about us
WE ARE CHANGE MAKERS
We are believers in a better tomorrow. We are advocates for those in need and connectors of those who want to help. We LIVE UNITED with our neighbors and partners to make the biggest possible difference in Central Florida.
And we’ve been doing it for over eight decades. But our 85-year story is just the beginning. Our next chapter will be bolder, brighter, and better than ever.
At Heart of Florida United Way, we are standing up so that everyone has what they need to survive and thrive. And we’re doing it together because United starts with YOU.
WHAT WE DO
Uniting People and Organizations
Heart of Florida United Way improves the lives of individuals and families, building stronger communities by uniting people and organizations to create measurable results and a lasting impact.
BY THE NUMBERS
Our IMPACT
Together, we’re changing the world.
When we LIVE UNITED, we can accomplish anything.
Data based on the HFUW 2021-2022 Annual Report
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Kim’s Story: Destination Graduation Helps A Student Stay In School
Meet Kim Ranachowski, a student at Seminole State College of Florida currently in her senior year, who is studying to be a Physical Therapist Assistant. Kim was at risk of leaving her studies for a full-time job to be able to make ends meet, but then Destination Graduation stepped in to provide financial assistance that…
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LaToya’s Story: HFUW’s OUC Project CARE Program Shine’s a Light in LaToya’s Life
Meet LaToya Pugh, a single mother of two daughters who called Heart of Florida United Way’s 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line in her darkest hour.
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Jack’s Story: a homeless veteran finds stability with mission united
It is not acceptable for anyone to be living in his or her car, let alone a 73-year-old Vietnam veteran and his wife.
LaTest NEWS
Our blog
Join Us for a Celebration of New Life at our Community Baby Shower!
Celebrating the Power of Partnership: Publix and Heart of Florida United Way
Empowering Voices: A Recap of LeadHER Forward Networking Night
Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes to Headline Heart of Florida United Way’s 17th Annual Women United Luncheon
For the 17th year in a row, Heart of Florida United Way will proudly host the Women United Luncheon, presented by the Walt Disney World® Resort, uniting influential and accomplished leaders…
UPCOMING EVENTS
featured events
Alternative Spring Break: Blanket Making Party
Purpose
New babies need something warm to snuggle. You can help create these welcome blankets for new little bundles of joy. Grab a friend (or two...or three) and come spend the afternoon working together on blankets and cards.Role
Work in teams to cut and tie fleece material together to create a blanket. Instructions will be provided onsite, along with guidance from the HFUW team. You can view a tutorial video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTL6bEz8y5cVibe
Team work to support new babies!Alternative Spring Break: Build Financial Literacy Kits
Purpose
It is necessary to provide support to our students in the community. You can help create these necessary kits to students of all ages and grades. Please, come and join us to support our students!Role
Work in teams to create the kits with the various items in an assembly line. Instructions will be included onsite, along with guidance from the HFUW team.Vibe
Being yourself and give back to our community!Alternative Spring Break: Spring Collection Drive
Purpose
Contributing to the Greater Orlando by preparing and donating baby items, dry food goods, and school supplies. The organizing and sorting will ensure the correct items go to the people who need them most.Role
Donating or organizing donations as a team.Vibe
Join a fun day for a great cause.17th Annual Women United Luncheon
Meet Our Gold Medal Women United Luncheon Speaker: Dominique Dawes 🏅 HFUW is setting the bar high this year with our keynote speaker — Dominique Dawes, three-time Olympian, Olympic gold medalist, healthy lifestyle advocate, and Gymnastics Academy owner. Dominique is the only American gymnast to medal at three different Olympic Games in the team competition and the first African American gymnast to win an Olympic Gold medal. She paved the way for other young African-American gymnasts to strive for Olympic glory. At the 1996 Atlanta Games, Dominique became the first female African-American gymnast to win an individual medal, capturing bronze with her floor exercise performance and helping solidify her place in the USOC Hall of Fame. As a wife, mother of four, Olympian and business owner, Dominique has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment, and culture. During the Women United Luncheon, she will call upon her inspirational journey to help participants ENVISION a future for themselves in which they reach their full potential. ENVISION is an acronym for the eight principles that helped Dominique become successful in and out of the athletic arena. Luncheon attendees will learn to harness their passion, plan, and perseverance to achieve greatness personally and professionally. [event-cta-btn text="Register Now" link="https://secure.hfuw.org/epledge/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=37363734"] Want to join us as a sponsor for this event? Get the details below. [event-cta-btn text="Become a Sponsor" link="https://www.hfuw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/WUL-Sponsorship-Packet-2024-1.11-1.pdf "]
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
HOW WE LIVE UNITED
Donate Today
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
United starts with YOU. Donate to Heart of Florida United Way and be a force for good in Central Florida. Together, we can create positive change and transform lives. Give now, and let’s make our community stronger, healthier, and happier — one donation at a time.
WE SERVE WITH INTEGRITY
Each year, Heart of Florida United Way undergoes an audit and files Form 990 reviewed by the Heart of Florida United Way Audit and Ethics Committee and approved by our Board of Directors. We proudly maintain a Platinum rating Candid, a four-star rating from from Charity Navigator, and are validated by the Central Florida Foundation.