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We met Robert Wiggins at Arizona StandDown in 2015 where he recruited about 60 of his Charles Schwab colleagues to volunteer as guest guides to serve homeless veterans in the Valley. He was giddy and proud then for the opportunity to participate in the event. This year, he doubled the number, bringing 120 volunteers. The mission for Robert is a personal one.

Serving Valley Veterans Brings Joy & Pride. More than 2,000 volunteers are needed to help serve our military veterans at this week’s Arizona StandDown. Among those answering the call are employees from area businesses including Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, Bank of America and USAA.

While those in the military are taught to “StandDown” as a means to withdraw or disengage in force or combat, we at Valley of the Sun United Way are proud to stand up for Arizona veterans. Take a look at how we serve the brave men and women who serve our country every day.

We are embarking on a new year, and for most of us, this means a period of unveiled excitement, hopefulness, high levels of emotional energy and usually renewing promises to accomplish a goal(s)that we’ve struggled with every year before—goals like lose weight, exercise more, give up smoking, get our finances in order. Sound familiar? Guess what? We can and we will be successful at money management by following these four simple steps that will take you into the New Year and beyond.

With support from SRP, APS and Palo Verde, students also get on-site looks at the variety of energy industry careers available in their own communities.

As a mom and former teacher, the positive support I’ve seen for teachers this fall is incredibly encouraging. The passage of local school bonds and overrides helped to increase funding for public education. This collective action demonstrates local voters and the general public recognize that education is one of Arizona’s biggest priorities.

For many children in our community, breakfast is much more than a morning meal; it’s a vital pathway to successful learning, good health and a sense of security. “We aren’t just feeding hungry children,” says Jayson Matthews, Director of Ending Hunger at Valley of the Sun United Way. “We’re making that meal the best part of their day by providing nutritious, good-tasting food in a safe, happy, non-stressful environment in the presence of their friends and a caring adult.”

“Homelessness is a condition, not an identity.” That is the understanding that Barb Perry says inspired her to write the poem, I Am Sam.

“Experiencing homelessness should never define or place a value on any individual,” says Barb, Director of Annual Workforce Giving at Valley of the Sun United Way. “We are all human. We all strive to survive.”

Woodson spoke at his middle school alma mater as part of Extra Mile For Teachers, a program sponsored by the National College Football Playoff Foundation, the Arizona Organizing Committee and Valley of the Sun United Way. The initiative supports public school teachers by funding classroom projects, as well as providing professional development and leadership training.

Here’s a look inside Ms. McNabb’s classroom during the big moment!