About UWLS

Our Philosophy

We all have a stake in our local communities. We all benefit when a child succeeds in school, when a family gets back on their feet and finds sustainability, when people are able to afford their medications and health care, and when those who can give back have an opportunity to do so.

Your United Way fights for the health, education and economic mobility of every resident of Lake and Sumter Counties.  We do that through in-house programs: Family Stability Services, Master Teacher, Mission United and more. We keep your neighbors’ lights on and rent paid. We make sure your young children’s classrooms and teachers are well-equipped and well-supported. We see to it that local veterans make it to their needed healthcare appointments. Our tax experts sit down with thousands of you to make sure your returns are in order and on time, year after year.

We also support more than 20 other local nonprofit organizations whose missions align with improving the health, education and economic mobility of our community members. On that list are food pantries, health centers, educational providers and organizations that help the elderly and disabled communities and much, much more.

The concept is simple: if all of us do a little, together, UNITED in PURPOSE, we can do a lot. We UNITE programs, resources, volunteers, donors, and finances in our Lake and Sumter communities to build stronger, healthier, and in many ways wealthier, citizens able to then sustain their own contribution to their community.

Who We Serve

 We serve the residents of Lake and Sumter Counties — our volunteers, donors, applicants, teachers, employers, veterans, seniors, students, our community members.

Many who come to United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties to seek assistance are part of what is referred to as the ALICE population. These are households with incomes above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), but not earning enough to afford basic household necessities. ALICE is the acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are the individuals and households who struggle to afford items such as housing, child care, food, health care, and transportation.

Our Goal

United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties seeks to create long-lasting change in our communities by addressing our community’s greatest needs in the areas of income, health, and education, providing opportunities to improve the quality of life for our residents.