Women United Creating a Brighter Future for Local Girls

In Tarrant County, where 19% of children live below the poverty line, schools like Rivertree Academy are essential.

Located in the Lake Como neighborhood of Fort Worth, Rivertree is an independent Christian school working to break the cycle of poverty by educating students to learn well, love well, work well and lead well.

Their commitment to helping children overcome barriers is why United Way of Tarrant County’s Women United donor network invested $20,000 into the organization in 2022.

Many students who live in low-income neighborhoods don’t have the same opportunities to succeed as their peers who live in affluent areas because experiencing poverty often has negative impacts on children’s performance at school. The negative impacts often hinder a child’s development and lead to difficulties socializing with classmates.

With the support of Women United, Rivertree is rewriting this narrative for students, including 10-year-old Karmen.

10-year-old Karmen Wade gives the invocation at the Dinner Under the Stars fundraising event for RiverTree Academy.

10-year-old Karmen Wade gives the invocation at the Dinner Under the Stars fundraising event for Rivertree Academy.

Karmen struggled with overwhelming anxiety and big emotions after the passing of her father. She was critical of herself and had low self-esteem; as a result, her behavior and performance in school suffered.

The counselors, teachers and mentors at Rivertree taught Karmen methods to cope with her anxiety and better manage her emotions. Over time, Rivertree faculty saw tremendous growth in her self-esteem, self-confidence and academic performance.

Karmen’s teachers were so proud of her success that they asked her to give the invocation at a recent fundraising event.

“She is resilient… and each day she strives to become a better individual in all areas of her life, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually,” said Tiera Gandy, dean of students for Rivertree Academy.

Investing in children’s futures is one of the most important things we can do. Women United is proud to support organizations like Rivertree, so all children in Tarrant County can thrive.

You can be a part of the impact Women United is making on women and girls in Tarrant County. Join us for our third annual Investing in Impact luncheon, 11 a.m., Thursday, May 11 at Ridglea Hills Country Club. We’ll be awarding $60,000 in grants to local nonprofits changing lives and creating positive outcomes for women and girls in Tarrant County.

Sign up to attend or become a sponsor: https://www.unitedwaytarrant.org/investinginimpact/