United Way recently announced a new United Way House in South Fort Myers. United Way Houses are essential links in providing human services to people who need them in the counties served by United Way Lee, Hendry, and Glades. United Way Houses provide space for agencies to reach clients who may not be able to access services outside of their neighborhood or near their work. Many resources are available in a single location.

The new United Way House serves as an expansion for Jewish Family Services and is located at The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties: 9701 Commerce Court; Fort Myers, FL 33908. The ribbon cutting and open house was held Sept. 21. The Jewish Federation has been an excellent partner and has already engaged numerous agencies to serve the community including Harry Chapin Food Bank and Midwest Food Bank, Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Healthy Start, Dress for Success, Center for Progress and Excellence, as well as United Way’s VITA and WeCare Programs.

The Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties’ mission is to strengthen and enrich the Jewish Community by providing and supporting philanthropic, educational, and social service programs locally, in Israel, and throughout the world. Together with Jewish Family Services, they believe in strengthening the community by providing vital services to those in need. Jewish Family Services, a non-sectarian, non-profit human service division of the Jewish Federation, strives to enhance the well-being of those in need throughout Lee and Charlotte counties.

United Way Houses act as centralized locations for social services in traditionally marginalized or underserved communities. Any given location may offer services such as emergency food, education programming like after-school tutoring, English as a second language, or GED classes, counseling services for domestic violence or mental health needs, and access to programs like SNAP and direct assistance. If the needs of a family or individual are greater than what is initially provided at the United Way Houses, the location also acts as a connector to United Way 211 information and referral hotline, so that those in need can be linked to the hundreds of available resources in its database.

These sites provide many benefits, but the core of them is that they reduce the barrier that many people in Lee County face to accessing services because of a lack of reliable transportation. Agencies are able to invest more in community programs serving all of Lee County, without the overhead of multiple brick and mortar facilities in the areas of highest need. The isolation many of our vulnerable population feel is overcome by providing a safe space to access services and be heard right in their community. In 2022, over 420,000 units of service were provided throughout the United Way House network.

About United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades

United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed over $221 million since its establishment in 1957. All money raised in the United Way campaign stays in the local community to help support the local human service network. United Way Partner Agencies and initiatives include but are not limited to: The Alvin A Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Harry Chapin Food Bank, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and United Way 211, to mention a few. These agencies serve a diverse range of needs in our community such as nurturing children and youth, strengthening families, and meeting critical needs like helping the elderly and disabled live independently, and empowering communities by bringing health and human services to neighborhoods.

In addition to raising funds for human service organizations in our community, United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies and initiatives, helping them to work together focusing on issues and solutions that continue to improve lives.

People in need of information and referral assistance to health and human services should contact United Way 211. Simply dial 2-1-1, 239-433-3900, or visit the United Way website at UnitedWayLee.org.

Source: United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades