|
Recovery Tool Workshop
Monday, September 8th @ 1:00pm
| |
Free Financial Literacy Course
Wednesday, September 10th @ 2:00pm
| |
Student Board Meeting #2
Tuesday, September 23rd @ 4:00pm
| |
COAD Meeting #94
Monday, September 29th @ 9:30am
| |
Long-Term Recovery Group Meeting #9
Tuesday, September 30th @ 2pm-4pm
| | |
September 8th is "988Day" - A reminder that none of us have to face mental health challenges alone.
Whether you're a leader, advocate, colleague, or friend, YOUR words have power. A single message of support can make a real impact; for someone in your network, your workplace, or your community.
As an advocate, please remember to reference and refer struggling individuals to call 9-8-8, the National Suicide & Crisis Prevention hotline number.
Hernando's call trend report show 143 calls were made to 988 in the month of August 2025 alone. Be the one to help get them help.
More information on 988's purpose & services can be found by visiting www.988lifeline.org
| | |
YEAR END: UNITED WAY 2024-2025 IMPACT
| |
United is the Way Everyone can Thrive...
Thanks to our generous supporters, knowledgeable advocates, and dedicated volunteers, United Way of Hernando County was able to continue their work in assessing and assisting families throughout the county in need of help and in need hope.
Because of you, reaching our goal has a whole new meaning. At United Way, we don't focus on the amount of dollars raised, but rather what those dollars were able to do for the community. Thanks to you believing in United Way of Hernando County's mission, you directly impact our ability to provide essential services and support to those facing challenges in Hernando.
| | | |
7/26/25 - Health & Wellness Fair
Hernando County Housing & Supportive Services and partners were proud to host Back to School Wellness Fair events to promote mental well-being, raise awareness, and help local families kick off the school year with the tools and support they need for a healthy and successful start.
| | |
7/29/25 - Student Board Elections
Student Board Members prepared their Student Board presentations and speeches to their peers, gaining votes and nominations for Student Board Officer positions! Becoming an Executive Officer of this group is an honor and leadership privilege as we enter into the new 2025-2026 school year.
| | |
8/1/25 - LifeSouth Blood Drive
With United Way and LifeSouth having so many similar initiatives on health and "keeping it local", our team makes it their mission to GIVE TOGETHER! Donating blood to LifeSouth Community Blood Center restocks our local blood center and hospitals. Proud to have the ability to save local lives!
| | |
8/2/25 - Starbucks Hurricane Drive
United Way's Student Board Members & partners at Starbucks CountyLine hosted a Hurricane Supply Drive, collecting most needed response items, selling raffle tickets, and raising awareness on Hurricane Preparedness!
| | |
8/5/25 - WWJB Radio Interview
Partners in Advocacy over at WWJB Radio 103.9 FM hosted United Way's CEO Angie Bonfardino to highlight upcoming opportunities for this next season, including back-to-school drives, volunteer opportunities, hurricane preparedness, and more.
| | |
8/7/25 - Deltona Elementary
Back to School Open House Nights serve as a great opportunity to connect with families and provide local resources. United Way Program Care Coordinator Mindy was happy to attend, distribute school supplies & hear from parents and caregivers.
| | |
8/7/25 - Advancing Your Mission
Q3's AYM on Financial Accountability focused on "Effective Oversight on Financial Accounting & Reporting". This FREE non-profit opportunity had 23 attendees and provided tools, tips, and templates on policy, procedures, and accountability.
| | |
8/8/25 - Register Chevy Helps Prepare
The #RegisterCares Hurricane Donation Drive ran from July 29th thru August 8th. We’re so grateful for your support and for standing with Hernando as we come together to prepare for hurricane season. Thank You Register Chevrolet!
| | |
8/14/25 - Networking for Chickens
This group believes that collaboration fuels growth—not just in business, but in relationships that last. Next meeting date is September 4th from 7:30am - 8:30am @ Chick-Fil-a featuring guest speaker Giddeon Mantonya.
| | |
8/20/25 - Q1 Board Meeting
United Way's Board of Directors Q1 Board Meeting consisted of the installation of new members and officers, recapping this past quarter successes and stories of impact, the brand refresh vision, and what's to come this next season! So many opportunities to get involved through GIVING, ADVOCATING, & VOLUNTEERING. How do YOU LIVE UNITED with us?
| | |
8/20/25 - Staff Recognition
United Way of Hernando County's small but mighty staff work hard on numerous programs and initiatives for Hernando, often behind the scenes. At UW's Q1 Board Meeting, CEO Angie Bonfardino and Board Members recognized our local team of 4 for their dedication and compassion hearts for serving at the capacity they do.
| | |
8/21/25 - United Way Tour
United Way hosted their day-long United Way Tour for Publix Associates and Board of Directors. This special behind the scenes tour highlights direct services, partnerships, and Programs facilitated or supported by United Way. "Getting to see exactly what my donation is contributing to makes it feel real. It makes it all feel worth it!"
| | KEEPING UP WITH UNITED WAY | |
STRONGER TOGETHER: HURRICANE HELENE
The first anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s landfall is a moment for our community to pause, reflect, and heal. This gathering honors the lives touched and forever changed by the storm—the homes we lost, the survivors, and the responders who stood strong in the face of crisis.
The event is designed to:
-
Provide mental health and wellbeing support, recognizing that recovery is an emotional journey as much as a physical one.
-
Create a space for healing and connection, where neighbors can share their stories, remember together, and find comfort in community.
-
Celebrate the strength and resilience that have carried Hernando County through recovery, reminding us of the power of unity and compassion.
-
Promote future preparedness, equipping individuals and families with tools and resources to face tomorrow’s challenges with confidence.
Together, we honor the past while committing to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient future for all.
For more information or event collaboration opportunities, please email Hernando’s LTRG Chair at Angie@UnitedWayHernando.org
| | |
This Community Gathering for Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Resilience is Proudly Hosted by the Hernando Long-Term Recovery Group
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Weeki Wachee Area Club, 7442 Shoal Line Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34607
Home of the Family Resource Center (FRC)
| | | |
| |
BECOME A DISASTER RELIEF VOLUNTEER
United Way is in need of compassionate, reliable volunteers to pre-register their support towards relief efforts before, during, & after a storm. United is the Way to community resiliency.
Disaster Response Volunteer efforts may include:
- Distributing food, water, and emergency supplies
- Assisting residents with sandbags
- Organizing /sorting donations
- Helping with cleanup and recovery efforts
How to Sign Up:
Register at UnitedWayHernando.org/Volunteer or contact Justine at impact@UnitedWayHernando.org
Together, we can bring hope and relief to those in need. #HERNANDOPREPARES #HERNANDOSTRONG
| | | |
DEMENTIA AWARENESS FOR HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
On August 13, 2025, Dementia Spotlight Foundation, United Way, and the Department of Health facilitated this special workshop. Families and the County's Special Needs Shelter team were encouraged to join us to discuss and discover optimal methods for supporting individuals with dementia during natural disasters and learn how to get ready for Special Needs Sheltering.
The preparedness tips, advice, and check-lists were informative and simple take-aways that will make all the difference if activated.
| | | | |
|
(August 11, 2025 - UW Hernando Publix Coordinators Workshop)
United is the Way we find strength & share hope. Thank you Publix for being the driving force behind our mission.
| |
46 YEARS OF PUBLIX PARTNERSHIP
During the last two weeks of September, United Way of Hernando County will embark on an inspiring journey during their annual Publix workforce campaign, under the theme "Lighting the Way".
The United Way Team, Board of Directors, Partner Programs, and thousands of residents impacted by their generosity, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all Publix Associates for their unwavering dedication to Hernando County. Your support and generosity make a profound impact on our community, enabling us to create positive change and inspire hope for a brighter future.
| | | |
VITA VOLUNTEER MEET & GREET
Volunteer to help local residents by preparing their tax returns free of charge through United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (end of January to mid-April 2026).
Join us for a special Volunteer Meet & Greet on Tuesday, October 14th @ 9:00am hosted at IHOP! Stop by & enjoy breakfast (on us!) while learning more about how this financial stability initiative impacted over 1,853 families last year alone – saving them $833,850. Many households utilize these savings to pay for basic necessities, bills, and expenses.
A Special Thank You to United Way's Proud Partners in Financial Stability, Grow Financial Foundation
| | | | |
MOBILE FEDERAL AGENCY OFFICE HOSTED AT UNITED WAY OF HERNANDO | Acting as a liaison between you and the federal government, their staff can help you answer questions, find resources, or resolve problems. While they cannot ask an agency to circumvent its rules, force it to decide a question in your favor, or change a decision that is already final, they can make inquiries about the status of your situation and review the steps taken thus far to ensure your case is being handled properly. | | | | WREC's West Hernando District Manager Ben Cooper and team from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative hosted a back-to-school supplies drive, and donated items to United Way for struggling families in need. | | Grow Financial Foundation approved United Way's grant request for $10,000 in support of VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) - new laptops, printed materials, budgeting worksheets, & more! THANK YOU | | The Hernando County School District and Parent Academy hosted an internal mid-summer Hurricane Supply Drive for Hernando response efforts. Items are stored in preparation of activation. Thank You Jodie! | | CETA (Chamber Education Training Association) hosted a fun BINGO night on July 24th and requested for attendees to bring school supplies. Items were then donated to United Way and distributed directly to schools and families. | | There's nothing like pulling up to a parking lot with KONA ICE waiting for you! This is what our partners from Kona Ice of Spring Hill did for our 20 participants of the 6 hour United Way Tour on 8/21. Did we mention it was 94 degrees out? Thank You KI! | | Whether it's Networking for Chickens, sponsoring volunteer events, or sharing our caregiver SAVE THE DATE flyers, Chick-fil-A knows how to collaborate for a cause. Thank you Chick-fil-A for your generous giving spirit and love for leadership! | | GET INVOLVED WITH UNITED WAY | |
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.
| |  |
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.
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
| | | 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
|
| | | |
