Greetings! 

We started November on a sobering note, as SNAP benefits expired for millions throughout the country on the very first day of this month. United Way of the Big Bend stepped into action, helping fund and organize an emergency food distribution event with our partners at Second Harvest of the Big Bend and WTXL ABC 27 Tallahassee. Over 1,200 Big Bend families were helped as a result of this drive, and we thank all of our neighbors who helped support this drive. While food insecurity continues to be a pervasive issue throughout the Big Bend and the country, we will continue to seek collaborations to address the issue.

Continuing the theme of community and leadership, our Ninth Annual Women's Leadership Breakfast featuring speaker Deshauna Barber-Echols was a hit! Attendees heard Deshauna's story and inspiring words on leadership, along with enjoying a moment to catch up with friends and colleagues over a fantastic breakfast. We can't wait for next year's event!

Thank you,

Berneice Cox

President & CEO

United Way of the Big Bend

FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS HELP THE BIG BEND PREPARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

United Way of the Big Bend has partnered with Second Harvest of the Big Bend to host three food distributions in neighboring counties supporting families hardest hit by multiple hurricanes. 

These events will provide essential food items to families in communities needing help recovering from the hurricanes while facing food insecurity during this critical time. In addition to the food distribution November 18th in Taylor County, two additional distributions will be held November 25th in Madison and Jefferson counties. Find times and locations below!

Madison County: Madison Ag Center, 184 NW College Loop, Madison, FL 32340 10AM - Until food runs out

Jefferson County: Monticello Public Library, 75 South Water Street, Monticello, FL 32344 2PM - Until food runs out

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE HELPS BIG BEND RESIDENTS RECOVER THOUSANDS IN TAX REFUNDS

For our neighbors living paycheck-to-paycheck, every cent counts and no stone can be left unturned when it comes to money. That's why our FREE Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program returns every tax season to help Big Bend residents navigate the often confusing waters of filing personal income taxes, ensuring the right amount of their income is taxed and that their maximum return is secured. Want to learn more about VITA or volunteering with us? Click the links below to get started!

POWER OF THE PURSE RETURNS: A VALENTINE DATE NIGHT WITH BIG PRIZES AND DESIGNER STYLE

Skip the dinner reservation next Valentine's Day - our Power of the Purse event next February is an exciting night out you won't soon forget! Join us February 5th, 2026 at Goodwood Museum and Gardens for a wonderful evening showcasing the true power of the purse! Interested in sponsoring this year's event? Contact Angela Gibbs at angela@uwbb.org or head to the link below!

DESHAUNA BARBER-ECHOLS FEATURED SPEAKER AT THE 2025 WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST

We had a fantastic time hosting this year's Women's Leadership Breakfast at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center! Thank you to our sponsors, our incredible speaker, and all who attended and made this event the success it was! Pictures are now available, so head to the link below to see if you spot any familiar faces.

UNITED WAY ADDS FOOD FINDER MAP

United Way Worldwide partnered with the 211 network in response to food insecurity to add a food assistance resource search function on 211.org. Families and individuals in need of food assistance can now search by zip code to identify resources available in their community.

Looking to get involved in the Big Bend? Volunteer Income Tax Assistance training is coming up, so head to the links below to learn more!

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