Annual Report
We are consistently making progress in our community. Lubbock Area United Way’s 2025 Annual Report highlights how collective action across the South Plains is creating meaningful, measurable change.
About
2025 Annual Report
Before the data, there are people. Behind every number is a story made possible through the partnership of donors, volunteers, community leaders, and our 22 partner agencies. Together, we are advancing hope, stability, and opportunity for thousands of individuals and families.
This Annual Report provides transparency into our work and investments, showing how collaboration and shared purpose are driving impact—and why this work matters now more than ever.
2025 revenue
2025 Total Support - $5,711,797
In 2025, we set a bold goal to measure lives impacted, aiming to reach 101,309 people. Because of your generosity, our community gave $5.1 million dollars to support our mission, enabling us to impact 103,059 lives. Total support for United Way in 2025 surpassed $5.7 million dollars, including sponsorships and direct support for innovative programs that continue to strengthen Lubbock and the South Plains.
2025 COMMUNITY Partner allocations / DONOR DESIGNATIONS
2025 board of directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BOARD CHAIR
Chad Grant, Robert Madden Industries
VICE CHAIR
Jon Mark Bernal, Texas Tech University
CAMPAIGN CHAIR
Meredith Imes, Texas Tech University
TREASURER
Brian Irlbeck, Parkhill
COMMUNITY IMPACT CHAIR
Julie Mandrell, PlainsCapital Bank
MARKETING / COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR
Kelsey Robinson, City Bank
ENDOWMENT CHAIR
Lloyd Whetzel
BOARD MEMBERS
Dr. Ben Alexander, Christine Allen, Kathleen Burrell, Bill Curnow, Derek Danner, Renee Davis, Reggie Dial, Lindsey Diaz, Morgan Doyle, Matt Ernst, Wendy Forrest, Brian Irlbeck, Chris James, Liz Morgan, Cici Nunez, Dr. Andrea Parker, Keith Patrick, Amy Punchard, Rick Rodriguez, Dr. Kathy Rollo, Clarissa Sanchez, Macy Satterwhite, Matt Stephens, Dr. Nancy Trevino, Jacqueline Vega, Katherine Wells, Tyler Young, John Zwiacher
Signature Luncheons That Unite Our Community
Our three annual luncheons, Campaign Kickoff, Impact Luncheon, and Celebration Luncheon, brought together a powerful cross-section of our community.
Agency partners, sponsors, donors, and community leaders filled the room at each gathering, creating spaces for connection, shared purpose, and meaningful dialogue.
From launching our Ignite to Unite campaign and setting bold goals, to checking our collective progress at the halfway point, and ultimately celebrating what we achieved together, these events reflected the strength that comes from unity.
The energy, engagement, and turnout at each luncheon reinforced that when our community comes together, we can ignite change and unite around lasting impact.
community impact
ALICE represents hardworking individuals and families who are employed but still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare. By focusing on ALICE, we shine a light on a large and often overlooked segment of our community whose financial challenges aren’t always visible, but are deeply impactful.
Our ALICE trainings help translate data into action. They give nonprofit partners, employers, and community leaders a clearer picture of what financial instability really looks like in the South Plains and how local decisions can either ease or intensify those pressures.
This shared understanding is critical to building solutions that promote long-term stability and economic mobility for working families across our region.
In partnership with PBS Kids and School Ready 806, we also distributed 7,000 kindergarten readiness framework cards, helping families support learning at home long before the first day of school.
Early childhood education continues to be a major focus of our work. During the most recent legislative session, Texas approved an additional one hundred million dollar investment in Child Care Services, expanding access to quality care for working families. That funding is expected to support an average of 148,000 children each day, strengthening both our workforce and our future workforce.
The Workforce Behind Our Workforce is a partnership between Lubbock Area United Way and the YWCA designed to strengthen early childhood education by supporting childcare professionals as they work toward Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials.
By offering flexible, accessible training and financial support, the program reduces barriers for educators and helps build a more skilled, stable childcare workforce; supporting working families and long-term economic success across the South Plains. And as we look ahead to 2026, additional preschool sites are preparing to join this effort.
RITA HARMON VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
John Zwiacher has been a dedicated employee of Scoggin-Dickey Chevrolet–Buick–Subaru for 46 years, exemplifying commitment, integrity, and steady leadership throughout his career. A graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in accounting, John has combined professional excellence with a lifelong dedication to service.
For more than 40 years, John has poured his time, leadership, and heart into Lubbock Area United Way and countless organizations across the South Plains. His community involvement includes serving as a former board member and chairman of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Covenant Health System, LP&L, and the Texas Automobile Dealers Association. He is also a former member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Texas Society of CPAs.
John’s impact is quiet, steady, and deeply felt, making him a true reflection of the values this award represents. He and his wife, Ann, have been married for 49 years and are proud parents of two children, Jackie and David, and grandparents to five grandchildren.
Community Impact Volunteer of the Year
Liz Morgan is a Senior Associate and Group Lead for Parkhill’s Interiors Practice. Liz is known for her ability to connect with people, build strong relationships with clients and co-workers, and cares deeply for her community. Inspired by Parkhill’s continued work with United Way, she currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Community Impact Committee and on the Board of Directors for Lubbock Area United Way. Liz has served on the Community Impact committee for many years, thoughtfully and compassionately leading Program review teams, reviewing allocation requests, and working with the committee to serve our partner agencies and community well. Liz has shown a commitment to helping better United Way, our partner agencies, and steward our community.
Volunteers of the Year
Since 2022, Julie and Jennifer have exemplified fierce advocacy in their service as CASA volunteers. As a Co-CASA team supporting a sibling group of four, Jennifer and Julie poured their hearts into ensuring the children were seen, heard, and supported. They maintained frequent contact with the children, their placements, and their mother, becoming a steady anchor in a world that often felt uncertain. No matter the circumstance—fear, confusion, excitement, or simply wanting to share a happy moment—the children always reached out to Jennifer and Julie first, knowing they would respond with care and attention. Their thoughtful communication with teachers, caregivers, attorneys, caseworkers, and the court provided a complete picture of the children’s well-being, making them a trusted, reliable, and deeply valued presence throughout the case.
Campaign Volunteer of the Year
Matt Stephens has a long history of service with United Way, volunteering in multiple roles over the years and even working for the organization early in his career. Many know him from his years in the banking industry, but those who have worked alongside him know that when Matt commits to something, he gets it done. This past year, as Golf Tournament Chair, Matt worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the campaign. His dedication, leadership, and willingness to serve make him a deserving recipient of this year’s Campaign Volunteer of the Year Award.
As we reflect on the progress of the past year, we are reminded that this report represents more than a look back; it is a testament to the collective commitment of our donors, partners, volunteers, and community members who continue to show up for one another. Every milestone reached and every life impacted is the result of shared purpose and collaboration. As we look ahead to 2026 and celebrate Lubbock Area United Way’s 80th anniversary, we do so with gratitude for the foundation built before us and optimism for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to ignite change, unite our community, and build a stronger future for Lubbock and the South Plains.