As Kim Ranachowski pursued her dream of becoming a physical therapist assistant at Seminole State College, unexpected financial hurdles threatened to halt her progress. Her roof needed replacement, a cost she couldn’t absorb. Facing the daunting choice between continuing her education or seeking full-time employment to cover essential expenses, Kim turned to Heart of Florida United Way’s Destination Graduation program for assistance.

I was working for Disney Vacation Club when Disney Files Editor Ryan March asked, “Want to join me for a special assignment on purple martins?” The answer, of course, was a resounding yes — as it always was when I had the opportunity to tag along with my favorite Disney writer.

At almost 9 years old during her inaugural visit to Walt Disney World, my mother’s first memory of her now-favorite place was sheer confusion. Where in the world is the park, she thought as her dad (my papa) navigated the overwhelming parking lot she now knows as the Transportation & Ticket Center. She boarded a vessel familiar from her trips to Disneyland — a monorail — and the magic came finally into view. First, she was captivated by the masterful topiaries that once adorned the monorail track, but then her eyes were drawn to the most magnificent sight she had ever seen: Cinderella Castle.

As the holiday season commences, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support and generous contributions to Heart of Florida United Way.

Ghostwritten, Sponsored Content: Access to technology has evolved from a luxury to an indispensable necessity in our modern world. It underpins not only youth and adult education but also career advancement and essential daily activities. Despite its undeniable importance, equitable access to technology remains an elusive goal...

Exciting News! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our revamped Heart of Florida United Way website. This digital transformation marks a significant step in our commitment to providing a seamless, engaging, and informative online experience.

For the 17th year in a row, Heart of Florida United Way will proudly host the Women United Luncheon, presented by the Walt Disney World® Resort, uniting influential and accomplished leaders from various professional backgrounds...

When you choose to support Heart of Florida United Way, you’re not just giving money; you’re giving hope and a lifeline to those who need it most. You’re standing up for the dreams of children, the health of families, the stability of struggling individuals, and the fundamental needs that make life bearable.

As one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Central Florida, Heart of Florida United Way is uniquely positioned to strategically assess the challenges we face in our community and partner with local businesses, governments, elected officials, generous donors, and non-profits to create lasting, measurable change for generations to come.

Heart of Florida United Way has exciting news to share! We’re proud to announce that we have once again earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator with a perfect 100% rating in three key areas: Accountability and Finance, Culture and Community, and Leadership and Adaptability...

Ghostwritten, sponsored content: In March 2020, many of our living rooms and kitchen tables transformed — practically overnight — into a peculiar, often chaotic combination of living quarters, school rooms, and home offices. Dining room tables became makeshift desks. Kid and pet cameos in video calls became an everyday occurrence. And many parents took on the title of teacher, simultaneously managing their workloads and sixth grade algebra...

Partnering with local nonprofit organizations is always a win for the community, but it can also be a win for your business’s bottom line. Enter Business United — a unique model for bringing businesses together to better Central Florida... Note: Supported translation of content but did not translate myself.

In the time of the great resignation, many companies are actively seeking new retention strategies to reduce employee turnover and the associated costs. What you may not realize is that nonprofits, like Heart of Florida United Way, can help solve this business challenge by engaging your employees through what we call Impact Groups...

On Friday, August 4, 2023, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) announced a $1,000,000 investment in the New Image Youth Center (NIYC), an organization that provides after-school and summer programs for Parramore’s children and teens...

Lush greenery. Birds chirping. The sounds of the nearby waterway. Driving into the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a retreat from reality into a woodland oasis.

Everyone knows about Disney’s on-property resorts in both Florida and California, but did you know Disney also has several beach resorts? Bringing Disney magic seaside, you can combine your love for Disney with your love of the beach at three beachside locations, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai‘i, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina, and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida...

Located near the entrance to DinoLand U.S.A. is every aspiring paleontologist’s dream: a dig site made just for kids. My dinosaur-loving 4-year-old and I recently adventured to this DinoLand discovery called The Boneyard, and we absolutely dug this prehistoric play area.

Most little girls dream of becoming a princess, but few actually have a Fairy Godmother to bibbidi-bobbidi-boo their dreams into reality. But at Walt Disney World, anyone can become a princess, and it doesn’t have to cost a royal fortune.