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December 2023 | Issue: 32 | |
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Dementia Care Support Group
Monday, January 1st @ 1:00 p.m.
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Grandparents Support Group
Thursday, January 11th @ 10:00 a.m.
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Great Hernando Weight Loss & Wellness Challenge
January 13th through March 23rd
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
January 23rd through April 12th
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With 'Accountability' being one of United Way's many Core Values, we are sharing with you a simple Guide to Giving this holiday season!
United Way understands the impact that charitable giving has on improving communities and helping individuals. United Way also understands how important it is to choose the right organization to donate your hard-earned dollars to. As you prepare to make any type of charitable gift, we urge you to follow the simple guidelines below.
1.) VIEW YOUR DONATION AS AN INVESTMENT
2.) DO YOUR HOMEWORK
3.) UNDERSTAND THE TAX BENEFITS
4.) DECIDE HOW YOU WILL GIVE & HOW MUCH
5.) TRACK YOUR DONATIONS
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Getting to Know Our Board: | |
BOARD Member Highlight
United Way of Hernando County's Board of Directors is full of dedicated community members and leaders. For this #UNITED News release, we are highlighting United Way Board Member Nikki Bell from Krueger City/Win the Day Foundation.
- Why is LIVING UNITED through United Way important to you?
"LIVING UNITED is important to me because I have an opportunity to be involved with a local organization that my community can benefit from. Seeing and knowing that all the work their team puts into various community events, natural disasters, outreach programs, resources for the community and various other activities makes it so worth it. There are so many walks of life that unite for this community, that I am so happy to be a part of the future growth and involvement in the development of needs of our community."
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In your field, explain why you believe Krueger City/Win the Day Foundation and United Way work so well together as community partners.
"Krueger City/Win the Day Foundation and the United Way work so well together because we are wanting our community to succeed. We love supporting/partnering on various activities, programs, and events because we love to support our community in any way. We always ask, 'How did you win your day or How did you help someone today?' And here at Krueger City/Win the Day, we win every day because we partner with the United Way."
- What focus areas are you most passionate about improving in Hernando?
"I can’t define one specific area that I am most passionate about. I am passionate about helping in any way that I can. There are many areas in Hernando that need be improved and it is hard to put one above the other. Mental Illness, Homelessness, early childhood literacy, senior assistance, and access to available resources. I feel that if I can give a little to each area for the better then I will do all I can for each mission."
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November's "5 DAYS OF CARING" Re-cap | |
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WEEK #1: CHS Greenhouse
Our friends from HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital helped us as we focused on revitalizing Central High School’s greenhouse. This campus initiative has been inactive for 10 years, and their ESE team is determined to incorporate their students in growing, nurturing, and being responsible for everything in this greenhouse!
Stay tuned for Phase 2 of this project, coming soon in 2024.
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WEEK #2: GIVE THANKS, GIVE FOOD
There were over 20 collection sites in Hernando this October, where non-perishable food items were donated to United Way’s drive. Our trusted UW volunteers, staff, and Partners from Regions Bank, BRAVERA Health, & Truist jumped at the chance to help sort, count, and distribute over 3,800lbs of food to our local shelters, pantries, and homeless outreach efforts.
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WEEK #3: QPR Training
On November 13th, (21) local leaders attended our QPR Training at Emergency Management. BayCare Behavioral Health walked participants through easy but impactful tactics focused on crisis prevention through Questioning, Persuading, and Referring individuals in need of help.
As "Gatekeepers" it's crucially important to support and de-escalate sensitive situations.
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WEEK #4: Born Learning Trail Installation
Early Learning Coalition, UW Student Board Members, Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness, Bravera Health Spring Hill/Bravera Health Brooksville, and Weeki Wachee High School National Honor Society put in the sweat equity and created the most vibrant and beautiful Born Learning Trail at Tom Varn Park!
BLTs are designed to encourage caregivers to engage with their younger children while enjoying our local parks.
A special thank you to Proud Partners from Early Learning Coalition Pasco Hernando for sponsoring United Way's 10th Born Learning Trail!
To learn more about United Way's Born Learning Trails visit, www.UnitedWayHernando.org/born-learning-trail
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WEEK #5: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Seminar
United Way is thrilled to share the success of our Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Seminar held on November 27th alongside our partners at Parent Academy of Hernando.
Through this seminar, we connected with 50 grandparents and over 100 participants with resources, support services, and hope, knowing that they are not alone throughout this journey. Attendees had the option to choose two of the breakout sessions: Technology - Digital Learning & Online Safety, Mental Health - A Proactive Approach, and Resources - Access to Available Services.
Seminar Resources and Follow-Up Sessions may be found by visiting www.UnitedWayHernando.org/GRGseminar
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Visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/5days-2023 | |
KEEPING UP WITH UNITED WAY | |
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We are thrilled to unveil United Way's 2023 Holiday Coloring Card Contest Winners!
A huge congratulations to the following Hernando students for capturing the LIVEUNITED spirit in their artwork.
These students stood out among 123 submissions this fall. Each one of these coloring sheets will be featured on the cover of United Way's Holiday Card to over 300 community partners, spreading joy across our community.
We thank you all for spreading the holiday spirit with us!
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Congratulations to these stellar students:
Landon M. (4th grade) from Winding Waters K8; Jayce W. (Kindergarten) from Pine Grove Elementary School; Adalyn P. (4th grade) from Challenger K8; Annabelle C. (3rd grade) and Lyla C. (3rd grade) from J.D. Floyd
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December 14, 2023
Hernando County Schools' Maintenance, Facilities, and Food & Nutrition Departments were treated to a thank you breakfast as they learned more about United Way, Hernando resources, and how we can best help those struggling by working together!
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HOLIDAY HELP - THANK YOU! | |
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Keller Williams Realty Elite Partners
One morning, United Way had a couple knock on the door simply wanting to know more about what our organization helps with. They were recently displaced by Hurricane Idalia and just moved to Hernando County in need of some guidance. This family was clearly struggling, and with just one income. We loaded them up with resources, food, toiletries, and job opportunities, as well as collected their children’s information. Keller Williams was able to sponsor all three children, including newborn items for the expecting mother. What an impact KW made for Christmas day.
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Target Stores 0919 & 2489
A young woman knocked on United Way's door, for she had been a victim of domestic violence. She was fortunate enough to leave her abuser but clearly shaken up as she mentioned that holidays were fast approaching and wasn’t sure how she was going to be able to provide her child with any gifts this Christmas. UW assessed her needs and supplied her with the proper resources. Within a few days we called and surprised her with gifts for her son, all thanks to Target and their kindhearted holiday donations. Christmas will be a little brighter and safer for this family.
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West Coast Friends That Like To Ride
This group's 2nd Annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Rides sponsored (3) Hernando families and (3) Pasco County families in need.
These families have been identified by United Way and our friends at Early Learning Coalition.
Over 20 community members made direct visits to these households with turkey dinners, holiday support, and gifts for the season.
Thank you Joanie S. and friends for your generosity!
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Library's GIVING TREE
From November 27th - December 15th, partners from Hernando County Main and East Library Branches hosted their annual Giving Tree Back to Basics Toiletry Drive for United Way!
Hundreds of shampoos, hair brushes, toilet paper and ponchos were generously collected for United Way's homeless outreach efforts.
All items are sorted and pre-packaged into homeless outreach kits. These kits are distributed year-round through the United Way office, local shelters, and homeless outreach efforts for those in need.
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STUDENT BOARD - SERVICE PROJECTS | |
12/5 Pinegrove Elementary's Winter Wonderland | |
12/16 NAMI Hernando's Breakfast with Santa | |
12/19 Deltona Elementary's Winter Wonderland | |
PREFERRED PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | |
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United Way of Hernando County is powered by partnerships. Although United Way's Business Blitz Challenge takes place annually in the month of June, our Preferred Partners who "accept" The Challenge are supported and featured year-round!
"The business was founded in 1982 and has been family owned and operated for over 40 years."
"We manufacture identification armbands, badge holders, lanyards, fishing & hunting license holders, we custom embroider, laser engrave and imprint all apparel, promotional and marketing products right here in Hernando County!"
"We held the original patents on the ACE reusable gel cold compress and also the Armband ID Holder which is used by every airport in every country around the world."
"We love helping out our local community and giving back as much as possible. We know the money donated goes right back into our community and we love seeing the impact that it makes. We only wish we could help out more."
"We are a full promotional products company. Every year you or your business spends its marketing and advertising dollars on swag to give away to current and potential customers. Why not keep it local and support a small local business?!? Check us out! www.stuart-inc.com Mention that you read the United Way Partner Spotlight and receive 10% off your next order!"
Get connected with Stuart Promotional Products by visiting their website www.Stuart-Inc.com
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Senior Wellness Directory
211-Hernando's goal is to have a community that is connected and informed regarding health, mental health, crisis response and human service information.
This is a wonderful resource to place in the hands of our residents. Those who do not have access to the internet or simply aren't aware of the available options here in Hernando will really benefit from these booklets.
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SingleCare
Did you know United Way of Hernando County and the SingleCare, formerly Familywize, Community Service Partnership have teamed up to make prescriptions more affordable for those without insurance or even those who have insurance that doesn't cover their medicine.
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Stress Management
Stress is a fact of life. Overbooked schedules, demanding work hours, long commutes, an outburst by an angry boss, a stand-off with a defiant teenage child and the bad news that makes headlines every day are all contributors to the increased stress that many feel. Now more than ever it is important to recognize signs of stress in ourselves, our families and our communities and take the necessary steps to reduce stress and intervene if needed.
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Dementia Care Support Group
Location: Oak Hill Senior Living Community - 7411 Cortez Oaks Blvd. Brooksville, FL 34613
When: First Monday of each Month @ 1pm
This support group is FREE and open to all caregivers caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia. This health initiative is in collaboration with the Dementia Spotlight Foundation
For more information & support, contact Gary Joseph LeBlanc.
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2-1-1 Hernando
211 is a 24/7 helpline and user friendly search website for individuals in need of assistance with various unmet needs such as mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness.
United Way's monthly-call trend reports for Hernando show the following top needs for November 2023:
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Call Count = 342
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Need Count = 270
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Top 5 needs: Housing: 112, Utility Assistance: 48, Mental Health/Substance Use Disorders: 37, Individual, Family & Communication Support: 35, Information Services: 22
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INCOME: Financial Stability & Basic Needs | |
TAKE ACTION: LIVE UNITED With Us | | |
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United Way of Hernando County | 352-688-2026
4028 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
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