Get to know the leaders who create Mighty Change in the Valley

Written by Carla Vargas Jasa, President & CEO, Valley of the Sun United Way

Many factors work together to make an organization successful. For Valley of the Sun United Way, our donors, corporate, nonprofit and other community partners are vital. We are here for our community because of you, your generosity and your trust.

Another critical piece of our success, and in our ability to ensure your support drives positive results, is our outstanding Board of Directors who guide our strategy, govern our policies and provide fiduciary oversight, all while ensuring we reflect and represent the community we serve.

They are champions for our community and for YOU as a supporter of Valley of the Sun United Way.

Any organization, whether it be a corporate, nonprofit or public entity, is only as strong as its leadership, starting with its Board of Directors. And I am proud to say that we have THE BEST Board in the Valley (of course, I’m biased) representing a vast array of businesses, organizations, expertise and experiences.

In June, we elected new members to our Board, and a set of outstanding leaders to serve as officers for the new fiscal year, which began this month. I’m thrilled to share our new leadership.

Empowering Families to Create a Bright and Secure Future

Across Maricopa County, children and families face a multitude of opportunity gaps and inequitable challenges that can disrupt their educational success and employment opportunities.

For Diamond and her children, the most pressing challenge stemmed from their housing situation and the looming threat of homelessness. As Diamond's Section 8 housing lease neared its end, she and her children found themselves with no viable options or place to go, teetering on the edge of homelessness.

"It was a very hard experience," Diamond recalled, fighting back tears. "We didn't know if we were going to get housed or not, or if we were ever going to get out of this situation."

It was in this moment that Diamond reached out to Valley of the Sun United Way's Mighty Families program.

A Voters Guide for Maricopa

County Residents

Engaging and empowering community members is critical to building strong, healthy, equitable, and resilient communities.

Elevating your voice is fundamental to addressing our nation's most pressing social and community challenges. Voting is our collective opportunity to express ourselves as a community, as voters, and as Americans.

Exercise your right to vote and join Valley of the Sun United Way in shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all. By voting together, we can amplify our collective voice and drive positive change. Here are the upcoming key dates:

• July 19: Last day to request an early ballot.

• July 23: Last day to mail back your ballot.

• July 26: Last day to vote early in person

• July 30: Election Day! Ballots must be returned to a drop box or voting location by 7 p.m.

To help you prepare for the upcoming elections, Valley of the Sun United Way has created a comprehensive United We Vote Guide.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Creighton Community Foundation Food Distribution

Every Saturday morning, the Creighton Community Foundation hosts outdoor food distributions, providing over 400 boxes to the community under solar panels. Volunteers assisting with the distributions will be supplied with gloves, hand sanitizer, disposable masks, water, and snacks.

Sign-up today

Community Mindfulness Kit Build | Tuesday, September 10

To raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, let's create Mindfulness Kits. These kits will include calming resources like coloring sheets for breathing exercises, fidget toys, and other items to help people refocus when feeling overwhelmed. By assembling and distributing these kits, we can provide practical tools to support mental wellness.

Sign-up today

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

We've made it straightforward for you to contribute. With year-round volunteering options, you can be part of the solution anytime.

View current opportunities

Questions?

Reach out to our team at

(602) 631-4800 or [email protected]