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You are here: Home1 / Initiatives2 / Basic Needs

Basic Needs

Fighting for everyone in Polk, Hardee & Highlands Counties

UWCF helps stabilize short-term crises by providing critical interventions and referrals. 

When individuals are devastated by natural disasters, acts of violence, hunger, homelessness or grief, United Way and our partners provide critical services.

2-1-1 is a vital information and referral service that connects hundreds of Central Florida residents to the help they need. Our team of highly trained specialists are available 24/7 to connect individuals with the best services available in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties.

United Way’s 2-1-1 provides information about:

  • Supplemental food and nutrition programs
  • Clothing, shelter and housing options
  • Academic and childcare services
  • Financial assistance
  • Emergency information and natural disaster relief
  • Health care services
  • Child, adolescent and adult mental health services
  • Addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs
  • Support groups for individuals with mental illnesses and special needs
  • A safe, confidential path out of physical or emotional domestic abuse
  • Adult, child, family and elder services
  • Services for individuals with disabilities

Partner agencies with funded services include:

  • American Red Cross
  • Catholic Charities of Central Florida
  • Champion for Children Foundation of Highlands County, Inc.
  • Chapter’s Health, Good Shepherd Hospice
  • Children’s Home Society Greater Lakeland Division
  • Hardee Help Center
  • Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society, Inc.
  • HELP of Fort Meade, Inc.
  • Peace River Center
  • Talbot House Ministries
  • The Salvation Army of East Polk
  • The Salvation Army Serving West Polk
  • Youth & Family Alternatives, Inc.

Hurricane Season Preparedness

June 13, 2024
Read more
https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Build-a-Kit_0.jpg 820 2048 Jordan Weiland https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/UWCFlogo-2020-300x65.png Jordan Weiland2024-06-13 12:47:102024-06-13 12:49:26Hurricane Season Preparedness
woman has her hearing tested

Success Story: When Health Care Leads to Job Reinstatement

October 19, 2023
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https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Untitled-design-1.png 648 940 Jordan Weiland https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/UWCFlogo-2020-300x65.png Jordan Weiland2023-10-19 14:48:462023-10-19 14:49:37Success Story: When Health Care Leads to Job Reinstatement

Hurricane Season Emergency Numbers

June 13, 2022
Read more
https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Hurricane-Season-Contacts.png 788 940 Jordan Weiland https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/UWCFlogo-2020-300x65.png Jordan Weiland2022-06-13 16:12:392023-06-09 11:22:43Hurricane Season Emergency Numbers

Ashley’s Story

May 11, 2021
Read more
https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ashleys-STORY-c.png 630 1000 Jordan Weiland https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/UWCFlogo-2020-300x65.png Jordan Weiland2021-05-11 07:00:342021-07-13 15:31:51Ashley’s Story

Bringing Hope to Those in Their Darkest Hour

November 17, 2020
Read more
https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/catS-STORY.png 630 1200 Jordan Weiland https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/UWCFlogo-2020-300x65.png Jordan Weiland2020-11-17 09:31:072020-12-03 15:13:43Bringing Hope to Those in Their Darkest Hour

Breaking the Cycle

August 31, 2018
Read more
https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Allan.png 630 1200 Jordan Weiland https://uwcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/UWCFlogo-2020-300x65.png Jordan Weiland2018-08-31 10:17:392021-02-05 10:44:48Breaking the Cycle
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Basic Needs and Disaster Relief
  • Early Childhood Education Initiative
  • Academic Achievement Initiative
  • Community Partnership School Initiative
  • Financial Stability Initiative
    • Free Tax Prep
  • Health Initiative
    • Community Wellness
  • George W. Jenkins End Hunger Initiative
    • Food Distribution Schedule
  • Basic Needs
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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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PO Box 1357,
Highland City, FL 33846

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863.648.1500

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5605 US Highway 98 S.
Lakeland, FL 33812

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