United Way of Northeast Florida is making sustained positive changes in peoples' lives. The success stories you can view here are the results of such changes, made possible by services provided by participating United Way Agencies.

Critical Focus #1

Leveling the Playing Field: Early Childhood Success
United Way-sponsored programs improve access to prenatal and infant care and to quality preschool programs. The goal is to provide young children their best chance to be ready for school.

Diana

When 3-year-old Diana started a United Way Success By 6 early learning program, her teacher noticed she had trouble completing puzzles, counting, and repeating letter sounds. After receiving one-on-one attention in the program, Diana is now eager to learn and is making new friends every day. “In the short period of time she has been enrolled in Success By 6, she has blossomed into an extroverted, alert little girl,” said her mom, L’ubica. Research has shown that for every $1 invested in early childhood programs, approximately $17 returns to the community. Along with our agency partners, United Way works to ensure that children receive high quality childcare and enter school ready to learn.

Critical Focus #2

Intervention When It Counts: Helping Students Achieve
United Way sponsors programs that provide mentoring, counseling, case management, teen parenting prevention and support, after-school activities, tutoring, and enrichment activities to help students succeed in spite of obstacles.

Linda

Linda struggled to keep her grades up, only earning a 1.4 grade point average in the first semester of school. Through United Way’s Achievers For Life initiative, a dropout prevention strategy, she was matched with a mentor, who met with her faithfully. During their meetings, Linda completed unfinished homework and improved her study skills. By the end of the school year, Linda’s GPA had increased to a 2.35 and her confidence in her schoolwork had grown. United Way is focused on helping students achieve and stay on track for high school graduation.

Critical Focus #3

Support for Older Adults: Senior Engagement & Independence
United Way funds programs that help frail seniors maintain their independence and delay costly out-of-home care. Also supported are programs that connect retired citizens with volunteer and philanthropic opportunities.

Elton

After being released from the hospital, Elton’s family was concerned about his health and rehabilitation once he returned home. Through the help of a United Way-funded program focused on providing seniors with home care services during the critical time following discharge, Elton was able to remain in his home and recuperate successfully. He received referrals for home-delivered meals, personal care and an emergency alert response system thanks to United Way. Maintaining seniors in their homes costs less and provides a higher quality of life and delays costly out-of-home care. United Way works to ensure seniors remain healthy, active and on the path to recovery.