16 Nonprofit Agencies Selected for over $5M in Community Wellness Grants
United Way of Central Florida releases which local, nonprofit agencies are receiving nearly $5 million released for Community Wellness Initiative in Polk. The pilot program awarded 501(c)(3) nonprofits funding from Polk County Indigent Health Care to provide services in the categories of behavioral health, and prevention/early intervention. The services must be provided to qualified Polk County residents as defined in section 212.055(7) Florida Statutes and Polk County Ordinance 2015-076.
The following agencies have been selected for grants:
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
| Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc. | Improving Behavioral Health |
|---|---|
| Heart for Winter Haven | Center for Well Being |
| Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine | Behavioral Health |
| One Hope United | Expanded Behavioral Health Services |
| Peace River Center for Personal Development | Victim Services and Behavioral Health Program |
| Polk for Recovery | Outreach & Peer Support Program |
| The Children’s Home Society of Florida | Polk Behavioral Health Expansion |
| The Wilson House | Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program |
| Tri-County Human Services, Inc. | TCHS Vivitrol Assisted Treatment |
PREVENTION / EARLY INTERVENTION
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County | Prevention for a Positive Future |
|---|---|
| Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc. | Helping Seniors Stay Independent |
| Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center | Support for Parents and Resource for Kids (SPARK) |
| Early Learning Coalition of Polk County | Positive Child Development & Family Engagement Initiative |
| Florida Children’s Museum | Polk Plays |
| North American Family Institute | Family Functional Therapy |
| Talbot House Ministries, Inc. | The Good Samaritan Free Clinic Dental Preventative Services |
| The Children’s Home Society of Florida | Children’s Advocacy Center Victim Advocate Program |
| Top Buttons | Wearing Confidence (Event) |
These organizations are qualified to address wellness needs in central Florida as they source 18 programs in the categories of behavioral health, and prevention/early intervention. Programs include victim services, peer support, family functional therapy and much more.
“We are thrilled to partner with these services which are dedicated to addresing some of our county’s most pressing challenges in innovative ways,” shared Christina Criser Jackson, President & CEO of United Way of Central Florida.
By investing in these health services, United Way of Central Florida is proactively bringing positive change with the funding from Polk County to the future of our Polk community.
COO Rod Crowley shared, “adding these services to the Polk County community is a great step forward in expanding our wellness programs. With these additional services, more underserved individuals will be able to receive the care they need, allowing them more opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The disbursements have begun and will continue to be paid as services are provided through the end of the County’s fiscal year. The additional funding has allowed several agencies to hire new staff and the services will be operational as soon as possible.
