Hi Uniters!

Spring has sprung and so have we! With a lineup of opportunities and highlights showcasing our commitment to community engagement, we’re excited to share all the wonderful things we have and continue to accomplish.

Citizens Review Process: Join a Citizens Review Panel and be a driving force in shaping our community initiatives. Register now to lend your voice and expertise!

Publix Appreciation Week: Publix and its associates have made an unwavering commitment to improving our community. Let's express gratitude for our top corporate donor!

AmeriCorps Seniors Appreciation Week: Join us in honoring the remarkable contributions of our AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, who tirelessly serve our community. Keep reading to uncover more about their invaluable impact.

Friends & Neighbors Article: Our very own Carol Houwaart-Diez writes a monthly article for Friends & Neighbors Martin County. Read on to learn more about this captivating article.

Intern Goodbye: As our intern Will nears the end of his internship, we extend our best wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

Seal of Transparency: We earned a 2023 Candid Seal of Transparency for our organizational excellence. Check out our profile on Candid.

Born Learning Trail: The Born Learning Trail event is now full.Thank you to those who have signed up to help beautify our community!

Community Conversation: Don't miss out on hearing important community information. Register below for our upcoming event.

Martin Youth LEADERship Career Day: We had an awesome time connecting with students looking to explore and advance their careers, and we look forward to seeing the future contributions of these aspiring leaders.

Seacoast Bank: We had an amazing time celebrating Seacoast Bank, our #2 Most Generous Workplace, at a social event. We deeply value their partnership and express sincere appreciation for their support.

Students United Recap: Our Students United Group had an enriching learning experience during their agency visit to Suncoast Mental Health Center. Keep reading for more details!

Celebrate Women's History Month: March is a time to celebrate the incredible women who have played pivotal roles in shaping today's society, including those who have made significant contributions to United Way.

St. Patrick's Day: We hope everyone had a Happy St. Patrick's Day filled with joy, luck, and the spirit of togetherness!

Happy Easter: We hope everyone has a Happy Easter filled with good times and togetherness!

United Way Giving: Discover various ways to support our mission. Whether through monthly giving, corporate giving, or tax-smart giving, every contribution makes a difference!

Ride United - Your Ticket to Free Transportation: Access to essential services should never be a barrier. Discover how Ride United is ensuring transportation access for all.

Let's continue to uphold the generosity and support that makes Martin County a wonderful home. By helping each other, we strengthen bonds and improve well-being. Thank you for standing with United Way as we strive for unity and a brighter future for all.

Warm regards,

The United Way of Martin County Team
UNITED NEWS
Each year, United Way volunteers and donors play a crucial role in the Citizens Review Process (CRP). The CRP is how United Way decides which local non-profits receive funding. Volunteers review grant applications to determine how effectively programs address community needs and contribute to United Way's goals. Then, they report feedback to our Fund Distribution Committee for further review.

United Way is looking for volunteers to help decide where this important funding should go. If you wish to be a game-changer, register now to secure your spot!
This month we celebrated Publix Appreciation Week where we had the opportunity to express our gratitude to Publix and its associates for their remarkable support, as our top corporate donor both locally and globally.

Publix exemplifies the spirit of generosity and community upliftment that is essential for a thriving community. Beyond being a grocery store, Publix serves as a beacon of hope and support in our community.

If you're at Publix, be sure to thank an associate for making a difference!

Thank You, Publix!
During AmeriCorps Seniors Appreciation Week (March 10-16), we had the privilege of expressing our gratitude to our AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for their invaluable contributions to our Martin County community.

Thanks to the incredible impact of their work, the AmeriCorps Seniors grant has been renewed, allowing them to continue their generous service to our community.
United Way of Martin County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program was busy preparing tax returns for lower-income clients on the evening of March 12 when the IRS arrived for a Field Site Visit.
 
Guiding the efforts for 18 years, AmeriCorps Senior volunteer Debbie Connolly led the United Way office in meeting all 10 of the Quality Site Requirements - a testament to the program's commitment to excellence. Under her mentorship, dedicated AmeriCorps Senior volunteers undergo rigorous IRS training, ensuring they are fully certified to assist clients with their tax returns beyond regular business hours during tax season.
 
As noted in the Audit Review, “The level of service that I noticed at the site is superb. All appointments are booked for the remainder of the filing season.” The IRS commended the team, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support of the VITA/TCE Programs, and wished them continued success for the rest of the filing season.

Experiences like these underscore the vital importance of our AmeriCorps Senior volunteers and their indispensable role in creating a brighter future for our community.
Carol Houwaart-Diez, our President & CEO at the United Way of Martin County, contributes a monthly article to Friends & Neighbors Martin County, offering valuable insights into the perspective of a non-profit organization like United Way.

In her March article, Carol discusses the Citizen's Review Panel and the various strategies employed by United Way of Martin County to secure funding and the process involved in determining the allocation of these funds. She addresses common misconceptions surrounding the source of United Way's funding and highlights the significant role community members play in influencing funding distribution through initiatives like the Citizens Review Process.

Check out her fascinating article for the full story.
We bid farewell to our intern, William Swanson, from the Clark Advanced Learning Center, who has completed his internship and is on the brink of high school graduation. William's dedication and hard work over the past month have been truly appreciated, and we extend our best wishes to him for success in all his future endeavors.
United Way of Martin County earned a 2023 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. This seal symbolizes the transparency we uphold as a non-profit organization, offering individuals a closer look at our progress, results, strategy and more.

Check out our profile on Candid, an online resource that provides information on non-profits.
Donations make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families in our community. But did you know that your contribution can also have valuable tax benefits?


  • IRAs/Qualified Charitable Distributions: Reduce your taxable income by making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA if you are over 70½. Try our FREE QCD Calculator


By choosing one of these options, you can maximize your impact while minimizing your tax burden.

Remember, you can amplify your impact through corporate matching programs or by becoming a monthly donor.
The United Way of Martin County is vital in connecting those in need to helpful resources such as food, health, and education. However, we can't do it alone. The help from our local community is what drives us to create change and build a better future.

One way to help us achieve this mission of a better future is by partnering with local businesses to foster cooperation and raise money for those in need.

Some Ways Businesses can do this are:
  • Making a tax-deductible business donation.
  • Becoming a business sponsor.
  • Launching a United Way campaign for employees to give.
  • Get volunteers from within the business.

All giving goes a long way in shaping a better tomorrow for all.
EVENT UPDATES & RECAPS
Our upcoming Born Learning Trail Event is now full.

Thank you to those who signed up to help us and PNC Bank install the newest trail at the YMCA's Teddy Bear Academy! Stay tuned for photos and videos to come.
Join us for our next Community Conversation on Wednesday, April 24 at the Martin County School District!

Superintendent Michael Maine and Cleveland Clinic Martin Health will provide an update on important initiatives, so don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged!
We had an amazing time at the Martin Youth LEADERship Career Day, where we informed students of what it’s like to work for United Way of Martin County.

This event served as a valuable platform for us to engage with students who are eager to initiate or advance their careers. Students had the chance to explore various career paths, gain insights into industry trends, and connect with professionals in their fields of interest.
We had an incredible time at Seacoast Bank's social event, celebrating our #2 most generous workplace and the amazing partnership we have!

A huge thank you to Seacoast Bank for their generosity and dedication to creating positive change. Here's to many more years of collaboration and making a difference together!
Today's Students, Tomorrow's Trailblazers!

Our Students United group embarked on a transformative journey to Suncoast Mental Health Center, where our understanding deepened about the array of services available. From addressing ADHD, OCD, and anxiety to tackling depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide prevention, Suncoast is at the forefront of making a profound impact within our community.

We extend heartfelt appreciation to Suncoast staff - Tracy Hernandez, Lauren Sisselberger, Jill Rosemont, and Autum Thomas - for their outstanding hospitality and for facilitating such a profound learning experience.
HOLIDAY
Women's History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women who have played pivotal roles in shaping society and advancing the world toward greater acceptance and equality.

Let's take a moment to acknowledge the trailblazing women who have left an indelible mark on the United Way, shaping its past, present, and future with their vision, dedication, and leadership.

  • Angela F. Williams - First black woman to become the President & CEO of United Way worldwide.
  • Carol Houwaart-Diez - First woman of color to hold the position of President & CEO at the United Way of Martin County, which is also an honor she held when she was the President & CEO of the United Way of Greater Niagra.
  • Francis Langford - Arguably one of the most charitable people in the history of Martin County and founder of the United Way of Martin County’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society.

Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary achievements and contributions of these remarkable women!
Happy St. Patrick's Day from United Way of Martin County!

As we celebrate the luck of the Irish, let's also celebrate the strength of our community by spreading generosity and kindness like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Together, we can make every day feel lucky.
Happy Easter From United Way of Martin County!

Whether you're celebrating Easter with family, friends, or anyone else, let's unite to showcase the power of cooperation in our community.

Together, we can create an amazing community for all!
365 Days of Impact:
United Way's Year-Round Support
Join us in making a lasting impact in Martin County by becoming a monthly donor to United Way. Your monthly contribution provides a steady and reliable source of funding that enables us to address the ongoing needs of our community.

By committing to a monthly donation, you're not only supporting crucial programs and services but also creating sustainable change for our neighbors in need. Whether it's providing food for families facing hunger, offering support to those experiencing hardship, or empowering individuals to build better futures, your generosity makes a difference.

Help us change lives, one monthly donation at a time.
Ride United offers FREE, scheduled, round-trip rides to connect Martin County residents to education, employment, health care and other critical services. Those in need of transportation assistance should reach out to a participating agency to determine eligibility and schedule a ride.
Have you heard of SingleCare?

Formerly known as FamilyWize, Singlecare is a FREE prescription savings card. As a partner of United Way, SingleCare has helped thousands of Martin County residents save upwards of 80% on their prescription medication. Be a part of the savings and get a card today!

For more info or to get a prescription card, email us at [email protected].
Thank You to Our
Impact Sponsors!
REGISTRATION # CH1474 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY VISITING WWW.800HELPFLA.COM OR CALLING TOLL-FREE (800) 435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.