Business Blitz Challenge

For the month of June, United Way of Hernando County and their Community Challengers at Centennial Bank, challenged Hernando businesses to join their efforts in mobilizing resources for local unmet needs by “Accepting the Challenge”. Thanks to the generous contributions from local businesses, United Way surpassed their goal, including a $5,000 match from Challengers at Centennial Bank, with a total raised of $11,400! Accepting the Challenge is so much more than a donation. These businesses know what it takes to prosper and want every individual and family to have access to the care and resources they need. When you are in need of a local service and in search of a reliable company, consider referring to United Way’s Preferred Partners list. Preferred Partners recognize the value in giving to United Way and know that their donation will be hard at work, helping make a difference through Health, Education, Financial Stability, & Basic Needs/Crisis Prevention services in Hernando County.

Grief Support for the ER

United Way’s Student Board helped prepare and organize 1,000 new Family Grief Support packets for our partners at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital.

This initiative is designed for our Emergency Room's Caregivers to directly connect individuals leaving the hospital and experiencing loss with direct resources, support groups, and grief services.

“No one should grieve alone, and our community is here for you.”

UW’s Student Board proudly jumped at the chance to help pre-package this vital tool!

June's Dementia Care Seminar

United Way's Dementia Care Seminar is designed for caregivers of loved ones living with Dementia or Alzheimer's and directly connecting individuals with local resources, support groups, education, and hope.

The 30+ Caregivers that attended were able to learn about the different types of dementia, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. Our knowledgeable guest speakers provided resources and practical tips for enhancing the quality of life for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.



Always remember that you are not alone throughout this journey.

4th of July: Red, White & Brews

Red White and Brews is Hernando County’s Independence Day celebration hosted at Anderson Snow Park. Every year, United Way of Hernando coordinates volunteer operations for this event. From manning the kid zone to covering parking: our team is ready to go for any event or occasion! A special Thank You to Hits106 for planning the festivities this year!

If you are hosting an event and are in need of dedicated volunteers, or if you are interested in getting involved in the community, reach out to us for more information!

17th Annual Stuff the Bus

Every summer, United Way of Hernando County places school buses throughout the community at participating Publix and Walmart stores for their annual Stuff the Bus. This education initiative focuses on providing local teachers and their classrooms the tools needed for the new school year.

School bus locations are manned with dedicated Hernando teachers and volunteers to collect donated school supplies for Hernando County classrooms. Returning volunteer and local Pine Grove Elementary School teacher, Tasheba Kimble shared, “I think that Stuff the Bus is a great way to raise awareness for my classroom needs, but more importantly my student’s needs. Because of this initiative, teachers can ensure that their students are fully prepared with the supplies necessary to have a successful school year!” Ms. Kimble explained, “It’s such an amazing way for residents to connect with teachers face to face, and directly hear about their classrooms.”



Over the course of the July 7^th Stuff the Bus weekend, teachers from 21 Hernando schools and other community partners volunteered their time and collected over 5,751 lbs. of school supplies to be distributed back to local classrooms!

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 this fiscal year July 2022 - June 2023:

• Call Count = 3,225
• Need Count = 3,957
• Housing, Utility Assistance, Mental Health
• Top Housing sub-categories include: Rental Payment Assistance (398), Missions: 155, Community Shelters: 115, Rental Deposit Assistance: 91, Low Cost Home Rental Listings: 90, Housing Search Assistance: 83, Mortgage Payment Assistance: 57, Homeless Prevention Programs: 48 

Tampa Hope

As the number of homeless families continue to increase in Hernando, United Way is joined by partners from the Hernando Homeless Initiative to ensure that the conversation around preventative and proactive approaches are taken for these struggling individuals. On July 20^th, team members jumped at the opportunity to tour the Tampa Hope facility in hopes of exploring a similar initiative for our Hernando community.

Tampa Hope is a Catholic Charities operated shelter presently serving 100+ homeless adults (18 or older) with plans to expand to 325. Their goal is to assist these women and men in achieving permanent housing and

self-sufficiency in 4-6 months and will extend this timeframe as necessary, provided clients are progressing and following the prescribed service plan of action to achieve the end-goal of self-sufficiency. To do so, they provide the following basic assistance in addition to shelter: three meals a day, toiletries (hygiene items), clothing, access to restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.

Additionally, case managers and housing specialists help clients navigate services to obtain permanent housing, including basic health and dental care, mental health and substance abuse counseling, employment skills and assistance, education assistance, and more (e.g., financial literacy training).

More to come! Interested in joining this conversation around solutions? Attend the next Hernando Homeless Initiative Meeting on August 22nd at 3:30pm at the Chamber of Commerce.

Preferred Partner Spotlight

Carter Foreman is a full-service law firm you can turn to for advice and capable representation at every stage of life. They can protect your best interests in the following areas of law and more: Real Estate, Family, Personal Injury, Estate Planning, Business and Commercial, and Criminal Defense. These Preferred Partners are known for connecting their clients with attorneys that have years of experience in these fields. When you need a legal ally for life, contact Carter Foreman PLLC for the outstanding service you deserve.

*Carter Foreman has been a Preferred Partner of the Annual Business Blitz Challenge for the past 8 years!