Hi Uniters!

With spring in full swing, our energy and enthusiasm are at an all-time high! Our latest e-newsletter is brimming with opportunities and highlights, showcasing our steadfast dedication to community engagement and progress. From new news and a new team member to event recaps and important updates, there's something here for everyone!

As we bid farewell to Theresa on her well-deserved retirement journey, we warmly welcome Dr. David Lovett into our United Way family. Thanks to Seacoast Bank, our Financial Stability Impact Sponsorship is now secured.

Applications for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) are currently open, providing vital support during challenging times. Dive into Carol's insightful Friends & Neighbors article on VITA, or discover various ways to contribute to our mission through volunteering, monthly donations, or corporate support.

Relive the excitement of recent events such as the Born Learning Trail and Community Conversation, and help us extend our gratitude to the voices of our Citizens Review Panels and Students United group, who shape the trajectory of our community's future.

Let's applaud our dedicated AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, honored at a recent volunteer appreciation luncheon. Navigate challenges discussed at the Interagency Coalition Meeting, striving to support the ALICE population.

Consider joining our Monthly Donor program for a lasting impact, and explore Ride United, where transportation barriers are eliminated.

As always, let's uphold the spirit of generosity and support that defines Martin County. Together, we strengthen bonds and enhance well-being. Thank you for your unwavering support as we journey towards unity and a brighter future for all.

Warm regards,

The United Way of Martin County Team

Introducing Dr. David Lovett, PhD, our new Director of Finance and Administration! David is a military veteran and former CEO/CFO with over 30 years of experience in the field. We're thrilled to have David on board and can't wait to see him continue our mission of improving lives and strengthening the community.

United Way of Martin County is now accepting applications for Phase 41 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). The federal funds are made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. Martin County has been chosen to receive $24,736 to supplement food and shelter programs in the county.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact United Way of Martin County, 772-283-4800 for an application. The deadline for the submission of applications is May 10, 2024, at 12 p.m.

For more information on terms and conditions to apply, click the button below.

We're thrilled to announce that Seacoast Bank has joined us as our new Financial Stability Impact Sponsor! Their unwavering support for United Way is truly remarkable, and we couldn't be more thankful for their partnership.

Carol Houwaart-Diez, our President & CEO at the United Way of Martin County, contributes a monthly article to Friends & Neighbors Martin County, offering valuable insights into the perspective of a non-profit organization like United Way.

In her April article, Carol discusses our free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. This year, volunteers spent 527 hours preparing returns for 341 clients equating to $17,650 in time donated.

"We are so proud of this service and the collaboration it takes to make the program available to and for our community," said Carol.

Check out the full story by clicking the button below.

The United Way of Martin County is vital in connecting those in need to helpful resources such as food, health, and education. However, we can't do it alone. The help from our local community is what drives us to create change and build a better future.

One way to help us achieve this mission of a better future is by partnering with local businesses to foster cooperation and raise money for those in need.

All giving goes a long way in shaping a better tomorrow for all.

We're thrilled to share that we, alongside PNC Bank and the YMCA of the Treasure Coast, completed the 7th Born Learning Trail at the YMCA's Teddy Bear Academy! This new trail offers children and families an interactive learning experience so little ones can explore, discover and grow in a fun-filled environment.

Thank you to our incredible volunteers for their dedication and enthusiasm, to PNC Bank for sponsoring the event, and to the YMCA for allowing us to beautify their sidewalks!

We recently facilitated an enlightening Community Conversation. Superintendent Michael Maine of Martin County School District provided updates on his first year in the role. MCSD climbed from 27th to 9th place in Florida’s ranking, and all schools achieved a C grade or higher. With plans for specialized programs in high schools and corresponding feeder schools, MCSD is committed to becoming Florida's top district.

Our Citizens Review Panels are at the heart of community decision-making! They've dedicated their time and expertise to help us determine the allocation of local funding to grant applicants. Your voice matters, and together, we're shaping the future of our community!

Grant awardees will be announced on Friday, June 21 at The Big Reveal - Community Impact Grant Award Celebration. Stay tuned for registration opening soon.

This month, our Students United group participated in a Citizens Review Panel. The panels, made up of United Way donors and volunteers, review grant applications and decide which local non-profits receive funding.

After reviewing grants, students allocate a $10,000 budget to one of the agencies visited throughout the program. Stay tuned to see what these young leaders decide!

We had an incredible afternoon celebrating our AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon! From the stunning views at Indian Riverside Park to the delicious lunch from Honeybaked Ham and delectable custard from Culvers, it was a day filled with gratitude, joy and full bellies. A huge shoutout was made to our superstar volunteers who have dedicated 5, 10, 15, and even 20 years to our cause - your commitment inspires us every day! Thank you for all that you do; we couldn't do it without YOU!

We were honored to host the Martin County Interagency Coalition meeting and facilitate an impactful discussion on the ALICE Report for Martin County. ALICE stands for asset-limited, income-constrained, but employed individuals who work one, two or even three jobs to make ends meet.

By compiling resources and adding a Martin County twist, we more accurately depicted numbers from the uniqueness of our community. The insights shared underscore the importance of addressing the financial struggles faced by many of our neighbors. We remain committed to raising awareness and supporting initiatives that help alleviate these challenges.

Join us in making a lasting impact in Martin County by becoming a monthly donor to United Way. Your monthly contribution provides a steady and reliable source of funding that enables us to address the ongoing needs of our community.

By committing to a monthly donation, you're not only supporting crucial programs and services but also creating sustainable change for our neighbors in need. Whether it's providing food for families facing hunger, offering support to those experiencing hardship, or empowering individuals to build better futures, your generosity makes a difference.

"I love volunteering but wanted to do even more to support my community. By joining United Way's Monthly Giving Program, I can provide reliable support that makes an impact. Signing up took just minutes. It’s so easy and lets me give back without even thinking about it." - Amy Bottegal, United Way Monthly Donor and Board Member

Ride United offers FREE, scheduled, round-trip rides to connect Martin County residents to education, employment, health care and other critical services. Those in need of transportation assistance should reach out to a participating agency to determine eligibility and schedule a ride.

REGISTRATION # CH1474 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY VISITING WWW.800HELPFLA.COM OR CALLING TOLL-FREE (800) 435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.