United Way Invests Over $3.6 Million into Indian River County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
Sarah Tucci
United Way of Indian River County
(772)567-8900, ext. 111
 
United Way Invests Over $3.6 Million into Indian River County
United Way of Indian River distributes more than $1,586,431 to organizations throughout the county.
VERO BEACH, July 11, 2024 – United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) announced $1,586,431 in funding for local programs and initiatives this week. Thirty-five agencies will use the funds awarded to implement forty-eight programs in the Health, Education, and Financial Stability impact areas. The awards run from July 2024 through June 2025.
“Our partners are the heartbeat of our efforts in Indian River County, providing crucial services that touch the lives of so many,” said Caryn Toole, Community Impact Committee Chair and United Way Board Member. “We rely on our dedicated community volunteers in the Citizens’ Review Panels to thoroughly evaluate each program. Their commitment ensures that every donation is wisely invested and that we continuously support the most impactful initiatives. This rigorous process is key to making sure that our resources reach those who need them most and truly make a difference.”
United Way collaborates with local businesses, government, and nonprofits to meet the most pressing social service issues in Indian River County, large and small. From working to solve over-arching needs such as an aging population to keeping children involved in positive, structured youth activities, United Way has a finger on the pulse of the community. In addition to running a community-wide campaign to raise money for critical human services, United Way of Indian River County organizes a unique Community Investment Process where nearly 100 volunteers make decisions on grant applications.
Funds for community partners are raised during United Way of Indian River County’s annual campaign to support three impact areas and generate improved quality of life for our neighbors. Each grant is awarded based on the yearly campaign total, the community goals of UWIRC, and the community’s identified needs.
UWIRC’s 2024-2025 community goals include:
Three Impact Goal Areas have been identified and prioritized by United Way:
  1. Education – Helping children and youth achieve their potential through:
 
  • Early Learning – All children are nurtured by caregivers who promote early learning and development to prepare them for kindergarten.
  • School and Academic Success – All children succeed and achieve in school, and students will continue to stay on track for High School Readiness.
  • Graduate for Success – Students graduate high school on time, prepared for continuing education, work, and life.
  1. Financial Stability – Promoting financial stability and independence through:
  • Basic Needs – All people have access to an adequate supply of nutritious food. In addition, all people have access to safe, sustainable housing.
  • Family Sustaining Employment & Workforce Skill Development – All people who want to work have the skills and resources they need to seek, gain, and maintain employment. Lower-income working families and individuals achieve and retain life-sustaining employment.
  • Stabilization/ Manageable Expenses – Individuals have the financial resources and assets to avoid a financial crisis.
 
  1. Health – Improving people’s health and well-being by:
  • Addressing Healthy Weight, Major Depressive Episodes, Ability to Live Independently, Children’s Oral Health, Child Abuse, Prenatal Care, Children’s Mental Health, Maternal Health, and Childhood Obesity.
To be considered for funding, community partners must submit an application, report measurable outcomes semiannually, and focus on communities or neighborhoods with the greatest need.
All agencies made presentations during the Citizens’ Review Process, where volunteer funding panels made recommendations to the UWIRC Board of Directors based on how well the agencies addressed United Way’s funding priorities.
 “As our community grows and changes, so do its needs. It’s more important than ever to ensure our funding aligns with these evolving challenges,” said Meredith Egan, Chief Executive Officer. “By investing thoughtfully and strategically in local programs, we can provide essential support where it’s needed most. We couldn’t achieve this without the incredible dedication of our committee members, board members, and volunteers who pour their passion into guiding our funding decisions. Their insights and hard work are crucial in helping us make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.”
United Way of Indian River County’s Community Investment for 2023-2024 includes support of programs and initiatives in the following categories.
  • Education: $559,945
  • Health: $615,960
  • Financial Stability: $410,526
Volunteers make all funding decisions in the community and dedicate their time to ensuring donor’s dollars are spent with its citizens in mind, that the community’s main priorities and interests are represented, and that United Way is partnering with effective and goal-driven organizations to build a stronger community.
Funded Partner Agencies 
Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County, Respite: Caring for the Caregiver
American Red Cross, South Florida Region, Home Fire Prevention & Emergency Assistance
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee Counties, Inc., Community Based Mentoring and Passport to Early Literacy
Boys & Girls Club of Indian River County, Project Learn
Camp Haven, Inc., Pathways to Financial Stability
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Samaritan Center, Samaritan Center for Homeless Families
 
Childcare Resources of Indian River, Subsidized High Quality Childcare and Wellness & Early Intervention Program
Children’s Home Society of Florida, Treasure Coast Region, Dodgertown Elementary Community Partnership School
Crossover Mission, Academy for High Risk Student Academic Intervention, Transcendence Program, Healthy Kids Program
Drug Abuse Treatment Association, Inc., Norman C. Hayslip Treatment Center, Fort Pierce and Outpatient Treatment Center
Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties, Inc., VPK Completers Program
Gifford Youth Achievement Center, Inc., After School Education Program
Hibiscus Children’s Center, Inc., Career Pathways to Independence Program
Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, Inc., Healthy Families, Parents as Teachers, Babies and Beyond, and Nurse Family Partnership
Indian River Habitat for Humanity, Critical Home Repair Program
Literacy Services of Indian River County, Inc., Adult & Family Literacy
Mental Health Association in Indian River County, Walk-In & Counseling Center
Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County, Inc., McCabe Connections Center
Pelican Island Audubon Society, Audubon Advocates-After School Science Program
Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Inc., Enhancing Early Learning and Family Support Services
SafeSpace, Inc., SafeSpace Domestic Violence Services
Senior Collaborative of Indian River County, Inc., Senior Navigation Program
Senior Resource Association, Inc., DayAway Program and Meals on Wheels/Emergency Meals on Wheels
Substance Awareness Center of Indian River County, Inc., Prevention Works! and Recovery Works!
 
The Hope for Families Center, Inc., Helping Homeless Families Achieve Success
The Learning Alliance, Inc., Moonshot Families Early Learning Programs and The Learning Alliance Summer Programs
The Salvation Army, Homelessness Prevention and Social Services Program
Treasure Coast Community Health, Inc., Dental Services
Treasure Coast Food Bank, Inc., Mobile Pantry
Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc., Homeless Resource Center
United Against Poverty, Inc., Success Training for Employment Program (STEP)
Veterans Council of Indian River County, Inc., Veterans Case Management and Direct Aid
Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast, Telehealth: Chronic Disease Management Program
 
Youth Guidance Mentoring Program, The Mentoring Academy and Pre-Apprenticeship Program
 
Additionally, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, United Way of Indian River County was able to provide an additional $1,987,375 in support to the community through cost savings and federal tax refunds:
 
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
  • Refunded Amount: $1,603,035
  • Tax Preparation Cost Savings: $384,340
_________________________________________________
TOTAL 2023-2024 INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY: $3,666,825 
For more information on United Way’s community impact work and funded partners, please visit website at www.UnitedWayIRC.org. If you would like to learn more about being a funded partner or joining a Citizens Review Panel, please contact Deana Shatley at Deana.Shatley@UnitedWayIRC.org or (772) 567-8900, ext. 114.
These grants are made possible by the funds raised during the annual campaign by thousands of community investors and corporate partners. United Way is committed to serving as a strategic steward of these community dollars.
About United Way of Indian River County
United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.
Funded partners join the United Way of Indian River County team for a Cup O’Joe at Coffeehouse 1420
From left to right, back row: Tricia Crocco, Phil Barnes, Heather Dales, Jessica Schmitt, Triana Romero, Cynthia Ryan, Christy Bell, Brianna Baldassano, April Bekech, Katie Nall,  Jeff Francisco, Curtis Carpenter, Sydney Mihailoff, Deana Shatley
From left to right, front row: Julia Kennan, Becky Straley, Caryn Toole, Cathy De Schouwer, Carrie Maynard-Lester, Shannon McGuire Bowman, Lindsey Kross, Jamie Bell, Amanda Morgan, Anne Posey, Shannon Maitland, Vicki Soule
Press Release
Latest posts by Press Release (see all)