Osceola County

In its fifth consecutive year, the Heart of Florida United Way’s Thanksgiving Project continues to make a significant impact in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This annual initiative, dedicated to supporting ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families, has grown exponentially, reflecting a community united in the spirit of giving and compassion. This year, HFUW …

Heart of Florida United Way’s 2023 Thanksgiving Project: A Heartwarming Success Read More

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 from various professional backgrounds. The luncheon will celebrate the remarkable collective impact that women can achieve when we join forces. This don’t-want-to-miss event will also …

Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes to Headline Heart of Florida United Way’s 17th Annual Women United Luncheon  Read More

Does your family have a favorite holiday tradition? The Heart of Florida United Way family’s favorite annual tradition is our Thanksgiving Project, and we are so excited to share it with you!   During this meaningful event, HFUW team members, board members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors come together to help Central Florida families in need by …

Help Feed Families in Need: Volunteer for Our 2023 Thanksgiving Project! Read More

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. The luncheon will unite influential and accomplished leaders from various professional backgrounds and celebrate the remarkable collective impact that women can achieve when we join forces. This don’t-want-to-miss event …

17th Annual Women United Luncheon Read More

Central Florida is a community that embraces all that it means to Live United.  To show appreciation and honor individuals and organizations who have stepped up to contribute to significant and lasting change in our community over the past year, Heart of Florida United Way will recognize these passionate advocates through the 2023 Change Maker Impact …

Nominations Open: Help Us Determine Our 2023 Change Makers Read More

The number of Central Florida households unable to afford basic needs increased during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a total of 386,077 households throughout Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties.   Outlined in the new ALICE in the Crosscurrents: COVID and Financial Hardship in Florida report from Heart of Florida United Way and …

Central Florida ALICE Households Facing Financial Hardship Increased by More Than 33,000 Throughout Pandemic Read More

It’s summer break! No school and just fun in the sun for many families, but for many ALICE families, that’s not the case. Summer break means losing resources that they depended on for most of the year, like free lunches. Luckily, Summer Break Spot is here to help support families who need those free meals …

Summer Showers and Hurricane Hours: Summer Break Resources Read More

By Victor Norman I’ve lived in Orlando my whole life, and — like most Orlando natives — have been to countless pools and waterparks, but Thursday morning: Dwight Bain taught me how to swim.   Early on Thursday morning, I drove to Winter Park’s Center for Health and Wellbeing to participate in Heart of Florida United …

A Personal Reflection on Heart of Florida United Way’s Second Mental Wellness Skillshop with Dwight Bain Read More

One year ago, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned to become 988 for easy to remember three-digit dialing access and making the vitally important mental health resource accessible by simply pressing three buttons. As a result, the lifeline has seen a significant increase in calls — supporting more people in need than ever before.   No matter …

Heart of Florida United Way Commemorates One-year Milestone of the National Transition to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Read More

The world is run by those who show up. On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, our donors and partners joined us for a Legislative Recap of the 2023 legislative session.   We heard from an esteemed panel of Florida legislators, including Representative Kristen Arrington, Representative David Smith, Senator Victor Torres, and Representative Johanna López for a discussion …

Florida Legislators Discuss the Legislative Session at HFUW’s Exclusive 2023 Legislative Recap Event  Read More

Each year, Heart of Florida United Way staff and volunteers operate the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families throughout Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.     The service, which is available to those who make $73,000 or less, is designed to help our neighbors save the dollars …

Heart of Florida United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Saves Central Florida Residents Millions  Read More

Every moment is a learning moment! Join Heart of Florida United Way on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to build a Born Learning Trail at a park in St. Cloud, Florida.  What is a Born Learning Trail?  A Born Learning Trail is a fun, active, and bilingual learning activity installed …

Volunteer to Build a Born Learning Trail in St. Cloud! Read More