Anthony's Story
Anthony is a single father with two children, 15-year old Anthony Jr. and 3-year old Elijah. After a short time in The Salvation Army Center of Hope shelter, he and his boys entered the Family Transitional Living Center in September of 2006. Both programs are funded by the United Way of Central Florida.
During his two years in the program, Anthony had a safe and stable home for his family. He received counseling, life skills training, money-smart budgeting, childcare for his younger son through H.A.L.O. Child Development Center (funded by United Way), and support and encouragement to improve his life and circumstances.
Through The Salvation Army and United Way, Anthony was able to reach goals he once thought were unobtainable. He now has full-time employment and permanent housing for his family.
When Anthony first came to The Salvation Army, it was the only facility that would take single fathers with children. “It was the only place to save me and my family,” stated Anthony.
Now, Anthony works to help others in need through another United Way partner, Tri-County Human Services. “I work to help others have a better life. That’s how I LIVE UNITED.”
Ed's Story
Edward Henderson worked for the same company for 21 years and earned a good wage. An accident resulted in acid burns that required skin grafts on his arms legs and torso. Medical expenses
and time away from work quickly exhausted his savings.
In 2006, United Way programs offered rent or mortgage assistance to 12,579 families in need. Case managers combined that financial help with counseling services and appropriate referrals.
With short-term help from United Way programs, Mr. Henderson eventually recovered from his injuries and was able to return to work.
More than 90% of the hardworking families who receive financial assistance made it through the crisis and were still in their homes six months later.
“I never had to ask for help before my accident,” Mr. Henderson said. “My family is grateful for the help that got us through this difficult time.”
United Way programs measure sustainable results. We help keep families strong.
Charlie's Story 
Charlie was born premature, weighing 2lbs and 14 ounces; she fit in the palm of her parent’s hand. Because of her prematurity she was referred at four months of age to the Achievement Academy’s Birth to Three Program, which is funded by United Way. One of their early interventionist visited her home on a monthly basis to help give her parent’s developmental activities and techniques to enhance Charlie’s development. Through United Way dollars, developmental toys and equipment were given to the family to help Charlie reach her goals. Charlie had a rough start to life and many obstacles to overcome. Learning to crawl and walk took a little extra time for her, she began to crawl at age one and not walk until she was two. Charlie is now three years old and is a shining light in her mother’s eyes. Her parents are thankful to United Way and the Birth to Three program. They feel if there had not been a program like this Charlie may have been further behind in her development.
This program is free of charge to any family who has a child birth to three who may be at-risk for developmental delays.
