A Look Back at 2020
As we enter 2021 and look towards the future of UWCF, we want to take a minute to update you on a few items that occurred this past year.
We have many great successes to share and they all highlight the need in our community that was only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of families are in need for the first time in their lives. Together, we must reimagine and rebuild our new normal of a vibrant Central Florida that’s full of hope for a better future.
Normal means less than 50% of Polk County’s kindergarten students pass the school readiness assessment. Veterans line up for food at mobile pantries. Parents in Highlands County struggle to pay for child care. Students in Hardee County suffer from mental health challenges that affect their academic success. Hardworking mothers and fathers in the tri-county area strive every day to break out of generational poverty.
Here are some of the programs and initiatives UWCF is using to build a better normal:
- 211
- Highlands County CARES
- Polk County Unites (Individual Assistance)
- Polk County Unites (Nonprofit Assistance)
- Publix Super Markets, Inc.’s Continued Support
- Ride United
- United Community Relief Fund
- UWCF’s George W. Jenkins End Hunger Initiative
- UWCF’s Success By 6
Visit uwcf.org/initiatives to learn more about all seven of UWCF’s initiatives.
While it was one of the longest campaigns ever, we want to congratulate Greta Dupuy, 2019-2020 Board Chair; Tip Fowler, 2019-2020 Campaign Chair; Ann Claussen, Health and Life Sciences Chair; Angel Davis, YLS Co-Chair; Rob Pericht, Ambassador Chair; Troy Smith, Leadership Chair; and the entire Resource Development Cabinet on officially meeting, not only the Current Year Support goal but also the 2019-2020 workplace goal!
Thanks to the success of that campaign, UWCF is able to make a tremendous impact on our community.
As we begin the new year, we are humbled and grateful for each and every one of our board members, staff members and volunteers. We cannot do this important work without you. Thank you, again, for your tremendous leadership and generosity that is changing lives for good and leading us to our new, better normal.
