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January was an incredible month of partnerships and progress as we continued to expand United Way Miami’s reach and impact. From our annual MLK Day of Service, to the record-breaking turnout at the Amerant Bank 5K race, to celebrating the heartwarming graduation of the FIRST cohort in Aviation at the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS) through UpSkill Miami—January exemplified our mission to connect people who need help with people who can help.
At United Way Miami, we are committed to addressing the critical needs of our community by leveraging key relationships and resources to help individuals and families thrive. During the Amerant 5K, Chairman, President and CEO Jerry Plush stated: "As long as Amerant Bank is standing, we will remain supporters of United Way Miami." Commitments like these allow us to serve and transform the lives of more than 187,000 individuals each year through our Core Four pillars: Health and Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility.
An additional highlight this month was the graduation of our first Aviation cohort through UpSkill Miami. I had the honor of speaking in front of a crowd of more than 300 attendees—graduates, supporters and family members. While my goal was to inspire the audience, I left deeply moved by the heartfelt testimonials of the graduates. They expressed their gratitude for the life-changing opportunities provided by United Way Miami, from professional development and financial coaching to other wraparound services.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Somewhere along the way, we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others." These words resonate deeply with our mission and the collective efforts of our donors, supporters, community partners, volunteers, staff and key stakeholders.
Together, we are on a path to reach the nearly half a million households in Miami-Dade County struggling each day to build sustainable lives for their families. Miami let’s continue this vital work—our neighbors need us.
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Symeria T. Hudson
President and CEO, United Way Miami
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Celebrating 100 Years at the Amerant Bank 5K
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On Sunday, January 26, runners, walkers and supporters came together for the Amerant Bank 5K in Coral Gables to celebrate United Way Miami’s 100 years of service to the community. This year’s event set records with 1,000 participants, the highest number to date and raised more than $93,000, making a record-breaking achievement to support United Way’s Core Four pillars: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility. These funds will fuel more than 100 programs, empower over 60 impact partners and drive 17 initiatives making a difference across Miami-Dade County.
The race began bright and early at Coral Gables City Hall, guiding participants through the scenic streets of this historic community. The event also received coverage from NBC 6, highlighting the community’s strong support for United Way Miami’s mission.
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, or supported this incredible event. Together, we’re making Miami stronger—one step at a time.
Special thanks to our sponsors, including Title Sponsor Amerant Bank and Gold Medal Sponsor Williamson Automotive.
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100 Reasons Why💙
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As we enter the new year, United Way Miami celebrates 100 years of impact through a special series: 100 Reasons Why. This series highlights the people, stories and partnerships that drive our mission—building a stronger, more inclusive Miami for all.
Follow us on social media to discover more of these inspiring moments and hear from supporters making a meaningful difference right HERE.
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Volunteers Unite for MLK Day of Service
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On Saturday, January 18, more than 110 volunteers from United Way Miami’s giving communities—LINC, Young Leaders, Women United, Tocqueville Society and Small Business United— as well as sponsors gathered at Easterseals South Florida to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by dedicating their time to service.
Easterseals South Florida, a valued United Way Impact Partner for more than 20 years, provides programs such as the Child Development Center and Caregiver Respite Support Services. These initiatives deliver inclusive early childhood education, therapy for children with disabilities and essential support for adults with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Volunteers participated in a variety of projects, including gardening, painting, creating a parking area for the children’s tricycles and remodeling a barista station. Their efforts revitalized the facility, transforming it into a more welcoming and functional space for the children and families it serves.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in the power of service to unite communities and inspire progress. Our annual MLK Day of Service brings his vision to life, with volunteers working together to strengthen vital resources and support those in need. By continuing to serve, we honor his legacy and make a difference for generations to come. Thank you to all who came together to give back!
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Symeria Hudson: Leading Conversations on Community Impact & Partnerships
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United Way Miami President and CEO Symeria Hudson joined the South Florida Business Journal’s Florida Business Minds podcast to discuss the challenges facing ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. Nearly half a million families in Miami-Dade are ALICE, representing hardworking individuals who are essential to our community but often struggle to afford basic needs like housing, childcare, food and health care.
During the episode, Symeria shared how United Way is addressing these challenges through innovative programs that uplift families and build promising futures. Early childhood education initiatives are equipping young learners with the tools they need to thrive, while UpSkill Miami is connecting individuals to in-demand careers, creating pathways to greater economic mobility and stability.
Symeria also emphasized the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change. By working alongside community leaders, businesses and dedicated supporters, United Way is addressing complex challenges and delivering real solutions that promote resilience and inclusion.
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Make Tax Season Stress-Free with VITA
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At United Way Miami, we believe everyone should have access to reliable, no-cost tax assistance. That’s why our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is here to help hardworking individuals and families maximize their refunds and keep more of their earnings. In fact, last year, 7,128 taxpayers in Miami-Dade received a total of $9 million in tax refunds through VITA.
Offered through our Center for Financial Stability, VITA is part of our commitment to empowering individuals with tools and resources for financial wellness. With the support of our IRS-certified volunteers, qualified individuals can access expert tax preparation services for free at one of our convenient VITA locations.
With VITA, you’ll get expert assistance to claim every credit and deduction, helping you maximize your refund and build financial security.
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Supporting Health and Wellness in the New Year
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For many in our community, the New Year marks a fresh start toward better health. United Way Miami’s Health & Wellbeing pillar—one of the Core Four—focuses on making vital resources accessible, ensuring no one is left behind on their wellness journey.
Through our partnership with SingleCare, individuals in Miami-Dade can access essential medications at significantly reduced costs, helping ease the financial strain of high prescription prices. Nearly 700 local pharmacies accept the free SingleCare Prescription Drug Discount Card. With no age or income restrictions, the card can be used an unlimited number of times—even for medications not covered by insurance.
Over the past 16 years, this partnership has helped fill more than 555,000 prescriptions, saving more than $22 million for older adults and families.
By breaking down barriers to affordable health care, United Way enables individuals to prioritize their well-being and create healthier futures. Download your card today and start saving!
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Celebrating 18 Years of Excellence in Early Education
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As United Way Miami celebrates its 100th anniversary, we’re proud to honor 18 years of transformative work at the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education (CFE). Since opening its doors in 2007, the Center has invested more than $138 million in early childhood programs while enhancing the quality of care and education for young learners.
Over the past year alone, The CFE’s efforts have:
• Supported 7,176 young children in receiving quality early education
• Provided 6,800 students with crucial school-aged education resources
• Helped 4,009 students through tutoring and post-secondary prep
As we celebrate this incredible achievement, we’re excited to share that enrollment spots are still available! Now is the perfect time to give your child the best possible start in life through the CFE’s high-quality early education programs.
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Did You Know? United Way Miami Responds When Disaster Strikes
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When disaster strikes, United Way Miami takes action to help communities recover and rebuild. Recognized as the county's trusted partner for disaster response, we work with reliable community agencies and leverage our resources to deliver immediate relief and long-term support to those affected by hurricanes, floods and other emergencies.
Through Operation Helping Hands (OHH), a joint emergency response and disaster relief fund created in partnership with the Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald in 1998, we’ve raised more than $100 million to support recovery efforts for more than 20 major disasters. Every dollar raised through OHH goes directly to vetted nonprofit organizations, ensuring life-saving aid, supplies and long-term recovery services reach the people and places that need them most.
From mobilizing volunteers to coordinating essential resources, United Way is a trusted partner in times of crisis—here in South Florida and beyond.
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Reaching New Heights in Aviation with UpSkill Miami
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On Friday, January 17, United Way Miami proudly celebrated the first aviation graduation under its UpSkill Miami initiative at the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS). Founded by Captain Barrington Irving, the first Black pilot to fly solo around the world in a plane he built himself, BITTS is dedicated to preparing the next generation of aviation professionals. This milestone marks a significant step in addressing workforce gaps and expanding access to meaningful, high-demand careers in aviation, one of Florida’s fastest-growing industries which offers more than 275,000 job opportunities statewide.
With more than 300 attendees, the ceremony celebrated 16 graduates who are now equipped with certifications, specialized training in aviation maintenance, interview preparation and financial literacy. Among them, three women are breaking barriers in a field where women make up less than 20% of the workforce, paving the way for a more inclusive aviation industry.
During the ceremony, United Way received the Workforce Innovation Award, accepted by our President and CEO, Symeria Hudson. This award acknowledges our commitment to advancing economic mobility and empowering individuals with the tools to thrive. By investing in forward-thinking workforce solutions, we’re transforming lives, strengthening our community and driving our local economy forward.
Thank you to Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega, United Way Miami Emeritus Board Member Jayne Abess and all our distinguished dignitaries, Board members and supporters who joined us to celebrate this achievement.
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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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