For Pearland area resident, Cheryl Stavins, giving back to her community through United Way provides her the ability to meet a variety of needs through one gift.

"United Way brings people together from all over the community to tackle the issues that matter most. While this is an attribute that is very important to me, I am also impressed by the breadth of the programs that United Way supports," she said.

Stavins, a nurse, is the Sr. Vice President at Texas Children’s Hospital where she is responsible for Research, Pharmacy, Volunteer Services, Family Relations, International, Medical Staff Services, the Learning Support Center, and Bridges, which is a program serving autistic children.

Because Stavins works in Houston, she designates her gift back to United Way of Brazoria County because it is the United Way serving the community where she lives. United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast, which serves Harris County and conducts the employee campaign at Texas Children’s Hospital, has donor designation forms available so that contributors can direct their gifts back to the community where they live. United Way of Brazoria County is found on the card under code 702.

"Knowing that my contribution is coming back to the community where I live is important to me," she said. . "United Way funded programs serve as a safety-net for the most vulnerable members of our community such as children and youth, single parents, and the elderly."

Stavins is also active with United Way’s Women in Leadership Society (WLS). The WLS initiative works to bring about positive change in northern Brazoria County through philanthropy and service. A particular focus is on meeting the needs of single women and children. She is also a board member of the RISE School, a school for children with Down Syndome, and a member of the Friends of Ronald McDonald House.

"I have been blessed with a wonderful family and a rewarding career, and I find that helping others through United Way and other volunteer endeavors is a way to give back for what I have received," she explained.

United Way funded programs help to strengthen families, nurture children, increase self-sufficiency and maintain health and healing. During 2004, 122,000 individuals received services such as counseling, shelter, child abuse prevention, basic necessities, elder care, literacy and childcare. Offices are located at 1212 N. Velasco, Angleton and 2518 Westminister, Pearland.

During the 2003 United Way Campaign, Brazoria County residents who commute to neighboring counties directed over $175,000 back to where they live through United Way campaigns at their workplace.

Angela Grothe, a resident of Pearland and Vice President of Field Marketing for Chase, is one of many supporters who has shown a commitment to Pearland through their donations to United Way of Brazoria County.

"By giving through United Way, I know that my gift has more impact toward making a difference in our community because it is combined with the gifts of others," said Grothe. "Because I work in Houston, I designate my United Way contribution to Brazoria County by using code 702 on the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast designation form. Being able to invest in my own community, and knowing that my gift is helping locally, is important to me."

Grothe also participates as a member of United Way of Brazoria County’s Women in Leadership Society that was formed last year. WLS expands women’s ability to be a strong voice and achieve results through philanthropy by maximizing the number of women pooling their time, talent, and financial resources toward specific goals. Working together, WLS members focus on the critical needs of women and children in the community.

"During our first year, we coordinated a variety of community service projects such as Christmas assistance for single mothers and their children. In addition, we also had a Valentine’s Party benefiting mothers displaced from their homes, along with a Mother’s Day Celebration for over fifty single mothers," stated Grothe.

A significant WLS project that is currently underway is the acquisition of property and funding for the construction of a transitional housing facility that will serve single mothers and their children. "Addressing this important community need is one of the many ways United Way’s WLS will help to bring together donors, volunteers and corporate leaders to create solutions and solve problems," explained Grothe. "Through WLS, United Way offers me a unique way to make additional contributions to my community."

Grothe isn’t the only member of her family who has been an active United Way donor and volunteer. Her husband, John, served as a member of United Way’s board of directors and on the Executive Committee as Vice President of Community Services where he chaired the committee responsible for coordinating United Way’s annual Neighbor Day project.

"John and I both believe that when you help other people you give something back to yourself. Through United Way, we have had an opportunity to invest in many ways in our community, and that’s something we value very much," she said. "I really encourage other Pearland residents to join us whether it is with their time, donations or other resources. Pearland is a wonderful place to live, and United Way is a way we can all help our friends and neighbors.

Cora Robinson grew up watching her parents participate as active volunteers in their community. “From their participation in the March of Dimes to voter registration drives, I frequently saw examples of volunteerism and helping others,” she explained. From that example, Robinson continues her family’s tradition of volunteering through numerous charitable endeavors including her participation with United Way of Brazoria County.

Robinson and her husband, Judson, who served as a member of Houston City Council for six years, moved to Pearland with their two children in 1999. She said her teenagers love living in Pearland, and she stays busy serving as a member of the Pearland Junior High South and Pearland High School PTO’s. And although she’s very involved in Pearland activities, she’s also continued her involvement in the Houston area as a member of the Houston Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and the Houston Chapter of Links, Inc.

As a member of United Way’s Women in Leadership Society (WLS), Robinson has been able to support issues that are important to her. “My interests are primarily advancing youth, particularly people of color, and assisting women and families,” she said.

The Women in Leadership Society coordinates various community service projects targeted to women and children. Members also network and form new partnerships with other women leaders.

“I am on the WLS Success Suits You Committee. When I initially found out about this committee, I immediately wanted to join. The objective is to help women who are interested in entering or re-entering the workforce, but are not able to purchase a suit to make that first impression special during an interview. We also provide dress for success and interview skills workshops. This is my opportunity to share some of the blessings that I have been given with women who are less fortunate. Through Success Suits You, I facilitated an Interview Skills workshop for several young ladies at Pearland High School.”

Robinson is one of many Pearland residents who have shown their commitment to Pearland through their donations to United Way of Brazoria County. “I have been involved with United Way, in one way or another for over 15 years,” she said. “I have served on the African American task force and the Communications Committee. I’ve also served as a company campaign coordinator, so I know the miracles that are created through United Way. And, it’s important to me that I can meet a variety of needs with one gift.”

Because Robinson works in Houston as the Senior Manager of Diversity for Sysco Corporation, she designates her gift to United Way of Brazoria County by using code 702 on the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast designation form. She said that being able to give back to the community where she lives is important to her.

Robinson says her faith is a guiding factor in her philanthropy. “I have been blessed in my life, so giving is a natural. I believe as the bible says, ‘For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask more.’”