About Us
United Way of Greater Texarkana is a local non-profit organization that advances the common good in the Greater Texarkana area. We believe that everyone has a right to a good life and a responsibility to improve our community. We are inclusive, seeking broad community support & involvement.
History
Celebrating 125 years of Living United history.
In 1887, a Denver priest, two ministers and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address their city’s welfare problems. The Rev. Myron W. Reed, Msgr. William J.O’Ryan, Dean H. Martyn Hart and Rabbi William S. Friedman put their heads together to plan the first united campaign for ten health and welfare agencies. They created an organization to serve as an agent to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread throughout the country to become the United Way. In 2012, The United Way celebrates its 125th anniversary and enters into partnerships with CNN and CNN international to share the LIVE UNITED message in communities around the world.
Our Mission
United Way of Greater Texarkana is a local non-profit organization that advances the common good in the Greater Texarkana area. We believe that everyone has a right to a good life and a responsibility to improve our community.
United Way of Greater Texarkana is led by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of local citizens from all walks of life. We are a locally-governed, autonomous, 501(c)(3) organization. From our humble beginnings that sprang out of the local Community Chest in 1924 to raise money for four member agencies which incorporated as United Way of Greater Texarkana in 1996, our priority has always been taking care of our community.
In order to improve lives in our region, United Way of Greater Texarkana focuses on the three building blocks of a good life: EDUCATION, INCOME, and HEALTH. A healthy community learns well, earns well and lives well. Through initiatives and investments guided by community volunteers, we advance the common good in conjunction with our Community Impact partners. We don’t just address the symptoms of a problem, we get to the underlying causes. With an unwavering commitment to efficiency, accountability, and transparency, we strive to be good stewards of donor dollars. United Way of Greater Texarkana is dedicated to helping families and individuals succeed and improving the overall quality of life in our community. Click here for the list of communities in our service area
We are not alone in this endeavor. Local United Way’s across the country are working diligently to improve their communities by advancing the common good for all. We all LIVE UNITED in our own unique way. Everyone in our community has something to offer–a unique skill, knowledge or passion they can use to LIVE UNITED. Whether it’s one good deed, a helping hand on a task or a much needed donation, together, we LIVE UNITED making a difference that benefits the entire community. Ask us how you can use your gifts to improve lives in the Greater Texarkana area today.
Our Team
United Way of Greater Texarkana staff is dedicated to furthering our mission of improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community to advance the common good in the Greater Texarkana area.
Mark L. Bledsoe
President & Chief Executive Officer
Mark Bledsoe joined United Way of Greater Texarkana (UWGT) as President & CEO in July of 2014. Prior to joining UWGT, Mark served as Vice President of Operations for the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce for nearly five years tackling a variety of projects aimed at bettering Texarkana's quality of life. Mark enjoyed a successful career in real estate for 12 years as a broker/owner of one of Texarkana's largest firms, prior to joining the Chamber. Throughout his career, he has been active in serving both the community and region in which he lives. Mark is a lifelong resident of the Texarkana area. He graduated with both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University- Texarkana. Mark actively serves on the boards of Texas A&M University--Texarkana (Alumni Board), Texarkana College (Office Careers Advisory Board), Mark was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M-Texarkana on Sept. 2018.Texarkana Area Community Foundation, Texas High Athletics Booster Club (President ‘16), Keep Texarkana Beautiful, and Executive Directors Forum. He is currently a member of Kiwanis (President- ’18-‘19) and F&AM, Masonic Lodge #341, and is a graduate of Leadership Texarkana ‘91. He has been active as a soccer coach in the Texarkana Soccer Association and basketball coach in both the Pleasant Grove Youth Association (PGYA) and TISD Intramurals. Mark is married to Keely (Williams) and has two wonderful daughters, Blaire Williams and Marlee. Mark and his family reside in Texarkana, TX and attends Williams Memorial United Methodist Church.
Molly E. Riley
Vice President of Marketing and Fundraising
Molly joined United Way of Greater Texarkana (UWGT) as Resource Development Coordinator on May 4, 2015. She previously worked as a field representative on Greg Abbott’s Campaign for Texas governor. While on the campaign Molly was able to meet and work with numerous individuals throughout our community and others as well. It was a mixture of her experience with the campaign and her previous work as an editorial assistant at Four States Living Magazine that led Molly to UWGT. She has a passion for people and enjoys working for the non-profit community. Born and raised in Texarkana, Molly is a 2007 graduate of Arkansas High School. She attended Texarkana College and Texas A&M University-Texarkana where she later received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication in 2010. She is married to her long time sweetheart and best friend Patrick Riley. Molly is excited about joining the UWGT team and looks forward to being involved in the community through volunteer efforts and community impact.
Jamie J. Branson
Office Administrator
Jamie joined United Way of Greater Texarkana (UWGT) as an Office Administrator on July 23, 2020.
