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Hi Uniters!
We’re halfway through summer, and things are starting to heat up around here. From celebrating The Big Reveal to launching our 2025–2026 Campaign, July reminded us just how powerful it is when our community comes together with purpose.
In this issue, you’ll find a little bit of everything: exciting updates, volunteer opportunities, stories you may have missed, and essential resources to help our neighbors thrive. Whether you give, advocate, volunteer, or seek support, your connection to United Way helps build a stronger, more resilient Martin County.
Let’s dive into what’s new, what’s next, and how we keep moving forward – united.
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NEWS & UPDATES
25-26 Campaign Kickoff
Hurricane Helpers Needed
Extreme Heat Safety
Impact Sponsor Renewal
Friends & Neighbors Feature
WHAT'S COMING UP
Community Conversation
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The Big Reveal
Seacoast Bank Interns - Farm Project
First Day of Kindergarten Kits
Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Leaders United - Great American Cleanup
RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Free Transportation – Ride United
Meal Sites & Food Pantries
Disaster Relief & Long-Term Recovery
2024-2025 Community Impact Report
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Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
Warm regards,
The United Way Martin County Team
| | 2025-2026 Campaign Kickoff | | |
Now that the new campaign season has officially begun, we’re gearing up for another powerful year of impact in Martin County – and we’re inviting you to be part of the change! From now through June 30, 2026, the Community Impact Campaign will raise funds to support local programs that help students thrive, families stay financially stable, and neighbors live healthier lives.
There are many ways to give and make a difference:
Your support fuels smart investments in the programs that matter most and is improving lives right here at home.
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As we enter the height of hurricane season, United Way is seeking individual volunteers, groups, and companies to support our community before, during, and after a storm.
Before a storm, volunteers are needed to help vulnerable residents, like seniors, get storm-ready. Support may include putting up shutters, moving outdoor items, or assisting with other basic preparations.
During a storm, our AmeriCorps Seniors Director and dedicated team of volunteers staff Emergency Support Function 15 (Volunteers and Donations) at the Martin County Emergency Operations Center, providing information and collecting donations.
After a storm, United Way works alongside local partners to help our community recover and rebuild – meeting critical needs and mobilizing resources where they’re needed most. Volunteers are needed to assist with shutter removal, debris cleanup, and community response efforts to help residents safely return home.
If you or your team can lend a hand this hurricane season, sign up to volunteer and be part of our community’s safety net.
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Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be dangerous, especially for our most vulnerable neighbors.
As part of our mission to build stronger, healthier communities, United Way of Martin County is proud to support the American Red Cross in helping everyone stay safe and cool this summer season by following these helpful tips:
- Drink plenty of water
- Stay in air-conditioned spaces
- Check in on seniors and those living alone
- Never leave kids or pets in parked cars
Let’s take care of one another. Learn more about how to stay safe in extreme heat.
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We’re grateful to announce that FPL, Seacoast Bank, and Treasure Coast Urgent Care have renewed their annual sponsorships with United Way of Martin County.
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Florida Power & Light continues to champion Education initiatives that empower our students to succeed.
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Seacoast Bank supports programs focused on Financial Security, helping families build stronger futures.
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Treasure Coast Urgent Care stands behind our Health efforts to ensure accessible care for all.
Their ongoing commitment makes a lasting difference in the lives of people across our community. Thank you for being true partners in change!
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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 July article, Carol announces breaking down transportation barriers in Martin County through Ride United, stating "In 2022, transportation ranked among Martin County’s Top 5 Unmet Needs. By fall 2024, transportation no longer appeared among Martin County’s Top 5 Unmet Needs – and wasn’t even in the Top 10, according to monthly 211 data."
Read the full story by clicking the button below.
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Join us for our upcoming Community Conversation with our State Delegation as we discuss the issues that matter most – education, healthcare, housing, and more. This is your chance to hear directly from our elected officials and share your voice.
Have a question you'd like our State Delegation to address? Please submit it ahead of time by clicking the red button below or including it in the comment box on the registration form.
DATE: Wednesday, August 6
TIME: 11:30AM - 1PM
LOCATION: IRSC Chastain Campus: Wolf Tech Center (2400 SE Salerno Road)
AGENDA:
11:30 AM - Grab Lunch
11:35 AM - Program Begins with updates from United Way
11:40 AM - Cleveland Clinic Update
11:50 AM - State Delegation Panel Discussion
12:45 PM - Q & A
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On June 20, we proudly announced a $2,009,949 investment into 43 Community Impact Grants, supporting local programs that strengthen education, financial security, and health across Martin County. Agencies gathered with anticipation as we unveiled this year’s funding and the energy in the room was electric!
A heartfelt thank you to our presenting sponsors Capstone IT and STS Aviation Group, and to our Impact Sponsors who champion our cause year-round:
- Florida Power & Light: Education
- Seacoast Bank: Financial Security
- Treasure Coast Urgent Care: Health
Gratitude also goes to The Lyric Theatre for hosting us in their beautiful venue and to our photographer Sevin Bullwinkle for capturing the spirit of the day through her lens.
Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, more resilient Martin County.
Relive the excitement by checking out the full photo album and sharing your favorite moments with friends!
| | Last week, the Seacoast Bank summer interns got their hands dirty for a good cause! They spent the day volunteering at House of Hope’s Growing Hope Production Farm pulling weeds, cleaning the greenhouse, and making a real impact. Their teamwork is helping provide fresh, healthy food to local families in need. Big thanks to this crew for stepping up and giving back! | | First Day of Kindergarten Kits | | |
The Martin County School District PreK students were all smiles as they opened their “Welcome to Kindergarten” boxes – packed with crayons, stickers, activities, and all the fun little things to get them excited for their big new adventure!
We loved being part of this joyful moment! Nothing beats seeing those bright smiles and excited little hands opening their Kindergarten boxes. Big thanks to our friends at Pratt & Whitney for sponsoring the project and joining us in supporting Martin County’s future scholars.
Here's to a strong start and an even stronger future!
Welcome to Kindergarten Poem
Today is the start of a big day,
A time for you to learn and play.
New friends to meet, and fun to see,
Stickers and crayons – “All for me!?”
You’ll smile and laugh, lose and win,
Welcome to kindergarten,
let’s jump right in!
| | Presidential Volunteer Service Award | | |
In June, we had the honor of celebrating Mason Merola, a 15-year-old student from Jensen Beach High School who earned the Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award by completing over 100 hours of community service in just one year!
Mason recently wrapped up his first year in our Students United program and now serves as Event Chair on the Students United Alumni Board. From lending a hand at local events to championing causes that matter, Mason proves that age is no limit to impact.
Your dedication to helping others and strengthening our community inspires us all.
| | Leaders United - Great American Cleanup | | Our Leaders United group rolled up their sleeves in support of Keep Martin Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup initiative. With the help of 12 passionate professionals and 3 incredible students, we came together to beautify Shepard Park and give back to the community we love. Thank you to everyone who showed up and stepped up for a cleaner, greener Martin County! | | |
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.
| | 2024-2025 Community Impact Report | | We’re proud to share the results of a year rooted in collaboration, compassion and measurable progress. Our 2024–2025 Community Impact Report highlights the programs, partnerships and people that helped improve lives in Martin County across our focus areas of education, financial security and health. Thanks to your support, we’re building a stronger, more resilient community – together. | | 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. | | | | |
