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Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Jahnice Truesdell, and I’m an artist and creator living in Tucson, Arizona. I’ve been here for about 14 years now. I specialize in a variety of creative mediums—photography, modeling, set design, crafting, and visual storytelling. Creativity is my world, and I love sharing it through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

I’m originally from another part of the country, but Tucson has become my home and my community. My family means a lot to me—especially my mom, who’s actually the reason I first connected with United Way. She moved here before I did and told me about the services they offer. That one piece of advice shaped a huge part of my journey here.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

About ten years ago, I was trying to get my taxes done and had no idea where to start. I didn’t have much money, and doing it on my own felt overwhelming. That’s when my mom told me about United Way’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. She said they could help me file my taxes for free, and I figured, “Why not?”

I’ve been going back to United Way every year since then—for a full decade now. They’ve helped me through complicated tax situations, even filing extensions when needed. The support I receive there has saved me money, stress, and time—more than I can count.

What makes United Way such a special organization?

United Way genuinely meets people where they are. The team has always been kind and understanding, even when my situation wasn’t simple. They go above and beyond to help you get things done, and I always walk away feeling better than I did when I came in.

The work they do doesn’t stop at taxes either. I’ve received help paying utility bills in tough times. I know they support countless others in Tucson every day, in so many different ways. It’s that consistent compassion and community-centered mission that makes United Way truly special.

What would you tell someone who is considering making a donation to United Way of Tucson?

Do it. Your donation isn’t just going into a pot—it’s directly impacting lives. Programs like VITA are essential for people like me, especially when you’re living on a modest income. Without that support, I would’ve been in debt, possibly facing thousands of dollars in fees or worse.

Your contribution helps real people file taxes, pay bills, find resources, and feel like they belong to a community. Every dollar really does make a difference.

What do you love most about Tucson?

Tucson is such a beautiful blend of people. You’ll meet individuals from all walks of life—those with abundance and those with almost nothing. And yet, there’s a sense of connection here that’s hard to describe.

United Way helps unify Tucson. Whether it’s through taxes, therapy resources, or bill assistance, they help everyone feel seen and supported. It’s part of what makes this city feel like home to me.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Yes—don’t be afraid to ask for help. So many people think tax prep has to be a nightmare. I walked into the VITA site on Tax Day and only waited ten minutes. The volunteers were kind, helpful, and made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I came in carrying this huge weight, and it was like someone said, “Let me carry that for you.”

And that’s what United Way is: a community that says, “You’re not alone.”