From the Desk of Dr. Laurie George, President and CEO | | |
As we reflect on May, I am reminded of the incredible power of community and what happens when people come together with compassion, purpose, and a shared commitment to helping others.
At United Way of Palm Beach County, every day is an opportunity to create meaningful change. Whether supporting children through mentoring, helping families access food and critical resources, strengthening financial stability, or bringing volunteers together to serve our neighbors, this work is only possible because of the collective generosity and dedication of our community.
This month, we had the privilege of seeing that impact firsthand through experiences such as our Ride United Community Impact Tour, where partners and supporters visited local nonprofit agencies and witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact United Way helps make possible throughout Palm Beach County. We also celebrated important milestones, recognized outstanding volunteers and community leaders, and continued preparing for major initiatives, including Back to School PBC! and our Summer Book Drive, both of which help ensure local children are supported, nourished, and ready to succeed.
As our community grows and evolves, so does the need for connection, collaboration, and care. We remain deeply committed to serving more people, expanding opportunity, and strengthening the support systems families rely on every day. Together with our donors, volunteers, corporate partners, nonprofit agencies, and supporters, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Palm Beach County for all.
As the school year comes to a close, I would also like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the graduating high school and college Class of 2026. Your hard work, perseverance, and achievements are worth celebrating, and we look forward to the bright future ahead for each of you. To all of our students, families, educators, and school communities, thank you for your dedication and for helping make this a successful and meaningful year.
To all of our neighbors, thank you for continuing to stand with United Way of Palm Beach County and for helping make a lasting impact possible throughout our community.
With gratitude,
Laurie George
| | A Front-Row Seat to Community Impact: Ride United Impact Tour | | |
What happens when community partners come together, hop on a bus, and spend the day experiencing impact in action? You get the Ride United Community Impact Tour, a powerful reminder of what collaboration truly looks like across Palm Beach County.
Throughout the tour, we visited several of our nonprofit partner agencies, heard inspiring stories from dedicated community leaders, and saw firsthand how United Way of Palm Beach County-supported programs are creating meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families every single day. From mentoring youth and supporting families to providing critical housing, health, and stabilization services, each stop along the way reinforced a powerful truth: strong communities are built through partnership, compassion, and collective action.
The energy and experience of the day were made even more special thanks to the incredible team at Digital Vibez, who provided not only transportation but also the energy, music, and good vibes that kept the spirit of the tour alive from start to finish.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the partner agencies who welcomed us and shared their impact stories, including Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies of Palm Beach County, The Lord’s Place, Vita Nova, Take Stock in Children, Grandma’s Place, and our own United Way of Palm Beach County Mentoring team.
We are also deeply grateful to our annual presenting sponsor, Publix Super Markets and Publix Super Markets Charities, as well as our event sponsors, Fifth Third Bank and TBC Corporation, for helping make this experience possible.
Days like this serve as an important reminder of why this work matters. When we come together, listen, and show up for one another, we don’t just talk about impact; we witness it in action.
| | Two Decades of Dedication | We are proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone as our Director of Volunteer Engagement, Nubia Ortega, marks 20 years with United Way of Palm Beach County. Over the past two decades, Nubia's dedication, leadership, and passion for service have made a lasting impact across our organization and throughout the community. Through the meaningful relationships she has built and her commitment to engaging volunteers and partners, Nubia has helped strengthen our mission and inspire countless individuals along the way. Her contributions have played an important role in advancing our work and creating positive change in Palm Beach County. We are deeply grateful for the time, talent, and heart she has shared with United Way over the past 20 years. | | May was Mental Health Awareness & Trauma-Informed Care Month, and our staff proudly joined the Get Your Green On campaign by wearing green and helping raise awareness about the importance of open conversations surrounding mental health, trauma-informed care, and supportive communities. By encouraging open conversations and increasing understanding around trauma and mental wellness, we can help reduce stigma and ensure that those in need know they are not alone and that support and resources are available. Creating a trauma-informed community starts with compassion, empathy, and education. Together, we can foster environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward healing and well-being. | | Teeing up Brighter Futures | Our Level Up family came together at PopStroke for a special Mentor-Mentee Appreciation Event celebrating connection, growth, and the power of mentorship. Mentors and mentees from Connect to Greatness, Inner City Innovators, and Florida Mentoring Network enjoyed an evening of dinner, mini golf, and meaningful time together while recognizing the relationships that help inspire confidence, opportunity, and success. Mentorship has the power to change lives, and we are grateful for the dedicated mentors who continue to show up, provide guidance, and help shape brighter futures throughout our community. | | We are proud to celebrate 20 consecutive years of Accreditation through Nonprofits First, a distinction that reflects our long-standing commitment to excellence, accountability, and measurable community impact. Achieving and maintaining this accreditation for two decades underscores the strength of our organizational practices and the consistency with which we uphold high standards in financial stewardship and operational transparency, values that continue to guide our work each day. We are grateful to our dedicated partners, donors, volunteers, and supporters who believe in our mission. Their continued collaboration strengthens our ability to respond to community needs and expand our reach where it is needed most. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Palm Beach County. | | Follow Our Community Impact Online | | Celebrating a Season of Impact, Leadership, & Community | |
Our Women United Committee gathered for a special Season Wrap-Up Celebration Luncheon, marking the close of another meaningful year of service, philanthropy, and collective impact. Led by Chair Desiree Karnis Reavis and Vice Chair Stephanie Slater Goldfuss, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments, partnerships, and lives touched through the dedication of Women United members.
Throughout the year, Women United has continued to champion initiatives that help ensure individuals and families across Palm Beach County have access to the essential resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Through their generosity, leadership, and commitment to community, members have played a vital role in advancing our mission and creating lasting change.
Guests were honored to hear from Charlotte Gill of The Arc of Palm Beach County, who shared the powerful impact of United Way’s support on programs serving individuals and families with developmental delays. Her remarks highlighted the importance of community partnerships and the difference they make in helping local residents reach their full potential. Attendees were also delighted to receive beautiful handmade gifts created by Arc clients, a meaningful reminder of the talents and contributions of those served by the organization.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our annual presenting sponsor, Publix Super Markets and Publix Super Markets Charities, as well as our event sponsors, TBC Corporation and The LaFrance Project, for their continued support of Women United and its mission.
Thank you to all of our Women United members, supporters, and partners for making this season such a success.
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Back to School PBC! is a high-energy community event that would not be possible without the support of dedicated volunteers. Each year, hundreds of volunteers come together to help Palm Beach County families kick off the school year with free school supplies, valuable community resources, and a welcoming, supportive experience for children and parents.
As summer break approaches, we are actively seeking volunteers to help bring this large-scale effort to life. With more than 12,000 students expected to be served, volunteers play a critical role in ensuring the event runs smoothly and every child leaves feeling prepared, confident, and excited for the school year ahead.
This is a powerful opportunity to make a direct impact in our community and be part of an experience that supports thousands of local families. We need volunteers to help make it happen! Whether you are helping behind the scenes or on the front lines welcoming families, your time and energy are essential to the success of Back to School PBC!
| | United Way of Palm Beach County Hunger Relief, in partnership with Emerging Leaders, the Palm Beach County Food Bank, and Flipany, kicked off our annual Summer Book Drive last month and runs through June 15th. This beloved initiative collects new and gently used books for students of all grade levels, helping bridge gaps in both literacy and nutrition during the summer months. | | |
The books will be distributed at Summer BreakSpot sites throughout Palm Beach County, including community locations like parks and libraries, where children 18 and younger can receive free, nutritious meals while school is out. It’s a win-win: feeding both minds and bellies.
All donated books will be sorted at the Palm Beach County Food Bank and go directly into the hands of students, keeping them engaged and helping to prevent the dreaded “summer slide,” a well-documented learning loss that can cost children up to 2.5 months of reading skills over the break. The stakes are especially high in low-income communities where there’s often only one age-appropriate book for every 300 children.
If you haven’t had a chance to donate, there’s still time to get involved and help make this summer brighter for kids in our community. Books are being collected:
- Now through June 15th
- Palm Beach County Food Bank: 701 Boutwell Rd., Suite A-1, Lake Worth Beach
- Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
| | This Summer: Fast, Free, & Safe Tax Preparation | | |
There’s still time to take advantage of free tax preparation through our Taxes Filed Free Campaign. Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program remains available throughout the summer, helping eligible residents file their returns safely, securely, and at no cost. Individuals and families with an income of $78,000 or less in 2025 may qualify for this valuable service, which includes free tax preparation and e-filing by IRS-certified volunteers. Many taxpayers may also be eligible to claim valuable credits, including up to $8,046 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
If you still need to file, don’t miss this opportunity to receive trusted, one-on-one assistance and maximize your refund. Services are available at the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, located at 411 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Schedule your appointment or learn more while this free service is still available.
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Food Bank Project
Tuesday, June 30 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Palm Beach County Food Bank
701 Boutwell Road, Suite A-1, Lake Worth, FL 33461
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Join us at the Palm Beach County Food Bank and make a meaningful difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. Volunteers will help sort and pack food that will be distributed to individuals and families throughout our community. Every box you fill helps provide nutritious meals and essential support to thousands of local residents who are struggling to put food on the table.
Whether you're volunteering on your own or with a group, your time and effort will have a direct impact on helping fight hunger in Palm Beach County. Volunteers ages 16 and older are welcome.
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Back to School Dental Kits Assembly
Wednesday, July 15 | Two shifts available
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies of Palm Beach County
842 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
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Join United Way of Palm Beach County in bringing smiles to children attending the Back to School PBC! event on August 1, 2026.
Volunteers will be assembling dental kits at Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies that will be distributed to low-income students across Palm Beach County during the event. These kits will include essential dental hygiene items that support healthy habits and help ensure children are ready to start the school year with confidence. Come be part of this meaningful volunteer effort and help make a direct impact in the lives of local youth, one smile at a time.
| | Be a Champion for PBC by Giving or Getting Involved! | | | | |
