The health and safety of our community is our highest priority. We know you may have questions about what United Way of Central Florida is doing to keep our community healthy, how you can help should our community be directly impacted by this virus and what the implications will be to upcoming UWCF events, meetings and programs. We are actively monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from our local partners at the Polk County Emergency Operations Center, city and county government partners and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will continue to respond based on the latest recommendations from our trusted local government, public health and medical professionals.

Currently, United Way of Central Florida is continuing to stay open for our normal business hours. Meetings, trainings and volunteer opportunities are moving forward as scheduled, with some adjustments being made to meeting locations. Teleconferencing will be made available as much as possible. Family Fundamentals will continue to follow the recommendations of the Polk County School Board and all classes will continue until further notice.

For the comfort and safety of our guests and team members, we have enhanced our housekeeping protocols and increased the availability of hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes throughout public spaces and private offices.

Based on recommendations from authorities to avoid large public gatherings, we have decided to postpone the following events scheduled for this month:

• Alexis de Tocqueville & Democratie Societies Annual Celebration scheduled for Thursday, March 19
• Family Fundamentals Pajama Party scheduled for Thursday, March 19
• Leadership Giving Association Annual Celebration and Lakeland Magic Game Presenting Night scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at the RP Funding Center

We understand this may be a stressful time. If you or someone you know are in need of assistance, 211 is the quickest and most comprehensive way to connect with the services and assistance available to our community. Dial 211 from your phone or visit uwcf.org/211 for more information.

At this time, we do not have a need for local funding related to COVID-19, however, UWCF is prepared to activate our emergency relief fund should a need arise in our community. If you would like to give to this fund, please click here.

We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and staying in regular contact with local agencies, partners, health organizations, United Way of Florida and United Way Worldwide. Our focus is to understand our community’s health needs and have a communication/pipeline with/to local officials. For ongoing updates on how UWCF is responding to COVID-19 and for updates from local authorities, please follow us on Facebook or check out our available resources. Please contact our office at 863.648.1500 with any questions or concerns. As always, our 211 information and referral line is the quickest way to access services available to assist our community.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work through this together as one community looking out for one another. United we win.

Warmly,

Christina Criser Jackson

President & CEO United Way of Central Florida