25-26 IMPACT REPORT
WHO WE ARE
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR AND PRESIDENT & CEO
DEAR FRIENDS, PARTNERS, AND SUPPORTERS
At United Way of El Paso County, our mission is simple but powerful: to connect our community through programs and engagement that positively impact lives. This year, that mission came to life in meaningful ways across our region.
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As El Paso faced challenges, from a government shutdown and reductions in SNAP benefits to the Northeast water line break, we saw what’s possible when a community is truly connected. Through strong partnerships, shared leadership, and intentional investment in programs, we were able to respond quickly while also supporting long-term stability.
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Families were able to remain in their homes during times of financial uncertainty. Children and youth gained access to safe, enriching opportunities beyond the school day. Individuals navigating crisis found not just services, but coordinated care designed to help them move forward.
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This work reflects our vision of a united El Paso County where individuals and families thrive. It’s not just about meeting urgent needs; it’s about creating pathways to opportunity and building a stronger foundation for the future.
Every connection made, every dollar invested, and every hour volunteered helped move our community closer to that vision.
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Thank you for being part of this work and for helping us continue building a stronger, more resilient El Paso.
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With gratitude,
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Julianne Yuhas
Senior Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer
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Alberto Ruiz
Senior Director, Community Resiliency
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Priscilla Escobar
Director,
Finance & Administration
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Kimberly Cedillo
Director,
Strategic Partnerships
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Andrea Macias
Director, Philanthropy
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Lauren Falco
Director,
Marketing & Engagement
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Violeta Lopez-Unzueta
Director,
Parents as Teachers
IMPACT SNAPSHOT
​In 2025–2026, United Way of El Paso County strengthened its commitment to building a more resilient community by investing in programs that uplift families, expand resources and skills for local nonprofits, and create pathways to long-term stability for all. We responded to urgent community needs in times of crisis while working alongside local partners to deliver coordinated, community-driven solutions.
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Together, we are building a stronger, more connected El Paso, one that is prepared to meet challenges and move forward with purpose. United is the Way we show up, respond, and create lasting impact for our community.
1,100+
Individuals & Families Supported through United Way
$446K+
Invested to Keep Families Safely Housed
8,700+
Children & Youth Connected to Opportunity
9,180+
Volunteer Hours Mobilized in Support of our Nonprofits
BLUE RIBBON
CERTIFICATION
Our Parents as Teachers program earned Blue Ribbon certification through their national affiliate, recognized as giving high quality services to children and families
Every dollar given helped move individuals from crisis to stability. Every partnership strengthened outcomes that no single organization could achieve alone.
This is what happens when a community unites around shared goals. United is the Way generosity has a measurable impact.
OUR INVESTORS
In times of crisis, our community investors lead with action. During the government shutdown, partners like GECU, El Paso Electric, and WestStar Bank mobilized to support families impacted by furloughs and reduced SNAP benefits.
Together, this effort helped serve 1,100+ households, providing 850 food baskets and turkeys, supported by $10,000+ in combined contributions and 450+ volunteer hours.
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​We extend our sincere gratitude to our investors whose commitment to workplace giving helps drive meaningful community impact. Their leadership and investment demonstrate the vital role corporate responsibility plays in sustaining nonprofit work and strengthening our community for the future. Our Arcos embody the true spirit of giving, ranking top amongst the companies who have donated.
United is the Way generosity has a measurable impact.
Arco de Diamante [$250,000+]
Freeport-McMoRan
Marathon Petroleum
Arco de Platino [$150,000 - $249,000]
GECU
WestStar
Arco de Oro [$100,000 - $149,000]
El Paso Electric
Texas Gas Service
El Paso Water
WHEN CRISIS HIT, WE RESPONDED
Within a three-month period, El Paso experienced significant hardship, facing a government shutdown and reductions in SNAP benefits, to a water main break in Northeast El Paso. This left families across our city facing immediate uncertainty.
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That’s where we come in.
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During the government shutdown, United Way’s extensive network of resources, volunteers, and corporate donors encouraged local entities to entrust us to not only respond to the crisis, but to coordinate immediate action. In these times, we were able to provide rapid stabilization and community support.
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Raised $35,000+ in emergency support that was reinvested into food distribution and critical community assistance
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Provided 1,100 households with immediate relief of food insecurity during Thanksgiving
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Mobilized 450+ volunteer hours to help distribute food boxes & turkeys for the holidays ​
UNITED IS THE WAY FORWARD
THE CENTER FOR RESILIENCY:
​​​Healing & Wellness
In 2025–2026, the Center for Resiliency supported 215 participants, including 17 children and 198 adults, by connecting them to mental health services. The Center offered 868 hours of traditional and non-traditional therapies. These therapies include yoga, sound baths, music-based therapy, and traditional counseling.
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98% of participants reported learning healthier ways to manage overwhelming emotions through the Center for Resiliency’s support.
Housing & Financial Stability ​
On one side, healing, on the other, stability and resilience.
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In addition to mental health services, the Center for Resiliency provided support to 417 households immediately at-risk of displacement and 297 receiving rental assistance, totaling $446,128 in rental and utility assistance and helping 735 people. As part of their resiliency navigation services, individuals are connected to long-term solutions, including financial educational workshops provided by GECU. More than half of the participants continue their journey of financial literacy and stability today. ​
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92%: Participants reported feeling safer as a result of working with the Center for Resiliency.
STRONG STARTS FOR LIFELONG SUCCESS
What sets up a child for success in school? How can parents become more involved in their child’s learning?
Through regular home visits, Parents as Teachers connects families with a trusted Parent Educator who supports caregivers with the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to help their children learn, grow, and thrive.
THE BOOST NETWORK
In 2025-26, United Way’s Parents as Teachers program earned Blue-Ribbon Certification from its national affiliate, one of the highest recognitions for program quality and effectiveness.
This distinction reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to delivering evidence-based, high-quality support to children and families, even while navigating funding challenges and increased community need.
Despite these barriers, the program not only met but exceeded national standards, significantly improving family stability, parent confidence, and early childhood outcomes across 167 families with 178 children.
In 2025–26, the BOOST Network marked a powerful milestone—10 years of strengthening out‑of‑school time across our region.For a decade, BOOST has done more than serve programs; it has built a connected, resilient ecosystem of afterschool and summer learning—opening doors, elevating voices, and expanding opportunities for young people throughout the Paso del Norte region.
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BOOST exists because every child deserves a safe and enriching place to learn beyond the school day—and every provider deserves the support to deliver it well.
This year, BOOST hosted 10 regional workshops and trainings, investing directly in the professionals and organizations serving local youth. These sessions fostered collaboration, strengthened skills, and shared best practices, helping programs improve quality, expand engagement, and create more supportive environments for children and families.
FROM LEADERSHIP TO ACTION
Strong communities do not happen by chance. They are built by prepared leaders, engaged volunteers, and resilient organizations equipped to respond to community needs in times of both stability and crisis. Stronger nonprofits lead to stronger governance, better services, and more sustainable impact across the entire community.
PDN BOARD TRAINING
​​Throughout 2025–2026, the program hosted 16 training sessions that helped 480 individuals. In addition, three local organizations received customized trainings tailored to their board’s needs, providing attendees with best practices for nonprofit governance.
The participation of these individuals reflects a growing commitment to strengthening nonprofit leadership and building more effective, accountable, and sustainable boards across El Paso.
NONPROFIT CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOPS
In 2025–2026, seven workshops engaged 78 nonprofit agencies and reached 454 attendees through professional development opportunities focused on grant writing, performance management, governance, and strategic planning. Featuring speakers and professionals from a variety of industries, these workshops helped strengthen critical skills, share resources, and equip nonprofit organizations with the tools and strategies needed to operate more effectively, sustainably, and collaboratively in service to the community
A COMMUNITY THAT SHOWS UP
At United Way, we recognize the importance of volunteerism in our region, and have centralized the needs into one handy database, volunteerelpaso.org. This website helps connect nonprofits’ urgent needs with highly motivated volunteers.
This year, community members stepped up, dedicating their time through 9,179.5 volunteer hours, supported by 1,628 active volunteers, generating an estimated $81,375 in community value and strengthening programs across El Paso.
Businesses also stepped up in a big way, with 1,236 corporate volunteers joining community efforts and demonstrating the power of collective action.
Corporate partners played a critical role in driving impact, with leading volunteer participation from Vantage Bank, GECU, Raiz Federal Credit Union, El Paso Electric and Sentry Insurance helping create stronger connections and lasting community impact.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
FLYING HORSE HALF MARATHON
The Flying Horse Half Marathon registered 864 participants (16% increase), and 200 volunteers, raising $106,979 in its second year under United Way, promoting a healthier, more connected community.
ENGAGE
The ENGAGE Summit welcomed 255 attendees and 18 sponsors, raising $63,099 (15% increase) while inspiring and developing the next generation of leaders in our region.
GOLF UNITED
Marathon Petroleum’s Golf United raised $208,241 in its 5th year, showcasing the power of partnership to drive lasting community impact.
EL PASO GIVING DAY
El Paso Giving Day raised $18,051 through the support of 128 donors, including contributions from 10 United Way Board Members who helped champion the campaign and inspire community giving.