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We Live United for Central Florida
Together, we are making a difference in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
*based on the HFUW 2021-22 Annual Report
When we LIVE UNITED,
We Change Lives
As one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Central Florida, Heart of Florida United Way is uniquely positioned to strategically assess the challenges we face in our community and partner with local businesses, governments, elected officials, generous donors, and non-profits to create lasting, measurable change for generations to come. We focus on our community’s most pressing needs, and we develop programs and invest in initiatives that will make the greatest possible impact on our community.
As we seek to not only stabilize but empower every person in Central Florida, United Way focuses on investing in four key focus areas: Basic Needs, Financial Stability, Education, and Health.
Financial stability
Too many people in Central Florida are working one — even two or three jobs — and, still, they are unable to afford the necessities like housing, transportation, and food — let alone save for an emergency that could mean financial ruin. Through strategic partnerships and programs, we are changing that by helping stabilize families in need and empowering upward mobility.
Education
A good education sets a foundation for a better life. However, achieving an education can be a struggle, particularly for those struggling to overcome barriers — like not having enough food to fuel their brains or having to choose between paying a utility bill or tuition. That’s where we come in.
Health
Sustaining our physical, emotional, and mental wellness is a vital part of overall wellness. Heart of Florida United Way proudly promotes that kind of holistic wellness through our programs and investments.
Basic needs
Food and shelter are basic necessities, but the reality is that nearly half of Central Florida’s population is struggling to afford even the basics. Too many families are faced with the prospect of becoming homeless or going hungry. We are working in partnership with Central Florida leaders to change that.
Strategic Investment
LEADING Change through Strategic Investments
Heart of Florida United Way drives meaningful change in Central Florida by developing programs and initiatives, as well as strategically investing in partner agencies that are best poised to address Central Florida’s pressing and complex issues. Our role as a key convener in the community enables us to better understand how to allocate resources in a way that maximizes our donor dollars — transforming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year.
We LIVE UNITED for ALICE
Empowering Hardworking Individuals and Families
You know ALICE. You see them every day. They are the childcare worker at your daycare, the cashier at your supermarket, aging parents on Social Security, servers, office clerks, and others. They are essential, yet they struggle to survive.
ALICE is Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. They are hardworking people one emergency away from financial ruin. One flat tire. One hospital bill. But, together, we can help.
Inspiring Journeys
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A Warm Smile and a Big Help: How Shantel Smith Persisted to Stay in School
Shantel Smith had always prided herself on being financially responsible, carefully budgeting every dollar to make ends meet. But despite her best efforts, life threw her a curveball. When her car broke down, the repair costs were more than she could afford. The weight of unplanned expenses loomed large, and Shantel faced the difficult reality…
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Paying it Forward: The Impact of Community Support
Jose Luis Aponte and Alis Orozxo, Central Florida parents struggling to make ends meet, found hope and support through our Community Baby Shower. Inspired by the help they received, they volunteered their time to assist other expectant parents. Discover their inspiring story and learn how you can help build a stronger community for families in…
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More Than Supplies: How a Community Baby Shower Rekindled Hope for Tamara, a Single Mom in Need
Single mom-to-be Tamara Allen expected to collect just a handful of free things for her future son Nolan at Heart of Florida United Way’s Community Baby Shower. But the event offered her something far more valuable: hope for the future. Prior to relocating to Florida, Tamara had a stable job at the U.S Postal Service…
Get the Data
Heart of Florida United Way believes in creating measurable results — so we know we are making a real impact in Central Florida.