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a year of lighting the way
we live united for
central Florida
As a leading nonprofit in Central Florida, Heart of Florida United Way is here to tackle our community’s challenges head-on. We team up with local businesses, governments, donors, and nonprofits to bring about lasting change.
Focusing on urgent needs, we create programs and invest in initiatives for maximum impact. With your ongoing support, we have achieved a lot, but there is still so much more ahead, and together, we can make it happen.
The following information reflects our 2022-2023 impact on Central Florida.
thank you to our
2022 – 2023 Board OF DIRECTORS
Tracey Powell, Chair
Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts U.S.
Sean DeMartino, Immediate Past Chair
Coastal Construction Company
Hope Newsome, Esq., Vice Chair
Meris Law, PLLC
Eddie Francis, Esq., Secretary
Lowndes Law Firm
Michael Mueller, Treasurer
Orlando Regional Medical Center
Jan Aspuru
Orlando Utilities Commission – Retired
Lysa Barbano
VyStar Credit Union
Nicolla Binford
Publix Super Markets
Grace Chehansky
JP Morgan Private Bank
Jay Darulla
Community Volunteer
John F. Davis
State of Florida Lottery
Heidi DeBenedetti
Gilbane Construction Company
Donna Dyson
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Stephanie Gardner
RSM US LLP
Stephanie Nelson Garris, Esq.
Grace Medical Home
Elisha González
FAIRWINDS Credit Union
Todd Goodman
AdventHealth
Char Jordan
Allstate
Linda Landman González
Orlando Magic – Retired
Marie Martinez
Howard Philips Center for Children & Families
Maritza Martinez-Guerrero
Orlando Magic
Peter Meyer
TD Bank – Retired
Sheriff John Mina
Orange County Sheriff’s Dept.
Karmyn Norwood
Lockheed Martin Missiles/ Fire Control
Gaby Ortigoni
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Michael E. Pattillo
Ernst & Young
Tammy Paycer
Truist
John Pisan
Fifth Third Bank
Orlando Rolón
Prospect Development Real Estate Group
David Ruiz
UPS – Retired
Joanne Santiago
Peachtree
Ed Timberlake
Seaside National Bank & Trust – Retired
Annetta Wilson
Annetta Wilson Media Training
Bill Wilson
Holland & Knight – Retired
Chad Wilson
Publix Super Markets – Retired
at a glance
Our IMPACT
These numbers represent more than just statistics; they embody the hope, resilience, and strength of our community. As we look back on our accomplishments, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who has joined us in this journey.
Together, we are making a profound difference for every person in Central Florida — serving one in three people in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
Data based on 2022-2023 Impact Report
We LIVE UNITED for EDUCATION
Our investments positively impacted 244,038 children, youth, students, and their guardians as we worked to increase educational attainment, high school graduation rates, and post-secondary achievement. We believe education is the cornerstone of personal and community success. Our initiatives, including UpliftED and Destination Graduation, have been instrumental in bridging gaps and fostering environments where every child and student can thrive.
UpliftED
upliftED’s Scholarship Search Tool and Going2College Texting Program were instrumental for 351 post-secondary youths, helping fund and find their way to education after high school by democratizing access to scholarship opportunities tailored for Central Florida’s students and navigating them through enrollment processes.
TECHquity
We started to bridge the digital divide by engaging corporate and community partners to develop TECHquity — from showing students potential TECH careers with organizations like EA and Beep to sponsor Orange County Public Schools’ STEM Spark event.
See how TECHquity is bridging the digital divide in Central Florida.
Destination Graduation
Our outreach touched 284 Seminole State College students, offering them a suite of services from case management with direct financial assistance to academic guidance — helping them to remain on track for graduation. A significant 75% of students served either re-enrolled or completed their studies, underscoring the program’s success in fostering academic perseverance and achievement.
See how Destination Graduation helped a student stay in school when unexpected financial circumstances struck.
We LIVE UNITED for FINANCIAL STABILITY
Too many Central Floridians are struggling to make ends meet and afford basic necessities. Heart of Florida United Way works to stabilize Central Florida families and empower them by improving their financial stability and upward mobility. In fiscal year 2023, we helped 240,248 individuals increase their financial stability.
Emergency Financial Assistance
We assisted 9,021 people with $4,688,049 in emergency financial aid, covering shelter, food, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
2,264 households benefited from free tax preparation, claiming $2,564,835 in refunds, and saving $509,400 in tax preparation fees.
Live United Scholarship
Supporting educational and career advancement, we invested $1 million in Valencia College for Live United Scholarships. This year the program served 218 students, aiding them in maintaining household stability while pursuing accelerated skills training.
67% (145 of 218) of students graduated, with 64% (93 of 145) finding employment post-graduation.
Mission United
We championed Veteran services by mobilizing 48 community partners, serving 6,796 Veterans with legal, employment, and educational assistance.
As part of this effort, we provided 272 Lyft rides — over 2,486 miles — for Veterans, ensuring access to critical services, and 64 veterans received job skills training and employment assistance.
Orlando Health Pathways
Our joint program with Orlando Health is dedicated to enhancing financial literacy. 611 team members participated in services including financial literacy counseling and crisis assistance services/resources, with 63% achieving their case plan goals.
Bank On Greater Orlando
We formed the Bank On of Greater Orlando Coalition with 65 community partner organizations, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to maintain a secure and affordable banking account, aligning with the national Bank On initiative.
SingleCare Prescription Discount Card
30,992 individuals utilized the SingleCare discount, saving a total of $3,153,998 on prescription medications.
We LIVE UNITED for HEALTH
Health is a fundamental human right, and last year, we reached 62,097 Central Floridians through our health programs. From mental health services to preventive care, our holistic approach addresses the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our community members.
Help Me Grow
We supported 285 children from 268 families in identifying developmental and/or behavioral concerns early, successfully connecting 69% (55 of 80) of these children to essential services.
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B & General Revenue
We administered 85,756 units of service to 2,129 HIV/AIDS patients, encompassing primary care, dental visits, medications, and more across four counties, achieving viral suppression for 89% (1,279 of 1,435) of individuals.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
We answered 19,520 crisis and suicide-related contacts, including 13,502 calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, demonstrating our commitment to mental health support.
We also launched initiatives like the “Be a Mindleader” campaign in partnership with AdventHealth and the Mental Wellness Skillshop.
See What it Means to Be A Mindleader.
We LIVE UNITED for BASIC NEEDS
Last year, we addressed the basic needs of 460,743 individuals, providing food, shelter, and immediate support services to those in crisis. By partnering with local agencies and leveraging community resources, we ensure that no one has to face hard times alone.
211 and Crisis Services
Our 211 and Crisis Services contact center answered 249,915 contacts (calls, texts, emails, chats), benefiting an estimated 724,754 individuals and families with critical support, crisis de-escalation, and connections to vital resources.
See how a call to 211 made all the difference for a struggling single mother.
Hurricane Support
In response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian and Nicole, Heart of Florida United Way swiftly mobilized to aid our neighbors. Collectively, we offered crucial assistance to 18,247 residents across Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties.
We LIVE UNITED with VOLUNTEERS
We proudly worked with 6,086 volunteers to provide 12,533 service hours — valued in total at $400,000.
See some examples of our volunteers in action:
We LIVE UNITED with IMPACT GROUPS
Our Impact Groups are essential pillars of our community outreach. We are proud to host two unique and empowering Impact Groups: Women United and, new for this year, Emerging Leaders.
Women United
More than 450 Women United members donated their time and talent — rolling up their sleeves at volunteer events, coming together for uplifting networking events, and helping to make our record-breaking Women United Luncheon possible by bringing together more than 750 people for the event and raising $200,000.
Emerging leaders
Launched in late 2022, the new Emerging Leaders Impact Group made a significant impact by attracting over 100 members within its inaugural year. It has swiftly emerged as the premier program for young professionals who wish to foster professional connections while driving change in Central Florida.
We LIVE UNITED with TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY
Heart of Florida United Way’s Tocqueville Society unites civic-minded leaders and change makers who are committed to standing up for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Central Florida.
Through this society, more than 60 of this region’s most dedicated philanthropists band together to collectively contribute more than $1 million every year to strengthen our region.
We are incredibly grateful to the generous members of our Tocqueville Society for their contributions and their commitment to uplifting those in need throughout the tri-county area.
We LIVE UNITED with PARTNER AGENCIES
We proudly collaborate with a network of partner agencies to extend our reach and impact. Together, we’re making Central Florida stronger and more resilient.
Adult Literacy League
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
Catholic Charities of Central Florida
The Center (LGBT+ Center Orlando)
Christian HELP Employment & Resource Center
Christian Service Center for Central Florida
City Year Orlando
Coalition for the Homelessness of Central Florida
Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C)
Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County
Elevate Orlando
Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools
Grace Medical Home
Harbor House of Central Florida
Health Care Center for the Homeless
Hebni Nutrition Consultants
Help Now of Osceola
Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families
JFS Orlando
Jobs Partnership of Florida
Junior Achievement
Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc
Meals on Wheels Etc. Inc
New Image Youth Center
Orlando Day Nursery
Osceola Council on Aging, Inc
Pace Center for Girls
The Salvation Army, Orlando Area Command
The Salvation Army, Sanford Corps
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society
Seminole County Victims’ Rights Coalition d.b.a. SafeHouse of Seminole
Seniors First
The Sharing Center
United Against Poverty
Winter Park Day Nursery
Zebra Coalition
We LIVE UNITED with OUR TOP PARTNERS
A special heartfelt thank you to our top partners, whose support was instrumental in our 22-23 achievements. Your commitment to our Central Florida community is truly appreciated.
We LIVE UNITED with OUR COMMITTEES
Our deepest thanks to the committee members who keep us moving ever-forward on our journey to improving life for every person in Central Florida.
AUDIT & ETHICS COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Finance committee
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
MARKETING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MISSION UNITED ADVISORY COUNCIL
NOMINATING & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
WOMEN UNITED STEERING COMMITTEE
statements of financial position
For our full set of financial statements and supplementary information from the fiscal year 2022-2023, please view our online statements.