When We Support Our Community, We Build a Better Temple

A Message from Temple Chamber President & CEO Whitney Theriot

As business leaders, we understand that a thriving community is the foundation of a strong local economy. When our neighbors struggle—whether it’s with hunger, homelessness, or financial instability—it doesn’t just affect them. It affects all of us. It affects our workforce, our schools, our local businesses, and the future of our community.  

Right now, the United Way of Central Texas is facing a challenge as they continue to step up in assisting families struggling with hardships.  Campaign funding has dropped, leaving critical community programs at risk; programs that serve real people—our employees, our customers, our neighbors--many of whom work hard every day but still struggle to make ends meet. Others affected are children who represent Temple’s future workforce, and their readiness for that future depends on the support they receive today.  

While the United Way of Central Texas is experiencing this, the effects will extend throughout our community, impacting the partner nonprofit organizations that rely on its support to sustain essential programs. Many of these nonprofits are not just partners but fellow Chamber members—organizations that stand alongside us at events, share in our mission, and are committed to making Temple the best community it can be.

Among the partner non-profit organizations vital to our community but also valued members of the Chamber are:

Central Texas 4-C - operating 12 Headstart Centers in our region, serving more than 500 children and ensuring that Temple area pre-schoolers get the best start on their educational journey.

Central Texas Youth Services - providing support for youth and families in crisis.

Churches Touching Lives for Christ - meeting the food, clothing and other needs of nearly 300 Temple area families each week.

Family Promise of Bell County - empowering families experiencing homelessness to achieve sustainable independence.

Helping Hands Ministry of Belton - cultivating an environment in which individuals and families are empowered to work out of systemic poverty 

Ralph Wilson Youth Club - providing an environment where Temple children can learn, socialize and play; and supporting their development into self-sufficient and responsible members of the community.

STARRY Counseling - providing family support services such as counseling, case management, youth skills, parenting skills, and resource navigation.

Temple Community Clinic - helping to bridge the healthcare gap by delivering quality healthcare for under and uninsured members of the Temple community.
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The Salvation Army of Bell County - providing shelter and financial services, emergency disaster services, food insecurity support and spiritual care for Temple citizens in need.

These nonprofits provide essential services that help sustain and strengthen our community. Their ability to continue this work is vital to the well-being of those they serve.

If, as business leaders, we want Temple to be a place where businesses grow, where talent chooses to stay, and where families thrive, we must step up. A community that takes care of its most vulnerable is a community that attracts investment, creates opportunity, and builds a strong, resilient workforce.  
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So today, I’m asking you—not just as a business leader, but as a fellow member of this community—to take action. Whether it’s a personal donation, a workplace giving campaign, or simply spreading the word, every effort counts. A small contribution can have a major impact. 

Let’s show that Temple is a community that takes care of its own—because when we support each other, we all win.

Visit UWCT.org to find out ways you can help.