Free Financial Literacy Course
Wednesday, June 5th @ 2:00pm
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COAD Meeting #80
Monday, June 17th @ 9:30am via Zoom
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Monthly Chamber Breakfast
Wednesday, June 26th @ 7:15am
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Red, White, & Brew Festival
Saturday, July 6th from 5:00pm-10:00pm
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United Way of Hernando County's Community CHALLENGER SPRING HILL MRI is challenging local businesses to give back and donate during the month of June for the annual Business Blitz Challenge! Any contribution to United Way will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
Help United Way reach their $10,000 goal! Your support to United Way focuses on efforts in mobilizing resources for unmet needs, including but not limited to mental health services, financial accountability, wrap around services, and childcare.
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BECOME A PREFERRED PARTNER! | |
United Way's Annual Business Blitz Challenge
United Way of Hernando County’s annual Business Blitz Challenge helps transform local partnerships into quality referrals for businesses. Throughout the month of June, United Way’s 2024 “Community Challenger” Spring Hill MRI has pledged to match dollar-for-dollar donations to United Way from any business in Hernando.
In a time where financial resources and collective solutions are so desperately necessary, this Challenge actively encourages local businesses and corporations to invest back into their community to help the United Way address local unmet needs and crisis prevention services so many residents are unfortunately faced with. This rapidly changing environment calls for creative, brand-aligned partnerships to generate positive change.
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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 #UNITEDNews release, we are highlighting United Way Board Member Misty Freeman, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at Tampa General Hospital Brooksville/Spring Hill.
- Why is LIVING UNITED through United Way important to you?
"Living United is important to me because the benefits within our community is priceless. I have supported United Way through many ways since I started my nursing career in 1997. I have seen the benefit that United Way has for individual's throughout the community."
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In your field, explain why you believe Raymond James and United Way work so well together as community partners.
"Tampa General Hospital and United Way both believe in serving those in need. Each organization truly lives their mission and vision through serving others. I have seen firsthand how each of these organizations have helped our patients and our team members that were in need of resources. I am really excited for the future of Hernando County as Tampa General and United Way continue to partner and serve."
- What focus areas are you most passionate about improving in Hernando?
"I am most passionate about providing access to high quality health care for everyone. Tampa General Hospital and United Way both believe that everyone should receive health care no matter their financial status. I am so honored to be a team member of Tampa General and a member of the United Way Board so I can support and assist in my passion."
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The purpose of a Long-Term Recovery Group is to have a designated, centralized, coordinating group of partnering organizations/businesses whose common goal is to assist the impacted individuals and families in the community with their Long-Term Recovery Efforts.
Interested in becoming apart of the conversation? Express interest HERE
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Filing season may be over, but beware of "The Dirty Dozen"!
The Dirty Dozen represents the worst of the worst tax scams. Compiled annually, the Dirty Dozen lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter anytime - but many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their returns or hire someone to help with their taxes. Stay informed so that you and your family don't fall prey!
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Meet one of United Way's Dolly Parton Imagination Library recipients, Lilly!
Earlier this year, her family won the raffle for United Way's "READ to ME Parent/Caregiver Survey". She received free tickets to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where she was able to meet sea turtles, sting rays, and all of Winter's friends!
Lilly has been learning about the ocean and just read a story about a very special dolphin named Winter.
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VITA SUCCESS: THANK YOU VITA VOLUNTEERS | |
KEEPING UP WITH UNITED WAY | |
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BORN LEARNING TRAIL FACE-LIFT |
On Monday, May 6th, United Way was out at Anderson Snow Park with their friends at The McLeod Team Remax Marketing Specialists to bring this Born Learning Trail back to life!
Over the years, installed Born Learning Trails face some natural wear and tear and will inevitably need some fresh paint. With the dedication of The McLeod Team, we were able to give this BLT some much needed TLC.
Please reach out to Justine at impact@UnitedWayHernando.org if your business is interested in refurbishing a United Way Born Learning Trail!
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Summer Meal Service Program |
Fighting food insecurity one meal at a time. Hernando County Schools Food & Nutrition Services will be offering their Summer Meal Service Program from June 3rd - July 31st (closed July 4th&5th).
This program provides a free breakfast and lunch for all children 18 years and younger. The Hernando County Food and Nutrition Services strive to provide nutritious meals that give every HCSD student the opportunity to make educated, healthy food choices that will have long-term health, academic, and physical outcomes.
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ALICE IN THE CROSSCURRENTS |
In 2022, financial hardship in Florida continued to be shaped by the conflicting economic forces of the pandemic, and remained substantially undercounted by official measures. These powerful crosscurrents — COVID-19, inflation, wage growth, and the expansion and expiration of pandemic public assistance — impacted how many Florida households were below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Threshold of Financial Survival.
Between 2021 & 2022, the number of ALICE households in Florida increased by 182,493 (to 33% of all households), accelerating a more than decade-long trend in the growth of this population. The number of households in poverty also increased, though less substantially — by 7,121, remaining at 13% of all households. By 2022, of the 8,800,279 households in Florida, 4,056,220 — 46% — were below the ALICE Threshold.
With the latest data, this ALICE 2024 Update highlights the conflicting forces that continue to present opportunities for, and barriers to financial stability in Florida.
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If you work closely with any non-profit agency, you may notice a common trend when it comes making it their mission to educate. Educate clients on how to qualify for their services. Educate residents on where their generous donations go. And educate communities at large who they are as an organization and their purpose. While navigating this outreach effort to educate, our dedicated teams are often faced with busting myths. “I thought you did this?” We’re here to set the record straight through our UNITED WAY MYTH BUSTERS SERIES. Each month we will feature select United Way Partner Programs, highlighting their common “myths” and how you can help be an advocate to educate. | |
Raymond James
A special thank you to our friends at Raymond James for hosting a non-perishable food drive in support of United Way during their Shred Event!
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Brijbag Law
Thank you Brian Brijbag for going above and beyond as a Celebrity Coach during our 9th Annual "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament. You're the MVP!
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VITA Volunteer Diane Shaw
Thank you VITA Site Coordinator Diane for all of your hard work and dedication this tax season! United Way's VITA program would not have been as successful without you!
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PREFERRED PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | |
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!

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How long has Spring Hill MRI been in operation?
"Spring Hill MRI opened in July 2002!"
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What service is Spring Hill MRI best known for?
"We provide outpatient diagnostic imaging to include MRI, Cat Scan, X-Ray, 3D Mammography, Ultrasound, and Dexa Exams. We strive to provide Quality Patient Care. Our patients come first and we do our best to provide the best customer service experience possible."
- What is something the community might not know about Spring Hill MRI?
"Patients can call or email us with any questions or concerns. Our office is open 7am-8pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 8am-4pm. We have an email link that is available online 24 hours a day. We also have a sister location in Crystal River that has been opened since 2021. "
"Giving back to the community is important. There are people in need, and we have been fortunate to be able to help. In addition to helping the United Way, Spring Hill and Crystal River MRI supports 3 local free clinics in both Hernando and Citrus counties. We offer free and reduce cost exams for people in need. We also support the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Annual Backpack Event. This helps 1000’s of kids prepare for school with backpacks and school supplies. We also participate in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program through the department of Health, offering 3D Mammograms.
- Is there anything else you want to share with the community about Spring Hill MRI?
"Spring Hill MRI has 5 Employees that have over 20 years of service , 5 Employees with over 15 years of service and 7 Employees that over 10 years of service."
Get connected with Spring Hill MRI by visiting their website
www.SpringHillMRI.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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Just about everyone knows that when your neighbor's house catches on fire, you dial 9-1-1. But what if your neighbor is behind on rent? Or mentally ill? Or trying to care for a parent with Alzheimer's and doesn't know where to go? Who do you call then? Dial United Way's 2-1-1 Resource Center. Speak with trained representatives that will help point you in the right direction to local connections and assistance. Simply dial 2-1-1 from your land line or cell phone for FREE and follow the prompts for a quick guide to local resources.
What can I expect if I call 211?
- Your call will be answered by a trained information and referral specialist. That person will tap into 2-1-1's extensive database of area services, programs, and resources available as they guide you toward appropriate answers.
What types of services are listed on 211?
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Local services may include, but are not limited to: support for children, youth & families, support for military families & veterans, mental & behavioral health services, support for seniors and persons with disabilities, food pantries, shelters and clothing, crisis support and much more! This health & human service database is locally driven and self-maintained, partnering with local organizations to keep the database updated with the most accurate information for residents. All services are monitored.
*Services listed must meet National standards by recognizing individuals’ rights to an accurate, comprehensive and unbiased information, provided in a confidential and/or anonymous, nonjudgement manner; and is nonpartisan, non-ideological and impartial information sources for available nonprofit, government, and for profit services that meet the I&R service's inclusion/exclusion criteria.
When is 2-1-1 available?
- 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Information can be provided in over 150 different languages.
Is 2-1-1 accessible via cell phone?
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Yes. 2-1-1 is accessible via cell phone. If you experience any issues accessing 2-1-1 from your cell phone, you can dial 1-727-210-4211
What do I do if I've been waiting on hold for a long time?
- 2-1-1 provides a new option to have a representative call you back instead of waiting on the phone. Listen for this feature when you first dial 2-1-1.
I don't feel comfortable calling 2-1-1. What are my other options to get help?
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2-1-1 provides a TEXT feature as well. Simply TEXT your zip code to 898211 option. The health & human service resource database can easily be accessed online by visiting www.UnitedWayHernando.org/211
What about for sensitive crisis calls?
I am a local non-profit organization and would like to add/update my services listed. Where do I go?
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211 Tampa Bay Cares recently went through a system platform upgrade (as of April 2024). As the database continues to be updated, please inform the United Way Office that your organization would like to be contacted with more information and any upcoming 2-1-1 Hernando Workshops. Keep an eye on UWHC's website calendar for more details on events and workshops that include information on how to use 2-1-1, uploading your services to the 2-1-1 database, the importance of keeping information updated, etc.
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INCOME: Financial Stability & Basic Needs | |
TAKE ACTION: LIVE UNITED With Us | |
 
United Way of Hernando County | 352-688-2026
4028 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
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