(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and was featured in the March 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
When it comes to making a tangible difference in our community, few organizations have as wide an impact as United Way of Northern Cameron County (United Way of NCC). United Way of NCC supports and funds local initiatives that provide vital services to those in need. Through their various programs and partnerships, they offer support to local nonprofit organizations and community members of Northern Cameron and Willacy counties, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources necessary for long-term success.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Jennifer Allen, this nonprofit works tirelessly to improve the community at large by focusing on four key pillars: education, financial stability, health, and basic needs. By mobilizing the community's resources and energy, United Way of NCC ensures that these critical areas receive the attention and funding they require to thrive.
“Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good," says Allen.
While United Way of NCC supports all four of its pillars, it prioritizes literacy, financial stability, and basic needs—critical areas where our community faces the greatest challenges. One of its most impactful initiatives is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax services to individuals earning less than $67,000 annually. "It's an important resource for those who might not have access to expensive tax preparation services," Allen explains.
Additionally, United Way of NCC promotes early childhood literacy through its annual "Hats Off to Reading" event at the Harlingen Public Library, which will be held on March 1. This initiative, held every spring, encourages young readers to engage with books and develop a love for literacy. Another cornerstone program is the annual school supply drive, which supports students in all 10 local school districts across Northern Cameron and Willacy counties. Allen, an educator at heart, emphasizes the importance of supporting literacy.
“Early literacy is critical to setting children up for success, and we’re proud to be a part of initiatives that help make that possible.”
In 2025, United Way of NCC is launching three initiatives to expand community impact:
Women United will support financially vulnerable women, especially those just one paycheck from crisis.
Small Business 365 enables small businesses to contribute $365 a year, directly funding 13 agencies.
Build a Bed will provide beds to children in need across local school districts, ensuring they get the rest needed for success.
These initiatives strengthen United Way of NCC’s mission to create lasting, positive change.
One of United Way of NCC’s strongest assets is its ability to bring organizations together. Through workplace campaigns and volunteer efforts, businesses and community groups play an essential role in supporting the nonprofit’s mission.
“We host events like H-E-B’s annual Feast of Sharing and our Busting Clays for United Way skeet shoot to engage local businesses and organizations,” Allen shares. “These events not only help raise funds but also foster a spirit of community service.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way of NCC played a crucial role in sustaining community support. One of the most impactful stories was its assistance to the Rio Grande Valley Children’s Bereavement Center. “They had to shift to remote services overnight,” Allen recalls. “We worked with donors to secure funding so they could purchase laptops for staff, ensuring that grieving children and families could still receive the help they needed virtually. For Allen, this exemplifies what United Way of NCC is all about: recognizing a need and finding a solution.
Despite its impact, United Way of NCC faces ongoing challenges—chief among them, awareness. “People don’t always know who we are or what we do,” Allen notes. “Many believe we’re just a ‘pass-through’ organization, but we are deeply tied to our community.”
One of the most common misconceptions is that donations don’t stay local. Allen is quick to dispel this. “Eighty percent of the funds we raise go directly back into our community. They don’t go to a national headquarters. They stay right here, supporting local nonprofits and initiatives.”
Another misunderstanding is that United Way dictates where funds are allocated. Donors can direct their contributions to specific areas like education, financial stability, health, or basic needs, or to a particular nonprofit like the Boys & Girls Club or the Children’s Advocacy Center.
“The challenges are continuous—you’re fighting against a lack of money, volunteers, community awareness,” Allen says. “You just have to wake up every day and make it happen, doing your best to support the agencies and bring awareness to United Way.”
Individuals and businesses can support United Way of NCC in a variety of ways. While donations are the most common method of involvement, volunteering is an area that Allen agrees most nonprofits struggle with. Participating in community service projects, such as with VITA, as well as advocating through the share of social media posts, are also highly important and underrated methods of helping. “We encourage people to get involved in any way they can,” Allen says. “You don’t have to donate money to make a difference—volunteering and advocacy are just as important.”
As United Way of NCC continues its mission, Allen hopes to see more people step forward to support their community.
“The need is great, and we can’t do it alone,” she says. “Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every effort helps make our community stronger.”
For more information on how to get involved, visit United Way of NCC’s website or follow them on social media (United Way NCC on Facebook and uw.ncc on Instagram).
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