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GIVE. ADVOCATE.VOLUNTEER.

2015 Annual Report

United Way of South Texas

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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 sectors to meet emerging needs. Some included 1) strengthening and ex-panding the Volunteer Income Tax (VITA) program, 2) opening food pan-tries 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 sup-port of LatinaHope. We opened our doors to many non-profits and corpo-rations 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 volun-teer 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-val-ley. 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.

Thelma M. Garza, President

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EDUCATIONDay of CaringYou ensure that 3,300 Freshmen (9th Grade) have basic school sup-plies Approximately 11 high schools receive supplies • 250 volunteers package school supplies

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

“In Style” Shopping SpreeYou 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

HEALTHFamilywize•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 resi-dents: 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

INCOMEV.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

If you or your company are interested in joining the movement and would like to volunteer, you can call (956)686-6331 or visit us atwww.unitedwayofsotx.org.

Brian and Gennetta Griffin, FedEX2015 Day of Caring

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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.

Our New Home

Lee Jones, AEP Texas and Family.Donated this beautiful mosaic.

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Pavers$300

Gina & Carly de la Garza “Shinning Stars”Jim & Joyce Deuser Cecilia & Robert Mumford MLM, Inc.“Realitos’ Pride” The Garza Sisters

Pavers$500

Body Brite Jenise Diaz-Finance Chair 2010-2015Abriendo Puertas

In Memory ofDr. Linda Limon & Dr. Marla GuerraLee, Martha Jones & Family

Pavers$800

Rhonda Gillum - Certified Public Accountant

Pavers$1,000

Alma & Wayne JohnsonAtlas, Hall & Rodriguez LLPAdrian & Lupita Villarreal

Advancing The Common Good “Thank you” to the following individuals and entities, for their support of the

Capital Drive.

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Benefactor($50,000 & more)

City of McAllenCollins FoundationCook Foundation

Visionary ($20,00 - $49,000)

AEP TexasCity of MissionMax & Alma Siporin EndowmentWells Fargo Foundation

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

City of RomaD. Wilson ConstructionThelma M. Garza & Manolo GaribayInternational Bank of Commerce (IBC)Lee & Martha JonesFrank & Annette MargoMcAllen Chamber of Commerce

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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.

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2015Loaned Executives

Rio Grande City

Volunteer LeadershipEdna Garcia, Campaign Co-Chair

Security Service FCU

Alma Ortega-Johnson Campaign Co-ChairWells Fargo

Raul Banda, Conn’s Inc.

Rolando Ayala, Lone Star National Bank

Robert Chamberlain, Security Service FCU

Emigdio Cahue, HEB

Elizabeth Garcia, Boys & Girls Club of Pharr

Kay Garza, Wells Fargo

Sonia Gonzalez, Wells Fargo

Ventura Hinojosa, Starr County

Maribel Land, Security First Credit Union

Osly Licea, Inter National Bank

Jose Luna, H-E-B

Jennifer Moya, Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg

Delia Perez, Starr County

Karen Pittman, IBC

David Charles Saenz, City of Rio Grande City

Charleen Salazar, Inter National Bank

Douglas Silva, Lone Star National Bank

Cesar Rodriguez, City of McAllen

Melissa Tagle, Navy Army CCU

Laura Wiles, IBC

Loaned Executives

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 agen-cies 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.

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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

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1. McAllen I.S.D.

2. Edinburg C.I.S.D.

3. Pharr-San Juan-Alamo I.S.D.

4. Mission C.I.S.D.

5. La Joya I.S.D.

6. Rio Grande City C.I.S.D.

7. Sharyland I.S.D.

8. Roma I.S.D.

9. Mercedes I.S.D.

10. Weslaco I.S.D.

top 10 DISTRICTS

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

•Address needs of over 286,927 local resi-dents ... annual investment $1,711,500. •Provide school supplies to 3,300 youth an-nually ... $131,777 invested to date.

•Provide school attire to 120 students annu-ally ... $184,500 invested to date.

•Prepare over 2,600 income tax returns at no cost to local families ... over $5.4 million in returns and approximately $395,000 in annual savings.

•Fund transportation vouchers to prevent ER visits and hospitalizations and for securing jobs...18,866 rides annually and $199,805 investment to date.

•Collaborate with districts to support drop-out recovery efforts, employment oppor-tunities for youth and develop responsible young adults.

•Fund food pantries at numerous districts .

•Support grants in Starr County to address basic needs.

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2015Pillar Club Member Companies

AEP TexasAT&TBest BuyBoys and Girls Clubs Edinburg/PharrBurton McCumber & Cortez, L.L.P.Children’s Advocacy CenterCitizens Bank City of AltonCity of EdinburgCity of McAllenCity of MercedesCity of MissionCity of PharrCity of Rio Grande CityCity of RomaCity of San JuanCoca ColaCombined Federal CampaignConn’sDelphiDillard’sEdcouch - Elsa I.S.D.Edinburg C.I.S.D.Edwards Abstract & Title Co.Elsa State Bank Enterprise Rent-A-CarFederal ExpressFrost Bank GE Engine ServiceH-E-B - AlamoH-E-B - District OfficeH-E-B - DonnaH-E-B - ElsaH-E-B - Edinburg - Closner H-E-B - Edinburg - Freddy GonzalezH-E-B - McAllen - N. 10th St.H-E-B - McAllen - Pecan Blvd.H-E-B - McAllen - Expwy. 83H-E-B - Mission - ConwayH-E-B - Mission - Griffin ParkwayH-E-B - Mission - Shary Rd. H-E-B - PalmhurstH-E-B - Palmview

H-E-B - Rio Grande CityH-E-B - San JuanH-E-B - Weslaco - Texas Blvd.H-E-B - Warehouse/TransportationH-E-B - McAllen - TrentonHidalgo CountyHidalgo County Head StartHidalgo I.S.D.HoltInternational Bank of Commerce (IBC)Inter National Bank (INB)International Paper CompanyJ.C. PenneyKnapp Medical CenterKRGV TV 5La Joya I.S.D.Long Chilton L.L.P.Lone Star National BankMagic Valley Electric Co-opMayfair PropertiesMcAllen Chamber of CommerceMcAllen I.S.D.Mercedes I.S.D.Mission C.I.S.D.Navy Army CCUNuestra Clinica Del ValleNuStar EnergyOxy PetroleumPepsi Co.Petroleum SolutionsPioneer Hi-BredPharr-San Juan-Alamo I.S.D.Plains CapitalRegion OneRio Grande City C.I.S.D.Roma I.S.D.S & B InfrastructureSecurity 1st Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit UnionServing Children and Adults In Need (SCAN)Sharyland IS.D.Shepard Walton King InsuranceSilver Ribbon Community Partners

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South Texas GMCSouth Texas I.S.D.South Texas Health SystemSprintState Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC)Starr CountyStarr County HospitalStarr County Victims of Domestic Violence ProgramSu Casa de EsperanzaTarget - Las TiendasTarget - N. 10thTarget - NolanaTarget - MissionTarget Regional OfficeTexas National BankTexas Regional BankThe MonitorUnited Parcel Service (UPS)UPS Supply Chain SolutionsUnited Way of South TexasValley Land TitleVantage BankVaughan InterestWalmart/Sam’sWells FargoWeslaco I.S.D.Women TogetherJim & Joyce DeuserManolo GaribayC. Kenneth Landrum

The Pillar Club represents donors who con-tribute a minimum of $500 annually. Their gift represents their trust in United Way, to create better paths and opportunities for individuals in our community. There were approximately 775 Pillar Club Members in 2015. Thanks to you and to all who invest in United Way of South Texas.

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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 ac-countability.

•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) – man-age employee giving campaign for RGV State employees. Raise $277,051.00.

•FamilyWise - distribution of free prescription discount cards. $39,263 savings for residents in Hidalgo & Starr Counties

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As donors become more involved with United Way, they rec-ognize that United Way is the only local non-profit organiza-tion 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 volun-teers. 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.

FUND DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS:Dr. Marla Guerra, South Texas I.S.D., ChairFito Mercado, University of Texas - RGV, Co-Chair

Review Team: Approximately 35 volunteers worked on the review process, they represented the following companies:

AEP Texas

BBVA Compass

City of Mission

City of Rio Grande City

Delphi

Donna I.S.D.

Elsa State Bank

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

FED EX

Frost Bank

H.E.B.-RSC

Infinity Insurance

Inter National Bank

JP Morgan Chase

Lone Star National Bank

Long Chilton, LLP

Magic Valley Electric Co-op

Mayfair RIOCO Properties

McAllen I.S.D.

Mission C.I.S.D.

Navy Army Community CU

OXY

Target

The Monitor

Universal Pawn

U.S. F.M.C.S.A.

U.S. Postal Service

Valley Land & Title

Walmart

Wells Fargo

Education CouncilDr. Guerra, South TX I.S.D., also leads an energetic group of educators who rep-resent United Way’s Education Council. Their goal is to identify crucial needs that are faced by students who live in severe poverty, in particular, those working to earn their High School Diploma. They share amazing stories and results about some 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 less than 6 credits to graduate, but do not own a computer

•offer small emergency grants to students who face emergency needs

•fund food pantries at the districts

Council Members represent:1. Donna I.S.D.2. Edcouch-Elsa I.S.D.3. La Joya I.S.D.4. Monte Alto I.S.D.5. Mission C.I.S.D.6. Rio Grande City C.I.S.D.7. Roma I.S.D.

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Living United

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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 com-munity’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 1,321students begin the school yearwith school clothes and supplies.Karen Pittman, IBC, Adriane Almaguer, Monte Alto I.S.D. & Jireth Martinez, IBC

Instyle Shopping Spree

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American Red Cross, Iris Martinez-Juergens

Aurora House, Kathy Scheuerman

Boy Scouts Rio Grande Council, Rudy Gonzalez

Boys & Girls Club of Alamo/San Juan, Lyle Skaggs

Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg, Sabrina Hernandez

Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, James Martinez

Boys & Girls Club of Mission, Luduvuco Martinez

Boys & Girls Club of Pharr, Freddy Mata Jr.

CASA of Hidalgo County, Diana Almaguer

Children’s Advocacy Center, Victoria Medina

Community Council of the RGV, Abby Torre

Girls Scouts of Greater So. TX, Lea Peacock

Green Path, Inc., Sara Gilbert

Goodwill Industries of So. TX., John W. Owen

Hidalgo Youth Center, Gualberto Rodriguez

Mercedes Recreation Center, Richard Morin

Palmer Drug Abuse Program, Nadia Ochoa

Serving Children & Adults in Need, Isela S. Dabdoub

Silver Ribbon Community Partners, Rose Ramirez

Starr Co. Victims of Domestic Violence, Delia Perez

Su Casa De Esperanza, Lucy Fernandez

The Salvation Army, Captain Luis Melendez

Women Together, Estella De Anda

2015 Community Impact Grants

Day of Caring

The Education Council

Good Samaritan Community Svc.

“In Style” Shopping Spree

LatinaHope

Palmview Boys & Girls Youth Cntr.

RGV Literacy Center

Starr County Agencies

Transportation Vouchers

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Our Partner Agencies

United Way invests in and administers these programs. United Way Staff and Board Members are not involved in the selection of any of the recipients.

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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

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Statement of Cash Receipts and DisbursementFor the Year Ended December 31, 2014

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

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

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

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United Way of South TexasStaff

Thelma M. GarzaPresident

Lilly Lopez-KilleleaVice-President

Resource Development Director

Amelia RojasOutcome Specialist

Gloria A. HernandezCommunity Relations

Public Sector Associate

Marlen RamirezData Entry Specialist

Evangelina SchefflerAdministrative Assistant

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

www.unitedwayofsotx.org

Thank You For Your Support.

Executive Board Lee Jones Board ChairAEP Texas

Edna GarciaCampaign Vice-ChairSecurity Service FCU

Alma Ortega-Johnson Campaign Vice-Chair Wells Fargo Dr. Marla GuerraFund Distribution Vice - ChairSouth Texas I.S.D.

Adrian Villarreal Finance Vice-ChairInternational Bank of Commerce

Chris JulianCommunity Relations Vice-ChairAdvertir

Jeanette AhleniusWayland Baptist University

Danella HughesConsultant

Michael LeoHidalgo County

Fidencio MercadoThe University of Texas - RGV

Dr. James PonceMcAllen I.S.D.

Tyler StoneRIOCO

Matt WolthoffHCA Rio Grande Regional Hospital

Michelle ZamoraFrost Bank

2015 Board of Directors