Valley of the Sun United Way is celebrating a significant milestone — its 100th anniversary — with a two-year commemoration honoring a century of service, impact and community leadership across Maricopa County.
The centennial theme, “100 Years of Impact,” reflects both the organization’s enduring legacy and a renewed commitment to meeting the challenges communities face today — with local solutions, shared leadership and deeper collaboration — to best reflect the United Way, today.
For a century, Valley of the Sun United Way has united people and organizations to address the most pressing issues facing Arizona, and particularly the Valley. From supporting families through the Great Depression and World War II to leading pandemic recovery efforts, the organization has consistently mobilized the power of community to create lasting change.
“As we mark 100 years of impact, we’re not just celebrating our past — we’re meeting the moment we’re in now,” said Carla Vargas Jasa, President and CEO of Valley of the Sun United Way. “Arizona has always been a place where people take care of each other. Our work has always been about bringing neighbors together to create solutions that are rooted right here in our communities.”
The centennial comes at a pivotal time for Arizona’s nonprofit sector. Federal programs that once provided reliable support to local communities are being scaled back, while demand for services continues to rise. These shifts have created uncertainty for families and nonprofits alike — and underscored the need for stronger coordination across organizations.
In response, Valley of the Sun United Way is evolving how it works — becoming more responsive, more collaborative, and more aligned around emerging needs. The organization continues to convene partners across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors, helping nonprofits work together more effectively, reduce duplication, and strengthen systems that support long-term stability.
“We know the solutions to our challenges won’t come from outside our communities,” Vargas Jasa said. “They will come from people and organizations working together, sharing responsibility, and focusing on what matters most. That has defined our work for 100 years, and it’s how we’re moving forward.”
Valley of the Sun United Way’s work remains centered on four interconnected areas that shape quality of life for all residents: education, housing and homelessness, health, and workforce development.
While progress has been made, many indicators show growing strain. Housing costs and evictions are rising, students are still recovering from pandemic-era learning loss, and the expiration of federal stimulus funding has created significant gaps in services.
To respond more effectively, United Way has introduced tools like its Emerging Needs Fund, which allows the organization to deploy resources quickly as conditions change — helping nonprofits and families address challenges before they escalate into crisis.
Through strategic partnerships and coordinated programs, Valley of the Sun United Way is tackling the most pressing issues facing children, families and individuals across Maricopa County.
- Prevent first-time homelessness by helping families avoid eviction.
- Accelerate third grade reading outcomes through Literacy Hubs and family mentoring.
- Ensure families have food in response to the government shut down and SNAP disruption.
- Expand pathways to employment for black and Latina Women through mentoring and through Fair Chance hiring for justice involved individuals.
Each effort reflects the power of partnership and the ripple effect of community-led solutions.
As the Valley continues to grow, resources remain constrained and the need for leadership has never been greater. Valley of the Sun United Way is responding by expanding opportunities for engagement and shared leadership, including the CEO Advisory Circle that brings cross-sector corporate voices into strategic conversations and the launch of Valley 100, uniting local 100 businesses around a shared commitment to strengthen Maricopa County, creating measurable impact while advancing meaningful corporate philanthropy.
The centennial celebration will span two years and include special events, volunteer opportunities, and storytelling efforts highlighting 100 years of impact across Maricopa County. The organization will also roll out new strategies aimed at strengthening community resilience and accelerating progress in its four focus areas.
United Way has also recently moved into its new headquarters at Park Central in central Phoenix, which will serve as a community-facing space and feature a new mural celebrating collaboration and service.
“For a hundred years, this organization has been part of Arizona’s story — uniting people from every walk of life to create lasting change,” Vargas Jasa said. “Our next century begins with that same spirit of collaboration and hope. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more equitable future for everyone in our community.”
