United Way of Hernando County Programs Respond to COVID-19 |
|
We know there are others in our community who are still struggling,
and that's why we keep fighting.
We keep fighting for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability
for every person in our community. In response to COVID-19,
see how United Way and our Partner Programs have continued
to serve Hernando in a time of uncertainty.
|
|
|
|
CARES Act Relief for Struggling Households Amid COVID-19 |
In partnership with the Hernando County CARES initiative, United Way received funding through the CARES ACT to provide relief to households who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. From October to November, UW successfully assisted 71 households through their Coronavirus Relief Assistance program. Over $136,191 has been dispersed as of December 1st for rent, mortgage, and utility payments for Hernando individuals who had been furloughed, laid off, were under mandatory quarantine, or lost childcare due to COVID.
|
|
This past year has looked a little different for our team at United Way of Hernando County. As we continue to bridge the gaps in services and help those in need, it made us stop and think.
This isn’t about us… this is BECAUSE OF YOU.
Watch United Way's newly released Because of YOU video on Facebook or YouTube.
|
|
|
|
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance |
Every year, UW partners with the IRS to provide free tax preparation to Hernando County residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. United Way has adapted to meet CDC guidelines for COVID-19 safety. Residents will be able to book appointments on a first come, first served basis beginning in January.
|
|
|
|
6th Annual Holiday Card Coloring Contest Winners |
Congratulations to our 6 winners whose #LIVEUNITED artwork will be featured on the cover of our Holiday Card.
-
Leylani F. from J.D. Floyd (Mrs. Pittman & Miss Rigaud)
-
Lillian S. from Winding Waters K-8 (Mrs. Brannan)
-
Alexis C. from Challenger K-8 (Ms. Cornillow)
-
Jaden V. from Challenger K-8 (Mrs. Hair)
-
Piper M. from Challenger K-8 (Ms. Cornillow & Ms. Franz)
-
Zoey C. from Challenger K-8 (Ms. Radtke)
The teachers for the winning students received a personal delivery from UW of extra school supplies. All Community Partners, keep a lookout for these very creative Holiday Cards in your mailbox!
|
|
|
|
Save the Date for Annual
Kickball Tournament
|
Every year, United Way hosts a fun-filled kickball tournament for local businesses. Proceeds from the tournament support UW's Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides free monthly books to enrolled Hernando children, regardless of their family's income. The tournament will be held on March 27, 2021 at Anderson Snow. Keep an eye on UW's Facebook page for upcoming registration info!
|
|
|
|
We're on Instagram!
United Way of Hernando County is now on Instagram! Follow us for ways you can easily get involved here in Hernando County through GIVING, ADVOCATING, & VOLUNTEERING!
Click on UWHC's Linktree for easy access to all of our social media channels.
|
|
|
|
This outdoor, family friendly activity engages parents and caregivers to interact with their children in creative ways, teaching them the ABCs, playing hopscotch, learning shapes and colors, and sharing stories for a day filled with education.
|
|
|
|
"Give Thanks, Give Food" Drive |
During the month of October, United Way hosted our "Give Thanks Give Food" drive collection for our Partner Programs at Dawn Center, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Jericho Road Ministries Food Barn, People Helping People, and Youth and Family Alternative's New Beginnings shelter.
On Tuesday, November 17th, volunteers from Saint Leo University, Keller Williams, and UW Board of Directors worked hard to count, organize, and sort all donations. The food drive was a tremendous success, with 10,762+lbs of food donated by our generous community!
|
|
|
|
With COVID-19 impacting the ability to volunteer in person for many people, UW offered several ways to give back virtually on Wednesday, November 18th. Community members can submit appetizer, dessert, and main dish recipes to UW's Recipe Swap, sign up to be a VITA Volunteer for tax season, and write letters to homebound seniors through Pandemic Pen Pals. Get involved and volunteer virtually this holiday season!
|
|
Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4qt deep covered baking dish
- 3 Green Peppers
- 1 1/2 Ground Sirloin (90-93% Lean)
- 1 piece, stalk of celery
- 1/2 White Onion Diced Small
- 1 C Chopped Cabbage
- 4 Tomatoes Peeled & Seeded
- Ketchup
- Salt & Pepper
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Green Onions (Optional)
Instructions:
- Wash Green Peppers & cut vertically, removing ends. Place in baking pan
- Mix Sirloin, celery, diced onion, cabbage, salt & pepper. Pour in 2T ketchup & mix well. Divide in 6 portions & stuff each pepper.
- Place 1T Ketchup on top.
- Peel & Remove seeds from tomatoes & place between each pepper. Cover and bake 325 degrees for 45 min.
- Drain any extra water carefully with large spoon. (Check for desired temperature inside.)
- Cover and bake another 20 minutes.
- Add add cheese and green onions on each pepper, uncover, increase 350 degrees for 15 min.
|
|
Apple Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
- 7-8 Apples
- 1/3 C. Sugar
- 2 T Lemon Juice
- 2 T Flour
- 1 t Vanilla
- 1 t Cinnamon
- 1/2 t Nutmeg
- 1/2 t Salt
- 2 T Cold Butter, cut
- 1/2 C Chopped Pecans
- Betty Crocker Pie Mix
- 6 T Cold Water
- Cinnamon & Sugar for topping
Instructions:
- Peel, core & slice apples
- Sprinkle on apples the sugar, lemon juice, flour, vanilla, & spices.
- Prepare & roll out 1/2 dough. Place in nine inch pie pan. Place half of the pecans on top of pie crust.
- Pour in apple mixture, and add butter.
- Place half of what is left of pecans on apples.
- Roll & place top crust. Seal edges & place the pecans on top, with shakes of cinnamon & sugar.
- Bake in 350 degree oven for 45 min
|
|
|
|
|
To wrap up the "5 Days of Caring," United Way hosted a Neighborhood Clean-Up on Friday, November 20th. A special thank you to J.R. Hutchinson and our friends from Trash Trek Hernando for helping clean up around the UW office and surrounding businesses and homes on US19. Every person can make a difference if we just do our part!
If you're interested in participating with a neighborhood clean-up service project, the next one will be scheduled soon! Make sure to sign up on Lend a Hand Hernando or follow Trash Trek on Facebook.
|
|
|
|
Guide to Holiday Gift Giving:
Myths vs. Facts
|
With the holidays quickly approaching, many may be looking to make a charitable gift this season. As one of the nation’s largest charities, United Way understands the impact that charitable giving has on improving communities and helping individuals. UW also understands how important it is to choose the right organization to donate your hard-earned dollars. As you prepare to make any type of charitable gift, we urge you to follow the simple guidelines linked here.
|
|
|
|
Are you shopping for the holidays online? Help United Way of Hernando County reach our goal of 100 supporters on Amazon Smile!
Use this link to shop, or link your Amazon app to AmazonSmile using the instructions in the image. Amazon will donate a portion of your total directly to United Way!
|
|
|
|
Pandemic Pen Pal Partnership |
In September, a passionate instructor from Chamberlain College of Nursing reached out to United Way to get her students involved with Pandemic Pen Pals. With Chamberlain's partnership, 50 seniors were sent letters from the nursing students. UW awarded the class with the Advocate Award as a thank you for their effort.
|
|
|
|
Why do you #MaskUpHernando? For your grandparents, your children, or perhaps an immunocompromised friend or neighbor? Members of the Hernando County's COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) shared why they #MaskUp. Share your support by snapping a pic on social media with "#MaskUpHernando."
|
|
Tuesdays, 12:00pm- B2B Networking @ Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce (In-Person and Virtual)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
