Antwan
Thirteen-year-old Antwan has had a lot of hurdles to overcome. With his father in prison, Antwan’s mother died, and he and his brother were placed into foster care. His great aunt took him out of foster care, but knew that eight-year-old Antwan needed extra support. Thanks to the care, support and encouragement he receives at a United Way-funded youth service organization, Antwan is on the road to success. Case managers encourage his aunt and work with his teachers and principal to make sure he is able to succeed in school. Antwan also has a mentor who meets with him weekly, helping with homework or just being a good friend.
As a 73-year-old widow who lives alone, Betty depends on United Way-funded support services to help her maintain her independence. With multiple medical issues including osteoarthritis, asthma, and recently completed radiation and chemotherapy treatment, she could be living in a nursing home. Instead, Betty receives regular visits from volunteers who provide companionship, transportation, and housekeeping assistance. All of these services allow Betty to remain in the comfort of her home and familiar surroundings… and for that she is thankful. Betty says, “I love to live by myself. I’ve got my kids close and friends all around me. I’ve got it all.”
Five-year-old Gracie is a self-confident kindergarten student, but that wasn’t always the case. Last fall, her parents, Jessica and Shawn, were having financial difficulties and depended on relatives for housing and most living expenses. They were able to enroll Gracie in a nearby early learning program that offered a safe, nurturing environment, and teachers that helped Gracie master skills essential for kindergarten-readiness. Jessica and Shawn attended parenting workshops that helped them become better-prepared parents. Their lives have stabilized in the past year as they both found full-time jobs and moved into an apartment of their own. And thanks to this United Way-funded early learning program, they’re confident of a bright future for Gracie.
After leaving a United Way-funded domestic violence shelter, Nicole and her two children needed further assistance to start a new life. She began working with a case manager, received her GED and worked full-time, knowing that her children were cared for in the agency’s child care program. Today, Nicole is financially independent, enrolled in a nursing program, and works in the agency’s after-school program helping children in similar situations. Her four-year-old is in their voluntary Pre-K program, and her six-year-old is entering first grade. Nicole credits the support of these multiple United Way programs, “I’ve been gone for one year and achieved all my goals and dreams, and am still going strong!”
Ten-year-old Bryce and eight-year-old Alyssa appreciate the fun they have with their friends at a United Way funded after-school and summer program. But for their mother, Sharon, a single mom working full-time, it is much more than having fun. Knowing that her children are cared for while she works to support the family gives her peace of mind. Both children were able to attend summer and winter camps because of the financial aid provided. Sharon also knows that Bryce, who was born with Down syndrome, is in an enriching and nurturing environment where he can “just be a kid”. Today, Sharon gives back by volunteering for this United Way program.
Nine-year-old Destiny was on an emotional roller coaster. Struggling to understand and cope with her parents’ divorce, Destiny would lash out at those closest to her. Fear and anger made it difficult to concentrate in school and her grades dropped. Destiny’s mother, Michaelle, didn’t know where to turn for help. She was referred to a United Way-funded program where Destiny received the one-on-one counseling she needed. Destiny is now a happy, well-adjusted ten-year-old and excelling in school. Destiny says, “I used to not talk to anyone. Now my grades have gone up, and I can handle my parents' situation better.”
Ron and Lynetta will never forget the call that changed their lives forever. After years of trying to have a child, they received word that they were to become the parents of a newborn baby girl. Thanks to United Way-supported services, the adoption was made possible. Having been adopted as an infant, Lynetta knew that she and Ron would love their child just as much as her adoptive parents loved her. They are blessed to enjoy every day with their new little girl, Soniyah, whose name means “wisdom”.
Staunchly independent, 79-year-old Catherine is grateful for the senior services which allow her to stay in her own home with her poodle “Lambchop”. Because of emphysema and brittle bone disease, Catherine relies on a walker to get around, but that doesn’t stop her from being active. With the help of a United Way-funded services Catherine receives daily meals, transportation to weekly medical treatments, help running errands, and trips to the senior center to play Bingo. She said, “I am so thankful for United Way and its programs. I hope Lambchop and I can help United Way in the future.”
Latoya is a determined and bright young woman, who spent eight years in the local foster care system. Now 22 years old, Latoya is working hard to achieve economic stability. She was able to attend college and earn her Bachelor’s degree thanks to a scholarship through a United Way-funded research program. Today, she is employed full time and working toward her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Her long-term goal is to be a Vocational Evaluator for individuals with disabilities, and with her determination there is no doubt that she will reach her goal.
The Valdes family was sleeping in their van when the homeless shelter outreach team found them. The family had been recently evicted from their home after a death in the family taxed their already thin budget. Juan, his wife Dianna, and their four young sons, entered into a United Way-funded homeless shelter. A case manager worked with the family on three goals: stable income, stable healthcare, and stable housing. The boys received their shots and registered in school, Juan received care from the medical clinic, and Dianna got back into the workforce with renewed confidence. The support Juan and Dianna received gave them the courage to start their life again, in a home of their own.
A year ago, eighteen-year-old Melissa aged out of the foster care system and had no place to call home. She enrolled in a United Way-funded independent living program, and is now well on her way to becoming independent. She has learned to budget her monthly income, how to maintain an apartment, and understands the value of maintaining a job. Melissa is an avid reader, enjoys writing poetry, and is a 1st Lieutenant in her school’s ROTC program. After high school graduation, she hopes to pursue a degree in both Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education to help other children in similar situations.
To his mother, 13-year-old Ryan will always be a hero. Last year she experienced a seizure while driving. Ryan calmly assessed the situation, took control of the car and got it safely to the side of the road. He put his mother into the rescue position, called 911 and his father, and kept the younger children in the car calm. Ryan learned these skills through his involvement in a United Way-funded youth development program which teaches life-saving skills, strong values, and community service. Ryan said, “I was glad I could actually help my mom.” Ryan’s father, Doug, is proud of his son. “He was aware that this could happen, and he knew what to do.”
Speaking in front of Florida legislators was a courageous step for 14-year-old Ashley. She joined seven other girls on a trip to Tallahassee to share how a United Way-funded mentoring program for middle school students has positively impacted her life. Through the program, Ashley has connected with community members, helped other girls in need, and learned to make positive choices about relationships, abstinence, and conflict resolution. Her participation has taught her responsibility, lifted her self-esteem, and strengthened her relationship with her parents. Thanks to the strong foundation she has received through this mentoring and leadership program, Ashley is on her way to achieving her goal of becoming a pediatrician.
A vibrant 73-year-old, Bobbye will be the first to tell you that without the United Way-funded services she receives, she would not be living at home. Due to health challenges complicated by Multiple Sclerosis, Bobbye was going back and forth between hospitals and nursing homes. Fortunately, she was connected to a United Way-supported senior care agency that helped her break the cycle and return to her home. Homemaker services were arranged, and Bobbye began going to the local Senior Center where she received meals and developed friendships. With this supportive network, she was able to remain a devoted caregiver to her husband of 50 years, who died last year. Today, Bobbye is vital, active, and in her own home; and for that she is grateful.
The smiles on their faces say it all – Willie and Sherman enjoy being together. They became friends through a United Way-funded program that matches adult volunteer mentors with children and youth. After retiring, Willie wanted to volunteer his time, and this was a perfect opportunity. They both share a passion for reading and get together each week to take part in a weekly reading group at the neighborhood bookstore. They also focus on schoolwork, and talk about Sherman’s life, or just “hang out”. Sherman’s aunt is grateful for Willie and his “positive message of hope and motivation”. As for Willie and Sherman, they are grateful for each other.
Shay faced a series of challenges which could have led her down the wrong path. Her father died when she was very young, and her mother struggles with many health problems, made worse by a limited income. Dealing with these situations was difficult for Shay, and caused her to become angry and depressed, and putting her behind in school. She enrolled in a United Way-funded delinquency prevention program for girls and life began to look a little brighter. Shay and her family were provided with counseling, financial assistance and onsite health care. Today, she is on the honor roll, in the school’s choir, and participates in a job training program.
13-year-old Amanda always has a beautiful smile on her face and an uplifting spirit. Despite family struggles, Amanda works hard to achieve her goals. As part of a United Way-funded school enrichment and mentoring program, Amanda is learning the life skills she needs to stay on track. When Amanda needed a mentor, she remembered her fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Renee. She says, “Ms. Renee is really funny and helps me stay on track with my school work.” Amanda pledged to remain crime and drug-free, and maintain good grades and positive behavior. If she keeps this pledge, she will receive a college scholarship after graduation.
Sally’s beautiful smile reflects the pride she has in her independence. Sally is proud that she can fax her transportation requests, complete online banking transactions, and pay her rent on time. She has been a loyal employee at a local restaurant for the past eight years. Sally loves to lend a helping hand to her housemates and often advocates on their behalf when it comes to household needs and activities. Sally lives at a United Way-funded group home for developmentally disabled adults, where she learns skills and receives support to become independent … step by step and skill by skill. Thanks to United Way she is well on her way. What better reason to smile!
17-year-old Paris is devoted to his family. On any given day, you might see him folding laundry and cooking, or making sure his younger sister finishes her homework. But for Paris, family extends to the neighborhood where he was raised. He knows how important it is to have a positive role model and he is willing to be one in his community. Paris started attending a United Way-funded youth organization when he was three and is now a leader for the agency. He can be found helping younger children read, organizing clean up projects, or planning sports activities. Paris believes in giving back, and his neighborhood family is grateful to have him. He credits this United Way support for helping him become the leader he is today.
