MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings!

After an incredible April full of exciting events and the conclusion of this year's successful VITA program, we're gearing up for the summer and all it brings with it! While we shift into preparation mode for the events and programs starting up again in the fall, we're taking a moment to celebrate a major achievement for United Way of the Big Bend. Once again, we have been awarded Charity Navigator's Four-Star rating for 2026, their highest honor.

This rating means that we've been recognized as a nonprofit that is transparent, uses funds wisely and as intended, and continues to work towards our stated mission and goals. It's an indicator of trust and allows potential donors an independent source of information regarding how we operate and how we hold ourselves accountable for donor funds. Please join me in congratulating our team for their hard work in maintaining our four-star rating, and all of our neighbors for continuing to place their trust in our organization.

While we transition into summer, it's important to remember that storm season is on its way! Thankfully, we saw a very quiet storm season last year, but it is essential we prepare the same way we have in the past and make sure we are ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store. See our storm preparedness section below to brush up on your storm prep knowledge!

Thank you,

UWBB EARNS HIGHEST CHARITY NAVIGATOR HONOR ONCE AGAIN

Charity Navigator is an independent organization that evaluates nonprofits and gives them a rating based on data from the IRS, partners, and the charities themselves so donors can give with confidence. Four stars is their highest rating, and once again UWBB has received it! We're honored to continue to carry this rating, and thank all of our neighbors for their continued trust.

UWBB HOSTS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING FOR FUNDED PROGRAM PARTNERS

The United Way of the Big Bend invited Jessie Betts-Bono of Bono Communications to facilitate an AI Training Workshop for our funded program partners. The presentation, "Working Smarter for the Mission: A Practical Introduction to AI" covered AI basics for our partners and familiarized them with its uses.

Artificial Intelligence has become one of the most powerful tools to improve human productivity and creativity, saving individuals and organizations valuable time and resources. In this 90-minute session, our partners explored how AI can realistically enhance their organization and what to keep in mind regarding ethics, privacy, and responsible use.

UWBB plans to continue to offer training to our nonprofit organizations in our community.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! THE 2026 ANNUAL COMMUNITY MEETING IS COMING SOON!

It's time to block off those calendars! Our Annual Community Meeting returns August 25th, 2026 to the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center arena! For sponsorship information, please head to the link below or contact Caylie Atkins at caylie@uwbb.org.

WE'RE HIRING!

UWBB is seeking a qualified Donor Engagement Manager who will manage a portfolio of campaign accounts and work with the Philanthropy Team to meet the fundraising goals necessary to support the organization’s mission. To learn more about the position, click below!

JOIN MATHPALS TODAY!

MathPals creates a creative and encouraging environment for learning math by matching caring mentors one-to-one with students who are in need of extra help developing essential mathematical skills.

We're looking to make the 2026-27 school year our most successful ever! To learn more about MathPals, click the button below for signup and other program information.

STORM SEASON IS COMING UP, ARE YOU READY?

The weather is heating up and so are the waters! Florida's Hurricane Season begins June 1st, but it's never too early to prepare! Take a look at these tips for staying safe during major storms and click the link below for more information specific to your area. Stay tuned for a special storm season edition of Our Issues Tallahassee on WTWC NBC40 featuring UWBB President & CEO Berneice Cox and WeatherTiger airing June 7th.

THANK YOU, READING AND MATHPALS

Our ReadingPals and MathPals programs have wrapped up for the 2025-26 school year, and we're so grateful for all of the volunteers, new and returning, who have helped make these programs a success each year. While you enjoy a well-deserved summer break, we're working hard to restock the program bins with supplies for next year's programs!

Want to join the ranks next school year? Training begins late summer, find out more below!

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