Blog

While May might be Mental Health Awareness Month, Heart of Florida United Way works to promote mental health and break down the stigma associated with it year-round.  Only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, far too many of our own neighbors are suffering in silence and facing mental health crises without adequate support.   In fact, the […]

Board Member Spotlight: Heidi DeBenedetti  Relocating from snowy Colorado to sunny Florida, Heidi DeBenedetti has an established relationship with United Way and comes from an ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) family herself. She wants to make a strong and positive difference in her new community by helping as many individuals in need as possible […]

The FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households estimates that 63 million Americans are unbanked or underbanked, with an average annual cost of $3,000 per person. These individuals are among the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population — people who are working hard to make ends meet and still don’t have enough savings […]

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how many children in Central Florida live in financial hardship and depend on assistance programs. However, new research highlights that this economic insecurity was rampant for Central Florida children even before the pandemic.  According to a new report created in partnership with United for ALICE, most of Central Florida’s Hispanic […]

 “None of us can be who we are alone. Right? When you look at any successful person, there is always a true tribe of people whether mentors, coaches, parents, or loved ones that are there cheering them on.” That is how Pace Center for Girls Executive Director, Rosene Johnson, set the stage for a recent […]

Chad Wilson has a history with the United Way that runs parallel with his successful work with Publix Supermarkets here in Central Florida. Stretching back to his time as a part-time associate, the United Way has worked hand-in-hand with Publix to help families in the area in a relationship that has only grown over the […]

Today, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) announced a $1 million commitment in response to the Orange County Government’s Mental & Behavioral Health System of Care Community Analysis report. The report was released to Orange County Commissioners on February 22. “Orange County can’t do this alone,” said Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “We need the entire […]

9 Ways You Can Choose to Challenge Gender Inequity  Celebrate International Women’s Day with These Mentorship Ideas  Challenges faced together are often easier to manage. That’s true no matter your age or stage in life. Having someone who is by your side to help you face challenges is the power of mentorships! So, for this […]

Heart of Florida United Way Launches a Mental & Behavioral Health Report in Collaboration with Orange County Here’s a hard truth. Last year, HFUW’s 211 Crisis Line received an average of 4 suicide calls a day from Orange County residents in their darkest hour.  Every day, we hear the anxiety in the voices of desperate people […]

Black History Month is observed in the United States, recognizing, celebrating, and honoring the achievements and contributions of the black populations and their role in the United States’ history. Heart of Florida United Way is excited to celebrate Black History Month! We recognize that the black community has contributed tremendously to the innovation and uniqueness […]

In a crisis, disaster, or pandemic, 211 is here to help every person in our community every day of the year. From finding food and paying for housing and bills to connecting to other essential services, 211 is there, 365/24/7, to answer the call whenever a personal crisis may occur. Every 211 is part of […]

 In Honor of Black History Month, HFUW Invests in Long-Standing Community Pillars – Central Florida Urban League, Hebni Nutrition, New Image Youth Center Heart of Florida United Way announced recent investments to support three long-standing community pillars among Central Florida nonprofits. Central Florida Urban League ($45,000), Hebni Nutrition ($45,000), and New Image Youth Center ($50,000) are among the recent recipients of […]