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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 over 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 2024-2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025).
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 2024-2025 Impact Report
thank you to our
2024 – 2025 Board OF DIRECTORS
Naveed Shujaat, Chair
Bank of America Central Florida
Stephanie Gardner, Treasurer
RSM US, LLP
Jim Toscano, Secretary
Lowndes
Jim 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
Jarrod Dillon
Orlando City & Orlando Pride Soccer
Susie Dyer
Community Volunteer
Donna Dyson
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Eddy Elguezabal
iHeartMedia
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
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 Economic Advancement Foundation
Tammy Paycer
Truist Bank
John Pisan
Fifth Third Bank
Orlando Rolón
Prospect Development Real Estate Group
David Ruiz
UPS – Retired
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 68,662 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.
DIGITAL HORIZONS
Digital Horizons is a Heart of Florida United Way initiative designed to bridge the digital divide in Central Florida in partnership with like-minded businesses and organizations. This year, Digital Horizons hosted the first annual Future United STEAM Day (FUSD), a partnership with 6 public middle schools, 9 corporate sponsors, and Valencia College, engaging 225 students to increase their knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) careers and opportunities.
UpliftED
UpliftED’s Scholarship Search Tool was instrumental for 3,429 youths, who used the tool to search for educational funding opportunities specifically for Central Florida residents. These programs democratized access to scholarship opportunities tailored for Central Florida’s students and navigated them through enrollment processes.
Destination Graduation
Destination Graduation received 236 contacts from low-income, first-generation, and veteran students at Seminole State. Destination Graduation offered them a suite of services from case management with direct financial assistance to academic guidance — helping them to remain on track for graduation.
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 2024 – 2025, we helped 125,661 individuals increase their financial stability.
Emergency Financial Assistance
We assisted 8,716 people with $1,572,617 in emergency financial aid, covering shelter, food, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
2,916 households benefited from free tax preparation, claiming $2,964,996 in refunds, and saving $1,020,600 in tax preparation fees.
Bank On Greater Orlando
We formed the Bank On of Greater Orlando Coalition with 65 community partner organizations, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to maintain a secure and affordable banking account, aligning with the national Bank On initiative. As a result, 1,606 individuals participated in financial skills workshops or received educational materials on topics supporting financial stability, including budgeting, credit building, and saving.
Orlando Health Pathways
Our joint program with Orlando Health is dedicated to enhancing financial literacy. 806 team members participated in services including financial literacy counseling and crisis assistance services/resources, with 80% achieving their case plan goals.
SIEMER INSTITUTE FOR FAMILY STABILITY
Thanks to this program, 212 families (217 adults with 404 school-age children) were provided with resources and case management services to reduce student mobility issues by helping families stabilize financially to avoid eviction or foreclosure.
Mission United
We championed Veteran services by mobilizing 38 community partners, serving 2,047 Veterans with legal, employment, and educational assistance.
As part of this effort, we provided 178 Lyft rides for Veterans, ensuring access to critical services, and 94% 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 75,548 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 12,628 people with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We partnered with AdventHealth to transcreate the “Be A Mindleader” campaign into a new campaign tailored to the Haitian community, “Viv ak lapè nan lespri w.” The “Be a Mindleader” movement has helped children and parents feel more comfortable discussing mental health and has connected hundreds of families to counseling services.
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B & General Revenue
We administered 64,295 units of service to 1,825 HIV/AIDS patients, encompassing primary care, dental visits, medications, and more across four counties, achieving viral suppression for 86% of individuals.
Help Me Grow
We supported 303 children from 284 families in identifying developmental and/or behavioral concerns early, successfully connecting 77% 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 512,581 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 105,183 contacts (calls, texts, emails, chats), benefiting an estimated 273,476 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 1,689,391 meals through congregate meal services and emergency food pantries to 202,211 people and their families.
We LIVE UNITED with VOLUNTEERS
We proudly worked with 8,883 volunteers to provide 20,823 service hours — valued in total at over $662,000.
See some examples of our volunteers in action:
WE LIGHT THE WAY FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA WITH FULLBRITE
“Your generosity once again helped light the way toward a path of hope for our neighbors in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Thank you for another impactful year!” – Fullbrite
Heart of Florida United Way stands up and speaks out for the education, health, and financial stability of every person in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. We firmly believe in the power of collective action to drive positive change in our
community. For more than 85 years, this conviction has underpinned the mission
of Heart of Florida United Way – an organization dedicated to addressing the most urgent challenges facing Central Florida. Our approach is rooted in bringing together individuals, businesses, and organizations to tackle these issues
strategically and efficiently.
We LIVE UNITED with TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY
Heart of Florida United Way’s Tocqueville Society is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families, strengthening our work, and building a culture of philanthropic leadership through annual support, long-term commitments, and legacy donations. Tocqueville Society donors embody the bold vision and inspired generosity that invigorates Heart of Florida United Way’s mission to make Central Florida a better place for every person.
We are incredibly grateful to the individual philanthropists and family foundations included in our Tocqueville Society for their fiscal year 2025 contributions and their commitment to uplifting those in need throughout the tri-county area.
Tocqueville Society Members
- Anonymous (2)
- Olesea and Dr. Eber Azevedo
- Jacqueline “Jackie” Bozzuto
- Mary Recchia Brown and Robert H. Brown
- Clint and Debbie Bullock
- Heather and John Curran
- Michelle and Ryan DeVos
- Melanie DiVirgilio
- Ixchell C. Duarte
- Jennifer and Bill Dymond, Jr.
- Mary and Jesse Eisner
- Robin and Steve Fricke
- Stephanie and Joel Garris
- Rachel and Rob Gebaide
- Melinda and Todd Goodman
- Anne-Marie and Jeff Hayward
- Leslie Hazenfield
- Lily and Jim Kattelmann
- April and Andy Lee
- Judi and Rich Mahaley
- Jennifer and Quino Martinez
- Juliet and Alex Martins
- Dr. E. Ann McGee
- Chun Hwa and Don McNair
- Attila Miszti
- Dr. Renee and Michael Mueller
- Victoria and John Myers
- Jim Pearson
- Meena and John Pisan
- Michael Prichard
- Jan and John Reker
- Nancy and Brad Richmond
- Dr. Robin and Wayne Roberts
- Dawn and Rob Roy
- Kathleen and Marty Rubin
- John Ruffier
- Carmen and David Ruiz
- Krupali Shah
- Paula and Terry Shaw
- Paula J. Shives
- Mandy and Brent Smith
- Ramona Ann Spears*
- Megan and Ray Sullivan
- Wendy and Jim Toscano
- Kim and Tim Tracey
- Shawn Trotter-Mitchell
- Wilf Family Foundation
- Jennifer Williams and James Yannucci
- Suzy and 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
- MacKenzie Scott
* Deceased
We LIVE UNITED with IMPACT PARTNERS
We proudly collaborate with a network of impact partners to extend our reach and impact. Together, we’re making Central Florida stronger and more resilient.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
Catholic Charities of Central Florida
The Center (LGBT+ Center Orlando)
Christian Service Center for Central Florida
City Year Orlando
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C)
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, Inc.
Hebni Nutrition Consultants
Help Now of Osceola
Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families
Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando
Jobs Partnership of Florida
Meals on Wheels Etc. Inc
New Image Youth Center
Orlando Day Nursery
Osceola Council on Aging, Inc
Pace Center for Girls
Safe House of Seminole
The Salvation Army, Orlando Area Command
The Salvation Army, Sanford Corps
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
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 2024 – 2025 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
MISSION UNITED ADVISORY COUNCIL
NOMINATING & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
WOMEN UNITED ADVISORY BOARD
statements of financial position
For our full set of financial statements and supplementary information from the fiscal year 2024 – 2025, please view our online statements.