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My life used to be typical in regards to living and lifestyle. Living the American dream. Great job, great home, great family, and great life. Until I found myself homeless…

Vello, the virtual tutoring program making its way into elementary schools across the nation, has finished the pilot period and is ready to launch into the new school year. The program allows passionate professionals to be a tutor from anywhere, even on their lunch break at work, with children in need of one on one attention to build their reading skills.

As poverty continues to thrive in our community, remember that making a large impact can’t happen with just one organization. Companies throughout the Valley have come together to break the cycle of poverty by donating and volunteering with Valley of the Sun United Way.

​When looking to throw a birthday party, celebrate some exciting news, or get together just because you can, having a theme can give the festivities and extra spark. Here are some tips on how to really go all in on these fun themes.

Here in the Valley, 1 in 4 children live in poverty, the fifth highest rate in the U.S., meaning families of 4 are living on less than $25,000 a year. However the impact doesn’t stop there. Believe it or not, poverty affects each and every one of us.

Did you know that 604,200 adults, seniors, and children experience hunger in Maricopa County? Of that, approximately 82,000 households, or about 211,000 individuals, experience chronic hunger. We unite against hunger.

In Maricopa County there are hundreds of individuals, volunteers, donors, and organizations out there raising their hands to make change happen. These are the people dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty, ready to be the game changers, making a difference in the lives of local families every day. This year our volunteers, donors, and partners have made amazing things happen in our community.

What would you do? It’s summer in Arizona and the sun is bearing heat down like it’s throwing fire. Luckily you’re in your car with the AC on full blast, feeling the cool breeze brush past you and fill your car with a refreshing coldness. The stoplight ahead turns red and you have to wait for your next chance to go when you notice the person on the corner with a cardboard sign.

Teaching moments are happening all the time in the life of a child. Every experience they have helps to shape them into who they will become as an adult. They absorb all information as they take in the world around them. We have an opportunity to show children an idea for parties that can be a little different.