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As the year ends, I find myself reflecting on the collective achievements United Way Miami has made throughout 2023. Approaching our centennial year fills me with immense joy, knowing that we have been and continue to be a vital source of support for low-income families, ensuring access to crucial resources. While we consistently share the numerical impact we make, we find it equally important to humanize our efforts by attaching faces, names and stories, truly illustrating how we contribute to building a stronger, more equitable Miami for all.
The transformation of UpSkill Miami into a beacon of opportunity for residents, exemplified by stories like Edson’s, serves as a reminder of the significance of our mission. Edson, now a thriving trucker, epitomizes the profound impact we aim to achieve. These narratives fuel our commitment to fundraising, pushing the boundaries of innovation and solidifying the ongoing need for United Way Miami in the next century. I encourage you to read Edson’s story below.
The Employee Giving Campaign, with the participation of more than 40,000 individuals, plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission and contributing to the foundation of an equitable community. Through our diverse array of direct services and programs, United Way remains steadfast in providing hope and creating opportunities for those who need them most.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support of United Way. Together, we have generated a positive impact that resonates deeply. As the holiday season unfolds, I wish you all joy, warmth and generosity. May the New Year usher in prosperity and continued success for you and your loved ones.
Thank you for championing United Way Miami and for being instrumental in changing the lives of those who need us the most.
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Symeria T. Hudson
President and CEO, United Way Miami
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Spreading Thanksgiving Joy to Families in Need
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In the spirit of community service, made possible by more than 450 dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors, United Way Miami orchestrated a Thanksgiving Drive initiative to elevate the holiday experience for more than 2,200 families and veterans across Miami-Dade County. Thanks to our dedicated supporters, families had the opportunity to savor a hearty Thanksgiving meal.
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A Special Delivery of Cheer for Children and Families
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In a heartwarming display of community spirit, United Way Miami's annual Holiday Gift Drive, held on Thursday, December 14, displayed an incredible outpouring of generosity! The community's support was nothing short of amazing, breaking all records with an astonishing donation of more than 3,000 gifts. These gifts will find their way to low-income children and families from various United Way programs across Miami-Dade County. From the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education to MISSION UNITED, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership and other agency partners, the holiday joy will be shared far and wide.
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Meet Edson
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Edson was still determining his future when he arrived from Haiti to Miami in April. Considering a security guard job, Edson embarked on a new chapter of his life when he learned about UpSkill Miami and its partnership with The CDL School. Graduating with a Class A license in September, Edson is now employed as a cross-country truck driver on a path to success.
"Everything that I have right now is because of United Way Miami," Edson acknowledges with gratitude. His story exemplifies the power of determination, resilience and the transformative impact of community support.
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UpSkill Miami Expands into Construction Trades and Energy
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United Way Miami is making significant strides with UpSkill Miami, our transformative workforce training fund. We are proud to share the expansion of UpSkill Miami into construction trades and energy through partnerships with Florida International University (FIU), Florida Memorial University (FMU) and Florida Power & Light (FPL).
The training programs at FIU, FMU and FPL will equip participants with the skills necessary to secure entry-level jobs, addressing the growing demand in these fields. Through these vital partnerships, UpSkill Miami will help set families on an upward trajectory that will last for future generations.
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United Way Young Leaders Host Annual Build Your Own Brunch
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United Way Miami’s Young Leaders hosted another fun and successful Build Your Own Brunch (BYOB) at the InterContinental Miami on Sunday, December 17. The seventh annual interactive brunch event welcomed nearly 400 guests for an afternoon of entertaining cooking demos and indulgent bites led by a trio of Miami’s most talented chefs. Donations at BYOB surpassed $225,000 – a record-breaking amount from Young Leaders. The funds will benefit United Way’s mission to build a stronger Miami through education, financial stability and health initiatives.
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Secure Your Spot at the Amerant Bank 5K
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There’s still time to register for the Amerant Bank 5K on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 7:30 am. The race starts at Coral Gables City Hall, includes a Kids Zone where families can gather to enjoy fun activities and ends with a fun-filled post-race event for all participants. All runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts are invited to team up for a race that benefits United Way Miami and its dedication to providing education, financial stability and health for all.
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Championing Early Education
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Supporting Educators in Elevating Early Education for Infants and Toddlers
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The United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education recently hosted its sixth annual Infant and Toddler Institute Conference, drawing over 160 early care and education professionals from the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership (EHC-CCP). The two-day bilingual event featured sessions in both English and Spanish, led by early education and development experts covering social, emotional and cognitive aspects. Demonstration school mentor teachers, serving as subject matter experts, facilitated a session on teacher-child interactions and daily classroom routines and rituals.
As a hub for professional development in early education, the Center is excited to offer innovative learning experiences aimed at enhancing the quality of early care and education. Through our partnership, the EHC-CCP program continues serving more than 500 children across 18 sites in Miami-Dade County, expanding access to high-quality infant and toddler care for working, low-income families.
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Community Spotlight
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LINC Supporter: David M. Benson
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David M. Benson, an assistant vice president of Institutional Asset Management at PNC Bank, is a South Florida native who is passionate about helping the community. In this role, he consults with clients to identify solutions and provide insights regarding investment and ancillary needs for charitable organizations. Benson also serves on United Way Miami’s LINC Executive Committee, where he takes pride in helping expand the organization’s outreach in the local community.
“Enabling younger professionals to engage in charitable endeavors is the key to beginning a continuous life-long philanthropic and volunteering journey,” said Benson. “United Way LINC is, for many, the first step in that journey by providing the opportunities necessary to start impacting the community in which we live. By making philanthropy and volunteering approachable for many like-minded young professionals, United Way helps build a stronger Miami both now and continuously for the future.”
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Events & Volunteer Opportunities
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#StrongerMiami
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United Way Miami · The Ansin Building · 3250 SW 3rd Ave · Miami, FL 33129-2712 · USA
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