Valley of the Sun United Way

06/13/2026

Good luck to both the USA and Paraguay as they face off in the World Cup tonight!

A special message from our President and CEO, Carla Vargas Jasa:
“Best of luck to everyone playing! We don’t know who will win - but we know everyone at Valley of the Sun United Way is part of a winning team.”

Born to Paraguayan parents, raised in California, and playing soccer growing up, Carla's story is a reminder of how connected our communities, cultures, and experiences truly are.

No matter who you're cheering for tonight, we're celebrating the power of sport to bring people together! ⚽

06/12/2026

Thank you SO much to our incredible friends at Salt River Project for creating over ONE HUNDRED Senior Mindfulness Kits with us! Perfect for our 100th-year anniversary! 🩵

SRP has been instrumental in creating impact with us, hosting SEVERAL service projects, and setting the stage for corporate volunteerism. These kits are just one example - containing items such as journals, card games, and snacks. 📓 🍎

💛 These kits went DIRECTLY to Aster Aging shortly after they were built, ensuring the seniors we serve feel supported.

This is community in action - and we are happy to act as a convener to it all. 💪

06/11/2026

Every community member has a story - and each one reflects the power of connection, support, and opportunity. 💙

🎤 We recently asked individuals to share their story and journey with Valley of the Sun United Way, and their responses highlighted the real impact that happens when communities come together to invest in one another.

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences. We’re proud to continue building a stronger, more connected Valley together, and be part of the larger United Way network. 💛 🌤️

06/11/2026

🌟 What was your shining moment this year?

We asked participants in our Pathways to Economic Opportunity initiative to reflect on the best moment of the program and share where they're headed next.

Through workforce development, education, mentorship, and community support, Pathways helps connect young women to opportunities that can transform their future. Learn more: vsuw.org/pathways

Their stories are inspiring - and they're just getting started! Congrats to our participants! 💙

06/10/2026

Monsoon season officially runs from June 15 - September 30, and this year’s forecast is showing a higher chance of above normal rainfall and hotter temperatures across most of the state. 🌧️☀️

The Climate Prediction Center forecast shows nearly all of Arizona leaning toward:
• Above normal precipitation (33–50%)
• Above normal temperatures (40–50%)

⛈️🎒 Now’s the time to prepare your monsoon go-bag before the storms hit. A special thank you to Verizon for supporting our disaster preparedness work.

For more info, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTGEiqc90gk

06/09/2026

Celebrating a Spring and Summer filled with service, alongside our partners at Shaw Industries Group, Inc. 🌱☀️

Together, we make a real impact:
💧 200 heat relief kits assembled
🍎 150 teacher appreciation kits created
💌 Encouragement cards designed for local schools and food pantries

Thank you, Shaw Industries, for showing up and giving back in such a meaningful way 💙

👉 Your turn! Sign up to volunteer and join us for our next project - we have plenty to choose from based on YOUR interests! https://vsuw.org/get-involved/volunteer/

06/08/2026

“I was thinking of hiking in 100+° weather...”

🎶 NO. 🎶

At least not before taking precautions. If you're heading out on the trails, make sure you're prepared:
💧 Bring more water than you think you'll need
🧢 Wear sun protection
⏰ Take frequent breaks
📱 Let someone know your plans
⚠️ Know the signs of heat illness

This summer, we're helping our community stay safe through heat relief efforts and education, with the partnership of United Way Worldwide and Verizon.

Learn more and join the movement at vsuw.org/heatrelief ☀️💙

06/06/2026

On , we recognize the importance of ensuring students have access to the resources and support needed to pursue higher education and long-term success. 📚 💻

💙 📘 From FAFSA support and financial aid guidance to college and career readiness initiatives, Valley of the Sun United Way is committed to helping students and families navigate pathways to opportunity.

🎧 Want to learn more? Listen to our podcast episode focused on and supporting students through the financial aid process: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6bZgyRpFZYpF5T9uaWthUF?si=4cSb7OtETviVX_lSjllYxw

06/05/2026

🎉 Celebrating a year of growth, opportunity, and impact through our Pathways to Economic Opportunity program!

Thanks to the support of incredible grant partners like the U.S. Bank Foundation, and dedicated program partners including Chicanos Por La Causa - CPLC, Grand Canyon University, Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, Pipeline AZ, YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, Year Up United, ElevateEd AZ and CVS Health - we helped women take meaningful steps toward their career goals this year.

From professional women mentors and assistantships to internships, workforce development workshops, laptops, backpacks, and a supportive community of women walking similar paths, this program is about creating opportunities that last far beyond the classroom.

To every participant, mentor, partner, and supporter: thank you for making this year so impactful. We can't wait to see what's next. 💙

06/04/2026

📣 Valley of the Sun United Way in the Media! 📰

From the pages of AZ Business (AZ BIG Media)
to the airwaves of KJZZ Phoenix!

In a recent KJZZ interview, our President & CEO, Carla Vargas Jasa, discussed how rising costs and funding challenges are affecting Arizona and why investing in people, families, and communities remains more important than ever.

We're also honored to be featured in the latest issue of AZ Business, highlighting our work being done alongside our partners, donors, volunteers.

🗞️ Read:
https://issuu.com/azbigmedia/docs/azbusiness_may_june_2026

🎧Listen:
https://www.kjzz.org/the-show/2026-04-30/higher-prices-and-funding-cuts-hit-arizona-harder-than-other-states-this-nonprofit-ceo-says

Amid public sector and SNAP cuts along with higher gas prices and lessening affordability here, The Show checked in with Carla Vargas Jasa, president and CEO of Valley of the Sun United Way.