Blog

Current events around the world can have lasting impacts on the lives of our United States service members. For example, recently, we witnessed the end of an era as troops returned home from Afghanistan. This conclusion can bring about thoughts, feelings, and concerns for our friends and family members as they process these current events. […]

Over the next three years Heidi DeBenedetti, Executive Vice President at Gilbane Building Company; Humberto Hormaza, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Entravision Communications Orlando; Karmyn Norwood, Deputy Vice President of Sensors and Global Sustainment and Vice President of Rotary Wing and Ground Programs for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control; and Chad Wilson, Publix Supermarkets District Manager […]

Heart of Florida United Way’s COVID-19 Impact Report for Central Florida For more than a year, volunteers, donors, and local partners stepped up to help during this unprecedented time. Our community has been through tremendous challenges. Friends and family members have lost their jobs, their savings, and even their lives during this global pandemic. Our […]

Central Florida is a community that embraces all that it means to Live United – this year more than ever before. Through its mission, Heart of Florida United Way brings together the non-profit, public, and private sectors to create a better life for every person in Central Florida. To show appreciation and honor individuals and […]

Truist Awards Grant to HFUW to Help ALICE. Throughout Central Florida, nearly half of our population are living below the local coast of living. These are hard-working people often working two or three jobs to make ends meet. We refer to this group as ALICE or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.  You know someone […]

Resources for those impacted by COVID-19 in Central Florida At this time, thousands of Central Florida families housing stability is uncertain. As one of the providers in the community grappling with how to best support those in need, Heart of Florida United Way has put together the reference guide below for individuals seeking assistance with […]

Juneteenth (June 19th) marks the anniversary of Federal troops arriving at Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to ensure the last stronghold of slavery was finally abolished. Yet, despite ending slavery, struggles of Black Americans have endured to the present day. Even locally, Central Florida has had difficulty reconciling the darker parts of our history, like the events […]

After a shaky school year, kids need critical support this summer Summer programs provide so much more to kids in our community than a chance to catch up academically. Classes, camps, and out-of-school activities offer kids a chance to grow and thrive so they can reach their full potential. Why are these programs so important? […]

It’s difficult to believe that five years have passed since the tragedy at Pulse. At Heart of Florida United Way, we have witnessed firsthand the long-lasting impact of this trauma on those directly and indirectly impacted this event. For its first four years, Heart of Florida United Way managed the Orlando United Assistance Center (OUAC), […]

“Even though ALICE families may be resourceful enough to overcome their current emergency, they may not be out of the woods yet; because the next financial hurdle is around the corner for those unable to prepare and save,” stated Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) President and CEO Jeff Hayward during the State of Our […]

As the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic set in, leaders around Central Florida responded to the community’s unprecedented needs.  Heart of Florida United Way and others have been steadfast in addressing essential community issues like housing and utilities, mental health, and basic needs. Yes, Central Floridians are resilient, and you can witness the credo, LIVE […]

According to the Federal Trade Commission’s 2021 first-quarter report, the top 3 types of cyber-related scams are Identity Theft, Imposter scams, and Online Shopping scams. This is a continuing trend from the FTC’s 2020 annual report that tracked all 4.7 million reported instances of cybercrime and fraud. The COVID-19 global pandemic and subsequent quarantine brought a varied array […]