Bringing Warmth Home: Brower Mechanical and United Way Surprise Local Family This Holiday Season
Watch the special holiday edition of “In Your Neighborhood” here.
This holiday season, Brower Mechanical Heating, Air & Solar, in partnership with United Way California Capital Region, delivered an unforgettable gift to a deserving local family: a brand new heating and air conditioning system, completely free.
In this special holiday edition of In Your Neighborhood, our community came together to bring warmth, comfort, and hope when it was needed most. From the moment the door opened to the emotional reveal, this Christmas HVAC giveaway reminds us what the season is truly about — neighbors helping neighbors.
With the help of incredible partners, including equipment suppliers, crane services, and volunteers, Brower Mechanical ensured this family has a safe, warm home during the winter months. Seeing the joy, gratitude, and surprise on their faces made every effort worth it.
“It felt like a real Santa Claus showed up at the door.”
Moments like this are why we believe in giving back to the communities we serve. Acts of kindness like these show the power of partnership and the impact we can make when we work together.
Double Your Impact This Giving Tuesday Thanks to the Ullrich Delevati $10,000 Match
GivingTuesday is when generosity becomes visible. It’s the day people across our region step forward, support their neighbors, and strengthen the community we all share.
This year, your impact can go even further.
Ullrich Delevati has offered a $10,000 match for all gifts to United Way California Capital Region on Giving Tuesday. Every gift made today through December 2 is doubled until the match is reached. When you give, your support stretches twice as far for families working toward stability in the Capital Region.
This match reflects the values behind Mark Ullrich’s philanthropy. His approach is grounded in something simple and human.
“I’ve always believed that giving back matters. When you live in a community, you have a responsibility to support the people around you. If my contribution can help someone improve their life and I’m in a position to give, then I’m going to do it. That feels like part of my calling.”
When asked why he chose United Way, Mark pointed to trust, leadership and impact.
“Why United Way? Because this organization is positioned to lead in the nonprofit world. People trust us. We’re consistently recognized for exceptional work, and our leadership brings partners together and moves the region forward.”
Your support helps close the gaps families face every day. It strengthens programs that build financial stability, expand educational opportunity, and support community wellbeing. And your participation today ensures we do not leave any part of this $10,000 match unused.
Mark ended his interview with an open invitation.
“If you aren’t familiar with what we do, reach out. Staff and board members are ready to answer questions and help people get involved. I’m committed to being a long-term supporter because I believe in the work and the people behind it.”
Today, we invite you to join us.
Your gift is doubled through the $10,000Ullrich Delevati match. Your generosity helps build stability, strengthen families and expand opportunity across our region.
Earlier this year, United Way and SCOE expanded the Imagination Library into Sacramento County, opening enrollment to nearly 100,000 children under age five who now receive a free, high-quality book in the mail every month. SGMC is helping amplify this effort by uplifting early literacy through its upcoming holiday concert and fundraiser.
A Holiday Concert Supporting Local Literacy
SGMC is bringing its signature joy and flair to the stage with:
Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass: Candy Christmas 📅 Saturday, November 29, 2025 📍 SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center 🎟 Tickets: SacGayMensChorus.org
As part of this partnership, every child attending the 3:00 p.m. matinee will receive a free copy of Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors — a simple and meaningful way to share Dolly’s legacy of music, storytelling, and care for children.
This festive performance blends holiday classics with country charm and SGMC’s inclusive, community-centered spirit.
Why This Partnership Matters
“As Dolly has shown the world, literacy opens doors, builds hope, and strengthens community,” said Lindsay McIntosh, SGMC Executive Director. “We’re honored to join forces with SCOE and United Way in bringing Dolly’s Imagination Library to families in Sacramento County.”
SCOE Superintendent David W. Gordon added, “By mailing a free book each month to children from birth to age five, we’re giving families the essential tools to build strong reading habits. Partners like the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus help us champion this vision of literacy and equity across the region.”
About the Imagination Library in Sacramento County
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a global movement dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of reading. Since its founding, the program has gifted more than 300 million books to families worldwide.
Locally, United Way California Capital Region and SCOE serve as the official partners for Sacramento County, ensuring all children under age five can access free, age-appropriate books each month.
We’re grateful to SGMC for shining a spotlight on early literacy and helping expand the reach of the Imagination Library across Sacramento County. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for children to grow, learn, and thrive.
2025 Backpack Giveback Drive a Great Success
Thanks to CBS 13 Sacramento, Great Clips, Phoong Law and Jimboy’s Tacos this year’s Backpack Giveback Drive was an incredible success.
Locally in Sacramento, 707 backpacks were collected that meant every single child at Glenwood Elementary School received a backpack along with more children served by United Way’s housing program along with partner City Year who also received school supplies and backpacks.
But the United Way…way…is to do things bigger, so instead of stuffing backpacks, we took a page out of last year’s toy drive and let the kids shop for their own back to school supplies.
Phoong Law sent out an ice cream truck, Great Clips was doing back to school haircuts, there were photographers taking back to school photos, Health Net did health screenings, Sac Kids Dentistry did dental screenings, California-Hawaii Elks Association did vision screenings, Street Soccer USA – Sacramento had some fun kicking around the soccer ball at Glenwood Elementary’s Back to School Night.
Across the market, United Way California Capital Region, United Way San Joaquin County and United Way Stanislaus County collected 2,807 backpacks and raised in cash and in-kind value of school supplies $67,486.
Trina’s Journey: A Story of Resilience, Motherhood, and the Power of Community Support
When Trina speaks about her experience, her voice carries the weight of a thousand emotions—fear, hope, gratitude, and strength. “It means everything to still have a roof over me and my family’s head,” she says. For many, housing is a basic necessity. For Trina, it became the cornerstone of survival.
A mother of four daughters, with another child on the way, Trina’s life was turned upside down after a devastating car accident left her with an amputated leg. The physical trauma was only the beginning. The accident forced her out of work, stripped her of her independence, and plunged her family into financial instability. “It changed the whole dynamic for me,” she explains. “I had to alter everything.”
Hear from Trina herself as she talks through how United Way helped keep her and her family in their home.
Suddenly, Trina found herself navigating the world with a disability, applying for jobs that could accommodate her new reality, and trying to secure workplace accommodations—all while caring for her children, one of whom was frequently hospitalized due to seizures. Then came the eviction notice.
“I came home from the hospital and was given an eviction notice,” she recalls. “That was the hardest thing I think I’ve ever had to go through.” The timing was cruel. Her children had just been discharged from the hospital, and instead of settling into the comfort of home, they were met with the threat of losing it.
Trina’s situation was dire. She was overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of where to turn. That’s when she received a call from Aloha, a caseworker with the Keep People Housed – Solano program. “As soon as she heard my voice, she just started crying,” Aloha remembers. “I knew I was calling at the right time.”
That phone call marked the beginning of a transformation. Aloha and Trina worked together, side by side, to gather the necessary documents and navigate the eviction process. “It was a team effort,” Aloha says. “We hit the pavement together.”
Keep People Housed was able to provide Trina with $5,000 in emergency rental assistance—enough to stop the eviction and stabilize her housing. “When I saw Aloha stop all of that, my heart just dropped,” Trina says. “I was so speechless. I just knew that was going to change everything.”
And it did.
Trina’s mental state shifted from relentless stress to cautious optimism. “I went from stress, stress, stress to feeling blessed,” she says. The support she received wasn’t just financial—it was deeply human. “The empathy was over the top,” she adds, crediting United Way and Keep People Housed for helping her reclaim hope.
For Trina, the assistance meant more than just staying housed. It meant being able to focus on her children’s health, her own recovery, and rebuilding her life. “It gave me the confidence to feel like I’m going to be okay, and that my family is going to be okay.”
Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change—and how vital it is to have support systems in place. “Everybody needs housing,” Aloha says. “There’s a big population in Solano County facing eviction. We’re trying to break that.”
Programs like Keep People Housed – Solano are doing more than just preventing homelessness. They’re restoring dignity, stability, and the belief that a brighter future is possible. “We should have more programs like this,” Trina says. “I needed the help now to get me on my feet.”
Today, Trina is focused on moving forward. She’s continuing to seek employment that accommodates her disability, caring for her children, and building a future for her family. “This put a start to it—not just for me, but for my girls and my partner,” she says. “I feel like we’re going to be okay. I do feel like my future is going to be bright.”
Trina’s journey is one of resilience, motherhood, and the power of community. It’s a story that reminds us that behind every eviction notice is a family fighting to stay together—and that with compassion and support, we can help them do just that.
If you know of someone in Solano County who is facing eviction, let them know about United Way California Capital Region’s Keep People Housed – Solano program.
Community Impact: How United Way Helps Families Keep Going
Behind every United Way program is a story — a parent working multiple jobs, a child learning to read, a family moving from a motel to a stable home. In this video, local families share what resilience really looks like, and how United Way’s support helped them keep moving forward. These voices remind us why community matters — and how together, we can make a lasting impact.
If this is balanced, why are families paying the price?
By Dr. Dawnté Early, President and CEO, United Way California Capital Region
At United Way, our mission has never been about politics—it’s about people. We’ve stood with communities through challenge and change for more than a century. Now, we face a moment that calls each of us to act.
Federal lawmakers are advancing the “Big Beautiful Bill,” but behind the name is a troubling reality: it proposes sweeping cuts to programs that keep families afloat. If passed, it could jeopardize children’s access to food, seniors’ access to medicine, and the health of our entire community system.
Here in our region, we believe no child should go to bed hungry, no senior should choose between food and medication, and no working family should be pushed to the brink. This bill undermines those values.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, nearly 11 million people across the country could lose health coverage if the bill becomes law. Researchers at Yale and the University of Pennsylvania estimate that over 51,000 additional people could die each year as a result of these cuts. These aren’t just statistics. These are our neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones—real people with real lives who will bear the burden of this bill.
Here in California, more than 3.8 million families already struggle to meet basic needs, even while working full-time jobs. Programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and the Child Tax Credit don’t just offer relief—they offer stability. They prevent hunger, keep families housed, and allow children to succeed in school while their parents hold onto their jobs.
And let’s be clear: cuts to Medicaid won’t just hurt those who rely on it directly. Medicaid keeps our health infrastructure running. It helps fund pediatric care, mental health services, and school nurses. It keeps rural hospitals open and ensures nursing homes have the support they need. When Medicaid is gutted, we all feel the impact. Emergency rooms get overwhelmed. Insurance premiums rise. Local clinics shut down. The health of our entire community is put at risk.
In our region alone:
72,355 households with children rely on SNAP to eat dinner tonight.
646,040 working families count on the Child or Earned Income Tax Credits to afford school supplies and child care.
1,291,688 of our neighbors receive life-saving care because Medicaid helps fund their health clinic.
Think about what this means for families right here at home. A mother in West Sacramento using the Child Tax Credit to afford reliable transportation—so she can get to work and keep food on the table. A retired veteran in Placerville finally managing his diabetes because of access to Medicaid. A young boy in Rocklin relying on school lunch during the week and a local food pantry on weekends. These stories remind us: behind every program cut is a family facing harder choices.
If this bill passes, we will see an immediate spike in families seeking emergency assistance for food, rent and medical care. Our nonprofit and faith-based communities are already doing everything they can, but this legislation would push those systems beyond their limits and unravel the safety nets that hold our communities together.
Budgets reflect our priorities. They are moral documents that speak to who we are and what we value. And this bill sends the wrong message. It says we are willing to sacrifice our children, our seniors, and our neighbors in the name of cost-cutting—without regard for the consequences.
We can do better. And we must.
I’m asking you to raise your voice. Call your representative. Send an email. Share this message with someone in your life. You can find your member of Congress at www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member.
Tell them: “This bill will harm my neighbors, my family, and my community. The cuts are too deep, the timeline is too fast, and the consequences are too dangerous.”
At United Way, we’ll continue to advocate for policies grounded in compassion, equity, and opportunity. But we cannot do this alone. We need your voice, your action and your heart.
Together, we can protect what matters most.
UWCCR Wins Two Telly Awards
United Way California Capital Region is thrilled to announce that our team has been honored with two prestigious Telly Awards for our brand launch commercial, Future Forward. The commercial earned a Silver People’s Telly Award in the General, Local TV category and a Bronze Telly Award in the General, Local TV – Not-for-Profit category.
Now in its record-breaking 46th year, the Telly Awards celebrate excellence in video and television across all screens. Winners are selected by a panel of industry leaders from top video platforms, television networks, streaming services, and production companies.
The Silver People’s Telly Award recognizes over-the-air or cable commercials produced specifically for the Sacramento market. After being shortlisted by judges, Future Forward was selected as a Silver winner by public vote. The Bronze Telly Award honors outstanding local television commercials created to promote nonprofit organizations or events.
The commercial was conceptualized, directed, filmed, and edited by Nick Marchuk, United Way’s Videographer and Media Manager. It was designed to bring to life United Way’s newly refreshed mission: Mobilizing our community to action so all can thrive.
Diana Solorio, former Social Media Manager and current West Sacramento police academy recruit, played a key role in the project and appears in the final scene of the commercial.
United Way President and CEO Dr. Dawnté Early lent her voice to the commercial, which also featured appearances by team members Edward King, Zelene Molina, Tiffany Buss, Brit Hotaling, Rena Gonzalez, Nicole Fitt, Bianca Solorio, and Carrie Blankenship.
The production team was led by Amber Lovett, Chief Resource Development & Marketing Officer; Brandon Kisker, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications; Michaela Garcia, Marketing Manager; along with Nick Marchuk and Diana Solorio.
“This commercial was about showing our community who we are and how we’re working to make sure everyone in the Capital Region has the chance to thrive,” said Dr. Early. “I’m incredibly proud of Nick, Diana, and the entire team for creating such a powerful piece. To see it recognized alongside work from some of the best marketing firms from across the country is a true testament to their talent and dedication.”
Future Forward debuted in October 2024 as part of United Way’s new brand launch. It aired on KCRA and KOVR and streamed locally on Paramount+ and Pluto TV, reaching audiences through their favorite shows, sports, news and movies.
United Way was among other Sacramento-area winners including the Sacramento Kings, who received a Silver People’s Telly Award for their Doug Remembers commercial.
Ben Wackett, Marketing Director, ENSO Sports & Entertainment Agency
Brian Toombs, Head of Roku Brand Studio, Roku Brand Studio
Lucy Shen, Creator Marketing Manager, Patreon
Irantzu Diez-Gamboa, CEO North America, MediaPro
Rosalind Pressman, VP Brand Marketing, Pluto TV
Adam Faze, Executive Producer, Gymnasium
James Young, EVP, Head of Creative Innovation, BBDO New York
Sarah Minnie, Head of Artist Development and Production, Open Television
Nicole Lederman, Executive Producer, The Martin Agency
Gregg Stouffer, Lead Editor, Pickleball TV
“Our industry is experimenting with new technologies like never before, shaping truly compelling stories to draw attention to some of the world’s most pressing issues,” shares Telly Awards Managing Director Amanda Needham. “The Telly Awards is uniquely positioned to meet the industry where it’s actually making work, be that on television or TikTok.”
United Way California Capital Region has been a driving force across the region for more than 100 years, listening, responding and taking comprehensive action to meet local needs. From advancing youth opportunities and helping kids excel in school, to strengthening local communities and investing in families’ financial security and health, United Way mobilizes communities to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential and thrive. Working across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way also provides books and literacy tutoring, addresses housing and food security, leads the region’s largest tax preparation initiative, works with foster youth across school districts and leads the Community Schools initiative in West Sacramento.
United Way Expands Collegiate Guaranteed Income Program for Former Foster Youth
Twenty former foster youth studying at Sacramento State and University of California, Davis, received their first payments today from United Way California Capital Region’s Collegiate Guaranteed Income program that will provide them with $500 a month for one year. Some of the checks were distributed at a joint press conference with the two universities where United Way announced the expansion of the program to include another year of funding for the 10 Sacramento State students in the pilot program that launched a year ago, as well as the inaugural year of funding for 10 students at UC Davis – distributing a total of $120,000 over the next year to support these students.
“Over the past year, we have witnessed the hard work and resilience of these 10 Sacramento State students, and we are thrilled to provide them with an additional year of guaranteed income so we can see them through to graduation, while also extending this opportunity to 10 former foster youth students at UC Davis,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We know the disheartening statistics that currently show only 3% of former foster youth will obtain a college degree. We at United Way refuse to accept that status quo and instead are mobilizing our community to create change and build a future where former foster youth can reach their full potential and thrive. These 20 students at Sacramento State and UC Davis are changing the educational landscape for themselves and future foster youth.”
United Way launched its Collegiate Guaranteed Income program in May 2024 as a pilot with 10 Sacramento State students in the university’s Guardian Scholars Program for former foster youth. The 10 students received $500 a month for a year and were surprised in April to learn they will receive an additional year of guaranteed income to help them through their junior and senior years of school so they can obtain their degree. United Way’s Women United action group provided the funding for the pilot year and will continue to fund the Sacramento State cohort this year.
Dr. Dawnté Early and Sac State President Dr. Luke Wood present sociology major Jeneses, expected graduation Fall 2025, with her first check of the second year of the Collegiate Guaranteed Income pilot program with Sac State students.
“Sacramento State is honored to have taken part in the pilot phase of United Way California Capital Region’s Collegiate Guaranteed Income program and support its continued expansion,” said Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood. “This initiative has played a vital role in easing the financial challenges our students face as they transition out of the foster care system. We remain committed to this important partnership and to building opportunities that help our students achieve their educational aspirations.”
With the success of the pilot at Sacramento State, United Way is expanding its Collegiate Guaranteed Income program to UC Davis, providing funding for 10 students in the university’s Guardian Scholars Program.
Dr. Dawnté Early presents the first check to former foster youth and UC Davis psychology major Kareena with UC Davis Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs Pablo Reguerín.
“UC Davis Guardian Scholars are some of the most ardent and dedicated students I know,” said Dr. Gary S. May, UC Davis chancellor. “We are grateful to United Way for expanding its Collegiate Guaranteed Income program to our community of former foster youth. Guaranteed income will give these 10 students the opportunity to focus more on their educational goals and less on how they will afford rent, groceries and transportation.”
The Collegiate Guaranteed Income program brings together United Way’s experience working with foster youth with its expertise in guaranteed income. United Way has been supporting foster youth for more than two decades and launched the first Guaranteed Income program of its kind in the California Capital Region in July 2021, following that up with additional rounds of funding in partnership with the City of Sacramento, County of Sacramento and local nonprofits.
United Way California Capital Region has been a driving force across the region for more than 100 years, listening, responding and taking comprehensive action to meet local needs. From advancing youth opportunities and helping kids excel in school, to strengthening local communities and investing in families’ financial security and health, United Way mobilizes communities to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential and thrive. Workingacross Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way also provides books and literacy tutoring, addresses housing and food security, leads the region’s largest tax preparation initiative, works with foster youth across school districts and leads the Community Schools initiative in West Sacramento. To make a donation: www.YourLocalUnitedWay.org.
The Guardian Scholars Program at Sacramento State is designed to support current and former foster youth students by increasing graduation rates and their overall success. Students who have experienced the foster care system have unique needs and challenges. This program offers various services to support their journey at Sacramento State. For more information: https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/centers-programs/guardian-scholars/.
The UC Davis Guardian Scholars Program is committed to improving educational outcomes for students with lived experiences in foster care, child welfare or out-of-home placement by providing services and support to meet their needs through transition, graduation and post-graduation planning. The program strives to maximize educational opportunities and university experiences through its comprehensive services and holistic advising to help students achieve their academic and personal goals. For more information: https://opportunity.ucdavis.edu/programs/guardian-scholars.
Make Wishes Come True for Local Students!
We’re challenging our Literacy Tutoring Program students to read five books this school year, and we need your help to make it fun and rewarding.
We’re looking for books that our students have been asking for, so they can choose their favorites after finishing their lessons. We also would like toys to use as incentives for reading, good behavior, and helping friends with their reading.
How to Donate: Click here or on the button below to purchase items directly from our Amazon Wishlist to make a difference today!
