2020 Retrospective: Polk County Unites

Last June, United Way of Central Florida announced a partnership that would help Polk County residents make it through the turmoil of COVID-19.

Those impacted by the virus were eligible to receive part of the $15 million in federal relief CARES Act funding UWCF received from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

The CARES Act established the Coronavirus Relief Fund.  Polk County Unites, a partnership with the Polk County BoCC and UWCF, provided $2,000 to Polk County residents laid off, furloughed or who have lost wages as a result of COVID-19.

Polk County Unites also provided relief for local nonprofit organizations that provide important services to residents. A list of those nonprofits can be found here.

“The $2,000 in assistance afforded to households to cover some of those basic household needs like food, rent, mortgage or utilities have been a much needed financial relief,” said Stacy Campbell-Domineck, President & CEO of CareerSource Polk.

Polk resident Brittany heard about the money available through Polk County Unites and was able to leverage the funding to stay on her feet.

“I ended up getting behind on my bills and having to relocate for a better job and opportunities,” Brittany said. “This is a stress off my back and helping me get back on my feet. I will now have money for daycare so I can continue working at my new job.”

Utilizing United Way’s 211 referral service, Polk residents were able to get help. Thank you to the following agencies who distributed those funds:

• Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc.
• Camp Fire USA
• CareerSource Polk
• Catholic Charities
• Central Florida Health Care
• Church Service Center
• Florida Baptist Children’s Homes/One More Child
• Frostproof Care Center
• Girls Inc. Lakeland
• Heart 4 Winter Haven
• HELP of Fort Meade
• Lake Wales Care Center
• Lake Wales Ministerial Alliance
• Mulberry Community Service Center
• RCMA – Polk
• Salvation Army of East Polk
• Salvation Army of Lakeland & West Polk
• St Vincent de Paul Haines City
• St Vincent de Paul Lakeland
• The Way Center
• Theatre Winter Haven
• Women’s Resource Center
• YMCA of West Central Florida