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2026 Annual Campaign
THESE ARE OUR STORIES.
The numbers tell us what happened. The stories show us why it matters.
Go behind the programs, partnerships, and statistics to meet the people whose experiences give our mission its meaning.
As the 2026 Lubbock Area United Way Campaign Chair, Chad Grant is helping lead a community-wide effort to impact 106,378 lives and raise more than $5 million to strengthen our community.
A longtime community leader, Chad brings a passion for bringing people together, building relationships and finding ways to make a meaningful difference.
But for Chad, this campaign is about much more than reaching a fundraising goal.
It’s about the people behind the numbers.
Every dollar raised represents an opportunity to change a life. Every workplace campaign represents people choosing to invest in their community. Every volunteer, donor, business and partner becomes part of something bigger than themselves.
That is the heart of our 2026 campaign:
Behind every number is a person.
Behind every impact is a story.
Behind the mission are people like you.
These are our stories.
“This year, we’re going Behind the Mission to share the real stories of the people, organizations and community members who make this work possible.”
– Chad Grant, Campaign Chair
Every year, we can tell you how many people were served, how many programs were funded and how many lives were impacted. But numbers can only tell part of the story. Behind every number is a person. A moment. A challenge. A turning point. A reason to keep going.
These are the stories behind the mission.
FINDING HIS WAY FORWARD
When Aiden lost his mom at 18, he was already trying to figure out life on his own. Without a strong support system, his path could have gone in a lot of different directions. Then people showed up, and his story began to change.
Making Room for Family
When Ian’s son was placed with his family, he was already receiving care through Lubbock Children’s Health Clinic. The support his family received gave them something invaluable: the space to focus on becoming a family.
Ian’s Story — Coming Soon.
A Future Rewritten
At just eleven years old, Tabitha was removed from her home for the third time and placed at the Children’s Home of Lubbock. Years later, the support she received as a child would help shape a future she never could have imagined.
Tabitha’s Story — Coming Soon.
When Someone Shows Up
Just one week before his son’s high school graduation, Steven got a call that changed everything: his house was on fire. His story is about what happens when a community shows up in your worst moment.
Steven’s Story — Coming Soon.
Stories like these don’t happen by accident.
They happen when neighbors, businesses, volunteers, donors and local organizations come together and decide that our community is worth showing up for.
You can be part of what happens next.
Behind every mission is a story; and this year, you can wear ours.
Grab your 2026 Behind the Mission campaign shirt for just $20 and show your support wherever you go.
Order anytime during the month, and all orders placed by the last day of the month will be ready for pickup at the Lubbock Area United Way office by the 12th of the following month. If the 12th falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, shirts will be available the next business day.
Example: Orders placed by September 30 will be ready for pickup by October 12 (or the next business day if needed).
Buy your shirt and be part of the story.
Our Impact
Every story is unique, but together they reveal the scale of what our community makes possible.
