Say “United Way” and many of us think of a pillar of the community that helps raise money for nonprofits and provides critical services. But there’s another role they play behind the scenes.

Twyla Marcrum leads operational excellence initiatives for the Valley of the Sun United Way, and as vice president of donor engagement. But she wears another hat, representing the organization as board chair for the Arizona Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (AZVOAD). This group coordinates community efforts for disaster response and preparedness, building collaborative relationships to maximize their collective impact during a disaster.

National VOAD is a coalition of more than 70 of the nation’s most reputable national faith, community, and nonprofit organizations, plus state and territory VOADs representing hundreds of other member organizations throughout the country.

They combine forces to mobilize during challenges like hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and the recent devastating flooding in New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas.

Click here to learn more about VOAD: National – https://www.nvoad.org/ and Arizona – https://www.azvoad.org/

Original air date: August 28, 2025.