The United Way of Central Texas works to provide basic needs, financial stability, education and health services for the community.
Local agencies often rely on United Way to help them provide resources for struggling community members.
"I love my job," said Tasha Roberts, who leads Helping Hands Ministry in Belton."It's just really moving to see how much our neighbors care about each other."
Roberts grew up in Belton.
"Right now 1 in 5 families in our county faces food insecurity and that was pre-covid," said Roberts. "I thank god for the people that donate the food. I've never met a bunch of people that don't know you and they can help you without any expectations from you. Just because they love you. When nobody else was there for me. "
Classes on finances, healthy living, and parenting skills provide long term help too.
"I'm passionate about serving our community where we're planted," said Roberts. "I feel a passion that all of our neighbors have access to what they need to keep their families safe and healthy."
Even during the pandemic, the United Way came through to help fund Helping Hands and it's partner agencies.
Central Texas Youth Services is another agency that works with United Way to provide for the community.
"We're able to take $1 from them in donations and multiply that into $9 additional grant dollars. So their $1 becomes $10," said Kami Diaz, from Central Texas Youth Services.
Without the United Way's assistance, the work of Diaz and her team couldn't happen.
They rely on 75 percent grant funding that requires matching donation dollars.
"Everybody needs someone. A lot of the calls we get are crisis calls or calls that you would call your parent or guardian about....We are that person for them. Everybody needs someone," said Diaz.
Central Texas Youth Services serves youth from birth to 25 years old.
"I think the biggest thing is every youth that we work with, we see their potential," said Diaz.
They're celebrating 50 years in the community, and it's only possible because of help from the community and the United Way.
Most donations to the United Way are five dollars or less.
Every donation counts so if you'd like to give right now, text uwct covid to 41444.
