United Way’s Anna Babin and Rich Kruger, president of ExxonMobil Production Co.,celebrate the 10th anniversary of United Way Bright Beginnings with youngstersfrom area centers. United Way of Greater Houston and ExxonMobil founded theprogram to help improve school readiness for children.

Smiling faces of children from area United Way Bright Beginnings early educationcenters

Christine Baldwin lived paycheck-to-paycheck and never thought she could build anest egg or save for a home for her family of four. With her United Way THRIVEclasses and financial counseling, she learned budgeting, opened a matchedsavings account and even applied for and got a promotion at work.

Attending home ownership and financial literacy courses through United WayTHRIVE made all the difference for Taghi and his family, who were finally ableto purchase a home.