Reflecting on a Year of Impact
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
Christmas is my favorite time of year! Ever since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed the festive spirit, the delightful symphony of Christmas shopping, the joyful chimes of bell ringers, and the heartwarming act of giving as we navigate the aisles and streets adorned with twinkling lights. I am very excited to share the next few weeks with family and friends, reflecting on our year while sharing the gifts we have carefully selected for one another.
We had a beautiful holiday party for our staff at the UWCC with lots of food, laughter, and reflection on this past year. The ups and downs, the advantages, barriers, new partnerships, new ideas and new relationships. This year we have made changes, bringing three new verticals and directors to our United Way: Family Empowerment, Ageless Engagement, and United at Work.
The new verticals were implemented in a variety of ways in 2023, so let’s share some facts and impacts from each. Family Empowerment is focusing on the family unit where we have a bold goal to ensure 75% of 3rd graders in Charlotte County are reading at grade level by 2028. We’ve had so much interest from the community, that we already have a record number of Reading Buddies volunteering each week! United at Work has been serving Charlotte County employees for over a year now, and UWCC held our first ever United at Work Summit to bring awareness to even more employers. This past spring, Ageless United was formed to serve our senior population and co-hosted their first Senior Holiday Social. We are looking forward to future positive impacts and contributions to benefit these populations in our community.
As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared as a community through the United Way of Charlotte County. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our success, and we can’t help but express our deepest gratitude. Together we have turned challenges into opportunities. The support we have received from you in the community has not gone unnoticed. Your support has been the bridge connecting hearts, breaking down barriers, and fostering a sense of unity that defines the spirit of community.
Whether you contribute by financial donation, volunteering, involvement in one of our partner agencies, participation in one of our many events, or promoting the United Way of Charlotte County to your family, friends, and colleagues, you contribute to stories of impact. Your contributions have and continue to translate into smiles, opportunities, and brighter futures for those in need.
While words may seem insufficient to express our gratitude, we want to take a moment to shine the spotlight on your incredible generosity. You have helped us touch lives, ignite hope, and create a ripple effect of kindness that extends far beyond the initial act of giving.
As we turn to a new chapter, we carry with us the memories shared, the warmth of compassion, and the collective strength of our community. We look forward to many more opportunities, collaborations, and the shared belief that together, we can make a difference.
We invite you now to engage with us in 2024! Whether you have a heart for serving seniors or kids, there are so many ways to volunteer. Or perhaps you are looking for camaraderie with others through our VITA program, Ageless United, or Women United. There is a place for everyone! Please contact our Development Director Kristen Szych to learn more about these programs at rd@unitedwayccfl.org. To find other ways to connect with us, visit: unitedwayccfl.org/UnitedTogether
With heartfelt thanks.
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.