Latest News

What if you could transform lives in Yavapai County—and get every dollar back on your Arizona state taxes? With Arizona’s Charitable Tax Credit, you can do just that. This unique program allows taxpayers to support local nonprofits like United Way of Yavapai County while receiving a dollar-for-dollar reduction on their state taxes. Supporting your community has never been easier—or more rewarding. Keep reading to learn how you can give back, [...]

United Way of Yavapai County has long been a cornerstone of community development, offering vital support to dozens of local charities serving needy individuals and families. Through its multifaceted programs and strategic partnerships, United Way creates a lasting ripple effect, ensuring that the benefits of today's efforts extend well into future generations. This article will explore how United Way's initiatives in education, healthcare, family support, and community involvement are [...]

At United Way of Yavapai County, we believe in the power of partnerships to create lasting change in our community. One of the most inspiring examples of this is the incredible work being done at Four Steps to Recovery Homes, a 501c3 organization that is transforming lives every day through their innovative recovery programs. Angie Dixon, the Director of Operations at Four Steps to Recovery Homes, embodies the spirit [...]

United Way of Yavapai County is proud to partner with inspiring organizations like Steps to Recovery Homes, a nonprofit based in Cottonwood, Arizona. Their work is centered around helping individuals recover from addiction, alcoholism, and mental health disorders. Together, we are committed to fostering healthier communities by providing vital support services to those in need, helping them build sustainable futures. Steps to Recovery Homes: A Lifeline for Change [...]

At United Way of Yavapai County, one of our primary goals is to end food insecurity in our community. Our commitment to this cause is exemplified through our support for organizations like Manzanita Outreach, which has made remarkable strides in enhancing food distribution and nutrition education. Ben Burke, the Executive Director of Manzanita Outreach, recently highlighted the incredible growth his organization has experienced over the past year. "From January 2023 [...]

Hi, I'm Alex Heinemann, the executive of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona. I'm thrilled to share our incredible growth, aided by the unwavering support of the United Way of Yavapai County. Every year, we continue to build great futures for our kids, and 2024 is shaping up to be our best year yet! The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona is a beacon of hope [...]

"We wouldn't have been able to do the work we do without our partnership with United Way of Yavapai County," states Courtney Osterfelt, founder and Executive Director of the Launchpad Teen Center. In a vibrant, youth-driven space, the center has become a vital hub for teenage empowerment through its diverse programs, ranging from after-school activities to leadership workshops and summer camps. For nearly a decade, it has provided [...]

The Hozhoni Foundation has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Northern Arizona. Initially established as a compassionate alternative to institutionalization, the foundation has since expanded its mission to profoundly enhance adult clients' dignity, independence, and well-being. This remarkable expansion has been significantly supported by a strategic partnership with United Way Yavapai County, enabling the foundation to sustain and enrich its [...]

In Prescott, Arizona, a vital partnership has been forged to address a pressing public health concern. United Way of Yavapai County has teamed up with Northland Cares to provide essential support for STD testing, treatment, preventative care, and more. This collaboration is not only addressing the immediate health needs of the community but is also contributing to the overall well-being of the county's residents. The Challenge of STDs in Yavapai [...]

In Yavapai County, a remarkable partnership is at work, creating a brighter future for families in need. United Way of Yavapai County (UWYC) and Verde Valley (VV) Habitat for Humanity have joined forces, driven by a shared commitment to providing safe, affordable housing and building stronger, more resilient communities. This collaborative effort is making a significant impact on the lives of local families and exemplifies the power of community partnerships. [...]

In the heart of Yavapai County, a beacon of hope shines brightly in the form of Manzanita Outreach. With its steadfast commitment to alleviating food insecurity and enhancing educational resources, this organization has emerged as a lifeline for the region's residents. Amid the escalating costs of living, the partnership between Manzanita Outreach and United Way of Yavapai County (UWYC) has become an inspiring example of collective impact, fostering resilience and [...]

The issue of homelessness is a pressing concern affecting communities worldwide, and Yavapai County is no exception. However, amidst these challenges, the partnership between United Way of Yavapai County and Agape House has emerged as a shining beacon of hope. Through their collaborative efforts and grant funding, they have created a long-term transitional program that empowers homeless families, providing them with the necessary tools and support to break free [...]

The number of unhoused seniors in the United States is on the rise. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, an estimated 554,000 seniors were homeless on a single night in 2020. This number is expected to grow in the coming years as the population ages. For many unhoused seniors, finding a safe and affordable place to live is a challenge. They may have limited income, poor health, or [...]

Polara Health is a non-profit organization that provides mental health services to individuals and families in Yavapai County. The organization's mission is to "improve the mental health of our community by providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible services." Polara offers a variety of services, including therapy, counseling, and case management. The organization also has a number of programs that are specifically designed for at-risk youth. One such program is the Journey [...]

In 2022, United Way of Yavapai County made an investment in the Prescott YMCA, providing funding for their Summer Learning Loss Program. This program was designed to help children catch up on their educational progress after experiencing disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioning to virtual learning. Through their support, United Way played a crucial role in ensuring that the youth of Yavapai County had the opportunity to bridge [...]

People Who Care is an amazing United Way partner agency in Prescott, Arizona that provides transportation services for individuals over the age of 18 who require assistance getting to essential medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other critical tasks. This non-profit organization has been helping the local community for over 30 years, and its mission is to enhance the quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities in [...]

The Prescott Area Shelter Services (PASS) is a non-profit organization based in Prescott, Arizona, that provides shelter, food, and other essential services to homeless individuals and families in the community. Since its inception, PASS has been committed to serving those in need and has made a significant impact on the lives of many. One of the primary services provided by PASS is emergency shelter. The organization operates a shelter [...]

United Way of Yavapai County is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of residents throughout the county. They achieve this goal by supporting local non-profit organizations so they can make bigger impacts in the community. One of the ways United Way of Yavapai County supports local non-profits is through funding. They provide grants and resources to non-profit organizations that align with their mission of improving the lives [...]

In Yavapai County, and across the country, it can be hard for many families to make ends meet. With rising costs of living and limited government assistance, many people in the county find themselves in difficult financial situations. Fortunately, there are a number of non-profit organizations dedicated to helping those in need. United Way is one such organization. United Way works with local partners to support programs that build [...]

How the United Way of Yavapai County and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona are Working Together to Support Youth in Prescott & Prescott Valley, AZ. In this article we will be looking at the impact that the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona (BGCCAZ) and United Way of Yavapai County (UWYC) Grant Program have on the youth in Prescott and Prescott Valley, [...]

As the holiday season quickly approaches, it is important to remember those in need. Donating coats, hats, gloves, and warm weather clothing through Yavapai County United Way's Share The Warmth event is one small but impactful way to make a difference this season. The wintertime can be especially difficult for those facing poverty or the unhoused. Winter brings with it cold temperatures that can be dangerous for vulnerable populations who [...]

Food insecurity is becoming an increasingly severe problem in America, and its effects are strongly felt in Yavapai County. Roughly 1 in 7 households in our county struggle with food security daily, making it difficult for families to put healthy meals on the table or access nutritional resources. The causes of food insecurity are complex and multifaceted. Still, they include low-wage jobs that do not pay enough to support [...]

Valentine’s Day is going to be extra sweet on the campus of Bagdad Middle and High School this year. The school’s Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) program has asked teachers and staff to write down one thing about each of their students and colleagues that makes that person special. On Feb. 14, PAL members will deliver those hand-written messages with a card that says “Bee My PAL” along with [...]

Many public libraries across the country rely on a nonprofit "friends" group that helps with fundraising and covers the cost of programs or services not addressed in a library's official municipal budget. For the Friends of the Paulden Public Library, much of that additional funding comes from selling second-hand books. But what happens if you have no place to warehouse your volumes of Tom Clancy, Sue Grafton or Stephen [...]

January is going to be an exciting time at The Launch Pad. In early 2022, the all-inclusive teen space in Prescott will open the doors of its new facility, a 6,000-square-foot warehouse on 6th Street. The new location will be a "one-stop-shop" for youth, with a coffee café, computer lab, classrooms, dance floor, stage, music production studio, art studio, workshop area, and lots of outdoor space [...]

Old Town Mission, a Christian faith-in-action outreach charity that has served the Verde Valley for more than 30 years, recently reopened after a four-month remodel that included new bathrooms, flooring and paint. Located in a historic building built in the early 1900s, the Old Town Mission works with community members and partners to provide a food pantry, homemade meals, a homeless resource center complete with showers, [...]

"I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. " -Whitney Houston Throughout Whitney Houston's hit song, Greatest Love of All, she reminds us how important children are to the success of a community and the future of humanity. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona programs convey valuable life skills that are enriching, educational, entertaining, and interactive while ensuring that [...]

Homeless women and children are the most vulnerable in a community. Prescott Area Shelter Services (PASS) provides temporary emergency shelter to women in a facility including a 19-bed dormitory and two additional rooms to serve moms with children (including sons over the age of 12). The shelter contains a community room, a kitchen, four bathrooms, and a conference room equipped with computers. On average, PASS serves between 15 and [...]

After a challenging 2020, People Who Care completed its 29th year on a very high note.The United Way of Yavapai County partner - which provides non-medical assistance to adults who are no longer able to drive due to age-related or physical limitations - purchased a building for their new headquarters. Thanks to an incredibly generous legacy gift, PWC will move from their Grove Avenue office to their new location in [...]

A nonprofit's strength is the community that supports it. Donors, advocates and volunteers are its beating heart. At the United Way of Yavapai County (UWYC), we are grateful to everyone who Shows Up United, including our amazing Board of Directors. One of our most recent additions to the board is Scott Lewis, a senior lecturer and administrator with the Strategic Leadership Program at Northern Arizona University. This program, offered [...]

The nonprofit has always followed the numbers, and the data has led to its latest initiatives, MO Packs for Kids and MO Packs for Teachers. Manzanita Outreach is all about the logistics. When it comes to food insecurity, the organization's leadership believes there isn't so much a food problem as a distribution problem that requires distribution solutions. Since 2017, the organization has been led by Mike Newcomb, whose background [...]

As we Unite the communities of Yavapai County we are excited to include our neighbors in Sedona.

Updated: Sep 29, 2020 In December 2019, United Way of Yavapai County was very fortunate to have received a gene The UWYC Board of Directors has created a long-term vision that allows us to weather any financial climate.  This will help to ensure our ability to respond to the community’s needs for many years.  As always, we will continue to provide many opportunities for our service providers to create programs [...]

Our sincere thanks to Radio KYCA, our host, Mary Ann Suttles and the amazing staff at the station for inviting our new Executive Director, Patty Bell-Demers to the show. She enjoyed sharing the vital mission of United Way of Yavapai County, and the exciting events we have plannned throughout the county in the coming months. Our heartfelt thanks to all!

Recently, the staff from United Way of Yavapai had the honor of visiting one of our COVID-19 grant recipients, the Verde Valley Homeless Coalition. The Verde Valley Homeless Coalition, located just a couple minutes away from Old Town Cottonwood, is a notable organization whose mission is to "provide solutions to the needs of the homeless on Verde Valley working with the support of the entire community." Through the [...]