YOU CARE. IT’S WHO YOU ARE. IT’S WHO WE ARE TOO.
THROUGH UNITED WAY YOU HELP PEOPLE NAVIGATE THE PATH TO SUCCESS.
It starts with Early Literacy programs that aid children like Athena in developing the skills they need to do well in school and keep up with their peers. It continues into the teenage years with Youth Success programs like Operation Graduate, which assist Sylvia and other teens to graduate, ready for college or career. And we help adults like Marion to achieve financial stability through programs like our Sulphur Springs Resource Center so they have the skills and resources needed to move past crisis to gain and maintain family-sustaining employment.
TOGETHER, WE DO SOMETHING AMAZING.
MEET ATHENA
Athena started school a year late due to her problems with social anxiety. Once in school she struggled academically and socially. Concerned, her mother enrolled her in an after-school program supported by United Way Suncoast. She received one-on-one attention, building areas where she struggled and challenging her where she showed strengths. By year’s end, Athena was promoted from kindergarten to 2nd grade and was invited to join the gifted program. Her new-found confidence helped her blossom socially as well.
By focusing on early literacy, United Way helps ensure more children like Athena can reach their fill potential in school and life.
MEET SYLVIA
Sylvia was in a serious accident in 7th grade, leading to the loss of vision in her left eye and 20 different surgeries. Due to all the time spent in the hospital, she fell behind in school and got in trouble for behavioral issues. It was at that point Sylvia decided she needed to turn her life around. Through the United Way Suncoast Operation Graduate program and her own hard work, she was able to complete the dual enrollment program at her high school and St. Petersburg College. Inspired by the connection she felt with her nurses, and the amazing work they do, she is pursuing a nursing degree at St. Petersburg College.
Programs like Operation Graduate, with an emphasis on on-time graduation and preparation for higher education or vocational training, give Sylvia and her peers a foundation for future success and a path to financial stability.
MEET MARION
Marion had been unemployed for over a month and needed assistance with his job search. A friend referred him to the United Way Sulphur Springs Resource Center. Once there, he was paired up with James, the Career Manager. Together they worked on updating his resume, applying for jobs, and improving his interview skills through mock interviews. With this help, Marion was able to obtain full-time employment in the hospitality industry. The help didn’t stop once Marion received a job offer. His car broke down the week he started his new job. The Resource Center provided him a bus pass so that he could get to work while his car was being repaired. According to Marion, the Sulphur Springs Resource Center provides, “overwhelming support and encouragement on your path to re-employment or first time employment. Wherever you fit on the spectrum, they are able to assist you.”
By focusing on job skills and career placement, programs like those provided at Sulphur Springs Resource Center give adults like Marion a foundation for long-term financial stability.