United Way of West Florida

We’re excited for tonight's Headshots and Happy Hour event, hosted by Emerging Leaders, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Oops Alley in Pace. This is a great opportunity for professionals to connect, learn about leadership opportunities, and get a professional headshot taken by Liko Crump. We’d love for you to join us and encourage your peers, colleagues, or team members to attend! Attendees can register at UWWF.ORG/ELS. We hope to see you there!

We would like to say thank you to our INCREDIBLE Ambassador team this year! These individuals volunteered their time over several months to help raise funds to meet critical needs in our community. Each Ambassador supported our development team by planning and implementing successful fundraising campaigns. Thank you for all the hard work and for showing us that #UnitedIsTheWay to creating a thriving community! - To learn more about the program and see more pictures from the event visit uwwf.org/ambassadors. - A special thank you to the workplaces and nonprofits that our Ambassadors work at. Pace Center for Girls The First Bank VIPcare Sisters of Hope SouthState Bank Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast ReadyKids! Florida Power & Light Optum ITAC Solutions Infoverity

This week, we had the incredible opportunity to come together in Tallahassee to advocate for vital resources that support mental health, disaster response, and community well-being and resources. Our 211 leaders, advocates, and partners met with legislators to share the impact of 211—helping Floridians navigate essential services, from housing and food assistance to mental health support and disaster response. These conversations reinforced the importance of continued investment in Florida’s 211 system as a frontline resource for individuals in need, emphasizing how our 211 and 988 services work together to help individuals in crisis receive timely and appropriate support. ?? Thank you to the legislators, advocates, and staff who took the time to meet with us and hear about the essential work of 211. Your support helps us continue connecting millions of Floridians to life-changing services every year. First Contact211 Broward211 BrevardHeart of Florida United Way211 Big Bend, Inc.211 Palm Beach & Treasure Coast Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Florida 211United Way of Northeast FloridaUnited Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties United Way of West Florida 211Miami #211Day #Florida211 #988Lifeline #Team211 #CommunitySupport

????Show off your best gown and fascinator or your favorite suit and hat at our Glitz & Gallop Gala, on May 3!???? This unique fundraising event will be packed with exciting activities including a silent auction, horse races, a chance to win great prizes, and watch the Kentucky Derby while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and hors d'oeuvres! Proceeds from the event will help support the mission of United Way of West Florida. Get your tickets at uwwf.org/galatickets. - If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please visit?uwwf.org/sponsors?to learn more.

Happy 211 Day!!! Our 211 Northwest Florida created over 130,000 connections in 2024! 211 is more than just a number; it's a voice of support at the other end of the line, helping millions of individuals navigate challenges and find the assistance they need. Whether by call or text, 211 Northwest Florida’s local experts are here, 24/7, 365 days a year, to connect you with free, confidential resources for housing, food, disaster relief, and more. Call 211 or visit 211nwfl.org to get started. #Team211 #211month

Join us on February 13 for QPR training! QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR training is designed to teach you how to recognize the warning signs, clues, and suicidal communications of people in trouble, and how to respond to prevent a possible tragedy. QPR is not a form of counseling or treatment but rather it is intended to offer hope through positive action. Gatekeepers are given information that is easy to understand and reinforced by the QPR booklet and card, complete with warning signs, methods to encourage a person to get help, and a list of resources available in your community. Registration is required! Get started at uwwf.org/qpr.

Join us on February 11 or February 13 for QPR training! QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR training is designed to teach you how to recognize the warning signs, clues, and suicidal communications of people in trouble, and how to respond to prevent a possible tragedy. QPR is not a form of counseling or treatment but rather it is intended to offer hope through positive action. Gatekeepers are given information that is easy to understand and reinforced by the QPR booklet and card, complete with warning signs, methods to encourage a person to get help, and a list of resources available in your community. Registration is required! Get started at uwwf.org/qpr.

Last week, we had the honor of having our Mini-Grant Awardees together for a dinner provided by Pensacola News Journal. We are so proud to announce the approval of Mini Grant awards for 12 deserving local nonprofits, each receiving up to $5,000, for a total of $49,839! This initiative provides funding of up to $5,000 to agencies seeking to develop their organizational structure, pursue short-term organization development goals, or execute a one-time project. Learn more about the Mini-Grants and the Awardees at uwwf.org/mini-grants. Grant Recipients: Sisters of Hope Lemonade Stand Bootcamp PDEC Northwest Florida Health Council Harvest Community Outreach, Inc Citizens Moving Forward Sisters Anointed to Lead Together, Inc. Escambia County Medical Society Foundation Magdalene's Inc. EscaRosa Suicide Prevention Coalition Escambia County Council PTA The Global Corner International Learning Center

We are so excited to have Telesha Wells and Carol Dorrough joining us as our Healthy Schools Escambia Program Coordinators! Welcome to the team and we can't wait to see how this new program thrives with you!

In the wake of the devastating New Year's Eve attack in New Orleans, United Way of Southeast Louisiana launched a relief fund to provide direct support to victims and their families. Together, we can help our community heal. Join us in supporting our neighbors. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference. ?? Learn how you can help: https://lnkd.in/gZcZcnSW