November 01, 2018

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – PRESS RELEASE

UNITED WAY OF YUMA RECEIVES DONATION FROM ARIZONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR EYESPY 20/20 VISION SCREENING PROGRAM FOR SOUTH COUNTY SCHOOLS.

(Pictured from left to right: Karina Jones, President/CEO United Way of Yuma County and Veronica Shorr, Regional Director, Western Region of Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma )

Yuma, AZ - United Way of Yuma County announced today Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma has made a very generous donation to the EyeSpy 20/20 program.

The EyeSpy 20/20 has already screened nearly 8,000 children in Yuma County. The 2018-2019 school years, will allow more children in Yuma County to be screened for potential vision problems. Early detection leads to early intervention to correct possible future issues even blindness that can occur. Now, with this donation from ACF, United Way of Yuma County can bring the vision screening down to Somerton, Gadsden and San Luis school children.

This generous donation from Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma will continue to help advance the common good for several children in our Yuma County community, who normally, would not have access to vision screening or glasses.  Every dollar is empowered and goes directly to help those children who have undetected vision problems.  With a whopping 25% of children screened having failed their vision screening, more than ever, in these times, we all must Live United Yuma.

For more information please contact Karina Jones, United Way of Yuma County President/CEO at (928) 783-0515 or email: karina.jones@local.unitedway.org.  

Or, Veronica Shorr, Regional Director for Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma, 928-539-5343 or email: vshorr@azfoundation.org

September 10, 2018

Meet Regina Carey, 1st Bank Yuma, VP/Human Resources Manager, United Way of Yuma County Board of Director. Regina was born and raised in Yuma, attending St. Francis Elementary School and graduating from Kofa High School. Regina has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and is a Certified Human Resource Professional via the Society for Human Resource Management. Regina is the mother to two wonderful boys, Jake and Joey. "I am involved with our local United Way because I believe in giving back to the community that I live in. But more than that, I believe in working with an organization that aligns with my beliefs. United Way does more than just facilitate programs and donations, 
United Way actively works on breaking the cycle of poverty. As the saying goes, “Give a man a fish, you will feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, you will feed him for a lifetime.”

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Programs like JA Biztown set the foundation for students to be financially literate and financially independent. Many of these students would never have a conversation about money, interest rates, how to balance a checkbook or how to run for office. Without those conversations, they could easily fall into a cycle of debt that follows them throughout their lives. JA Biztown is equipping the students with skills and knowledge that will carry them into adulthood. This program is helping to mold students into contributing members of society.

There are many charities in Yuma, many organizations deserving of volunteer time and commitment. However, none spoke to me the way that United Way did. I appreciate the fact that all of the funds the United Way raises stay local. When I say all, I mean 100% of the funds raised stay in Yuma. Funds raised go to programs like the Healing Journey, Arizona Children's Association and Girl Scouts of Southern AZ. You can designate your donation to Amberly's Place, Crossroads Mission or Yuma Community Food Bank. United Way may seem like a large, national organization. However, we are 100% local…with a local Board…locally raised funds…and local programs. My grandfather was a longtime Yuman who founded one of the local service organizations. He taught me, by example, how important it is to give of your time and talents to our community. By joining the Board of the United Way, I am following in those philanthropic footsteps and setting an example for my children to do the same." 

August 08, 2018

Yuma, AZ - United Way of Yuma County announced today it has been awarded a $1,000 donation from its community partner, Washington Federal, for the JA BizTown program for school year 2018-2019.

This generous donation by Washington Federal will allow United Way of Yuma County to expand its comprehensive, JA BizTown program that combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town. This popular program allows elementary school students to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks and vote for mayor. The program helps students connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world.

For more information please contact Karina Jones, United Way of Yuma County President/CEO at  (928) 783-0515 or email: karina.jones@local.unitedway.org. For more information on our community partner Washington Federal please contact: Gina Kutas, Branch Manager or Shelia Wood at (928) 726-3774 or email: sheila.wood@wafd.com.  

Photo Credit: Gene Doten, Doten Photography