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85 YEARS OF SERVICE
we live united for
central Florida
As a leading nonprofit in Central Florida, Heart of Florida United Way has been tackling our community’s challenges head-on for 85 years. We team up with local businesses, governments, donors, and nonprofits to bring about lasting change.
Focusing on urgent needs, we create programs and invest in initiatives for maximum impact. With your ongoing support, we have achieved a lot, but there is still so much more ahead, and together, we can make it happen.
The following information reflects our impact on Central Florida during the fiscal year 2023-2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024).
at a glance
Our IMPACT
These numbers tell a story beyond statistics; they show how much hope, strength, and heart our community has. We really appreciate everyone who has been on this journey with us when we think about how far we have come.
We’re making a big difference for people across Central Florida — helping nearly half of the population in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
And we have 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.
Data based on 2023-2024 Impact Report
thank you to our
2023 – 2024 Board OF DIRECTORS
Tracey Powell, Chair
Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts U.S.
Hope Newsome, Esq., Vice Chair
Meris Law, PLLC
Jim Toscano, Esq., Secretary
Lowndes Law Firm
Stephanie Gardner, Treasurer
RSM US, LLP
James Adamczyk
FAIRWINDS Credit Union
Lysa Barbano
VyStar Credit Union
Nicolla Binford
Publix Super Markets
Grace Chehansky
JP Morgan Private Bank
Jay Darulla
Community Volunteer
Secretary John F. Davis
State of Florida Lottery
Heidi DeBenedetti
Gilbane Construction Company
Donna Dyson
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Eddy Elguezabal
Community Volunteer
Stephanie Nelson Garris, Esq.
Grace Medical Home
Todd Goodman
AdventHealth
Char Jordan
Allstate
Dr. Georgia Lorenz
Seminole State College
Marie Martinez
Howard Philips Center for Children & Families
Maritza Martinez-Guerrero
Orlando Magic
Peter Meyer
TD Bank – Retired
Attila Miszti
OUC – The Reliable One
Michael Mueller
Orlando Health
John Myers IV
Myers Advisory Services, LLC
Phil Nix
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Gaby Ortigoni
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Michael E. Pattillo
Ernst & Young, LLP
Tammy Paycer
Truist
John Pisan
Fifth Third Bank
Orlando Rolón
Prospect Development Real Estate Group
David Ruiz
UPS – Retired
John Soapes
WESH-TV/WKCF-TV
Ed Timberlake
Seaside National Bank & Trust – Retired
Annetta Wilson
Annetta Wilson Media Training & Success Coaching
Bill Wilson, Esq.
Holland & Knight – Retired
Chad Wilson
Publix Super Markets – Retired
We LIVE UNITED for EDUCATION
Our investments positively impacted 141,084 children, youth, students, and their guardians as we worked to increase educational attainment, high school graduation rates, and post-secondary achievement. We believe education is the cornerstone of personal and community success. Our initiatives, including UpliftED and Destination Graduation, have been instrumental in bridging gaps and fostering environments where every child and student can thrive.
TECHquity
We continued to bridge the digital divide by engaging 305 youth in short-term projects designed to increase their knowledge of STEM careers and opportunities. 100% of youth increased their exposure to STEM-related fields.
See how TECHquity is bridging the digital divide in Central Florida.
UpliftED
UpliftED’s Scholarship Search Tool and Going2College Texting Program were instrumental for 256 post-secondary youths, helping fund and find their way to education after high school. These programs democratized access to scholarship opportunities tailored for Central Florida’s students and navigated them through enrollment processes.
Destination Graduation
Our outreach touched 277 Seminole State College students, offering them a suite of services from case management with direct financial assistance to academic guidance — helping them to remain on track for graduation. A significant 82% of students served either re-enrolled or completed their studies, underscoring the program’s success in fostering academic perseverance and achievement.
See how Destination Graduation provided a hand-up for Shantel.
We LIVE UNITED for FINANCIAL STABILITY
Too many Central Floridians are struggling to make ends meet and afford basic necessities. Heart of Florida United Way works to stabilize Central Florida families and empower them by improving their financial stability and upward mobility. In the fiscal year 2023 – 2024, we helped 189,270 individuals increase their financial stability.
Emergency Financial Assistance
We assisted 2,978 people with $5,618,769 in emergency financial aid, covering shelter, food, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
2,651 households benefited from free tax preparation, claiming $2,958,932 in refunds, and saving $657,448 in tax preparation fees.
Live United Scholarship
We continue to support Valencia College’s Center for Accelerated Training for Live United Scholarships through our multi-year investment of $1 million. This year the program served 217 students, aiding them in maintaining household stability while pursuing accelerated skills training.
Bank On Greater Orlando
We formed the Bank On of Greater Orlando Coalition with 70 community partner organizations, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to maintain a secure and affordable banking account, aligning with the national Bank On initiative.
Orlando Health Pathways
Our joint program with Orlando Health is dedicated to enhancing financial literacy. 679 team members participated in services including financial literacy counseling and crisis assistance services/resources, with 72% achieving their case plan goals.
SingleCare Prescription Discount Card
20,783 individuals utilized the SingleCare discount, saving a total of $2,105,419 on prescription medications.
Mission United
We championed Veteran services by mobilizing 46 community partners, serving 715 Veterans with legal, employment, and educational assistance.
As part of this effort, we provided 861 Lyft rides — over 11,135 miles — for Veterans, ensuring access to critical services, and 95% were connected to a service that met their needs.
We LIVE UNITED for HEALTH
Health is a fundamental human right, and last year, we reached 71,178 Central Floridians through our health programs. From mental health services to preventive care, our holistic approach addresses the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our community members.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Averted crises and potentially saved lives for 19,369 people with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We partnered with AdventHealth to transcreate the “Be A Mindleader” campaign into Spanish. The “Lidera ConscienteMENTE” initiative aims to destigmatize seeking mental health support among the Hispanic community, while also providing resources to start important conversations.
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B & General Revenue
We administered 74,349 units of service to 1,540 HIV/AIDS patients, encompassing primary care, dental visits, medications, and more across four counties, achieving viral suppression for 88% of individuals.
Help Me Grow
We supported 268 children from 250 families in identifying developmental and/or behavioral concerns early, successfully connecting 82% of these children to essential services.
Learn how a family discovered a beacon of hope and assistance through the Help Me Grow program.
We LIVE UNITED for BASIC NEEDS
Last year, we addressed the basic needs of 553,606 individuals, providing food, shelter, and immediate support services to those in crisis. By partnering with local agencies and leveraging community resources, we ensure that no one has to face hard times alone.
211 and Crisis Services
Our 211 and Crisis Services contact center answered 97,546 contacts (calls, texts, emails, chats), benefiting an estimated 282,883 individuals and families with critical support, crisis de-escalation, and connections to vital resources.
See how a call to 211 made all the difference for a struggling single mom
CONGREGATE MEALS AND FOOD PANTRIES
We provided 2,777,688 meals through congregate meal services and emergency food pantries to 220,647 people and their families.
We LIVE UNITED with VOLUNTEERS
We proudly worked with 6,270 volunteers to provide 10,163 service hours — valued in total at $340,000.
See some examples of our volunteers in action:
We LIVE UNITED with IMPACT GROUPS
Our Impact Groups are essential pillars of our community outreach. We are proud to host three unique and empowering Impact Groups: Women United, Emerging Leaders, and Business United.
Women United
More than 420 Women United members donated their time, talent, and treasure – rolling up their sleeves at volunteer events like our Community Baby Shower and Thanksgiving Project, coming together for uplifting networking events, and helping to make our record-breaking Women United Luncheon possible – bringing together 450 people for the event and raising $203,674.
Emerging Leaders
More than 110 Emerging Leaders members made a significant impact at events like the Week of Action and Thanksgiving Project, raising nearly $15,000 for the work of Heart of Florida United Way. The group participated in a series of events where they strengthened their professional relationships, while giving back to their community.
Business United
With the launch of Business United came the Business United Summit, an event that brought together 100+ professionals from Central Florida businesses to learn how engaging with nonprofits can help their bottom lines. “Food for Thought” events followed, allowing HFUW to partner with individual companies to explore opportunities to improve business outcomes by leaning into community engagement.
We LIVE UNITED with TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY
Heart of Florida United Way’s Tocqueville Society unites civic-minded leaders and change makers who are committed to standing up for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Central Florida.
Through this society, more than 60 of this region’s most dedicated philanthropists band together to collectively contribute more than $1 million every year to strengthen our region.
We are incredibly grateful to the generous members of our Tocqueville Society for their contributions and their commitment to uplifting those in need throughout the tri-county area.
Tocqueville Society Members
- Lindsay & Dan Abt
- Anonymous (2)
- Jacqueline “Jackie” Bozzuto
- Robert H. & Mary Recchia Brown
- Clint & Debbie Bullock
- Lisa Ann Caldwell
- Michelle & Ryan DeVos
- DeVos Family Foundation
- Ixchell C. Duarte
- Jennifer & Bill Dymond, Jr.
- Jesse & Mary Eisner
- Steve & Robin Fricke
- Stephanie & Joel Garris
- Rachel & Rob Gebaide
- Melinda & Todd Goodman
- Anne-Marie & Jeff Hayward
- Leslie Hazenfield
- Lily & Jim Kattelmann
- Andy & April Lee
- Rich & Judi Mahaley
- Juliet & Alex Martins
- Dr. E. Ann McGee
- Don & Chun Hwa McNair
- Attila Miszti
- Dr. Renee & Michael Mueller
- Victoria & John Myers
- David Neel
- Jim Pearson
- Meena & John Pisan
- Michael Prichard
- Jan & John Reker
- Brad & Nancy Richmond
- Dr. Robin & Wayne Roberts
- Rob & Dawn Roy
- Marty & Kathleen Rubin
- John Ruffier
- Carmen & David Ruiz
- Paula & Terry Shaw
- Brent & Mandy Smith
- Wendell E. and Ramona Spears*
- Wendy & Jim Toscano
- Shawn Trotter-Mitchell
- Wilf Family Foundation
- Jennifer Williams & James Yannucci
- Suzy & Bill Wilson
- Dana Zukierski
The Million Dollar Round Table is a distinguished recognition reserved for our most generous philanthropic leaders. Million Dollar Roundtable inductees include:
- Ted Crowell*
- Helen and Richard DeVos*
- Dr. P. Phillips*
- Wendell E. and Ramona Spears*
- Dr. Nelson Ying
* Deceased
We LIVE UNITED with PARTNER AGENCIES
We proudly collaborate with a network of partner agencies to extend our reach and impact. Together, we’re making Central Florida stronger and more resilient.
Adult Literacy League
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
Catholic Charities of Central Florida
The Center (LGBT+ Center Orlando)
Christian HELP Employment & Resource Center
Christian Service Center for Central Florida
City Year Orlando
Coalition for the Homelessness of Central Florida
Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C)
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc.
Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County
Elevate Orlando
Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools
Grace Medical Home
Harbor House of Central Florida
Health Care Center for the Homeless
Hebni Nutrition Consultants
Help Now of Osceola
Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families
Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando
Jobs Partnership of Florida
Junior Achievement
Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc
Meals on Wheels Etc. Inc
New Image Youth Center
Orlando Day Nursery
Osceola Council on Aging, Inc
Pace Center for Girls
The Salvation Army, Orlando Area Command
The Salvation Army, Sanford Corps
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society
Seminole County Victims’ Rights Coalition d.b.a. SafeHouse of Seminole
Seniors First
The Sharing Center
United Against Poverty
Winter Park Day Nursery
Zebra Youth
We LIVE UNITED with OUR TOP PARTNERS
A special heartfelt thank you to our top partners, whose support was instrumental in our 2023 – 2024 achievements. Your commitment to our Central Florida community is truly appreciated.
We LIVE UNITED with OUR COMMITTEES
Our deepest thanks to the committee members who keep us moving ever-forward on our journey to improving life for every person in Central Florida.
AUDIT & ETHICS COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Finance committee
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
MARKETING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MISSION UNITED ADVISORY COUNCIL
NOMINATING & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
WOMEN UNITED STEERING COMMITTEE
statements of financial position
For our full set of financial statements and supplementary information from the fiscal year 2023 – 2024, please view our online statements.