Heart of Florida United Way

Join us in congratulating Ray Larsen, Senior Vice President, Community Impact, on his upcoming retirement!    Ray’s dedication to Central Florida has been unwavering for over 30 years, with 15+ years at Heart of Florida United Way.  His leadership and passion for helping others have has made lasting impact on HFUW and Central Florida, and we will miss him dearly.     Have you worked with Ray? If you have, share a favorite memory below!

We want to give a BIG shoutout to Kendra Scott and all the attendees who participated at their Winter Park store’s one-year anniversary event, where 20% of all purchases were donated to HFUW. Thank you to everyone who joined in to celebrate this milestone and give back to HUFW! Missed the event? The celebration continues online. Shop until 11:59 p.m. tonight by using the code “GIVEBACK-GVSDM.” 20% of proceeds will go to support HFUW’s Central Florida impact. Shop now: bit.ly/3LBVh4U #KendraScott #CommunityImpact #GivingBack

📢 Sponsorships available! Are YOU ready to harness the power of partnership? Join us in making a difference by sponsoring our second annual Business United Summit. By sponsoring this unique event, YOU will invest in the future of your business and contribute to the betterment of our community. 🏢💙 Multiple sponsorship levels — including custom sponsorships — are available to meet your business’ needs. View available sponsorships: https://ow.ly/Omnh50SFCCW Or, contact us at LiveUnited@hfuw.org so we can connect you with the sponsorship right for you. Let’s get to work! 💼

🌟 Exciting Staff Updates at HFUW! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce some transitions within our leadership team!  JahKiya Bell, Ed.D. has assumed the pivotal role of Senior Advisor to the President and CEO, Jeff Hayward.     Heath Wells has stepped into the role of Vice President of Community Impact.    Please join us in congratulating JahKiya and Heath on their new roles! Their expertise and passion will undoubtedly drive HFUW to new heights of success in our mission to create lasting community impact.    #LIVEUNITED #Leadership

We LOVE empowering the next generation of leaders in Central Florida by providing access to essential technology skills for brighter tomorrows. 💻🚀    Join us in congratulating the 20 students from Jones High School that completed our recent project management program, part of our TECHquity initiative with the support of Orange County Public Schools, and community leaders like Nicole Temoney-Banks, and Kamryn Young M.S. Each graduate of the program received a certificate and is now equipped with foundational knowledge of Microsoft Excel –opening the door for future internship and job opportunities.     🔊 Help us spread the word. If you know or work at an organization with young minds eager to strengthen their STEM skills, guide them to our TECHquity program so that we can support their journey towards a successful future.    Learn more about TECHquity: https://lnkd.in/ehibcAaY    #LIVEDUNITED #TECHquity #STEM #CommunityImpact

Loreal Dungee, a single mom of three, faced difficulty covering rent in January and sought help from Heart of Florida United Way. She has been juggling multiple jobs, childcare for her children, and caring for her elderly father.    After learning about Loreal's complex transportation situation —expensive Uber rides from Seminole to Orange County, walking with her kids to the grocery store in the summer heat, relying on public transport to pick up her kids —we nominated her for a gift that will change her family’s lives.     Thanks to a partnership with the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program, GEICO, and Crash Champions Orlando, Loreal recently became the proud owner of a refurbished car and $1,100 in gift cards from Enterprise and Crash Champions to help with gas.    Stories like Loreal’s remind us that we truly can make a world of a difference when we #LIVEUNITED.

Sending a BIG thank you to all the Orange County Government staff members who joined us for an enriching Lunch & Learn event where they were guided through an ALICE Simulation. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) represents hardworking members of the community who are employed, yet can’t keep up with the cost of living. Our ALICE simulation forces participants to work within the constraints of tight budget as they try to navigate through everyday life. During the simulation, staff members were asked to step into the shoes of struggling, hardworking ALICE families in our community and experience their everyday reality—such as being forced to make choices, like deciding between paying rent or buying food. The simulation also revealed the resources those within the ALICE population can utilize, such as the 211 Information & Referral Line. We are so appreciative of our partnership with Orange County and the incredible work we are able to do together. #LiveUnited #LunchAndLearn #Community #OrangeCounty

Exciting news for C-Suite leaders, HR professionals, Employee Engagement experts, Business Development managers, and change agents! Get ready to be inspired by our lineup of distinguished speakers at the upcoming Heart of Florida United Way Business United Summit. Join us for a day filled with insights and networking opportunities with industry experts such as... 🔹Lysa M. Barbano, VyStar Credit Union 🔹Maritza Martinez-Guerrero, Orlando Magic 🔹Lisa Curran, Duke Energy Corporation 🔹Elisha González and Adrian Kierulf-Velez, FAIRWINDS Credit Union 🔹Fred Kittinger and Austin Wilson, University of Central Florida 🔹LaVell Monger-Harris, M.Ed., RTW Photography 🔹Ana Carolina Salazar, Bold Hispanic Marketing Agency 🔹Jodie Hardman, Bank of America 🔹Shane A. Burnsed, Gilbane Building Company 🔹Sequena Massaline, MBA, (Queen) Massaline, Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC - The Reliable One) Don't miss this chance to learn from the best in the field, connect with community leaders, and refine your business strategies. Secure your spot now for just $85. 🎫 Sign up today: https://bit.ly/3xOG1OI #BUSummit24 #CSR #CommunityImpact

It’s World Listening Day and we are all ears to hear YOUR thoughts! 📣👂  We invite you to share the most pressing issues you believe Central Florida is currently facing.

Exciting news at HFUW! 🎉 With the upcoming retirement of Ray Larsen, our Senior Vice President of Community Impact, we are thrilled to announce the newest member of our team ... Please join us in welcoming Kelly Astro as our new Senior Vice President of Community Impact. With over 25 years of experience and proven leadership in program development and community engagement, Kelly is a fantastic addition to our team. Join us in welcoming Kelly in the comments below! #LiveUnited #CommunityImpact #CentralFlorida