Blog

Not all expecting parents have the resources they need, which is why Heart of Florida United Way hosts an annual Community Baby Shower. The event will be held in June 2022 and will connect new and expectant parents experiencing economic hardship with the resources they need to give their baby a healthy start. But we […]

In the wake of tragic news — like the loss of at least 18 children at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas — it can be incredibly difficult to process information and cope with resulting emotions, feelings, and thoughts.  Fear, sadness, and anxiety are all normal responses to crisis for both children and adults, but you […]

It costs approximately $35,424 for a single adult and $93,228 for a family of four to survive in Central Florida. That’s according to Heart of Florida United Way’s recently released updated Household Survival Budget, which is based on updated research conducted from public sources.     ALICE households are some of the most susceptible to increasing […]

Did you know that Help Me Grow partners with Central Florida libraries and Heart of Florida United Way to provide resources to parents and professionals about early childhood development? Plus, through our Books, Balls, and Blocks events, we offer free developmental milestone screenings.  During these events, parents complete a milestone screening while their child plays with […]

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 […]