Magic Sauce

Local United Way Mobilizes Volunteers for Community Impact

By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director

When presenting our mission of United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC) and sharing our strategic priorities, it is next to impossible to capture the whole picture. I get so excited about all aspects of our work, which often leads to friendly reminders to ‘land the plane’ – a phrase I fully credit my husband for originating. And I admit, it is hard on so many levels for me.

However, there is one core aspect of our work that I am incredibly proud of. It can be understood as the ‘magic sauce’ or the unique approach that defines each local United Way and sets us apart from other nonprofit organizations.

Beginning each February, agencies apply for funding, move into the vetting stage, and by October approved programs begin their funded work. None of this would be possible without the enthusiasm and dedication of 61 volunteers, who contributed a total of 750 hours, valued at $25,117, to make the first phase a success.

UWCC holds these agencies accountable by requiring data to verify that grant investments are being used in the way the Community Impact Panels have awarded them. We’re proud to partner with the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the City of Punta Gorda (COPG) to ensure that local human service dollars are invested towards key priorities, the need now meeting critical levels.

Year after year, our UWCC team, Board of Directors, and community volunteers devote their time and talent to manage these funds with accountability, efficiency, and care. Our process has been fine-tuned over the many years UWCC has served in this role and provides tremendous value to Charlotte County. Not only are the funds essential, but they must be invested with vision and stewardship. Thank you for allowing us to serve the community in this way.

This year, the new grant cycle began on October 1, and announcements were made just as the hurricanes rolled in. Allocations from the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners total $876,546.00 for nonprofit partners. We are grateful for an additional $40,000 allocated to UWCC to support the immense effort required to execute this very important part of our mission. The City of Punta Gorda also contributes $27,500 toward human services in Charlotte County for UWCC to allocate in the same manner.

As I wrap up this week’s column, a zoom meeting concludes with our 18 newly funded partner agencies for the 2024-2026 grant cycle.  These agencies are not only reliable and deserving but also deeply committed to serving Charlotte County. Their passion and care for citizens across the landscape of our precious Charlotte County is worthy of respect and accolades.

Of the 18 agencies funded in the cycle, five are new agencies. We are happy to see the diversity of programs funded to address our community’s needs. New agencies include Loveland Center, Inc., Pregnancy Solutions Inc., Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart, ST Vincent de Paul CARES and The Dubin Center. These agencies represent pregnant moms, early childhood, people with disabilities, our aging population and the unhoused.

For a full list of our partner agencies and their programs or to volunteer for future funding impact panels, please visit: unitedwayccfl/MagicSauce

 

 

For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission:  Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.