Blog

Tax season is upon us, and Heart of Florida United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program needs your help!  Our VITA Volunteers are trained to assist individuals that earn $73,000 or less in the preparation of their annual tax return for FREE. VITA Season begins in early February and runs through April 15 at […]

In our home state, we have 3.7% Floridian households (301,824) living completely without a bank account and relying solely on alternative financial services (outside traditional banking institutions). 17.9% Floridian households (1,468,335) are poorly or “under” banked, with at least one person holding a bank or credit union account, and yet still primarily relying on alternative […]

Kick off the new year right by getting involved in helping your community!    We’re looking for more than 300 volunteers to join us for our annual Week of Action — Sunday, January 15 through Saturday, January 21, 2023, for volunteer projects in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This annual event is done in honor […]

‘Tis the season of giving!  This holiday season, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) has announced a sum of investments in community agencies that provide basic needs and financial stability support to stabilize Central Florida families in need known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).   In total, $1,135,000 was distributed for immediate use […]

Our community has been through so much this year.   We have witnessed the exponential rise in the cost of living and the lack of affordable housing across Central Florida. We have continued to feel the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and have weathered some of the toughest storms, including Hurricane Ian.   But, through it […]

Did you know that 39 out of 194 students enrolled in Heart of Florida United Way’s Destination Graduation program at Seminole State College of Florida pursued a degree or certification in the nursing field in 2021?  This is why we are so thrilled to share that HCA Florida Healthcare announced o the HCA Healthcare Foundation […]

Our community is devoted to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It’s hard work and it won’t be easy but, together, we can do it.   This year on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2022, the Central Florida HIV Planning Council (CFHPC), in partnership with our Ryan White program, hosted their sixth annual World AIDS Day (WAD) event […]

It’s amazing what we can do when we come together!   When Hurricane Ian struck Central Florida, so many of our neighbors were left suffering in aftermath of the storm. The flooding and harsh winds damaged homes, and so many people who were already struggling were left feeling helpless.   Then, our community showed up — in […]

Many Veterans face various challenges as they acclimate to civilian life — and that includes managing finances and adapting to new banking tools and services.  HFUW’s Bank On Greater Orlando initiative aims to provide every person, including Veterans, the opportunity to have and keep a secure, affordable bank or credit union account. You can learn […]

Big news! Heart of Florida United Way recently announced a $1 million donation of Live United Scholarships for students in Valencia College’s Accelerated Skills Training program at the newly renamed Valencia College Heart of Florida United Way Center for Accelerated Training.   Students accepted into the Live United Scholarship program will receive a weekly living stipend while […]

Like many families, we at Heart of Florida United Way love holiday traditions. Ours is the annual Thanksgiving Project, and we’re incredibly thankful for all those who participated this year!   During this meaningful event, HFUW team members, board members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors came together to help Central Florida families in need by assembling and distributing Thanksgiving meal […]

Have you heard the BIG news?!  Heart of Florida United Way Launches Partnership With Valencia College   On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) President and CEO Jeff Hayward and Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske announced a $1 million investment by HFUW to support students in ALICE (Asset Limited, Income […]