UNITED IS THE WAY™
Together, we’re creating a future where everyone can reach their full potential.
The Pictures of Success
WHO WE SERVE
In our community, ALICE represents a significant portion of hardworking households — families who are employed, yet still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, food, healthcare, and transportation.
Your support helps bridge this gap, ensuring these neighbors can access the resources they need to stay stable, healthy, and moving forward.
UNITED WE GIVE
November 2025
A Community Showing Up for One Another
In one powerful morning, neighbors came together to ensure hundreds of families could celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity.
Because of supporters like you, tables were filled, stress was eased, and families were reminded they are not alone.
UNITED WE GIVE
November 2025
Giving a Meal and Getting So Much More
When UWLS Marketing and Communications Manager, Kathy Gazda met Kim in line at United We Give, it was more than a brief interaction — it was a reminder that connection and care matter just as much as the meal itself.
Your support turns simple acts of service into meaningful, lasting impact.
The Power of Showing Up →
Watch our short recap video (right) to see more moments from the day.
UNITED WE GIVE
November 2025
By the Numbers:
Every number represents a family supported — made possible by your generosity.
0 families served
0 pounds of food distributed to families
0 volunteers mobilized
0 volunteer hours
UNITED WE GIVE
November 2025
Powered by Community Partners
This effort was made possible through strong partnerships with local organizations committed to family stability.
UNITED WE GIVE
November 2025
Powered by Volunteers
More than 60 volunteers from local businesses, faith communities, and civic groups came together to serve — giving their time, energy, and compassion to support local families.
Fred Griffin Jr. — father, husband, teacher, and bus driver — was one of them, showing how everyday people step up for their neighbors.
Meet Fred and watch the Everyday Heroes feature from Spectrum News 13 →
Emergency Allocations
In November of 2025 the Federal government shut down. As a result, SNAP Benefits were temporarily paused leading many local families to face immediate food insecurity.
Emergency grants were issued to trusted community partners to help bridge the gap.
By the Numbers:
0 meals provided through an emergency grant to The Neighborhood Center
0 pounds of food distributed through a grant to Lake Cares
Weekly meal services DOUBLED through a grant to Wildwood Soup Kitchen
0 Thanksgiving meals provided through a donation to Salvation Army
Meet Sandra
“I pray we won’t end up homeless again.”
After experiencing homelessness, Sandra had finally secured work and stable housing for her four daughters. But when she was laid off in December, that stability was suddenly at risk again.
UWLS direct services helped cover her utility bill and provide holiday assistance — preventing another crisis and giving her time to find new employment.
Because of support like yours, Sandra and her family were able to stay in their home.
Direct Services
When families face housing instability, utility shutoffs, or food insecurity, Direct Services provides immediate, critical support — helping households stay safe, stable, and moving forward.
These services are designed to meet urgent needs while creating a path toward long-term stability.
Direct Services In Action
In coordination with community partners, UWLS provided direct assistance to families across our region in 2025.
0 distributed to local families.
0 distributed to help local households with utility bills
0 families helped
Powered by Community Support
This work is made possible through partnerships with organizations committed to supporting local families in times of need.
Operation Warm
Coat Distribution • February 2025
UWLS joined Villages Subaru in supporting the Operation Warm event at Lake Square Mall — helping ensure local children had warm coats during the winter season.
0 coats were distributed to families in our community, providing comfort, dignity, and protection when it was needed most.
Day of Caring
March 2025
Volunteers in Action Across Lake & Sumter Counties
When neighbors come together, real change happens — in just one day.
Volunteers across Lake and Sumter counties rolled up their sleeves to support local nonprofits, strengthen community spaces, and make a lasting impact where it’s needed most.
Day of Caring
March 2025
Projects Across the Community
From landscaping to meal preparation, volunteers supported local nonprofits across Lake and Sumter counties — strengthening spaces and services that families rely on every day.
Sumter County Partner Projects
- Girl Scouts of West Florida — Trail Cleaning
- Combat Veterans to Careers Thrift Store — Organizing and pricing
- Habitat for Humanity — Exterior Painting Preservation
Lake County Partner Projects
- LifeStream Open Door and Hope House — Landscape and beautification
- Bee's Early Learning — Center Playground clean up and beautification
- Building Blocks Ministries — Transportation vehicle detail
VITA
Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, trained volunteers provide free tax preparation for qualifying individuals and families.
This service helps households claim valuable credits and keep more of their income — putting money back where it matters most.
VITA 2025: By the Numbers
0 returned to local families through tax refunds
0 returns prepared
Every return represents a household keeping more of what they earned.
Made Possible by Dedicated Volunteers
...including long-time supporters Sharon and Alan, each celebrating 11 years of service with VITA.
Connecting People to Help
United Way’s 211 service connects individuals and families to essential resources — including housing assistance, food programs, healthcare services, and crisis support.
Available 24/7, 211 helps people find the support they need, when they need it most.
2025 Lake & Sumter 211 Requests
Sumter Long-Term Recovery Group
Established 2025
Recover. Rebuild. Rise.
Following disasters, recovery takes more than immediate relief. The Sumter LTRG brings together nonprofits, government agencies, and community partners to coordinate rebuilding efforts and support residents on the path to long-term recovery.
This work is made possible through the support and collaboration of our funding and community partners.
Watch the video above to see how you can be part of that recovery.
Hurricane Relief & Recovery
Through community partnerships and coordinated response efforts, assistance reached families navigating the challenges of storm recovery.
HURRICANE MILTON & HELENE RESPONSE
When hurricanes impacted our region, United Way worked alongside local partners to provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery efforts for affected residents.
0 distributed to support hurricane relief efforts in 2025
Meet Christina
Christina Montgomery, a Lake Panasoffkee paraprofessional, is continuing her education to earn her Associate’s Degree — strengthening her ability to support the students she serves every day.
With support from the Women United Manley Scholarship, Christina is building a path forward for herself and the children who depend on her.
Small Moments Matter →
Watch Christina open a few extra surprises for her classroom.
United We Grow™ Manley Scholarship
Through the United We Grow™ Manley Scholarship, Women United supports local students and educators as they continue their education and build brighter futures.
In 2025, scholarships were awarded to four dedicated women working to advance their education and strengthen our community. Each scholarship represents an investment in opportunity — and in the future of our community.
Our Funded Partners
Supporting 10 local nonprofit partners across Lake & Sumter
Through community investments and grants, United Way supports local nonprofit partners providing food, education, health services, and essential support across our region.
These partnerships expand access to critical resources and help ensure families receive the support they need — when and where they need it most.
How these partnerships make a difference:
- Food and basic needs support
- Education and early learning programs
- Workforce development and job readiness
- Health and wellness services
United is the way
None of this work happens without dedicated leadership guiding the mission forward.
Our board and team work together to ensure every dollar, partnership, and program drives meaningful impact across our community.
We'd like to introduce you to...
Mila Ernest
Board Chair
Keith Barsuhn
President & CEO