UNITED IS THE WAYTM
to create Mighty Change
“Everyone deserves to live in a society where they feel safe, respected and protected. We can, and must, do better to guarantee the human rights, freedom and the ability to succeed of every person.”
Carla Vargas Jasa
President & CEO
Valley of the Sun United Way
Creating Mighty Change
We cannot beat today’s issues with yesterday’s thinking. Change demands bold new solutions. Therefore, we are redeploying our energies and realigning our resources and partners to drive Mighty Change in our community. Together, we tackle the systemic, interrelated issues holding us back to create more opportunity and access throughout the Valley. Progress will be tracked and reported annually, and we will change courses as needed to stay focused on the right programs and solutions to reach our goals.
Here is where we are focusing our efforts:
Education
Housing & Homelessness
Health
Workforce Development
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion
In 2020, together, our Board of Directors and staff developed the following Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion (DEAI) Vision to guide our organization and the work of MC2026 on behalf of our community.
Inequities are deeply ingrained and systemically upheld. Our work is generational, and no lasting change happens overnight. We will dig deep, confront issues with honesty and take the difficult steps every day to accomplish these goals. Over time and with sustained effort, as the principles of DEAI integrate into all elements of how Valley of the Sun United Way functions, we will shift our organizational culture, ensuring both internal and external work filters through a DEAI lens. We will stand in solidarity with community members and partner with other organizations calling for systemic change to address racial disparities in our community and across our nation. We will lead by example, sharing best practices, learnings, as well as remaining open to listening and learning from others.
Investing long term in DEAI is our duty to the diverse communities we serve. Proving our sustained commitment to equity and inclusion we will build trust with those communities, and reshape the public narratives surrounding our organizational impacts.
We will model the importance of starting with self to create the change we want to see for our sector and society. As a 95-year-old organization and demonstrated community leader, we plan to showcase that progress and change are absolutely possible, no matter the size, age, or history of any entity.
Thank you, Corporate Partners!
We couldn’t do it without you! Our corporate partners work with us to create a stronger community by launching workplace campaigns, advocating, and volunteering their time and talent. By supporting Mighty Change, companies are sending a powerful message to employees and customers that care about the place they call home and want to help make a difference. Taking the lead is our Million Dollar Corporate Circle, the partners that impact our community with a commitment of more than $1 million annually:
APS, Edward Jones, Freeport-McMoRan and QuikTrip.
Ways to Give
By supporting Valley of the Sun United Way, you’re helping thousands of residents get the tools they need to succeed.
Learn More →Volunteer Opportunities In Phoenix
There are many different ways you can improve the lives of people around you.
Learn More →Advocate
Sometimes the most powerful way to get involved is to speak up.
Learn More →Join a Group
One of the best ways to create Mighty Change alongside Valley of the Sun United Way is to join an affinity group.
Learn More →What We’re Up To
Amanda was a single mother struggling to raise her three young children after the death of their father. As a dental assistant earning $45,000 annually, she knew she needed to upskill to earn a livable wage for her single-income family of four. With the help of Arizona Career Pathways, she enrolled in Phoenix College’s Dental Hygiene program.
The Literacy Hub at Lattie Coor School is one way United Way and its partners are meeting the community where they are to address inequities and needs.
Valley of the Sun United Way is pleased to announce the opening of its 2025-2026 request for proposals for eligible nonprofits, schools and other community organizations operating throughout Maricopa County.
On January 13, nearly 200 partners came together for our annual MC2026 Scorecard report event, part of our promise to provide community-level data of our collective efforts to achieve Mighty Change throughout Maricopa County.
Maximize visibility and brand recognition through social media to bolster sales or fundraising efforts, increase awareness and garner a larger audience for activating community support.
Addressing food insecurity requires collaboration with community partners in meeting immediate needs, while developing long-term solutions.
Expanding on employees’ current skill sets and allowing them to grow into new roles can improve financial returns
Promoting regular attendance to reduce chronic absenteeism continues to be top initiative for improving educational outcomes
Announcement marks third year of funding by the NBA Foundation in support of Valley women.
Our outstanding Board of Directors guide our strategy, govern our policies and provide fiduciary oversight, all while ensuring we reflect and represent the community we serve.
With the end of her Section 8 housing lease drawing near and nothing available to transition into, Diamond and her children found themselves with no options, nowhere to go and on the verge of homelessness.
2024 annual Point-In-Time Count report indicates positive shifts in homelessness statistics.
