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As we honor the dedication of our veterans this November, we recognize the unique challenges many face even after their service has ended. Securing stable employment and accessing essential resources are just a few of the hurdles veterans may encounter. That’s where our MISSION UNITED program plays a vital role, offering crucial support in areas such as job training, housing stability and financial empowerment, helping them navigate these challenges and build fulfilling lives.
One inspiring example is Keisha, whose journey we highlight in a powerful video below. Her story exemplifies the profound impact of our programs and the opportunities we create for veterans to succeed.
Amid a significant teacher shortage in Florida—with nearly 5,000 open positions statewide and hundreds of vacancies here in Miami-Dade—United Way Miami is stepping up to help address this urgent need. As part of our mission to tackle the pressing issues facing our community, we are expanding our UpSkill Miami initiative into the education sector through a new partnership with Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP), founded and led by Leslie Miller Saiontz. Together, we are working to fill critical teaching vacancies in Miami-Dade classrooms, providing much-needed support to our schools and opening career paths for aspiring educators. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to tackling complex community challenges through collaboration and leveraging the strengths of dedicated partners to drive change where it’s needed most.
With UpSkill Miami now spanning six high-demand sectors—including healthcare, transportation, aviation, construction trades, energy and now, education—we are meeting the evolving needs of our community with an even more significant impact.
By investing in our community, we’re fostering resilience and building a foundation for shared success across Miami-Dade.
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Symeria T. Hudson
President and CEO, United Way Miami
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Honoring Our Heroes, Empowering Their Futures
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United Way Miami’s MISSION UNITED program provides essential support to help veterans overcome obstacles and achieve lasting success. We consistently empower veterans and their families to lead productive lives by connecting them to a coordinated network of community partners. Last year, through our Economic Mobility pillar, we assisted more than 400 veterans, providing them access to support services, including job training and opportunities, legal resources, financial empowerment and more.
A notable resource of MISSION UNITED is the Warrior Resiliency Scholarship, designed to help service members pursue their passions and achieve their professional goals. This scholarship empowers individuals like Keisha to turn their aspirations into reality by providing the necessary financial support for training and certification.
Join us in supporting those who served. Whether you’re seeking assistance or looking to make a difference, MISSION UNITED is here to empower veterans in their journey toward a brighter future.
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United Way Miami Expands UpSkill Miami to Address Teacher Shortages
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United Way Miami is proud to expand our workforce development initiative, UpSkill Miami, into the education sector through a partnership with Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP), founded and led by Leslie Miller Saiontz. Together, we’re addressing the critical shortage of qualified teachers across Florida, with nearly 5,000 vacancies statewide, including hundreds in Miami-Dade County.
Through TAP, we are building a sustainable pipeline of educators by recruiting college graduates and career changers prepared to make an impact in local classrooms. This partnership will provide high-quality training to 150 individuals and pave the way for them to become future educators in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. TAP collaborates with key partners, including Teach for America-Miami-Dade, the University of Miami, Miami Dade College and Florida International University, to deliver high-quality teacher training and certification. This community-centered approach creates new pathways for individuals transitioning into education, strengthening our workforce and responding to an urgent need for skilled educators in our region. This expansion highlights United Way Miami’s commitment to Education and Economic Mobility—two of our Core Four pillars—and ensures that all residents have the chance to succeed.
Since launching UpSkill Miami in July 2023, we’ve been working toward our goal of training 800 individuals in high-demand industries. Already, nearly 560 residents are gaining skills in critical fields like healthcare, transportation, aviation, construction trades, energy and now, education.
By empowering community members with essential skills, we are building resilience and paving the way for a stronger, more economically stable Miami-Dade.
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100 Reasons Why
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As United Way Miami celebrates 100 years of impact, we’re moved by the stories of those who make this work possible. The stories of our supporters remind us of the compassion and commitment that drive lasting change in our community. Their reasons for giving speak to the heart of our mission: building a stronger Miami where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
We are grateful for the supporters, volunteers and partners who have shaped our journey over the past century. Their support creates brighter futures and strengthens the bonds of our community. Here’s to 100 years of giving and all the reasons that inspire us to keep moving forward.
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Join Us in Spreading Holiday Joy This Season
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The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and generosity, but for many families in our community, it can also bring uncertainty. This year, United Way Miami invites you to help us spread joy by contributing to our Holiday Drive. Our goal is to provide gifts to more than 1,000 children from low-income families, ensuring they experience the season's joy and magic.
Your contributions, whether gifts, sponsorships or monetary donations, will make a significant difference in the lives of these children.
Donations can be dropped off at United Way Miami through Monday, November 25. Every gift will help create memorable moments for families who need them most.
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Be Part of Miami’s Next Century of Change: Young Leaders’ 8th Annual Build Your Own Brunch
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United Way Young Leaders are excited to host their annual Build Your Own Brunch (BYOB) at The InterContinental Miami on Sunday, December 15, as part of our centennial celebration. This interactive cooking and dining experience offers an afternoon filled with delicious food, fun and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community.
This year’s event features the talents of Executive Chef & Owner Michael Beltran of the Michelin-starred Ariete and the inventive Giovanni Fesser, affectionately known as Pastelito Papi. Chef Beltran, a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist and StarChefs Rising Star blends his Miami roots and visionary style to create dishes that embody South Florida's unique culinary voice. Chef Fesser, celebrated for his modern take on the classic Cuban pastelito, infuses flavors that bridge tradition and innovation. Together, they promise a brunch experience like no other, celebrating Miami's dynamic food scene.
Guests will enjoy unlimited wine, spirits and cocktails, along with a live auction featuring exclusive culinary experiences, private dining and luxury travel packages. Proceeds from this event will support United Way Miami’s work to elevate lives through our Core Four: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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Step Up for Health: Register for the Amerant Bank 5K
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Kick off the new year with purpose by joining us for the Amerant Bank 5K on Sunday, January 26! This event is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our community. Last year, United Way Miami touched the lives of 43,426 individuals through essential health and wellness services and your participation will help us continue this vital work.
Whether you’re a runner, walker or wellness enthusiast, come enjoy a fun-filled morning in the beautiful city of Coral Gables. By registering for the 5K, you’re supporting programs that uplift individuals and families throughout Miami-Dade.
Don’t miss out—secure your spot today and help us make a difference, one step at a time.
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Celebrating Literacy: United Way Young Leaders Hosts Jumpstart’s Read for the Record®
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On Thursday, October 24, United Way Young Leaders shared a memorable experience with children at our United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education during Jumpstart’s Read for the Record®, the world’s largest reading initiative that celebrates and supports early language and social-emotional development. Our President and CEO, Symeria Hudson and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined our volunteers, each paired with a child to read Piper Chen Sings, a story highlighting the joy of music and the transformative power of education.
Guests also toured the Center, witnessing firsthand how United Way Miami is making a difference in the lives of children. Last year, our programs provided quality early education to 7,176 young children, laying a strong foundation for their future success.
Thanks to our presenting sponsor, City National Bank, for their generous support of this event and longstanding partnership with United Way Miami.
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Strengthening Community Resilience Through 211
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At United Way Miami, building Resilient Communities is one of our Core Four pillars. Through our partnership with Jewish Community Services of South Florida, we support the critical 211 helpline, connecting our community with vital resources and compassionate support for neighbors in need.
Did you know? By calling 211, residents gain access to a confidential, 24/7 support service that offers free information and referrals to health and human service agencies. Whether it’s accessing food and housing assistance, family support services or health and wellness resources, 211 is here to help.
Last year, the helpline assisted 76,000 residents in multiple languages, including English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. Far beyond a typical helpline, its trained resource guides take the time to understand each caller’s unique situation, connecting them with services that promote long-term stability and resilience.
The 211 helpline strengthens Miami-Dade by ensuring help is always within reach. Through this partnership, United Way provides essential support and creates pathways to a more resilient and connected community.
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Warrior Moms Baby Shower: Empowering Our Veterans for New Beginnings
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On Saturday, October 5, United Way MISSION UNITED partnered with the Miami Dolphins and the Miami VA Healthcare System for the Warrior Moms Baby Shower Drive-thru event, providing essential baby items to 75 soon-to-be veteran moms. This initiative offers meaningful support to ease the financial pressures these families face as they prepare to welcome a new life.
By providing these vital resources, we’re helping these resilient women build a stable foundation for their families. Every child deserves a strong start and together, we are creating opportunities that uplift families and strengthen our community.
We are grateful for the service and dedication of these veteran moms and we’re proud to stand by them as they embark on this new journey.
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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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