From the Desk of Dr. Laurie George, President and CEO | | |
As another school year begins, I want to extend my best wishes to every student, teacher, school employee, and family across Palm Beach County. A new school year brings fresh opportunities, renewed optimism, and the promise that together we can help every child reach their full potential.
One of the things I love most about our community is that when children need us, people step forward. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, local government, schools, volunteers, donors, and community leaders continue to demonstrate what is possible when we work together toward a common purpose.
That spirit was on full display through Back to School PBC!, our community's annual celebration of educational opportunity, where thousands of students received the supplies, encouragement, and support they deserve. We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave their time, resources, and expertise to make it all possible. Your commitment reminds every child that this community believes in their future.
While the backpacks have been distributed and classrooms are filling, the needs of many local families continue throughout the school year. For thousands of households facing financial hardship, the cost of school supplies, clothing, meals, and educational essentials remains a challenge long after the first day of school.
That's why United Way of Palm Beach County's Back-to-School fundraising campaign continues. Every gift helps strengthen the programs and resources that support local students and families throughout the year, ensuring children have the opportunities they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
Thank you for believing in the power of community and for standing beside your neighbors. Together, we are creating brighter futures, one child, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.
Wishing you a wonderful, successful, and inspiring school year.
With gratitude,
Laurie George
| | 12,000 Reasons to Celebrate Back to School PBC! | | |
Palm Beach County showed up in a big way to help students head back to school feeling confident, prepared, and celebrated! This month, Back to School PBC! brought together community partners, businesses, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers to create an unforgettable experience for thousands of local students. Held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center and locations across the county, the event provided students with essential school supplies, literacy kits, fresh haircuts, valuable resources, and plenty of encouragement for the year ahead.
From early morning set-up to welcoming families through the doors, volunteers were at the heart of the celebration, bringing energy, compassion, and a commitment to helping students thrive. Together, our community created more than a back-to-school event. We created a moment where students felt supported, valued, and ready to succeed.
The impact doesn't end when Back to School PBC! does. You can continue investing in local students by supporting United Way of Palm Beach County's Back-to-School Fundraiser. Your gift helps provide children with the resources, opportunities, and programs they need to build strong foundations for success in school and in life.
| | Celebrating Leadership & Philanthropy | Philanthropists, civic leaders, and community champions gathered to to honor the legacy and birthday of Alexis de Tocqueville, the French political thinker whose observations in Democracy in America highlighted the power of citizen engagement. The gathering also recognized the 250th anniversary of our nation. The discussion reinforced the important role that engaged leaders play in shaping the future of Palm Beach County. Thank you to our sponsors, Publix Super Markets Charities and Fifth Third Bank, and to our Tocqueville Society members and guests for their continued dedication to philanthropy, leadership, and building a stronger community. | | |
Opening Doors to
Opportunity
| Preparing young people for successful careers starts with access to the right opportunities, guidance, and support. Florida Mentoring Network's new Career Readiness Center is doing just that by helping youth and young adults build the foundation for success in today's workforce. Through hands-on training, career exploration, industry certifications, mentorship, and professional development, the center is creating pathways to high-demand careers while equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed for long-term success. Congratulations to Florida Mentoring Network on this exciting milestone. | | More than 9,000 children filled the South Florida Fairgrounds with music, movement, and excitement during the 15th Annual KidsFit Jamathon hosted by our partner, Digital Vibez. As a proud sponsor and funding partner, UWPBC supports programs that give children opportunities to build confidence, stay active, and develop healthy habits for life. It all starts with the power of mentorship and the positive influence of caring adults who help children reach their full potential. | | In Nonprofits First's latest episode of 501(c)TV, Janell Harris welcomed Renee Constantino, UWPBC's Senior Vice President of Impact, for a conversation highlighting the partnerships, programs, and people working together to address our community's greatest needs. Tune in to hear their meaningful conversation and learn more about the collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and community-driven initiatives making a lasting impact across Palm Beach County. | | Could You Be the Mentor a Child Never Forgets? | | |
One hour, one conversation, and one caring adult is all it takes to make a difference in a child's life. We joined T.A. Walker with WPTV and the Sounds of Success Community Marching Band to share how the power of mentorship is transforming lives across Palm Beach County and why more mentors are urgently needed. Behind every successful student is someone who believes in them, encourages them, and helps them see what’s possible.
Children of all ages are waiting for a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and inspiration as they navigate school, relationships, and life’s challenges. A mentor’s time can create a lasting impact, helping young people build confidence, develop new skills, and reach their full potential. You don’t need special training or hours of free time to make a difference. Sometimes, just showing up and being there is what matters most.
| | Follow Our Community Impact Online | | Running for a Cause, Honoring Our Heroes | | |
Nearly 1,000 runners came together at Florida Atlantic University for the City of Boca Raton’s Firecracker 5K, kicking off Independence Day with community, celebration, and a shared commitment to giving back. This year’s race was about more than crossing the finish line; it was an opportunity to honor those who have served our country and make a lasting impact in the lives of local veterans.
A portion of the race proceeds directly benefited MISSION UNITED, United Way of Palm Beach County’s initiative dedicated to supporting the more than 73,000 veterans who call our community home. Through MISSION UNITED, veterans and their families are connected to critical resources, including housing support, employment services, legal assistance, mental health care, and other valuable resources that ensure they have the tools and support needed to thrive in civilian life.
The fireworks didn’t stop at the finish line! Thanks to the incredible support of runners, sponsors, and the community, Tom Vladimir, owner of Runner's Edge, presented a check for more than $10,000 in race proceeds to help fuel MISSION UNITED’s work connecting local veterans and their families with the resources they have earned.
We extend our sincere thanks to Tom Vladimir and Runner's Edge for their tremendous support and dedication to the Firecracker 5K and the running community, the City of Boca Raton for hosting this meaningful event, and to every runner, volunteer, donor, and supporter who helped make this star-spangled race a success.
| | Learning to Better Serve Veterans | | | | Our UWPBC team visited the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center, one of our valued MISSION UNITED partners, to learn more about the programs, services, and resources available to local veterans. Their team also provided a tour of the medical center and shared insight into the comprehensive care and support available to those who have served our nation. These opportunities allow us to strengthen our partnerships, better understand the needs of our veteran community, and ensure we can continue connecting veterans and their families with the services that can make a meaningful difference in their lives. | | Helping Build Financial Stability Through VITA | | |
United Way of Palm Beach County has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with the Champion of Training Award, honoring its exceptional commitment to volunteer education and excellence through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
For more than two decades, UWPBC has been a trusted VITA partner, preparing more than 8,000 free tax returns annually while equipping over 140 IRS-certified volunteers each year to provide high-quality tax preparation services. This recognition reflects UWPBC's dedication to helping individuals and families across Palm Beach County access critical tax credits, maximize their refunds, and build greater financial stability.
| | |
Food Bank Project
Tuesday, August 18
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Palm Beach County Food Bank
701 Boutwell Road, Suite A-1
Lake Worth, FL 33461
| Help make a meaningful difference for neighbors facing food insecurity by volunteering your time to sort and pack food that will be distributed to individuals and families throughout our community. Every box packed helps provide nutritious meals and essential support to local residents working to put food on the table. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring food reaches those who need it most, bringing hope and stability to families across Palm Beach County. By lending a helping hand, you'll help keep local food pantries stocked and ensure more neighbors have access to the nourishment they need to thrive. | | |
Literacy Kits Project
Friday, September 11
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
3651 Quantum Boulevard
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
| Bring the joy of reading to local children by helping create literacy kits filled with activities that inspire curiosity and connection. Each kit includes creative props, hands-on activities, and resources that build confidence and spark a lifelong love of reading. Volunteers will assemble these interactive kits for distribution through United Way-funded agencies, giving families fun, engaging tools to read and learn together. Whether you’re volunteering with family, friends, or on your own, your time will help support early literacy and create brighter futures for children across our community. | | Be a Champion for PBC by Giving or Getting Involved! | | | | |
