Valley of the Sun United Way remains in solidarity with community members and other organizations calling for systematic change to address racial disparities in our community and across our nation.
We continue to witness inequities and violence, most recently in Atlanta, Boulder, Knoxville and Minneapolis, and are saddened by the lives lost. Our hearts go out to those who lost a loved one, a friend or a valued community member in these tragedies and as United Way, we are committed to make a difference to help prevent the issues and crises unfolding before our eyes.
As we work toward Mighty Change with MC2026, our new five-year plan that shines a spotlight on key needs in Maricopa County, our community input and engagement has confirmed that issues which existed before the pandemic are even more intense now, and systemic racial, social, economic and educational inequities exist throughout every issue in our plan – be it Health, Housing, Education or Workforce Development - so equity must be part of every solution.
United, we must eliminate the inequities and injustices that endanger the dignity, futures and sadly, the lives of people in our own community. 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.
Over this past year, United Way started by looking inwardly at our own diversity, equity, and inclusion practices with our Board of Directors and staff, and assessed issues of equity and access in partnership with community leaders as a part of our community input process that led to our MC2026 plan. Addressing issues of equity and access is now woven throughout Valley of the Sun United Way’s MC2026 impact plan, and we are partnering with others in support of a more equitable community.
Now, as we move our work forward, we’ll deepen our dialogue with community leaders, nonprofit partners and our community and we will, as Valley of the Sun United Way, work toward a more equitable society with our voice, our community support, and all of our efforts. The way forward includes all of us, united. We look forward to engaging all who we work with to LIVE UNITED and to create MIGHTY CHANGE.
Carla Vargas Jasa
President & CEO, Valley of the Sun United Way
Our vision:
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.
MC2026 is a direct result of a year-long, community engagement and input process. This 5-Year Impact Plan is a new direction for Valley of the Sun United Way’s work that expands beyond our traditional grant-making role and includes new opportunities for Valley of the Sun United Way to drive community change in the areas of Health, Housing & Homelessness, Education, and Workforce Development.
Beginning Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Valley of the Sun United Way will open the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The grants program provides funding that is competitive, open to nonprofits and schools operating in Maricopa County. It allows United Way to partner with the community, organizations and schools for overall impact that moves forward our strategic priorities. The deadline to apply is Thursday, April 22, 2021.
United Way belongs to our community and our number one focus is to nimbly and effectively respond to, and develop solutions for, our Valley’s most pressing needs. We will ACTIVATE resources, ACTIVATE corporate and nonprofit partners, ACTIVATE change, ACTIVATE hope, and provide real solutions to the immediate and evolving needs of our community.
By working with partners to address the digital divide, we ensure every student in the Valley has equal access to a quality education whether that’s at home or in a physical classroom.
United, we help hard-working families achieve stability and success.
By partnering with leaders and residents in local communities, we can build long-term solutions to the emerging issues our community tells us are most vital.
Give a charitable donation that assists hardworking families by supporting areas like job skill training, childcare, education, and more.
View Valley of the Sun United Way's comprehensive COVID-19 community response report.
During these unprecedented times, we are committed to supporting urgent and emerging needs of Valley families and individuals, and the nonprofits serving them. With an in-kind donation, you can quickly provide support to areas of the highest need in our community. View the items our nonprofit partners are in need of by visiting the links below.
Maricopa County Funeral Assistance program provides help for grieving families who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and have recently lost a loved one. Through the program, families can qualify for up to $1,200 to be applied to burial or cremation services at a participating licensed funeral home. Losing a loved is especially difficult for Maricopa County residents who are also dealing with the financial burdens of COVID-19-related furloughs, work layoffs, reductions in pay, unemployment and other personal hardships. The program helps cover the costs of burial or cremation services during these difficult times.
WATCH: Maricopa County Funeral Assistance Program
Maricopa County Funeral Assistance program is available between 8 AM-5 PM, Monday through Friday (except holidays). To apply, please email us at funeralassistance@vsuw.org
or call 602.240.6384. For more information, visit the links below.
The Valley’s top companies and organizations are coming together to activate change for families in our community.