The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Friday was presented an update from the Brown County United Way.  Sarah Hoffman, Executive Director, presented the program.  She explained that the Brown County United Way was first organized in 1980, and is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.  While it is linked with the national United Way, the Brown County chapter is primarily a local organization.  They do pay dues to the national United Way, but only 0.75% of revenues, so 99.25% of funds raised locally stays local.

The Brown County United Way works “to improve education, income stability, and healthcare for individuals and families right here in Brown County.”  Some income is from business sponsors, but much of it comes from individuals, typically through payroll deduction.  Seventeen local agencies receive funding through the United Way, so any local contribution helps all seventeen agencies.  Those agencies are:

American Red Cross In 2023, thirty-eight Brown County residents received emergency assistance from the local Red Cross

The Arc of Brown County In 2023 provided service and support to 245 Brown County residents with developmental and/or physical disabilities.  The Arc also provided accessible playground equipment in Allcorn Park

The ARK Domestic Violence Shelter In 2023, 332 victims of domestic violence and sexual assault received safe shelter and counseling from The Ark

Boys and Girls Club of Brown County Provides low-cost after school care, including a summer program.  324 children were served in 2023

Boys Scouts of America, Texas Trails Council Provides outdoor adventures and leadership training to both boys and girls

Brown County 4-H 1,761 Brown County students participated in 4-H agriculture activities, programs, education, and competition in 2023

Brown County Museum of History Tells the story of Brown County, received 3,390 visitors in 2023

Brownwood Community Garden Provides raised garden beds for individuals who want to grow their own food.  Also donated 7,682 pounds of fresh food to local food pantries

Brownwood Community Library The Brownwood Community Library is not a City of Brownwood library; it is an independent, non-profit organization, which does receive some funding from the City of Brownwood, City of Early, and Brown County.  In 2023, 1,559 account holders checked out books from the Brownwood Community Library

Cancer Services Network In 2023 provided assistance to 33 Brown County cancer patients in the form of emergency funds, medical supplies, prescriptions, transportation, and insurance assistance

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) In 2023 over 30 foster children in Brown County were assigned a CASA volunteer, who advocate for the best well-being for the child

Central Texas Education Center This is a new program, in 2025 it plans to offer at least 160-hours of free tutoring to Brown County students

Community Connections of Central Texas A program offered by the local Center for Life Resources, in 2023 eighty-four persons received training in anger management, parenting, grief, and more

Early Childhood Intervention Also a program offered by the Center for Life Resources, assisted 118 children with development delays in 2023

Girl Scouts of Central Texas Part of the Girl Scouts USA organization, provides skills education, leadership training, adventures, friends and fun to local girls

Pearl Griffin Memorial Latch Key Provides free after-school programs with educational help to children from qualified, low-income families.  Eighty-three children were served in 2023

Salvation Army In 2023 served 17,510 meals to the hungry

If you would like to support the above programs through the United Way, ask your employer if they offer a payroll deduction program for United Way.  To donate directly, or for more information, contact the Brown County United Way at P.O. Box 1026, Brownwood TX 76804, or call 325-261-3955.