Home

News

About

Events

Contact

PREPARING TODAY FOR TOMORROW!

As hurricane season approaches, preparation becomes one of the most powerful tools a community can have.

The Hurricane & Safety Expo brings together local emergency management partners, first responders, and community organizations to provide residents with the knowledge and resources needed to stay safe before, during, and after a storm. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore preparedness tools, ask questions directly to experts, and gather critical information that can make all the difference in an emergency.

From evacuation planning to home safety checklists and disaster supply guidance, this event is designed to ensure every household is equipped with practical, life-saving readiness strategies.

STUDENT BOARD SKATE NIGHT

Get ready for an evening of energy, community, and purpose as our Student Board hosts a Skate Night Fundraiser designed to support youth leadership and engagement initiatives across Hernando County.

This event is more than just a night of skating—it’s an opportunity for students to take the lead in creating impact. Funds raised will help support youth-driven programs that encourage leadership development, civic engagement, and meaningful involvement in community decision-making.

Families, friends, and community members are invited to come together for a night filled with music, skating, and connection, all while supporting the next generation of local leaders. When young voices are empowered, entire communities benefit.

AYM – Q2 BOARD GOVERNANCE

Strong communities are built on strong leadership, and effective governance is essential to advancing meaningful, measurable impact.

The Q2 Board Governance session provides an important opportunity for community leaders to come together to review progress, align on strategic priorities, and ensure organizational accountability. Discussions will focus on strengthening decision-making frameworks, evaluating impact outcomes, and reinforcing the systems that support long-term sustainability.

This convening is designed to equip leaders with the insights and direction needed to continue driving effective, mission-centered work throughout the year.

STAMP OUT HUNGER: MAY 9th

United Way of Hernando County is proud to support the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, led by the National Association of Letter Carriers—the nation’s largest one-day food drive.

Residents are encouraged to leave non-perishable food donations by their mailbox for pickup, helping stock local food pantries and support neighbors facing food insecurity.

DRIVE OUT HUNGER: MAY 16th

Incase you miss placing your donation by your mailbox, there’s still an opportunity to make an impact. Through Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Brooksville's local Drive Out Hunger Food Drive, community members can continue supporting families facing food insecurity by donating non-perishable items.

Together, these efforts ensure that shelves stay stocked and resources are available for those who need them most.

This year’s Kickball Tournament brought together teams, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who shared one common goal—investing in the future of local children. Through their participation and generosity, the event helped generate support that will provide 13,775 books to preschool children in our community through early literacy initiatives, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.

Each book represents more than just a page to read—it represents a child gaining confidence, building vocabulary, and developing a lifelong love of learning. With every kick, cheer, and contribution, our community helped open the door to imagination and opportunity for thousands of young readers. A special thank you to TGH Brooksville & TGH Spring Hill for their determination to bring stories to life with us as our “Grand Slam Champion Sponsor”.

Beyond the scoreboard, this event stands as a powerful reminder that collective action creates real, lasting impact. When our community comes together, we don’t just play a game—we change futures.

United Way of Hernando County’s 2026–2027 Community Investment Grant (CIG) Eligibility process is open from March 1 through April 27, 2026.

This opportunity is available to Hernando County–based health and human service organizations that serve local residents and align with United Way’s priority areas of Health, Education, Financial Stability, and Basic Needs/Crisis Prevention.

Selected programs will be considered for one-year funding awards ranging from $5,000–$10,000 for the July 2026–June 2027 fiscal year, based on community needs and available donor investment.

Eligible applicants must complete the process through United Way’s e-CImpact grant portal by the April 27 deadline at 5:00 PM. Only programs meeting eligibility requirements will advance to the full application stage. Stay tuned as our CIG Committee reviews, researches, and determines the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year Investments for Proud Partner Agencies.

United Way of Hernando County’s annual Business Blitz Challenge returns this June—and we’re looking for a local business to step into the spotlight as our Community Challenger.

Throughout the month-long campaign, the Challenger invites fellow businesses across Hernando County to give back, offering to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000. This powerful incentive not only encourages participation, but helps double the impact for critical local programs supporting mental health services, homeless prevention, disaster relief, and more.

Beyond the impact, this partnership offers a unique opportunity for visibility and community leadership. Businesses that accept the challenge are recognized as Preferred Partners of United Way—positioned as trusted local resources, referred within the community, and celebrated for their commitment to making a difference.

As the Community Challenger, your business will be featured throughout the entire campaign, including media releases, social media, flyers, radio interviews, and community outreach efforts. We also highlight your organization through engaging content that showcases your team, culture, and connection to the community—helping build meaningful awareness while strengthening your local presence.

This is more than a fundraiser—it’s a chance to lead, inspire, and create lasting impact.

Smokin’ Oak Check Presentation

Smokin’ Oak presented a generous donation from their Pi Day fundraiser, turning community support into meaningful local impact.

USA Benefits Group Denim Day Donation

USA Benefits Group supported United Way through a Denim Day donation, turning casual wear into meaningful community impact.

Titan Foundation Kickball Field Sponsor

Thank you to the Titan Foundation for being the final "Home Run Hero" Field Sponsor and supporting this annual initiative.

Challenger K-8 Toiletry Drive

Students at Challenger K-8 led a “Ditch the Duds” toiletry drive, collecting essential items for neighbors in need.

Home Depot In-Kind Donation

A generous in-kind donation of a RIDGID drill from Home Depot to be added to the Kickball Tournament Raffle.

Raymond James Shred Event & Food Drive

A community shred event doubled as a toiletry drive, supporting local families through essential donations.

This April, we celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week by recognizing the incredible individuals who give their time and talent to support our mission.

From assisting with programs like VITA to supporting community events and partner agencies, our volunteers make it possible to reach more families and create lasting impact across Hernando County.

Because of them, critical services are delivered, opportunities are created, and lives are changed every day.

Thank you to all who continue to LIVE UNITED through service.

Dementia Care Support Group

Location: West Hernando Branch Library | 6335 Blackbird Ave, Brooksville, FL 34613

When: First Monday of each Month @ 1pm



This support group is FREE and open to all caregivers caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia. This health initiative is in collaboration with the Dementia Spotlight Foundation

For more information & support, contact Gary Joseph LeBlanc.

Connection Cafe

Location: West Hernando Branch Library | 6335 Blackbird Ave, Brooksville, FL 34613

When: Fourth Tuesday of each Month @ 1pm



This support group is FREE and open to all caregivers caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia. This health initiative is in collaboration with the Dementia Spotlight Foundation

For more information & support, contact Gary Joseph LeBlanc.

Senior Wellness Directory

211-Hernando's goal is to have a community that is connected and informed regarding health, mental health, crisis response and human service information.

This is a wonderful resource to place in the hands of our residents. Those who do not have access to the internet or simply aren't aware of the available options here in Hernando will really benefit from these booklets.

SingleCare

Did you know United Way of Hernando County and the SingleCare, formerly Familywize, Community Service Partnership have teamed up to make prescriptions more affordable for those without insurance or even those who have insurance that doesn't cover their medicine.

BOARD Member Highlight

United Way of Hernando County's Board of Directors is full of dedicated community members and leaders. For this #UNITED News release, we are highlighting United Way Board Member Sam Carpenter with Publix Supermarkets.

• Why is LIVING UNITED important to you?

“Living United is important to me because it reflects the idea that when we show up for one another, we build a stronger, more resilient community for everyone. There is so much need in our community, and United Way plays a critical role in addressing those challenges by bringing people, resources, and solutions together. I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and passion of the United Way team, and the real, measurable impact they make. That kind of leadership is inspiring—it makes you want to be part of the mission and help amplify the message.”

• In your field, explain why you believe Centennial Bank and United Way work so well together as community partners.

“Publix and United Way have partnered for more than 40 years because we share a deep commitment to strengthening the communities we serve. That value dates back to our founder, George Jenkins, who emphasized the importance of being responsible and engaged citizens. At Publix, we strive to treat our customers and associates like family, which naturally extends to how we support our community. Through our partnership with United Way, we’re able to connect people to meaningful opportunities—whether that’s workplace giving, volunteering, or supporting local programs. Together, we’re able to expand our reach and create lasting impact, and when we come together with a shared purpose, the entire community benefits.”

• What focus areas are you most passionate about improving in Hernando?

“I’m especially passionate about increasing awareness of and access to mental health resources. Too many individuals are struggling in silence simply because they don’t know where to turn or how to begin seeking help. Expanding education, reducing stigma, and making resources more accessible are critical steps forward. United Way has already made meaningful progress in this area through partnerships with organizations like NAMI Hernando and by helping promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and I’m excited to see that work continue to grow.”

UNITED @ WORK

Soft Skills for Employment

ALICE in Hernando

• Host a Toiletry Drive
• Hurricane Supply Drive
• GIVE THANKS, GIVE FOOD
• Donate Online
• Workplace Campaigns
• Business Blitz Challenge

• Share 988
• 2-1-1 Hernando
• Become a Digital Ambassador
• Fight for local initiatives
• Legislative Agenda

• Disaster Relief Volunteer
• VITA Volunteer
• Lend-A-Hand Hernando
• Student Board