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Kass Circle Sidewalk Festival
Saturday, February 21st @ 10:00am
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COAD Meeting #98
Monday, February 23rd @ 9:30am
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Connection Cafe
Tuesday, February 24th @ 1:00pm
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Long-Term Recovery Group
Thursday, February 26th @ 2:00pm
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Dementia Care Support Group
Monday, March 2nd @ 1:00pm
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PREFERRED PARTNERS
As a Preferred Partner, Rivera’s Flooring, Kitchens & More goes beyond business — they invest directly in the well-being of Hernando County families.
Through participation in United Way's Business Blitz Challenge and ongoing community support, they help fuel critical programs focused on early literacy, emergency assistance, and financial stability.
When you choose Rivera’s for your remodel needs, you’re choosing a company that invests back into Hernando.
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CELEBRATE PI DAY WITH PURPOSE!
Join us on March 14th at Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom for a delicious way to give back. In honor of 3.14, enjoy specially priced pizza while supporting United Way of Hernando County. A portion of proceeds and on-site donations will help fund programs that strengthen local families and expand access to education, financial stability, and basic needs services right here in our community.
Bring your appetite—and your heart for Hernando!
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TXRH GIVE BACK NIGHT
Make plans to join United Way of Hernando County on March 26th from 4:00–9:00 PM for a Give Back Night at Texas Roadhouse. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will directly benefit local early education programs, helping ensure children in our community start school ready to succeed.
To ensure United Way receives credit, guests must have their server scan the event barcode at checkout. Invite your friends and family, enjoy a great meal, and help support early learning initiatives across Hernando County.
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011th Annual Kickball Tournament
Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 28th as United Way of Hernando County hosts their 011th Annual “KICK” Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament — with a fun Stranger Things twist this year.
Whether you're competing, sponsoring, or cheering from the sidelines, this is one community event you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned — it’s going to be totally kickin’.
A special thank you to Tampa General Hospital for their determination to bring stories to life with us as our “Grand Slam Champion Sponsors”.
| | | SAVING MONEY IN YOUR WALLET | | |
Since 2007, United Way of Hernando County has been partnering with the IRS to provide free tax preparation to Hernando County residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. United Way of Hernando County is proud to support VITA as a FREE tax preparation program for our Hernando County residents.
This program operates each tax season at 5 convenient locations throughout Hernando County and is available by appointment. In addition to helping residents meet filing requirements, the VITA program plays a critical role in strengthening local financial health by ensuring families receive the refunds and credits they have earned. Community members are encouraged to schedule appointments early, as availability is limited and demand for this essential service continues to grow each year.
| | JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH UNITED WAY | |
United Way of Hernando County is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Program Care Coordinator to join our team. This position plays a critical role in supporting individuals and families by connecting them to essential community resources, coordinating services, and ensuring follow-through on care plans.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, community-focused, and committed to improving outcomes for residents facing housing instability, financial hardship, or other barriers. This role offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact by working collaboratively with nonprofit partners, service providers, and community stakeholders.
If you are passionate about helping others and want to be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening education, financial stability, and health in Hernando County, we encourage you to apply.
| SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE | | |
Momentum is building for United Way of Hernando County’s 011th Annual “KICK” Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament on Saturday, March 28th — and sponsorship & vendor opportunities are still available.
This high-energy, community-wide event brings together local businesses, civic leaders, and families for a day of friendly competition, themed fun, and meaningful impact.
Supporting provides valuable brand visibility while directly enhancing early literacy initiatives that help children in our community start school ready to succeed. From team sponsorships to event-level recognition, businesses have multiple opportunities to align their brand with a cause that strengthens the future of Hernando County. We encourage interested partners to secure their sponsorship soon as possible, event materials and promotions are already underway.
A special thank you to Tampa General Hospital for their determination to bring stories to life with us as our “Grand Slam Champion Sponsors”. Easily have your business advertised through Cause Brand Marketing for this highly anticipated annual event. The hype is real, with only ONE Field Sponsor "Home Run Hero" spot remaining.
- HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital
- Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative
- Carter Foreman Attorneys at Law
- Possibly YOU?
| | COMMUNITY PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS | | United Way of Hernando County was honored to receive a generous annual campaign contribution from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative. We are grateful for their leadership and investment in Hernando County families and helping create positive lasting change. | | Thanks to the incredible support of the team at Target on US19, more than 50 hygiene kits were assembled to support local residents in need. These essential items help individuals maintain dignity and access basic necessities during challenging times. | | The Kiwanis Club of Brooksville's donation to United Way will directly support initiatives focused on health, education, and financial stability for Hernando County residents. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to making a difference. | | KEEPING UP WITH UNITED WAY | |
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Connection Café: Music Therapy
January’s Connection Café focused on the powerful impact of music therapy for loved ones living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Attendees learned how familiar songs can spark memory, ease anxiety, and create meaningful moments of connection. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this informative and supportive session.
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LTRG – Meeting #12
1/12/26 - United Way proudly convened the 12th meeting of our Long-Term Recovery Group, bringing together nonprofit partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders to coordinate ongoing recovery efforts. Collaboration remains strong as we continue identifying unmet needs, streamlining resources, and ensuring families receive the long-term support necessary to fully recover and rebuild.
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Point in Time Count Training
1/20/26 - Community volunteers and partners gathered for the annual Point in Time (PIT) Count training, preparing to conduct a comprehensive count of individuals experiencing homelessness in Hernando County. This federally required initiative provides critical data that shapes funding decisions, informs strategic planning, and strengthens our collective response to housing instability.
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Student Board Gives Back at Chick-fil-A!
1/27/26 - United Way's Student Board hosted a highly successful Give Back Night at Chick-fil-A, bringing together students, families, and community members for an evening of fun, food, and impact. Thank you to everyone that supported, the night was a wonderful example of students leading the way in giving back and strengthening our community!
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LifeSouth Ribbon Cutting
1/30/26 - United Way joined community leaders in celebrating the ribbon cutting for LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. This expansion strengthens local blood collection efforts and ensures a stable supply for area hospitals. We are grateful for LifeSouth’s continued commitment to saving lives and serving our region.
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AYM Workshop
2/5/26 - Nonprofit professionals participated in ADVANCING YOUR MISSION, a capacity-building workshop designed to equip organizations with practical strategies for sustainability & leadership development. Q1's AYM topic was all about Program Logic Models, sharing different strategies to create the greatest impact. Investing in our nonprofit partners strengthens the entire community & enhances our shared ability to serve those in need.
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Warming Center Activation
Dec-Feb - During recent cold weather conditions, Emergency Management activated the community Warming Center for a total of 16 nights to provide a safe overnight space for vulnerable residents. Through the support of volunteers and partners, around 199 individuals experiencing homelessness were offered warmth and connection to additional support services during dangerously low temperatures.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
| | GETTING TO KNOW UNITED WAY'S BOARD | |
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 Frank Cassara from Centennial Bank.
- Why is LIVING UNITED through United Way important to you?
"For many years, the United Way has been a leader in ensuring that our community strives, and thrives. This comes from unity. Our local United Way exemplifies what a good neighbor, mentor and advocate is. When we all pull together, everyone wins."
- In your field, explain why you believe Centennial Bank and United Way work so well together as community partners.
"I am very fortunate to be with a company that wants to see our community live up to its full potential. As a Centennial Banker, I am encouraged to give back and utilize resources wisely. Centennial Bank and the United Way share a vision in having an empowered community through compassion, assistance and encouragement."
- What focus areas are you most passionate about improving in Hernando?
"Everyone living to their full potential. Imagine a community where people are held back simply because there were not available resources just to give that one boost to help them reach their goals? We are so fortunate that we have a community of generous business leaders, caring and active leadership, and compassionate neighbors."
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