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GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida launch United Community Indicators Dashboard

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GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) and United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) are excited to launch the United Community Indicators Dashboard, an online interactive tool that provides snapshots of key metrics that focus on community needs. The dashboard (ucindicators.org) is the second phase of the joint GWCF/UWCF United Community Needs Assessment (UCNA) project, which measured community needs in the tri-county area of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties in central Florida.

“We are proud to offer this valuable resource to our community,” said Callie Neslund, GiveWell Community Foundation’s President and CEO. “The data available on the dashboard benefits nonprofit organizations, governments, educators, and community members as we focus on our most pressing needs, and track trends and outcomes.”

In addition to UWCF and GWCF, the UCNA process involved community leaders throughout the tri-county area, as well as residents who completed the surveys and participated in focus groups. As a result, six priority domains were identified: economy & employment, education, food security, housing, quality of life, and transportation & infrastructure. The dashboard provides data about these domains for each of the three counties.

“The United Community Indicators project gives our community a shared foundation for action,” said Christina Criser Jackson, United Way of Central Florida’s President and CEO. “With clear, accessible data, we can continue to align efforts to meet the most urgent needs across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties.”

Contacts:

Sara Hallett
Communications Manager
GiveWell Community Foundation
shallett@givecf.org  |  863-683-3131

 

Katherine Fitzwater
Director of Public Relations & Social Media
United Way of Central Florida
Katherine.Fitzwater@uwcf.org  |  863-648-1500 x 243

United Way of Central Florida Attends Capitol Days in Washington, D.C.

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The United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) team recently returned from an inspiring and impactful trip to Washington, D.C., where we joined fellow United Way leaders from across the country for United Way Worldwide’s Capitol Days. This annual event brings together advocates, changemakers, and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue around public policy and the future of our communities.

Our delegation—President and CEO Christina Criser Jackson, Chief Development & Marketing Officer Ileana Kniss, Grants Manager Kelsey Jaffer, and former Board Chair Ashley Bell Barnett—spent the week immersed in workshops, panels, and keynote presentations focused on some of the most pressing issues facing families today.

From deep dives into childcare reform and the future of 211 services, to conversations focused on empowering women and families, the experience was both educational and energizing. Our team heard directly from members of Congress, Senate leaders, and local legislators, gaining valuable insights into the federal and state advocacy landscape. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of lifting our voices and working collaboratively to drive systemic change.

One of the highlights of the trip was celebrating the appointment of our very own Ashley Bell Barnett to the United Way Worldwide Women United Global Leadership Council. Her continued leadership and passion for community impact are a source of pride and inspiration for all of us at UWCF.

Additionally, our team had the opportunity to meet with staffers from the offices of Congresswoman Laurel Lee, Congressman Scott Franklin, and Senator Rick Scott. These conversations were instrumental in helping us advocate for the needs of Central Florida families and build relationships that will support our future policy efforts.

This experience has sparked new ideas and strengthened our commitment to advocacy. We’re proud to be part of a movement that believes in the power of advocacy, action, and community. Thank you to United Way Worldwide for hosting such a transformative event and to all the leaders who took the time to meet with us.

Community Investment Teams Volunteers Needed!

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Make a Measurable Difference: Join UWCF’s Community Investment Teams 

Are you passionate about creating lasting change in your community? United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) is seeking dedicated, community-minded volunteers to join our Community Investment Teams—a unique opportunity to directly influence how local resources are invested to improve lives across Central Florida. 

What Are Community Investment Teams? 

UWCF strategically invests in programs that address our region’s most critical needs—from youth opportunity and financial security to health and basic needs. But we don’t do it alone. That’s where you come in. 

As a volunteer on a Community Investment Team, you’ll: 

  • Evaluate funding requests from local nonprofit organizations 
  • Participate in site visits to see programs in action 
  • Review applications and assess program effectiveness 
  • Collaborate with fellow volunteers to make funding recommendations 

Your insights and decisions help ensure that donor dollars are directed to programs that deliver measurable results and meaningful impact. 

What’s the Commitment? 

Community Investment Teams meet approximately once a month from mid-August through mid-November. The timeline includes: 

  • Volunteer training 
  • Review of partner program application packets 
  • Site visits and presentations from partner agencies 
  • A final “discuss and deliberate” session to recommend funding allocations 

Meetings are held virtually via Zoom, with in-person site visits to each agency. 

Why Volunteer? 

By joining a Community Investment Team, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of our community. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of community needs and local resources, connect with like-minded individuals, and help ensure that every dollar invested by UWCF makes a real difference. 

To volunteer, email Christy.Apisa@uwcf.org.  

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

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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.

Brian Haas Concludes Term as Board Chair + UWCF Elects New Officers & Directors

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Brian Haas Concludes Term as Board Chair for United Way of Central Florida

During the June 18 board meeting, United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) celebrated the conclusion of State Attorney Brian Haas’s impactful year as Board Chair. With a strong sense of accomplishment and gratitude, Haas passed the torch to incoming Chair Jonathan Crain, ushering in a new chapter of leadership and community service.

 

A Year of Impact and Inspiration

Under Haas’s leadership, UWCF continued to raise awareness about the challenges faced by ALICE families—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—who represent the hardworking backbone of our community. These are the individuals we encounter every day at the store, during school pickup, and at work. By supporting ALICE families, UWCF strengthens the entire community.

In the past year alone, United Way served nearly 187,000 individuals through 78 agencies and 168 programs across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. This remarkable reach underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to creating lasting change.

Welcoming New Leadership

As part of the annual transition, the board confirmed its 2025 Slate of Officers and Executive Committee:

  • Chair: Jonathan Crain
  • Chair Elect: Superintendent Fred Heid
  • Vice-Chair: Nick Plott
  • Treasurer: Fran McAskill
  • Secretary: Brittany Sale
  • Resource Development Chair: Lauren Saunders Feaster
  • Community Impact Cabinet Chair: Brian Donnelly
  • Community Investment Team Committee Chair: Virginia Kalil
  • Highlands County Chair: Brian Norris
  • Governance and Board Development Committee Chair: Rick Garcia
  • Immediate Past Chair: State Attorney Brian Haas, 10th Judicial Circuit (Polk, Highlands, & Hardee Counties)

Honoring Service and Welcoming New Faces

The board also recognized the contributions of eight retiring members:

  • Tip Fowler
  • Lauren Giordano
  • Joe Gleason
  • Sam Killebrew
  • Scott Sjoblom
  • Michael Tamney
  • Tax Collector Joe Tedder (Polk County)
  • Ali Wright

New board members include:

  • Kristin Aiken
  • Virginia Kalil
  • Tineshia Morris
  • Supervisor of Elections Melony Bell (Polk County)
  • Kristy Goff
  • Dawn Willis
  • Fran McAskill

The board continues to be strengthened by a diverse group of community leaders, including:

  • Mayor Omar Arroyo (Haines City)
  • Jenny Baker
  • Commissioner Bill Braswell (Polk County)
  • Dr. Naomi Boyer
  • Sheriff Vent Crawford (Hardee County)
  • Commissioner Don Elwell (Highlands County)
  • Ian Floyd
  • Tom Garthwaite
  • Dana Hurley
  • Kim Long
  • Erica Lupercio
  • Larry Mitchell
  • Paul Noris
  • Callie Neslund
  • Dr. Andy Oguntola
  • Ana Wood Rogers
  • Emily Spath

Looking Ahead

As Brian Haas steps into his new role as Immediate Past Chair, his legacy of service and leadership will continue to inspire. With a strong foundation and a passionate team, United Way of Central Florida is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. Thank you to each community leader who gives their time to serve on the United Way of Central Florida board.

Celebrating 30 Years of Literacy: Success By 6 Read-a-Thon Wrap-Up

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From June 1 to June 30, 2025, United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) proudly celebrated the 30th anniversary of Success By 6 with a month-long Read-a-Thon. This joyful event honored three decades of promoting early childhood literacy and development.

Throughout the month, children across Central Florida immersed themselves in stories, building both their reading skills and imaginations. A total of 3,960 books were logged by participants, highlighting the community’s strong commitment to literacy and learning.

UWCF was thrilled to welcome more than 550 young readers and their families to this year’s Read-a-Thon. Many parents shared that they had not previously heard of UWCF’s programs, making the event a valuable opportunity to introduce new families to the resources and support available.

The Read-a-Thon is more than just a summer activity—it supports UWCF’s mission to ensure every child enters school ready to succeed. Research shows that children who read regularly during the summer are better prepared for the academic year. By encouraging consistent reading habits, UWCF is helping to close the literacy gap and support long-term educational success.

Success By 6, founded in 1995 by Carol Jenkins Barnett—then director of Publix Super Markets Charities—is a community-wide initiative led by United Way of Central Florida. Its mission is to ensure that all children in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties enter school mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally prepared to succeed. The program brings together resources from businesses, government, faith-based organizations, educators, and health services to prioritize early childhood development. Through initiatives like ReadingPals, Born Learning, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Success By 6 has become a cornerstone in building a strong foundation for young children in Central Florida.

Thank You

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every child, parent, and caregiver who contributed to the success of our first Read-a-Thon. Your participation helps UWCF continue the vital work of Success By 6, now in its 30th year.

Here’s to three decades of building brighter beginnings—and to many more stories to come.

United Way and AdventHealth Launch Partnership to Combat Hunger in Lake Placid

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On Thursday, June 26, United Way of Central Florida proudly joined forces with AdventHealth to celebrate a powerful new partnership aimed at addressing food insecurity in Highlands County. Volunteers from AdventHealth came out in full force to support the kickoff event in Lake Placid, where hundreds of families received nutritious food through the United Way of Central Florida End Hunger Initiative.

This initiative is part of United Way’s ongoing commitment to creating a more resilient community across Highlands, Hardee, and Polk counties. By partnering with AdventHealth, United Way is expanding its reach and deepening its impact, ensuring that more families have access to the healthy food they need to thrive.

This milestone reflects the strength of community partnerships and the shared dedication to creating lasting change in Highlands County.

“We are incredibly grateful to AdventHealth for their commitment to our mission,” said Shawn Beumel, Director of Highlands County for United Way of Central Florida. “Together, we are not only feeding families, we are building a healthier, more resilient Heartland.”

The Lake Placid event marked the second collaboration between United Way and AdventHealth, following the launch of their first site in Avon Park in April. These food distributions will continue to take place at:

South Oak Church
125 S. Oak Ave., Lake Placid
Every second and fourth Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

To find a food distribution near you, click here.

Ashley Bell Barnett Appointed to Women United Global Leadership Council

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We are thrilled to announce that Ashley Bell Barnett, Past Board Chair of United Way of Central Florida (UWCF), has been appointed to the Women United Global Leadership Council (WUGLC).

Ashley has long been a passionate advocate for the communities of Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties, dedicating her time and energy to uplifting individuals and families across the region. Her unwavering commitment to service and leadership continues to inspire all of us.

The WUGLC represents members working with United Way in communities worldwide. New members, including Ashley, were selected through a rigorous nominations process by the Council for their experience, dedication to Women United, and proven investment in United Way’s mission.

The Council serves as both a strategic advisory body to United Way Worldwide and a key mobilizer of leaders who support initiatives that strengthen families—such as access to quality, affordable, and educational childcare. Representing a network of over 50,000 members, the Council also plays a vital role in expanding the reach and impact of Women United globally.

Here in Central Florida, we are proud to have over 600 Women United members across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties, all working together to create lasting change in our communities. To get involved locally, email WU@uwcf.org or click here to learn more.

This new role is a testament to Ashley’s vision, compassion, and tireless work in advancing the mission of Women United. We are proud to see her recognized for the incredible impact she makes every day.

Thank you, Ashley, for all you do to support United Way and the communities we serve!

Read more about the announcement here.

Our Mission

To inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change.

Our Vision

To unite our community and empower everyone to achieve their full potential.

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