United Way reaches goal
‘One in a Million’ drive brings in $1.6 million to close overall funding gap
Thanks to the generosity of the Southwest Florida community, the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades is able to continue supporting its 92 partner agencies.
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades successfully reached its annual campaign, “One in a Million,” goal due to the community stepping in to help close the $1.6 million funding gap to reach $11,512,716. Through that generosity, United Way can continue to fund its partner agencies and United Way-operated programs.
United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Chief Development Officer Karen Turcotte said they have 92 partner agencies and fund 265 programs. She said about one in two people will be impacted by the network, which is about 500,000 people a year across the entire network.
“We are ecstatic,” Turcotte said of reaching their goal. “This community has shown up in ways that really shows the strength of generosity.”
She said the donations came from their donors, partner agencies and community members.
“Some stepped up in really big ways. There were two $100,000 matches that were realized. We had small companies that were doing bake sales. It spanned the whole gamut – from dropping off $100 checks to the office to Lee Health donating $250,000 and everything in between,” Turcotte said.
She said when they put the call to action for the remaining $1.6 million, they were overwhelmed by the number of people that stood up and said, “I stand with United Way.”
There were 178 individuals and corporations that made gifts of all sizes, as well as a smaller group of community partners that stepped forward with increased gifts, matching donations and fundraising efforts.
Some of those included $100,000 matching gift from a private family foundation, $100,000 matching gift from Linda and Tom Uhler, $100,000 gift from Janie and Dean Schreiner, $100,000 from an anonymous donor and $250,000 from Lee Health through the Lee Health Foundation.
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed more than $283 million since established in 1957.
The money donated stays local making an impact on people living right here.
Turcotte said they have some pillars they work within for funding.
“First and foremost, we ask for dollars for where it is needed most,” she said of filling in the gaps. “When you donate through United Way and our network, you don’t have to choose. You get to serve them all with the dollars. It is divided out amongst the 265 programs that serve the gamut.”
Brown said due to the partnership with United Way, Family Initiative can offer community-based programs to families for free or at low cost.
“The United Way makes these programs doable for us through the funding structure they provide,” he said, adding that with the cost of everything being expensive, it is critical folks have access to support.
Among some of those programs include Saturday Play Group, as well as FI Creates – an arts enrichment program and Teen Hang Out Group and Young Adult Group.
Family Initiative President David Brown said that United Way has been a fantastic champion of their organization and Hannah Pelle, interim president and CEO of United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades, is “fantastic.”
“We are one of the many nonprofits across the region that benefit from their support and guidance,” he said. “The entire community has been cheering them on for the campaign. It’s an unbelievable blessing to see so many support the nonprofit community.”
Brown said these programs are a blessing to families in a couple of ways – it offers respite opportunities for moms and dads through drop-off programs, as well as opportunities to work and address skills with clinicians, as they guide the kids and work on skill building.
“We served over 5,000 kids last year. The programs are growing a lot,” Brown said, adding that one in 31 children are diagnosed with autism. “One child in every classroom – the need and demand are significant. Without partners, these services are not available in the way they are for families today.”
Another blessing of working with United Way, he said, is the resources it provides to Family Initiative families. Brown said their families are also navigating other challenges, the same challenges as others.
“If we have a situation with a family that is in crisis – we reach out to United Way,” he said.
Brown said United Way helps navigate the families through the system and connect them with what they need through a comprehensive lens to meet the family’s needs.
“It’s a Godsend to provide those other nonprofits to help meet the needs of the whole family,” he said. “They always come through and are available to us. We are forever grateful for everything they have done.”
United Way is among the network, offering 11 internal programs.
“We are not just a pass-through agency. We, too, have a stake in delivering services to our community,” she said.
Some of those programs include VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), school resource center, Gifts in Kind, WeCare and 211.
Turcotte said they are celebrating their 70th year and look forward to the continuation of bringing the community together and serving Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties as a strong network of providers.
“We are committed to supporting local families, individuals, partner agencies. We are committed to rolling up our sleeves and being one with our providers and one of our providers,” Turcotte said. “We want to be here for another 70 years to continue serving the great neighbors we have in Lee, Hendry, and Glades.”
For more information, visit UnitedWayLee.org.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com