Coastal Bend Communities Come Together Through Challenges
The Coastal Bend region of Texas is no stranger to challenges big or small. Whether hunkering down during severe weather or adapting to rapid industrial expansion, the community always comes together. Neighbors check on neighbors. Businesses help businesses. Leaders roll up their sleeves. The area’s residents share a deep, unspoken resilience. It’s not announced on banners but seen in action when things get tough.
United in Every Challenge
The United Way of the Coastal Bend covers 10 counties, including Corpus Christi and San Patricio, the region’s most populated areas. Partnering with 65 local nonprofits, the organization reinvests every dollar raised directly back into local programs. One of its most significant initiatives is Operation Supply Our Students, which distributes school supplies to 43 independent school districts across the region.
“There’s nothing like living in South Texas when there’s an emergency or people need help. We really do stick together,” says Stephanie Jordan, CEO of United Way of the Coastal Bend. “When there’s a tragedy or a natural disaster, we all step up. It’s extremely touching how much our community takes care of its own. We’re a step-up group of people here.”
The Coastal Bend region has experienced freezes, fires and hurricanes, but even when the challenge isn’t a large-scale disaster, support is there for anyone in need – whether it’s an individual or a family seeking counseling, childcare or food security.
“There are challenges we all face and the United Way is here to help,” Jordan says. “A lot of times we don’t realize that our friends need help – it’s not something we talk about. In some cases, people don’t want others to know that they need help, but nobody does anything alone. I know that everything I’ve ever achieved wasn’t done alone.”
By lifting each other up, this region continues to prove that its greatest strength is its people.
A Foundation for Resilience
The Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) has been improving the quality of life for area residents for 45 years by awarding charitable grants and scholarships across seven counties: Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio.
CBCF originally began as a project of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. As a public charity, most of the foundation’s funds are permanent endowments designed to support local charitable efforts in perpetuity. Since its inception, CBCF has distributed $187 million in grants and scholarships.
“We also award several special grants, like providing funds for local food pantries and an animal spay and neuter program. We’re in our fourth year of working with Driscoll Children’s Hospital to place mental health counselors in local schools,” says Karen Selim, president and CEO, Coastal Bend Community Foundation. “In past years, special grants have supported the arts, trades training, infrastructure and summer camps.”
Additionally, the Coastal Bend Day of Giving has raised over $41.1 million directly for organizations providing food, shelter, medical care and at-risk youth programs.
In 2017, a devastating hurricane struck the region, decimating cities like Rockport, Port Aransas and much of Refugio County. Local charities, individual donors, elected officials and businesses like H-E-B, AEP and CITGO all united to rebuild. Millions of dollars poured into the foundation to fund short-and long-term recovery efforts.
“Recovery from Hurricane Harvey showed community resilience at its best – people working together across various lines and aisles,” Selim says. “I think it confirmed for us all that a couple of maxims are true: it takes a village, and anything is possible if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
Ultimately, it is this shared, selfless dedication that ensures the Coastal Bend will not just weather any storm but emerge stronger every time.
Get to Know the Coastal Bend
Want to learn more about living and working in Corpus Christi, TX? Check out the latest edition of Livability Coastal Bend, Texas.
