Responding to Hurricane Idalia

Hernando's COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) has met monthly for the past 3 years, as a disaster planning initiative. This group consists of over 50 local Hernando health & human service agencies dedicated to planning & preparedness, trend tracking, and proactive partnership building. In the wake of Hurricane Idalia, and in partnership with Hernando County Emergency Management, United Way quickly activated the Family Resource Center (FRC).

The FRC was hosted at the Weeki Wachee Area Club for two weeks, and served as a resource hub for individuals and families directly impacted by Hurricane Idalia. COAD Partners such as United Way, Health & Human Services, American Red Cross, CareerSource, NAMI Hernando, Department of Health, DCF, Baycare, CERT, and more were stationed at the Area Club so residents didn't have to go far to receive relief information, supplies, support, and hope.

FRC AT A GLANCE (please note that this snap shot does not capture all assistance provided):

• Assisted in processing 28 FEMA Application
• Equipped 83 households with essential Clean-Up Supplies
• Distributed Non-perishable Food Items & Meals to 44 households
• Logged 9 Crisis CleanUps
• Connected 8 individuals to Employment Services

"Give Thanks, Give Food" Drive

During the month of October, United Way of Hernando County will be hosting its 4th Annual “Give Thanks, Give Food” drive. This county-wide effort will benefit five local food pantries and shelters in Hernando County: Dawn Center’s Domestic Violence Shelter, St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry, People Helping People’s Weekend Blessings program, Youth & Family Alternative’s New Beginning’s Youth Shelter, and Mid Florida Homeless Coalition’s outreach efforts.

The non-perishable food donations collected will be sorted, packed, and distributed to the agencies as part of United Way’s month-long “5 Days of Caring” in November.

United Way invites all Community Partners and Local Organizations to help make a meaningful impact this October by becoming a collection site! By opening your doors to collect non-perishable food items, you'll be playing a vital role in ensuring that individuals in our community have food during the holiday season. 

VITA Volunteers Needed!

Volunteer to help local residents by preparing their tax returns free of charge through United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Join us for breakfast and a casual

Meet & Greet with both new and returning VITA Volunteers. Learn more about how this financial stability initiative impacted over 1,570 families last year alone – saving them $628,000. Many households utilize these savings to pay for basic necessities, bills, and expenses.

Preparers & Greeters Needed! All volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS each December. As a volunteer, you will work alongside community members and help prepare hundreds of tax returns in Hernando County. 

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Survey

Dear Grandparent/Guardian,

We recognize the crucial role grandparents play in children's lives. For those who are primary guardians, it comes with unique joys and challenges. On behalf of United Way of Hernando County, and Hernando Schools, we invite grandparents to offer insight into ways you could be better supported.

The purpose of this brief and anonymous survey is to gather feedback from our grandparents to identify ways the school district and United Way of Hernando could extend support to grandparents raising their grandchildren.

"READ to ME" Survey Results

According to our 2023 "READ to ME" Parent/Caregiver Survey results: 77% of survey participants indicated that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library has had a positive impact on their child's love for reading and overall educational development!

United Way of Hernando County proudly sponsors 1,050 pre-school children every month through DPIL, in preparation for kindergarten.

Thank you to the 152 parents/caregivers who took the time to complete this year's "READ to ME" Survey. Your preschoolers may be the ones who enjoy the books, but YOUR feedback and suggestions will help us enhance and expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.

Congratulations Pamela Arnold, our 2023 "READ to ME" Parent/Caregiver Survey Raffle Winner! We loved receiving pictures of your daughter Lilly, enjoying reading!

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 July 2023:

• Call Count = 284
• Need Count = 363
• Top 5 needs: Housing: 127, Mental Health/Substance Use Disorders: 43, Utility Assistance: 35 , Individual, Family & Communication Support: 32, Information Services: 30

Preferred Partner Spotlight

Always Near Home Care is a Hernando based family owned & operated and are a caregiver and In Home Care Services company.

These active partners provide home care services, pet services, birdie services (for seasonal clients, and transportation. Always Near Home Care also offers companionship, respite services, social interactions, homemaking services, keeping homes safe & clear of clutter, and meal prep. 

Get connected to Always Near Home Care by visiting their website www.AlwaysNearHomeCare.com