why increasing access to high-quality, year-round preschool education helps not only our children, but our workplaces and communities as well.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Social Peak Collective Streamlining Access to Basic Needs›

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2022 • Comments Off

‘Social Peak Collective’ Launches Pop-Ups

There’s no doubt that the greater Flagstaff area is rich in resources to help people with basic needs. Between government services and non-profits, there are scores of programs that can assist families with everything from food insecurity to health screenings to utility expenses

United Way of Northern Arizona — TUNNEL FIRE: Crisis Response Fund Update

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Northern Arizona University, Nestle Purina, Suddenlink and OneAZ Credit Union are leading the way in providing funds to help those who have been impacted by the Tunnel Fire. Together they have contributed $45,000 to the United Way of Northern Arizona Crisis Response Fund.

These funds will be used to help people impacted by the fire meet immediate needs and offer assistance as they rebuild and recover. The blaze, which as of last night was 89% contained, has destroyed more than 100 structures, including 30 homes northeast of Flagstaff.

United Way of Northern Arizona — TUNNEL FIRE: ‘A Time for Neighbors to Help Neighbors’

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2022 • Comments Off

During last night’s informative community meeting on the Tunnel Fire, it was the words of Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman that stood out to us:

“This is a time for neighbors to help neighbors.”

United Way of Northern Arizona is currently raising money to help those impacted by the Tunnel Fire through the UWNA Crisis Response Fund. You can donate to the fund by texting UWNAZresponse to 41444. Donations can also be processed on our website here.

United Way 0f Northern Arizona — Ventura Land Trust Presents April Environmental Speaker Series: Women in Conservation

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2022 • Comments Off

In 2001, Alice’s Place in Winslow opened, providing services for those facing domestic and sexual violence. It was founded by the late Dr. Kenneth Mackey Ogilvie, a local OB/GYN, who named it to honor his grandmother, Alice Hurley Mackey, a Choctaw woman who escaped domestic violence. She went on to become a writer and enjoyed a circle of friends that included prominent historians and artists.

“Her story exemplifies what we want to do,” said Theresa Warren, executive director of the shelter. “First, get people out of a crisis. But that’s not enough; that just stabilizes the situation. Where do you go from there? Our job is to empower the individuals we work with.”

United Way of Northern Arizona — AZ Gives Starts Today

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2022 • Comments Off

We hope that you’ll join us for Arizona Gives Day, a 24-hour, statewide celebration of charitable organizations that starts at noon today. It’s a special time that unites supporters of big and small nonprofits to increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving.

Many thanks to those of you who have already donated to United Way of Northern Arizona as part of this year’s #AZGIves campaign. If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, you can do so by clicking HERE.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Getting Your Donations Where They Are Needed Most

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2022 • Comments Off

At the heart of the United Way of Northern Arizona’s grant process is the Community Investment (CI) Fund, a volunteer-driven process that invests your donations into the proven programs, partnerships and initiatives that are changing lives in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties every day.

There are currently 37 community volunteers participating in one of seven Community Investment Teams spread throughout northern Arizona.

This year, their review process is a little different.

Typically, UWNA disburses one-year grants to our partners, but in 2021, we chose to make two-year commitments to each of the the 42 programs supported through your donations, with an initial grant given last year and a “renewal” grant awarded this year.

That change gave our partners a little more stability and the opportunity to plan out beyond one year.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Page Regional Domestic Violence Services Providing ‘Another Way’ for Those Seeking Help

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Over the years, Page Regional Domestic Violence Services (PRDVS) has evolved in its approach to breaking the cycle of physical and psychological trauma that often is a daily fact of life for American Indian women. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reports that almost 46% of American Indian women are physically abused by an intimate partner during their lifetime, rates significantly higher than for other ethnic groups.

When it opened in 1997, PRDVS was a five-bed shelter in a single-wide mobile home trailer donated by the City of Page. Now, operating under the name Another Way, it has 32 beds in four double-wide mobile homes that have been converted into duplexes.

United Way of Northern Arizona — W.L. Gore’s Commitment to UWNA

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2022 • Comments Off

Janet Leung, who retired from W.L. Gore & Associates in 2013, said one of the defining characteristics of her former workplace is its strong spirit of community.

“Everyone has a sense of ownership, of looking out for each other and the company as well,” she said recently.

That attitude extends to its commitment to the community. W.L. Gore not only encourages its employees to support local nonprofits, it matches their donations dollar-for-dollar, even after its associates have retired from the company.

United Way of Northern Arizona — More Than Just School Readiness

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2022 • Comments Off

When Elevate PreK launched its year-round early childhood education program at Kinsey Elementary School last August, expectations were high.

The three-year pilot program was designed not only to fill the gaps in accessing high-quality preschool education in Flagstaff for lower- and middle-income families; it was a chance to showcase best practices and spur more professional development for all early childhood learning professionals.

In just a few months, however, the program has also become a force for good in the lives of the families of the 18 children who attend Elevate PreK.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Mike Kelly Elected UWNA Board Chairman

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2022 • Comments Off

To fulfill its mission of Improving lives by mobilizing communities, United Way of Northern Arizona has always depended on its volunteer Board of Directors to direct our efforts. While never an easy job, over the last few years it has been even more challenging as the pandemic and other crises created a huge demand for services in the community.

United Way of Northern Arizona — (Video) The Programs You Support

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2022 • Comments Off

There is so much your donation supports when you Step Up and donate to United Way of Northern Arizona.

Like QCKids, the program featured in the video above. Families who have children with disabilities often have difficulty finding care that will prepare their children for kindergarten. The problem is compounded for low-income families, many of whom have difficulty finding affordable, quality child care at all.

QCKids provides a program for children from infancy to 6 years with a focus on identifying and addressing cognitive, physical, social, intellectual and emotional disabilities in order to support learning at a young age to help them better prepare for their future.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Retired, But Still Stepping Up

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Many supporters of United Way of Northern Arizona and its mission first learned about UWNA through a workplace campaign. After hearing about the work UWNA does, they chose to make a donation, often through an automatic payroll deduction.

We are grateful many choose to continue their support after they retire from the workforce.

People like Susanna Maxwell and Barry Lutz, a couple who began giving to UWNA more than three decades ago through workplace campaigns at Northern Arizona University. Although they both retired in 2010, that hasn’t slowed down their support.

United Way of Northern Arizona — How Do We Make 2022 Even Better?

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2022 • Comments Off

When we look at the outcomes, the past year was a powerful reminder of all that we can do when we work together.

Because you Stepped Up for Our Community either as a donor, an advocate or a volunteer, we collectively did more than ever before to advance:

Early childhood education
Positive youth development
Basic services that strengthened our social safety net.

But that leaves us with a very important question:

How can we make 2022 even better?

United Way of Northern Arizona — (Video) A message from NAU President Cruz Rivera

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2022 • Comments Off

There’s no doubt that Northern Arizona University plays a huge role in our community. In addition to being Flagstaff’s largest employer, it is the home of thousands of students who live, work and study here.

NAU is also a major player in local philanthropic efforts, including its annual workplace campaign to support United Way of Northern Arizona.

This year, NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera successfully challenged the university’s community to boost its contributions to UWNA, increasing their campaign goal from $25,000 to $35,000.

“NAU stepped up for community and for that I’m grateful,” he said.

Because NAU met the new goal, President Cruz Rivera authorized another $10,000 donation from the Office of the President, making NAU’s total contribution this year $45,000.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Update on the Social Safety Net Coalition

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2021 • Comments Off

When the pandemic took hold in northern Arizona in the spring of 2020, there were so many unknowns. How severe would the impact of COVID be? When would lockdowns be lifted? How long before we had a viable vaccine?

One thing we did know: Coconino County nonprofits and agencies were going to be hard-pressed to meet the challenges during an unprecedented crisis.

That’s why the United Way of Northern Arizona and Coconino County launched the Social Safety Net Coalition. Its goal was to help those providing basic needs coordinate their efforts to address an ever-evolving situation. Almost two years later, this group continues its impressive, collaborative work.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Partner Spotlight: Volunteers, Food Donations Needed at Flagstaff Family Food Center

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2021 • Comments Off

During this season of giving, we’d like to ask you to consider donating your time (and maybe a few non-perishable items) to the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC), a UWNA partner that has served thousands of our neighbors when they were at their most vulnerable.

The organization, which opened its doors on Christmas Day exactly 30 years ago, has provided meals through its daily hot dinner and sack lunches at its kitchen on North 2nd Street, or through its Food Bank on Huntington Drive.

United Way of Northern Arizona — It’s Giving Tuesday!

by Community Contributor • November 30, 2021 • Comments Off

Welcome to #GivingTuesday.

Can we count on you to be part of today’s international movement?

When you give to United Way of Northern Arizona, you are investing in the future of our community and local programs to help our friends and neighbors in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties.

Please Step Up for Our Community today – and thank you for donating!

United Way of Northern Arizona — Happy Thanksgiving!

by Community Contributor • November 24, 2021 • Comments Off

We wanted to take a moment to send warm wishes to you and yours for a lovely holiday this week. May you have safe travels, fabulous meals with family and friends, and much for which to be grateful.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Carol, Heidi, Christine, Elaine & Sybil

United Way of Northern Arizona — How You Stepped Up for Our Youth in 2021

by Community Contributor • November 12, 2021 • Comments Off

At United Way of Northern Arizona, we love sharing with you the stories that illustrate the good work we are doing with our partners to Step Up for Our Youth and Our Community.

It’s work that you make possible through your generous donations, which we then direct to proven programs and services the improve the lives of our residents in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties.

But sometimes, numbers can be even more impressive than stories. Sometimes they give you the full picture of the impact we are achieving together. Numbers like:

28,204 books that were distributed in the last year to young children (birth to age 8) through programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and KinderCamp.™

United Way of Northern Arizona — You Can Help Provide A Safe Haven

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Part of Stepping Up for Our Community is ensuring the safety and security of our residents in times of crisis.

This is why, in partnership with Northland Family Help Center, United Way is working to ensure that a safe haven is available when individuals are dealing with domestic violence or children are in need of foster care.

UWNA’s support – fueled by your donations- is vital for this program, which serves more than 150 individuals each year, including a significant number of children who stay in its youth shelter. This facility is designed to feel more like a home than a shelter, with people cooking together, watching movies and even gardening while they stay there.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Will You Step Up for Our Community?

by Community Contributor • October 14, 2021 • Comments Off

An ongoing pandemic. Wildfires. Flooding.

In reflecting on the past year, United Way of Northern Arizona President & CEO Carol Dykes probably summed it up best when she said, “Some days it just felt like we couldn’t catch a break.”

But working together, we ensured that our communities rallied. Thanks to generous people like you who donated to the United Way, funds were available to ensure that people were able to stay in their homes, feed their children and keep the lights on.

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