Tag: United Way of Ventura County

United Way of Ventura County — VITA Program Volunteers prepare thousands of free tax returns resulting in $2,300,000+ in refunds

VENTURA — Tax season is over and many low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents took advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) led by United Way of Ventura County in partnership with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency and the IRS.

Throughout February to April 30, 2026, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers helped working families and individuals file their state and federal tax returns and access the tax credits for which they are eligible. Households earning up to $69,000 are eligible to use the free services.

United Way of Ventura County announces sponsorship opportunities for 2026 Stuff the Bus

Dear Friends of our Ventura County kids, Nearly 9,500 youth have been identified by the Ventura County Office of Education as homeless in Ventura County. Help us support local youth experiencing homelessness as they head back to school. Your contribution…

Women United Education Awards Luncheon (June 4) keynote speaker announcement – Gracelia Casillas

VENTURA COUNTY — United Way of Ventura County’s Women United Education Awards Luncheon will once again be honoring single mothers who are pursuing their education with Graciela Casillas as the Keynote Speaker. “We are so excited to have Graciela speak about her inspiring journey as a World Champion Boxer, an educator, and a mother” said President & CEO of United Way of Ventura County, Mitchel Sloan.

United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program reaches major milestone: 1,000 people housed

United Way of Ventura County’s United to End Homelessness (UTEH) Ventura County proudly announces a major milestone in its mission to address homelessness in our community. Since the founding of the Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) in
2019, 1,000 people have now been housed.

United Way of Ventura County — Women United Education Awards Luncheon (June 4) to honor and assist single moms

VENTURA —  United Way of Ventura County’s Women United Education Awards Luncheon will once again be honoring single mothers who are pursuing their education. In 2024-25, Women United presented 11 education awards to local single mothers pursuing their education and has given out 91 awards since 2018.

Sixty-four percent of single mothers in Ventura County do not earn sufficient income to meet their basic needs and a critical component is Education.

United Way of Ventura County — Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team

Help low-income families and individuals improve their financial security. Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team of tax preparers and interviewers for the 2025 Tax Year. Volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost, assisting clients to access the tax credits for which they are eligible. Services will be provided at multiple sites across Ventura County offering the opportunity to volunteer during the day, in the evening, or on Saturday.

United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our Spirit Awards Gala a success!

THANK YOU to all who attended our 20th Annual Spirit Awards Gala! An event like this is not possible without our award recipients and the work they do for our community, the presenters, sponsors, donors, performers, volunteers, vendors, and the United Way of Ventura County staff!

United Way of Ventura County — Stuff the Bus THANK YOU!

On behalf of all of us at United Way of Ventura County, thank you for your participation in our 2025 Stuff the Bus campaign. At the conclusion of our campaign, we distributed over 2,300 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in Ventura County experiencing homelessness. Thanks to your donation, you have helped pave the path to academic success for unhoused youth.

United Way of Ventura County — An inspirational evening celebrating the caring power of our community

United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the 20th Annual Spirit Award Recipients. These awards honor our Founding members. Since 2005, individuals and organizations who embody the qualities of Milton M. Teague, Douglas Shively, and Roy Pinkerton are selected for this prestigious honor. This year we will also present our President’s Award. The awards and awardees are listed below:

United Way of Northern Arizona — One week left to drop off donations for Stuff the Bus

SUPPORT A LOCAL COLLECTION DRIVE

The final day to drop off donations will be Friday, July 18th. Help us reach our goal of donating 1,000 backpacks stuffed with essential school supplies for homeless middle schoolers in Ventura County. When dropping off your donation, look for the pop-up bus and stop sign. Please note that only brand-new school supplies will be accepted.

United Way of Ventura County announces 20th Annual Spirit Award recipients

VENTURA COUNTY — United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the 20th Annual Spirit Award Recipients. These awards honor our Founding members. Every year since 2005, individuals and organizations who embody the qualities of Milton M. Teague, Douglas Shively, and Roy Pinkerton are selected for this prestigious honor. This year we will also award our President’s Award. The awards and awardees are list below:

The Milton M. Teague Award is given to a board member for outstanding community volunteerism, voted on by their peers. This year we proudly give this award to Tim Harrington.
Douglas Shively Award for Outstanding Community Impact is given to individuals who have served our community through our unique programs. This year we proudly give this award to Mayur Patel who is a champion of our Homelessness Initiative.
Roy Pinkerton Award for Top Corporate Citizenship goes to Procter & Gamble for their support through their corporate giving campaign, and sponsorship!
Cal Lutheran University will be honored with the President’s Award for their leadership and partnership with United Way’s Community Impact programs including Women United. 

United Way of Ventura County — LAST CHANCE TO SUPPORT OUR ONLINE SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

There are two days left to shop our online Roonga Drive, which closes on Wednesday, July 9th. If you would like to support Stuff the Bus but can’t find the time to shop for supplies in-person, our online drive is meant for you. All school supplies purchased online through Roonga will be shipped directly to us to fill backpacks for at-risk students in Ventura County. Our Roonga Drive includes a bundle where you can purchase a brand-new backpack filled with school supplies for $21.30. For less than $22, you can help pave the path to academic success for a homeless student.

Thank you so much to those who have already donated! Since the start of our 2025 campaign, we have received enough Roonga donations to send over 60 homeless middle school students back to school with a brand-new backpack and school supplies that include pencils, pens, markers, paper, a notebook, and more.
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To access our Roonga Drive, click the link here or scan the QR code below.

United Way of Ventura County announces 2025–2026 Board of Directors

VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County is pleased to announce the appointment of its 2025–2026 Board officers, effective July 1, 2025, continuing the organization’s longstanding tradition of collaborative, community-driven leadership.

The incoming Board Officers are:

Chair: Tim Harrington – Real Estate Consultant
Chair-elect: Stratis Perros – Environmental Services Director, City of Simi Valley
Treasurer: Osmany Rios – VP/Commercial Banking Officer, Montecito Bank & Trust
Secretary: Sierra Gutierrez – Eastern Regional Director, Premier America Credit Union
Immediate Past Chair: Brad Whetten – VP/Center Manager, Citizens Business Bank

Sponsorship opportunities available for United Way of Ventura County 80th anniversary Gala on Aug. 23

We have come so far together! With you, we celebrate our 80th anniversary this year.Since opening our doors in April 1945, United Way has become a driving force for local impact — helping tens of thousands of residents rise above poverty, gain access to housing, education, and health services — all to build better futures.

To mark this milestone, we are hosting a special 80th Anniversary edition of our annual Spirit Awards Gala on Saturday, August 23, recognizing the people and partnerships that have fueled its mission — and inviting the community to shape its future. The more of you that are there, the more to celebrate!

Help United Way of Ventura County provide backpacks with essential school supplies for 1,000 local homeless youth

Help United Way of Ventura County provide backpacks with essential school supplies for 1,000 local homeless youth

SUPPORT OUR ONLINE SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Our online school supply drive closes on Wednesday, July 9th. When you purchase supplies online through Roonga, the donations will be shipped directly to us to fill backpacks for at-risk students in Ventura County. Our Roonga Drive includes a bundle where you can purchase a brand-new backpack filled with school supplies for $21.30. For less than $22, you can help pave the path to academic success for a homeless student. Click the link here or scan the QR code below to purchase supplies to donate. Thank you so much to those who have already donated!

Help United Way of Ventura County provide backpack with essential school supplies for 1,000 local homeless youth

United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign aims to increase school readiness of homeless youth and lessen the financial burden of back-to-school expenses on their families. Over 8,000 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. The average cost for back-to-school supplies for one child is almost $600, which can be a challenge for low-income families.
Studies show that barriers to school readiness can lead to increased absenteeism, developmental delays, poor literacy, and decreased emotional well-being. Students who come from low-income families are also seven times more likely to drop out of school than those from families with higher incomes.
New school supplies are essential for a student’s success in school. By providing homeless students with essential school supplies, our campaign helps pave the path to academic success by ensuring that students start the school year with the tools they need to learn. With your support, we can increase school readiness among homeless youth in our community and help them stay in school.

United Way of Ventura County announces author Sharrell Jackson as Women United Luncheon keynote speaker on May 30

VENTURA COUNTY — We’re thrilled to announce Scharrell Jackson, celebrated author with over 25 years of executive leadership experience, as our keynote speaker for the Women United Education Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 30th at Cal Lutheran University. Scharrell is a champion of United Way’s collective community impact work, and we are honored to have her join us! Get your tickets today!

United Way of Ventura County — Women United Education Awards on May 30 to honor and assist single moms

Recipients of the Women United Education Award are single mothers who are completing their associate degree and transferring to a four-year university or technical program and have children under the age of eighteen living in the home. This financial award may be used to offset any costs associated with efforts to attain higher education, including tuition, books, childcare, and transportation.

United Way of Ventura County — Mountain Fire Needs Assessment Survey

Our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted by the Mountain Fire. We understand what an unpredictable and challenging time lies ahead for so many of our community members as they navigate seeking aid and resources in the face of tremendous loss. 

Ventura County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VCVOAD) has created a needs assessment form to support Ventura County community members impacted by the Mountain Fire.

If you, or someone you know, has been impacted, please fill out the Needs Assessment Form below or call 2-1-1 for assistance. This form can also be found on our Disaster Relief website page.

United Way of Ventura County now seeking volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low-income earners

Help low-income families and individuals improve their financial stability. Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team of tax preparers and interviewers for the 2024 Tax Year. Volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost, assisting clients access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Services will be provided at multiple sites across Ventura County offering the opportunity to volunteer during the day, in the evening, or on Saturday. Volunteers are asked to commit four hours per week during the VITA tax season, February 1st – April 30th. Volunteers work in teams led by an experienced tax preparer. Virtual preparation of taxes is also available.

United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our 19th Annual Spirit Awards Gala a success!

United Way thanks all who made this a spectacular evening!

We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.

Learn more about Women United, VITA, United to End Homelessness VC, Stuff the Bus, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!

Please hit play to take a look!

United Way of Ventura County — Time to Stuff The Bus

United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign concludes on Friday, July 19th. Help us reach our goal of providing 2,000 backpacks stuffed with essential school supplies for homeless youth in Ventura County. You can help pave the path to academic success by ensuring that students start the school year with the tools they need to learn and be successful.

United Way of Ventura County’s 2024 Stuff The Bus

Over 7,500 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. The high cost of school supplies remains a challenge to low-income families during back-to-school season. Studies show that students with barriers to school readiness have increased absenteeism, developmental delays, poor literacy, and decreased emotional well-being. As a result, students who come from low-income families are 7 times more likely to drop out of school than those from families with higher incomes. With your support, we can help increase school readiness among homeless youth in our community, increase their self-esteem, and help them stay in school. 

It’s time for United Way of Ventura County’s 2024 Stuff The Bus

Over 7,500 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. At United Way, our mission is to ensure youth in our community are college and career ready. Support our 2024 Stuff the Bus campaign and help us reach our goal of providing 2,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local students experiencing homelessness. You can help pave the path to academic success. 

United Way of Ventura County’s Community Impact Efforts Receive Record $328,000 Donation

VENTURA — As part of United Way’s mission to alleviate poverty and address local challenges, such as eliminating dental disease in children and homelessness, we lead an annual fundraising campaign to support these efforts. More than 20 corporate partners and over 100 organizations from Ventura County participate in this campaign.

This year, we have received a record $328,000 donation from Procter & Gamble. Throughout November and December, Procter & Gamble Oxnard Plant employees raised $270,000 from employee, retiree, and corporate giving. Additionally, more than $58,000 in special events and sponsorship were raised.

United Way of Ventura County provides permanent homes for over 400 residents

VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program has officially provided permanent housing for over 400 people with a 97.4% retention rate. This means 434 individuals, including 74 veterans, 54 seniors, and 153 children, now have a place to call home in our Ventura County community.

Homelessness and housing challenges are continuing to rise due to limited affordable housing supply, extremely low vacancy rates, and rising rents which all elevate the critical nature of this program. UWVC’s Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) advocates for and supports those prioritized for housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.

“In today’s competitive housing market, many people are struggling to find affordable places to live,” said Mitchel Sloan, president, and CEO of UWVC. “Our Landlord Engagement Program is helping provide a safe place to call home for our community’s most vulnerable individuals, families, seniors and veterans.”

United Way of Ventura County introduces new Director of Resource Development and Marketing

VENTURA COUNTY — United Way of Ventura County is proud to announce it has appointed Jill Shaffer as director of resource development and marketing. She brings more than 40 years of experience in marketing and fundraising within the nonprofit sector.

Shaffer most recently served as the community engagement manager at Unite Us, where she developed strong relationships with community partners and facilitated collaboration with over 100 local organizations and agencies connecting them to vital services through the coordinated care network.

United Way of Ventura County — Now seeking volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low-income earners

VITA volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low-income earners

Help low-income families and individuals improve their financial stability. Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team of tax preparers and interviewers for the 2023 tax year. Volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost, assisting clients access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Services will be provided at multiple sites across Ventura County offering the opportunity to volunteer during the day, in the evening, or on Saturday. Volunteers are asked to commit four hours per week during the VITA tax season, February 1st – April 30th. Volunteers work in teams led by an experienced tax preparer. Virtual preparation of taxes is also available.

United Way of Ventura County launches 2023 Stuff The Bus Campaign

Help stuff backpacks with essential school supplies for local at-risk 3rd-5th grade students. Backpacks are being distributed in partnership with the Ventura County Office of Education to children identified as homeless by their respective school district.

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a family experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies. Studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school.

Please help fill the backpacks by supporting our online Roonga  school supply campaign which runs until July 13th. Please share this link with friends, family members, and co-workers. Also, below is a QR code that leads to the online drive.  

United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our 18th Annual Spirit Awards Gala a success!

We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.

Learn more about Women United, VITA, Stuff the Bus, United to End Homelessness VC, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!

Please hit play to take a look!

Procter & Gamble in Oxnard Provides a Record $251,000 to United Way’s Community Impact Effort

Procter & Gamble Oxnard Plant local employees raised a record $200,000 from employee giving in addition to over $51,000 in special events and sponsorship. In addition to giving, P&G employees volunteered their time by packing more than 3,000 Stuff the Bus backpacks and provided Welcome Home Baskets for families housed through United Way’s Landlord Engagement Program.

“The P&G Oxnard Plant is proud to partner with United Way to serve the most vulnerable in our community with this philanthropic support,” said Rachel Buchenroth, Plant Manager of Procter & Gamble Oxnard. “Our team really rose to the occasion through our engagement, innovation, and generosity of gifts. P&G has a longstanding commitment in creating positive change locally in Ventura County, and I am pleased with our collective impact.”

United Way of Ventura County — #GivingTuesday is here. How will you change your community today?

Giving Tuesday is a simple and easy way to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and make our community a stronger and more resilient place to live and work. Become a part of the great work we’re doing and make a gift today. Kick off the season of giving today by making a gift to United Way of Ventura County. With your support, United Way can continue to provide basic needs, emergency support, and advance education, economic mobility, housing & health solutions that make our community stronger. Together, we can make real, lasting change.

United Way of Ventura County — Compassion + Results

Dear Friends,

Fall is officially here and it’s hard to believe that 2023 is just around the corner. As we celebrate 77 years of Uniting Ventura County, I am so proud of how your local United Way has responded throughout these challenging times, but our support is only possible because of the continued generosity of our community. It’s your generosity that powers the programs serving those in need and changing lives. Lives like John, a U.S. Air Force veteran. Please read his testimonial.

“With only social security, and no family to fall back on, I began a search for a place I could settle down in. The money I had on hand didn’t last long and then the pandemic hit. At this point, I didn’t have a place to call home and I started living in my car. I connected with United Way and they gave me a sense of hope in the real possibility of finding somewhere to live. They helped me find a place in a senior living apartment complex. They also helped with furniture, bedding, dishes, and utensils. The compassion and care they showed gave me confidence that things would work out. I feel fortunate because of their efforts.”

Stuffing the Bus to Empower Youth in Ventura County

About 3,000 students experiencing homelessness in Ventura County will start the new school year off right with backpacks filled with essential-school supplies.

The backpacks were delivered to more than 200 Ventura County schools through United Way of Ventura County’s Stuff the Bus Campaign, made possible with support from the Ventura County Office of Education, the Gene Haas Foundation, community members and a $10,000 donation from Aera Energy.

“For so many of our families the little money they have may be better spent on food, paying rent or a new pair of shoes for the school year rather than backpacks and school supplies,” said Susan Englund, vice president of community impact, United Way of Ventura County. “We’re helping ease the financial burden on parents so the students can start the school year with everything they need. These supplies also promote learning, build self-esteem, and help our youth stay in school.”

United Way of Ventura County — Last Day to Help us Reach our Goal!

This is the last day for our
Stuff the Bus school supply drive!

Thank you for helping us reach our goal!

Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness. 

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a family experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school. 

Because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, we know that the need for support among homeless families has increased greatly. So your help is needed this year more than ever.

Please help fill the backpacks by supporting our online Roonga school supply campaign.

United Way of Ventura County — Help us Reach our Goal!

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a family experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school.

Because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, we know that the need for support among homeless families has increased greatly. So your help is needed this year more than ever.

Please help fill the backpacks by supporting our online Roonga school supply campaign.

United Way of Ventura County welcomes new board members and officers

As of July 1, 2022, United Way of Ventura County is welcoming several new members and officers to its board. Dr. Lisa Buono, dean of California Lutheran University’s School for Professional & Continuing Studies, will be succeeding Dr. Greg Gillespie as board chair, a position she will hold until June 30, 2023.

“I’m honored to be selected as United Way of Ventura County’s next board chair,” Buono said. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members and the rest of our amazing team at the United Way as we continue our mission of helping Ventura County thrive through efforts focused on improving education, financial stability and health for our community.” 

Today — United Way of Ventura County’s 2022 Stuff The Bus Campaign

Today is United Way’s Day of Action!

You can participate by joining United Way of Ventura County’s 2022 Stuff the Bus campaign!

Provide essential school supplies for local students experiencing homelessness. 

You can help pave the path to academic success for a child from a family experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, your support not only provides essential school supplies – studies show that it also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and helps ensure that our youth stay in school. 

Because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, we know that the need for support among homeless families has increased greatly. So your help is needed this year more than ever.

Please help fill the backpacks by supporting our online Roonga school supply campaign.

United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our 17th Annual Spirit Awards Gala a success!

We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.

Learn more about Women United, VITA, Stuff the Bus, United to End Homelessness VC, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!

Please hit play to take a look!

United Way of Ventura County names Mitchel Sloan president and CEO

United Way of Ventura County’s board has officially appointed Mitchel Sloan as the nonprofit’s new president and CEO. Sloan has been filling the role on an interim basis since March 2022.

“Choosing a president and CEO is not a decision we take lightly, and after an extensive search, we are certain Mitchel is the ideal leader for United Way,” said board chair Greg Gillespie. “His performance in the interim role has been exceptional, and he knows our organization and this community inside and out. We look forward to continuing to collaborate to make a difference, inspired by Mitchel’s dedication, expertise and passion.”

United Way of Ventura County — Brenna Whitaker & Band Confirmed for Spirit Awards Gala!

We are excited to share with you all that BRENNA WHITAKER and her band will be joining us for the 17th Annual Spirit Awards Gala on June 4!

There is still time for you to grab tickets to celebrate our community heroes while enjoying an evening under the stars at the Hyatt Regency in Westlake.

United Way of Ventura County — Honoring the past while focusing on the future

On Saturday, June 4, we will celebrate our 17th Annual Spirit Awards Gala for the first time at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. This will be a special evening recognizing community and corporate leaders who partner with us throughout the year and help us sustain our vital initiatives. These honorees embody the spirit of the United Way founders, who boldly formed the War Chest of Ventura County in 1945.

Midge Campbell-Thomas, our Treasurer and Immediate Past Chair, will receive the Milton M. Teague Award for outstanding volunteerism. Armand Begian, DDS, will be recognized with the Douglas Shively Award for his service as a longtime Building Healthy Smiles initiative volunteer and partner. For their top corporate citizenship, outstanding workplace campaign, and corporate volunteer engagement, Procter & Gamble will receive the Roy Pinkerton Award.

United Way of Ventura County — 17th Annual Spirit Awards – Early Bird Pricing Available Now!

United Way of Ventura County is thrilled to share with you this year’s honorees for the 17th Annual Spirit Awards Gala.

Midge Campbell-Thomas, President, Bank of America Ventura/Santa Barbara, will be recognized with the Milton M. Teague Award for Outstanding Community Volunteerism.
Armand Begian, DDS, will be honored with the Douglas Shively Award for Outstanding Community Impact.
Procter & Gamble will receive the The Roy Pinkerton Award for Top Corporate Citizenship for its sixth time.

Tickets are now available to purchase for the June 4 event, where we’ll come together at the Hyatt Regency Westlake for dinner and awards to celebrate this year’s wonderful community champions.

United Way of Ventura County launches Forward Home Program

United Way of Ventura County has officially launched its new Forward Home Program in partnership with the City of Oxnard, which assists City of Oxnard clients experiencing homelessness in successfully transitioning to stable housing. 

UWVC provides a variety of services via the Forward Home Program, including collaborating with case managers as well as assisting clients in gathering and obtaining necessary documents, receiving credit counseling, applying for housing voucher programs, accessing additional community resources, and more.