Highlands County - United Way of Central Florida

State of Florida Appropriation Supports Hunger Relief in Hardee and Highlands Counties Through UWCF

July 14, 2025/in Ending Hunger, Blog, Hardee County, Highlands County, Press Release, Press Releases, Useful News and Updates/by Katherine Fitzwater

United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) is proud to announce a significant state appropriation for the 2025–2026 fiscal year to support hunger relief and wellness initiatives in Hardee and Highlands counties. This funding will directly address food insecurity, improve health outcomes, and empower individuals and families living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold.

The initiative, titled “Thrive Together: End Hunger & Wellness Navigation,” will deploy Community Wellness Navigators, provide healthy food distributions and offer critical resources to underserved rural communities. With a total of $250,000 in nonrecurring state funds, the program will allow UWCF to expand its reach to underserved individuals, providing fresh produce, frozen meats, and shelf-stable goods to families in need.

This vital support was made possible through the advocacy and collaboration of local legislators. In February, United Way of Central Florida staff and board members met with lawmakers in Tallahassee to share the urgent needs of Central Florida communities and highlight critical funding gaps. Special thanks go to Senate President Ben Albritton and Senator Colleen Burton, and Representatives Jon Albert, Jennifer Canady, Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, Josie Tomkow, and Kaylee Tuck for championing this initiative and warmly welcoming our team during legislative visits.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state leaders,” said Christina Criser Jackson, President & CEO of United Way of Central Florida. “This funding will not only provide food but also connect families to healthcare, education, housing, and other essential services that help them thrive.”

The program will be implemented in partnership with local organizations. These partners will help distribute food and provide on-the-ground support to ensure the success of the initiative.

United Way of Central Florida serves Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties by strengthening community resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security—working toward a future where every person in Central Florida can reach their full potential.

Highlands County Day of Caring 2025

April 16, 2025/in Community Impact, Blog, Highlands County, Useful News and Updates/by Katherine Fitzwater

Individuals and organizations from across Highlands County came together on April 10 for United Way of Central Florida’s Day of Caring, an annual event where volunteers participate in projects that make a significant impact on the local community.

This year, over 350 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help local nonprofits by cleaning parks, sanitizing children’s toys, stocking shelves, painting walls, and much more. All projects benefited nonprofit organizations that partner with UWCF to improve the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of residents in Highlands County.

“There is no way we could have this kind of impact without such an amazing group of community members!” said Shawn Beumel, United Way of Central Florida Director of Highlands County. “I truly believe that our United Way Day of Caring is the largest community-wide volunteer event in Highlands County.”

The event gave supporters a chance to witness firsthand the incredible programs UWCF helps fund. Volunteers spent the morning providing much-needed services to organizations that work tirelessly for the community—an experience that left many feeling inspired and grateful. It was also a unique opportunity for volunteers, workplaces, and agencies to form meaningful connections while working side-by-side to create lasting change.

“United Way has a lot of supporters, and the Day of Caring allows them to be difference makers!” Beumel added.

Among the many participating nonprofits was the Children’s Museum of the Highlands. Executive Director Kelly Dressel shared, “Day of Caring brings our community together to love on us as we focus on our mission of Learning Through Play! This year, crews helped build our newest dinosaur-themed exhibit, transforming an older play space into a vibrant new area with toddler sensory busy boards, a Safari jeep, soft flooring, and large dinosaur play pieces. The all-hands-on-deck approach in just a few hours made a huge impact on our small organization. We are so very blessed by this hands-on love.

Thank you to all the volunteers and organizations that came together to make this year’s Day of Caring a success!

For a full album of event photos, click here.