annual report
RENEWED RESILIENCE
2020 - 2021
reflection
BOARD CHAIR & CEO MESSAGE
Dear Friends,
Over the past year, our community has faced challenges unlike any other, but our United Way mobilizes and responds to each challenge and obstacle that comes our way. But we couldn’t have done it alone. Even in circumstances unprecedented in our lifetimes, our community comes together time and time again, proving we can withstand even the darkest of times.
Enduring the COVID-19 pandemic on the heels of a mass casualty event and large migrant influx has tested our resolve as a community, but we continue to stay strong. Our United Way continues to support those in need, serving as the backbone for important programs, including the Community Resiliency Center, which was opened to support those financially impacted by the pandemic, and funding critical organizations throughout the community to assist those impacted by these difficult times.
Over the past year, we transitioned our programs to an online format, conducting virtual home visits through our Parents as Teachers Program and supporting the first virtual Young Leaders Society Cohort by REALIZE Board Training Program in completion of the program. We also supported the creation of the Book Nook at Sunland Park Mall and partnered with Workforce Solutions Borderplex to launch the Skills for Success program, supporting parents enrolled in our Parents as Teachers Program in obtaining job and educational certifications to gain full-time employment. While this year was a difficult one, our United Way adapted to every change that came our way.
As we navigate the recovery process of living through this pandemic, we have found strength in supporting one another in our times of need. It is because of your continuous support that our United Way can overcome these challenges and provide vital support to our community.
Even during one of our most trying and difficult years in recent times, we are accomplishing important work together in the community—work that will lift us up out of these dark times and into a brighter future. As we continue to heal and hold each other up, we continue to embody what it means to Live United, and united we will make it through.
CRYSTAL LONG
DEBORAH A. ZULOAGA
Board Chair 2020-2021
President & CEO
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
moving forward
For many individuals and organizations, the challenges of the last year led us to reflect on our ability to sustain our newly developed scope of work and adapt to a digital more virtual future. For those reasons and more, we found it imperative to begin an internal transformation that looks at who we are, how we work, and what lies ahead.
Transformation to Modern United Way
Like in many situations we find ourselves, the work that we dream up is only possible with the support of our partners. As we sought out opportunities to transform into a more “modern” United Way, the Paso del Norte Health Foundation generously awarded us a $113,942-grant to implement new internal organizational systems and invest in technology for increased effectiveness and efficiency during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This much-needed and dedicated funding will allow us to look to the future and help us better position ourselves so we can align the quality of work we produce with how we operate. With better software and technology, we are poised to rebound far better after the year that was 2020. We are currently phasing this new infrastructure but are truly excited about the possibilities.
Philanthropy & Engagement Department
The next step is the syncing of our resource development and marketing departments to create a cohesive, seamless department known as philanthropy and engagement. We saw this an opportunity to deepen the connection and engage with our donors. Through better communication, we plan to increase awareness about how donor dollars transform lives but also showcase to donors the added value of being a part of the United Way family. This merging of departments is also an acknowledgement that our methods of communication and engagement need to transition into a more inviting and digital setting. Our work has just begun in this space but the outlook is promising.
MacKenzie Scott Funded Initiatives
As part of this transformation, our United Way is also forecasting the development of programs and initiatives that tackle issues unique to our community. This work, which is in the early stages, is made possible thanks to a $5-million donation from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Our organization was among a select group of organizations nationwide and three in El Paso who received such an award. In true United Way fashion, this work will be guided by the thoughts and suggestions of stakeholders, donors, partners and volunteers to create the greatest impact on our community.