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Hi Uniters!
Summer is in full swing, and so is the impact we’re making. From helping local families access critical resources to launching a scholarship program for graduating seniors, this season has been filled with moments that remind us what community is all about.
In this issue, we’re sharing stories that will make you smile, highlights of recent events, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next. Whether you donated, volunteered, or simply cheered us on, your support continues to fuel the good work happening across Martin County.
Let’s take a look at what we’ve accomplished together and what’s ahead.
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NEWS & UPDATES
Welcome to the Team – New Staff Members
Community Impact Campaign Deadline
Friends & Neighbors Feature
WHAT'S COMING UP
The Big Reveal
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Ride United Testimonials
Students United Scholarship
Community Conversation Recap
Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Students United Graduation
Publix Disaster Donation
CubeSmart Self Storage Donation
RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Free Transportation – Ride United
Meal Sites & Food Pantries
Disaster Relief & Long-Term Recovery
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Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
Warm regards,
The United Way Martin County Team
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Please join us in welcoming Cher Fisher to our team as the new Project Coordinator for the Martin Interagency Network for Disasters (MIND) Long-Term Recovery Group!
Cher’s position is made possible through a fully-funded grant from the American Red Cross, allowing her to support residents as they recover and rebuild from Hurricane Milton and the devastating tornados that followed. From roof damage and home repairs to debris removal and demolition, Cher is working closely with FEMA and local organizations to help individuals and families restore their homes and their sense of stability.
We're grateful to have her on board and even more grateful for the opportunity to help our community recover, together. If you or someone you know needs recovery assistance, please contact Cher at cfisher@unitedwaymartin.org, 772-283-4800, or visit our Disaster Center for more info.
To read more about Cher or the MIND Long-Term Recovery Group, please click here.
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We’re thrilled to welcome Renee Stinson to the team as our new Finance Manager!
Originally from Buffalo, NY (just like our CEO Carol!), Renee made the move to Florida in the early 2000s and has proudly called Jensen Beach home since 2009. With a strong background in finance – including roles at Proctor, Crook & Crowder, PA, and valuable nonprofit experience from the Early Learning Coalition and the Visiting Nurse Association of Florida – Renee brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for mission-driven work.
Though she’s usually the behind-the-scenes type, Renee plays a critical role in keeping everything running smoothly. She’s married and a proud mom to a 12-year-old daughter, and we’re so excited to have her as part of our United Way family.
Please join us in giving Renee a warm welcome!
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Thank you to the dedicated volunteers who served on this year’s Citizens Review Panels. Your thoughtful evaluations ensure that donor contributions are invested where they can make the greatest impact in our community.
As we close out the 2024–2025 Community Impact Campaign, a friendly reminder that June 30 is the final date for donations to be counted toward this year’s funding cycle. Every gift helps support programs that improve lives right here at home. If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, there’s still time to make a difference.
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Carol G. Houwaart-Diez, President & CEO at 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 June article, Carol announces the date and significance of our Big Reveal event, stating "Many in our community wonder where the money raised locally ends up. The Big Reveal offers a clear and transparent look at how those funds are allocated and the difference they make right here in Martin County."
Read the full story by clicking the button below.
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Join us for one of the most exciting events of the year – The Big Reveal!
Be among the first to hear which local nonprofit programs will receive grant funding this year and discover the total community investment made possible through the generous support of our donors, partners, and volunteers.
This is more than an announcement – it’s a celebration of the lives we’re impacting together and a moment to recognize the collective power of our community in action.
Space is limited – register below now!
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Meet Liza, a 19-year-old Ride United client who works at Crumbl Cookies. She stopped by our office today with a box of cookies just to say thank you.
She shared how much Ride United has helped her get to and from work and wanted to give back in any way she could. Moments like this remind us that Ride United is not just about transportation – it's about connection, opportunity, and helping people move forward.
If you stop by Crumbl, be sure to say hi to Liza!
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For seniors like Jack, access to reliable transportation means peace of mind when getting to and from important doctor’s appointments. Thanks to the generous support of Cleveland Clinic, Ride United is helping neighbors like Jack overcome transportation barriers and get where they need to go – from medical visits to grocery stores and other critical services.
To see Ride United in action, click on the left button.
To view the United Way and Cleveland Clinic partnership video click the right button
| | Students United Scholarship | | |
We couldn’t be prouder to award our first-ever JN Smiles Scholarships to a remarkable group of graduating Students United alumni!
This moment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter – not just for these outstanding students, but for our Students United program as a whole.
This prestigious opportunity is made possible by the generosity of a donor who once said he couldn’t have attended college without scholarship support. It is awarded to students who have dedicated at least two years to United Way of Martin County’s Students United program – demonstrating true leadership, commitment, and community spirit along the way.
Now, these young leaders have the chance to start their own amazing journeys in higher education. Here’s to big dreams, bright futures, and the power of giving back.
Click here to join us in congratulating:
- Ayden – attending the University of Miami (middle)
- Delaney – attending Eckerd College (left)
- Elena – attending Auburn University (right)
| | Community Conversation Recap | | |
Thinking about the tough but important conversations that bring our community closer.
Our most recent Community Conversation at the Kane Center focused on the growing mental health needs in our area – especially in light of recent federal budget cuts that are placing added pressure on local nonprofits and families.
We were honored to welcome guest speaker Jeff Shearer, PhD, Owner and Therapist at Jeffrey Shearer PA, who shared powerful insights on navigating trauma. He introduced grounding techniques like box breathing and the 5-4-3-2-1 method, and spoke about building resilience through adversity. Dr. Shearer also highlighted his new book Beyond the Shiny Object, which speaks specifically to male survivors – but offers valuable tools for all trauma survivors, and guidance for women supporting men through trauma.
We also heard encouraging updates from our partners:
- Treasure Coast Urgent Care announced the upcoming launch of Treasure Coast Psychiatric Care – a new mental health initiative that will operate independently of the urgent care while collaborating closely with local providers.
- Dr. Claude Jones, DO, Medical Director of the Primary Care Institute at Cleveland Clinic, shared progress on reducing wait times and expanding access to care across the county.
Grateful to everyone who joined us for this important dialogue and to all those working every day to make mental health care more accessible in our community.
| | Presidential Volunteer Service Award | | |
In May, we had the honor of celebrating two remarkable individuals with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award by presenting proclamations at the City of Stuart Commission meeting.
Morgan McKeever, an 8th grader at Anderson Middle School, earned the Silver Level Award for completing nearly 100 volunteer hours in just one year. Her dedication at such a young age is a powerful example that you’re never too young to make a difference.
Kenny Marks received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for dedicating more than 4,000 volunteer hours. Kenny has never let anything stand in his way when it comes to helping others. His joy, perseverance, and heart for service remind us that we all have the ability to make a lasting impact.
Congratulations, Morgan and Kenny!
| | Students United Graduation | | |
Big congratulations to our 2024–2025 Students United graduates!
This outstanding group has completed the program and will now serve on our new Student Alumni Board – stepping into leadership roles to mentor future participants, support program growth, and help lead campaigns in the years ahead.
Throughout the year, these student leaders made a lasting impact through holiday project festivities, a behind-the-scenes tour of Cleveland Clinic, agency site visits to Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, Banner Lake Club, and ARC of the Treasure Coast, participation in the Citizens Review Panel, networking with Leaders United, and powerful capstone presentations.
We’re incredibly proud of each and every one of them and look forward to continuing to grow the program – and our connections – together.
Want to join the next class of changemakers? Applications open in August – keep an eye out! Space is limited to just 15 students.
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We are beyond grateful to our friends at Publix for their generous and unexpected gift to United Way. This incredible support will help us continue walking alongside those affected by the Milton Tornadoes – providing hope, healing, and the critical resources needed for recovery.
This contribution will go directly toward assisting families and individuals with unmet needs as they rebuild their lives and communities. Publix's commitment to showing up for those in need is truly inspiring.
Thank you, Publix, for being a shining example of community leadership and compassion. Together, we are making a difference!
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We’re feeling so grateful for our amazing friends, Ralph and Roxanne at CubeSmart Self Storage! Thanks to their generosity, United Way of Martin County now has a dedicated space for our Holiday Project supplies! With our office unable to store all the large bins, festive décor, and holiday magic year-round, this partnership is truly a game-changer.
Also, a huge shoutout to the Martin County Public Works team for their strength and efficiency in helping us relocate to our new unit at CubeSmart. What could have taken days was completed in just a few hours, thanks to their hard work. This community always comes through!
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Ride United offers complimentary, temporary Lyft rides to connect Martin County residents to education, employment, health care and other critical services. Those in need of transportation assistance should contact us or a participating agency to determine eligibility or schedule a ride.
Important Notes:
- Ride scheduling is available during operating business hours (Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.). Early morning, evening and weekend rides are available upon pre-scheduled request.
- Please call at least 1-hour in advance of your needed ride.
- Drivers are not employed through United Way; they are local community members employed by Lyft.
- This program is funded entirely through donations and grants. While the program itself remains active, individual ride requests may be denied due to limited funding or misuse of services.
| | Meal Sites & Food Pantries | | |
Martin County is committed to making sure no one goes hungry. Thanks to the support of local organizations and partners, residents can access a hot meal every day of the week. United Way of Martin County is actively working to expand and update this vital resource.
If your organization provides food assistance and would like to be included on the Food Finder map, or if you have updates to the current listing, please fill out the Food Finder Form.
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If you’ve been affected by a disaster – whether it’s a hurricane, flood, or other crisis – you’re not alone. The Martin Interagency Network for Disasters (MIND) is here to help you get back on your feet.
MIND is a group of trusted local agencies, nonprofits, and government organizations that work together to provide coordinated support during times of disaster. This network exists to make sure residents in Martin County can access the recovery resources they need without feeling overwhelmed or alone.
When you connect with MIND through United Way of Martin County, you’ll be guided to services that may help fill the gap of your unmet needs.
The goal of MIND is to simplify the recovery process for individuals and families by bringing all the right resources together in one place. We’re here to listen. We’re here to support. And most of all, we’re here to walk with you on the road to recovery.
If you need assistance recovering from a disaster, please contact Cher Fisher at cfisher@unitedwaymartin.org or 772-283-4800.
| | 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. | | | | |
