2023 Annual Report

100 years

in the making

reflection

Chair & CEO Message

Dear Friends,

Since 1923, we have been a pillar to the El Paso community. We have shown that we are adaptable and resilient. We evolve and respond to the current needs of El Paso, embracing any new avenues and opportunities. As a connector to the community, we continue to connect partners, leverage resources, and transform lives through successful programs and engagement opportunities.

The past few years have tested our community, to say the least. Our community has witnessed challenges, tragedy, and a worldwide pandemic. It was and is because of you that our community has turned to our United Way to help, to heal, and to serve the most affected and vulnerable. We recognize that only with your generous support can our work be made possible.

Last year, we continued our resiliency efforts through the El Paso United Community Resiliency and Family Resiliency Centers, which were founded to support El Pasoans impacted financially by COVID and the August 3rd tragedy, respectively. We were also able to support our local senior citizens to cover the costs of much-needed items and services that weren’t fully covered through social services. We were also able to successfully launch our new Caring Homes Initiative (CHI), which supports and builds the capacity of home-based childcare programs owned by minority women in the borderland.

As we begin the celebration of our centennial anniversary, we see that a brighter tomorrow is within reach. This report is evidence that by being united, we can make a difference and create a lasting impact in our community. We cannot wait for the future we are building together.

Sincerely,
CINDY CONROY
Board Chair 2022-2023

DEBORAH A. ZULOAGA
President & CEO

Cindy Conroy
Board Chair, 2022-2023

Deborah A. Zuloaga
President & CEO

Who We Are

Strategic Update

reflection

We are no strangers to supporting our community when challenges arise. In 1923, with a population of almost 102,000 and growing, a visionary group of El Pasoans saw the need for a collective fundraising response for community health and social services. From these humble beginnings, our United Way, a century later, continues its collective community impact.

These past few years have tested our resiliency and the El Paso community’s resolve unlike any other. We have navigated through an influx of families seeking asylum, the August 3rd mass casualty event, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our community entrusted us to take the reins and support those impacted by these emerging needs. We did so with the support of our corporate and community partners to ensure that El Pasoans thrive despite the challenges.

After the August 3rd tragedy and the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew El Pasoans needed the right resources and services to make it through these unprecedented events. We also knew there were organizations providing them, but the bridge between the two wasn't always clear. By founding the El Paso United Family Resiliency and Community Resiliency Centers, our United Way helped navigate the way.

Through the centers, our United Way created a team of resiliency navigators and developed high-quality standards for navigation services. With the Family Resiliency Center, we were able to introduce the community to a wide range of traditional and nontraditional therapies that helped them find healing and support after the tragedy. The Community Resiliency Center oversees and leads resiliency efforts, and refers El Pasoans who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to vital services including rental and utility assistance.

As United Way of El Paso County begins its centennial anniversary, we look forward to continuing strategic partnerships with diverse organizations and magnifying the impact we have with our dollars and our vision for a strong El Paso.

While we reflect on all that we have accomplished in 100 years, one thing is certain–we will continue to be a connector that is highly adaptable to the changing needs in our community and serve as an advocate for all El Pasoans in need.

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our impact

Collaborations

When the COVID-19 pandemic unprecedentedly impacted our community on the heels of the August 3rd mass casualty event, we stepped in to ensure El Pasoans could be connected to the resources and services they needed to thrive despite these challenges.

El Paso United Community Resiliency Center

RESPONSE

EFFORTS

$2,023,000 was distributed for rental and utility assistance through El Paso United

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, city and county officials identified the need to establish a center to support El Pasoans struggling financially due to the hardships brought on by the pandemic. Our United Way was entrusted with this endeavor. We served as the backbone for the center, overseeing and leading resilience efforts and assisting El Pasoans access a wide array of services. Operating virtually, the CRC successfully connected El Pasoans to housing stability resources, such as rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. In turn, helping individuals to pay for living expenses at an uncertain time when job losses and pay cuts were on the rise. Once connected to the CRC, individuals are referred to resiliency navigators who work closely with them to learn their individual needs and develop a personalized plan to make gains towards recovery and resiliency. Further examples of community partner assistance include connecting households to resources for food insecurity, mental health and wellness, healthcare, workforce and job-skill building. Between 2021 and 2023, the CRC made over 3,300 referrals to basic needs assistance, supporting more than 1,915 households throughout the borderland.

El Paso United Family Resiliency Center

Our United Way leads the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center, founded to support individuals who were directly or indirectly impacted by the August 3rd tragedy. Since its opening on December 19th, 2019, the FRC has partnered with local agencies to connect El Pasoans with support to facilitate their healing journeys. The FRC team is composed of dedicated resiliency navigators who support individuals and families to meet their specific needs. Navigators provide referrals for counseling, financial planning, legal guidance, and spiritual care while also working to dismantle mental health stigma. In addition to connecting El Pasoans to valuable resources and services, the FRC team conducts outreach and education to further promote mental health and wellbeing within the community. One way we’ve accomplished this is by creating the United & Resilient podcast, which gives us the opportunity to interview mental health professionals, hear from local leaders, and speak with El Pasoans about their thoughts and experiences, providing listeners with an insider’s perspective on the topic. Between 2022 and 2023, resiliency navigators provided more than 744 referrals, serving more than 296 adults and 101 children. The work the FRC has accomplished is made possible through valuable partnerships: Center Against Family & Sexual Violence Compadres Therapy Creative Kids Deborah Grado El Paso Child Guidance Center Emergence Health Network West Texas Responders Alliance YMCA of El Paso YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region

296 individuals who were affected by the August 3rd tragedy were served through El Paso United

Parents as Teachers

EDUCATION

1,793 home visits were conducted between, both in-person and virtually, serving 214 children and 200 families

The Parents as Teachers (PAT) program is an evidence-based, award-winning, free home visitation program that supports early childhood development by teaching parents and caregivers about important milestones and school readiness. Once enrolled in the program, families receive personalized visitations from our parent educators with an emphasis on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family wellbeing. Parents and caregivers enrolled in the program also gain access to exclusive events, a resource network comprised of local organizations and services, and more. PAT hosted a variety of events and activities to provide families and caregivers with resources, skill development, and foster connections between the families enrolled in the program. Between July 2022 and July 2023, Parent Educators conducted 1,793 home visits, both in-person and virtually, serving 214 children and 200 families. Last year, more than 500 resources were provided to these families.

Grade-Level Reading

United Way’s Grade-Level Reading Initiative works to ensure every child in El Paso is able to read at grade level, fostering school success. We accomplish this through strategic book distributions and through efforts at the Book Nook at Sunland Park Mall. Book Distribution In an effort to build children’s personal libraries, our United Way team successfully distributed 2,500 quality, age-appropriate books to children throughout the community between 2022 and 2023. We attended ten kid-friendly events that allowed us to meet new families and distribute books to children on a broader scale. Book Nook Partnering with the Sunland Park Mall team, our United Way helped open the Book Nook on the mall’s top floor. The Book Nook serves as a safe space for families to gather, to read, to play, and to spend time together. To further engage families of young children, our United Way and the Sunland Park Mall team host First Fridays at the Book Nook every first Friday of every month, complete with themed readings, crafts, and activities. First Fridays at the Book Nook started in August of 2021 and also served as another opportunity for us to distribute books to children and families.

2,500 quality, age-appropriate books were distributed to children throughout the community

Healthy Kids: The Borderland Out-of-School Time Network (BOOST)

BASIC NEEDS

Our United Way is proud to serve as the backbone for the Paso del Norte Health Foundation’s Healthy Kids Initiative. As the backbone, we support and coordinate different efforts to advance their goal of engaging disconnected youth in the Paso del Norte region through high-quality out-of-school time programs in order to improve a wide range of health outcomes. As part of the initiative, 12 trainings were provided to grantees and out-of-school (OST) program providers. BOOST Network BOOST is a network of out-of-school time (OST) providers in El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. It is led by the United Way of El Paso County in partnership with the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, working together to ensure youth in the region have access to quality afterschool programs, promoting safe places for youth, opportunities for enrichment, and environments to learn healthy habits. BOOST also serves as a conduit to support parents and community members in finding adequate OST programs in their wide membership offerings. Between 2022 and 2023, the BOOST Network had a total of 52 OST providers, supported by a six-member steering committee that provided oversight and guidance for the network's efforts. In 2022, 191 individuals attended BOOST's quarterly meetings. Our combined efforts have evolved to adapt to the demands of the pandemic, offering both in-person and virtual events and initiatives for both our members and the parents and youth of our communities

The BOOST Network had a total of 52 out of school time providers

Senior Fund

$28,372 was raised to provide specialized needs for El Paso seniors

The Senior Fund is a collaboration between the Area Agency on Aging, the El Paso Times, and our United Way. The Senior Fund helps pay for items and services that are not fully covered by other social services. Last year, the El Paso community raised more than $28,000 to provide items and services, including safety improvements, dentures, hearing aids, and more.

Emergency Food & Shelter Program

An average of 295,596 meals and 25,451 nights at shelters were covered by EFSP funding

The Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) supports those experiencing hunger and homelessness throughout the El Paso community. Our United Way administers and helps facilitate EFSP with a local jurisdiction board to assist organizations and essential programs offering provisions and housing to those most in need. Through EFSP, United Way also administers funds to support the community during emerging needs, including large influxes of migrants. An average of 10 organizations have been awarded almost $30 million to support and provide humanitarian assistance with regard to migrant services.

SingleCare

$652,014.33 was saved on prescriptions in El Paso, with nearly 9,500 individuals receiving SingleCare cards

Formerly known as FamilyWize, the SingleCare prescriptions savings card program helps individuals save money on their prescriptions, regardless if they have insurance or not. Our United Way is proud to partner with SingleCare to help El Pasoans save money on life-saving prescriptions, vaccines, and more by promoting their services through social media and email marketing. Between 2022 and 2023, El Pasoans saved $652,014.33 on their prescriptions, with nearly 9,500 individuals receiving SingleCare cards. Since introducing SingleCare to the community in 2006, El Pasoans have saved $4.2 million on their prescriptions.

Caring Homes Initiative

To better support small businesses providing home-based childcare services in El Paso, our United Way created the Caring Homes Initiative (CHI). Launched in 2022, the program aims to build the capacity of small, minority-owned childcare businesses by connecting entrepreneurs with resource navigation and financial assistance to stabilize or grow their businesses. CHI advocates for the future generations of El Paso by supporting small business owners in their financial and managerial capacities, providing mentorship and guidance, and increasing access to and improving childcare services to meet safety and quality standards of licensure. The Caring Homes Initiative is made possible thanks to grants from the Rockefeller Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, PNC Foundation, and Texas Mutual allowing us to support small local home-based childcare businesses.

FINANCIAL

STABILITY

Young Leaders Society (YLS)

A total of 272 Young Leaders Society members in 2023

The Young Leaders Society (YLS) consists of young professionals looking to further their philanthropic journey in order to support their community and make a bigger impact on the city they love. YLS members gain access to high-quality events, professional development opportunities, and volunteer opportunities throughout the city. In 2023, we had the pleasure of once again hosting our ENGAGE Young Professionals Leadership Summit in person, drawing more than 200 YLS members to the day-long event. This year’s theme, The Power of Intentionality, encompassed the art of leading a life filled with intentionality to exceed in establishing a professional, personal, and philanthropic legacy—all while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The summit featured a distinguished keynote speaker, Karla Martínez de Salas, Editor in Chief/Head of Editorial Content at Vogue Mexico and Latin America. ENGAGE also featured two curated panels on intentional philanthropy and intentional balance, as well as opportunities for networking and mentorship. Members also gain exclusive access to the REALIZE x YLS Board Training Program. The cohort is taught by local BoardSource-certified professionals. Offered over the course of three Saturdays, young professionals undergo a series of courses to learn more about how to further their impact on the community through nonprofit board governance. With a value of $1,300, YLS members can complete the program for free. In 2022, a cohort of 25 individuals completed the program.

COMMUNITY

ENGAGEMENT

RISE with YLS

A total of 135 RISE members in 2023

As a stepping stone to our esteemed Young Leaders Society, our donor network, RISE, serves to support the philanthropic journeys of budding young professionals. Members of RISE gain access to an exclusive event as well as one YLS event per year, further engaging the community and connecting with other young professionals. As of 2023, RISE has a total of 135 members.

Small Business Big Impact

Our newly launched Small Business, Big Impact donor network helps small businesses further their impact in the community. Through their participation, these local businesses are able to develop their social responsibility by connecting to our United Way through civic engagement, philanthropy, and volunteerism. Businesses that join the network are offered benefits to help them succeed, including spotlighting their businesses on digital channels.

REALIZE Board Training Program

In partnership with the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, United Way delivers the REALIZE Board Training Program that helps prepare board members–or those interested in serving on boards–to successfully lead a nonprofit board and support the El Paso community. The program is taught by local BoardSource certified professionals. The nine courses focus on helping board members learn about roles and the individual responsibilities of serving on a board, fiscal oversight, the board's role in fundraising, facilitating dialogue between board members, working with CEOs, and more. REALIZE courses include nonprofit board governance, fiscal oversight and accountability, fundraising, and more. This past year, through a specially curated REALIZE X YLS program, 25 members of the Young Leaders Society completed all nine courses of the board training program. United Way also piloted Get on Board, an effort to match REALIZE X YLS graduates with local non-profit boards. Seven recent REALIZE X YLS graduates were matched. The Lunch & Learn series offered on average twice a month is designed to provide a valuable curriculum to those who currently serve or are interested in serving on a nonprofit board during their lunch breaks. Over the past year, 18 REALIZE Lunch & Learn sessions were offered and more than 195 individuals participated. REALIZE Board Training is also available to individual boards of 10 or more members.

18 REALIZEL Lunch& Learn sessions were offered and more than 195 individuals participated

VolunteerElPaso.org

A total of 11,820 volunteer profiles, with 224 agencies posting their volunteer need

VolunteerElPaso.org is an online database that connects El Pasoans to volunteer opportunities throughout the city. Organizations in need of volunteers can post the details to the database, allowing individuals hoping to give their time to search for opportunities that meet their interests. This database has been of special importance as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, the August 3rd mass casualty event, and multiple migrant influxes. Between 2022 and 2023, there were a total of 11,820 volunteer profiles, with 224 agencies posting needs. In the past year, 1,331 needs were met.

AmeriCorps

As a national service program, AmeriCorps VISTA is designed to build the capacity of organizations working to empower individuals and communities. Through the hard work of our AmeriCorps VISTA members, we’ve supported the El Paso County Housing Authority, UT Health of Houston-El Paso, and United Way. Between 2022 and 2023, AmeriCorps VISTA members completed 13,100 hours of service for the community.

13,100 volunteer hours were completed by AmeriCorps VISTA members

Board of Directors

our volunteers

Board Leadership

Cynthia Conroy - WestStar

Board Chair

VJ Smith - Marathon Petroleum

Board Chair Elect

Elizabeth O’Hara - Texas Gas Service

Vice Chair, Resource Development

Elizabeth Dipp-Metzger - Crown Wealth Strategies

Secretary

Roseanne de la Fuente Rueda - Community Leader

Treasurer

Ruben Hernandez - JP Morgan Chase

Immediate Past Board Chair

Rob Anderson - The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus Christopher Arriola - Top Techs Garage James Brewer - Kemp Smith LLP Tello Cabrera - SBNG Certified Public Accountants Jacob Cintron - University Medical Center Blake Downey - Scott Hulse PC Attorneys at Law Thomas Gabriel - WestStar Wealth Management Art Garza - Del Sol Medical Center Don Karl - Las Palmas Medical Center Crystal Long - GECU Cheryl Mele - El Paso Electric Leila Melendez - Workforce Solutions Borderplex Dr. James Payne - University of Texas at El Paso Giselle Smith-Johnson - WestStar CP Patsatzis - Marathon Petroleum Julie Summerford-Pearson - Hunt Companies Brad Taylor - MountainStar Sports Group Omar Villa - University Medical Center Joshua Villalobos - El Paso Community College Hector Villegas - PNC Bank Rebecca Whitaker Gonzales - Freeport-McMoRan Inc. Dr. Stephanie Woods - Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Nathan Worley - The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus Troy Wyatt - Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods Alejandro Yu - Raiz Federal Credit Union Governance Committee Ruben Hernandez, Chair Christopher Arriola James Brewer Cynthia Conroy CP Patsatzis Joshua Villalobos Finance Committee Roseanne de la Fuente Rueda, Chair Tello Cabrera Cynthia Conroy Ruben Hernandez Don Karl Dr. James Payne Hector Villegas Nathan Worley Troy Wyatt Human Resources Committee Omar Villa, Chair Jacob Cintron Cynthia Conroy Blake Downey Brad Taylor Dr. Stephanie Woods

Our Collaborations

Our Volunteers

our volunteers

Committees

Thanks to individuals to share their time and talent, we have successfully formed committees that guide and review our next steps for programs and more.

El Paso United Family Resiliency Center (FRC) Advisory Committee Fabiola Eckleberry - Licensed Professional Counselor Nicole Ferrini - City of El Paso Rene Hurtado - Emergence Health Network Enrique Mata - Paso Del Norte Community Foundation Mario Porras - El Paso Community Foundation Isidro Torres - NAMI David Stout - El Paso County Commissioner FRC Contract Proposal Reviewers Maria Covernalli – Familias Triunfadoras/H.O.P.E. Maricruz Chavez – City of El Paso Isidro Torres – NAMI FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program Guadalupe Arellano - Community Representative Fernando Berjano - City of El Paso Jose Castrellon - Catholic Counseling Services Maj. Florian Estrada - The Salvation Army Susan Goodell - El Pasoan's Fighting Hunger Food Bank Ramon Hernandez - Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Joy Leos - Texas 211 Yvette Lugo - Area Agency on Aging Mark Matthys - University Presbyterian Church Rebecca Mendez - Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso Hector Montes - AFSCME Margarita Sanchez - Community Representative Julie Summerford-Pearson - United Way of El Paso County Board Member Raymond Tullius - Opportunity Center for the Homeless Irene Valenzuela - El Paso County Steve Yellen - Ameriprise Senior Fund Advisory Committee Alexsandra Annello - El Paso City Representative Tim Archuleta - El Paso Times Yvette Lugo - Area Agency on Aging Elizabeth O'Hara - Texas Gas Service Katherine Vandertulip - Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Daniel Vasquez - GECU Young Leaders Society Advisory Board Thomas Gabriel, President - WestStar Alexandra Chavez - Bank of America and BofA Securities Chelsea Lynch - The Hospitals of Providence East Campus Jose Melendez - Vantage Bank Jennifer Navar - Las Palmas Medical Center Manuel Quinonez - Primera Engineers Nick Seckerson - MountainStar Sports Group Alejandro Yu - Raiz Federal Credit Union Parents as Teachers Advisory Committee Claudia Diaz-Orozco - El Paso Center for Children Gilda Gil - El Paso Center for Children Nema LeCuyer - Trinity-First United Methodist Church Gloria Marmolejo - Project Vida Avelyn Murillo - Community Resiliency Center Sylvia Talley - Center Against Sexual & Family Violence Valeri Walters - Family Partnerships BOOST Advisory Committee Monica Jasso - Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Maribel Lechuga - University of Texas at El Paso Alicia Ramirez - CASA Promocion Juvenil Alysha Swann - Insights El Paso Emmanuel Trujillo - La Rodadora El Paso United Family Resiliency Center Advisory Committee Fabiola Ekleberry - Independent Licensed Professional Counselor Nicole Ferrini - City of El Paso Rene Hurtado - Emergence Health Network Enrique Mata - Paso Del Norte Community Foundation Mario Porras - El Paso Community Foundation Nickole Rodriguez - City of El Paso David Stout - County Commissioner Isidro Torres - NAMI City of El Paso Employees Combined Charities Campaign Committee Araceli Guerra- City of El Paso Mary L. Michel - City of El Paso Virginia Theroux - City of El Paso El Paso County Employees Combined Charitable Campaign Committee Jackie Butler - El Paso County Christabelle Guzman - El Paso County Yulissa Rubio - El Paso County Janet Sanchez - El Paso County Texas State Employees Charitable Campaign Committee Carmen Calderon - Texas Department of Public Safety Margarita Garcia - Texas Department of Criminal Justice Vanessa Leon- The University of Texas at El Paso Norma Rincon - Texas Tech University Health Science Center

Arcos

our investors

Arco de Diamante
$250,000+

Arco de Platino
$150,000 - $125,000

Arco de Oro
$100,000 - $150,000

Arco de Plata
$50,000 - $100,000

Our Investors

our team

Staff Members

Deborah A. Zuloaga

President & CEO

Georgina Hernández

Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer

Finance and Administration

Stacy Anderson

Director of Finance & Administration

Maria Barron

Pledges Receivable and Purchasing Specialist

Karla Lozano

Accountant

Terry Maldonado

Administration Specialist

Rita Rios

Grants Administrator

Nina Siros

Special Projects Administrator

Marketing & Engagement

Carlos Armendariz

Director of Marketing & Engagement

Mary Aikman

Marketing & Communication Specialist

Daniel Mendez

Marketing & Communications Associate

Philanthropy

Arnold Naves

Director of Philanthropy

Faouziath Moustapha

Development Specialist

Mariana Sierra

Donor Relations Manager

Community Impact

Community Resiliency

Angelica Mata Lindstrom

Senior Director of Community Resiliency

El Paso United Family Resiliency Center

Alberto Ruiz Aguilar

Interim Director

Oscar Arriaga

Outreach Coordinator

Desiree Castillo

Resource Specialist

Lubia Gwak

Resiliency Navigator

Fabian Laveaga Luna

Resiliency Navigator

Valerie Mendoza

Resiliency Navigator

Kristina Moyer

Resiliency Navigator

Jesus Quinonez

Grants Administrator

El Paso United Community Resiliency Center (CRC)

Maria Dolores Arreola

City CRC Resiliency Specialist

Braulio Banuelos

County CRC Resiliency Navigator

Destiny Garcia

City CRC Outreach Coordinator

Daniela Garcia Morales

City CRC Resiliency Navigator

Cassandra Gutierrez

County CRC Resiliency Specialist

Diana Lopez

County CRC Resiliency Specialist

Karla Mata

County CRC Compliance Specialist

Avelyn Murillo

City CRC Resiliency Navigator

Jacqueline Ontiveros

County CRC Resiliency Navigator

Laura Sandoval

City CRC Resiliency Navigator

Natalia Sanchez-Fuentes

County CRC Compliance Specialist

Anais Shults

El Paso United Community Resiliency Center Manager

Mary Jo Werito

City CRC Resiliency Navigator

Strategic Partnerships

Kimberly Cedillo

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Enrique Garcia

Healthy Kids Manager

Ana Ramirez

Healthy Kids Marketing Coordinator

Karen Martinez

Workforce Development Manager

Early Childhood Initiatives

Violeta Lopez-Unzueta

Director of Early Childhood Initiatives

HOPES Parents as Teachers

Leticia Campos