09/14/2026
Seeing the unseen. Choosing hope.
Last week, members of the STARRY team joined United Way of Central Texas for its 2026 Awards of Excellence Breakfast, an inspirational morning celebrating the people and partnerships making a difference across Central Texas.
One story especially stayed with us.
A single father shared that he carries "two faces": the professional face the world sees and the one at home working hard to make ends meet. His story reflected the reality of ALICE households, those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. They are working, caring for their families, and doing everything they can, while facing challenges the people around them may never see.
It was a powerful reminder that we rarely know everything another person is carrying.
At STARRY, our staff have the privilege of walking alongside families through some of those unseen stories every day. They listen, help families recognize their strengths, connect them with resources and support, and remind them they don't have to navigate difficult seasons alone.
And that work is made stronger through partnership.
We are incredibly grateful to United Way of Central Texas, President/CEO Veshell Greene, the UWCT Board of Directors, and the philanthropic partners who help make this work possible. UWCT has been a longtime partner of STARRY and continues to support our Family and Youth Success (FAYS) work with children, youth, and families in Bell County.
We also congratulate this year's Awards of Excellence honorees, including Johnson Brothers Ford, whose generosity has directly supported STARRY's Strengthening Families Program.
As the morning came to a close, we were left with another powerful reminder: we can choose hope.
We can slow down. We can listen. We can see one another. And together, we can make sure more people feel supported and less alone.
If you or someone you know could use support, STARRY is here. Our services are available at no cost, and our team can help you explore whether STARRY's services are right for you or your family. Learn more at STARRY.org or call 512-388-8290.
Thank you, Veshell and the entire United Way of Central Texas community, for an inspiring morning and for the many ways you bring people together to strengthen Central Texas families.
Together, we're lighting the way to wellbeing.