The IMPACT of PHILANTHROPY Imagine having to choose between putting food on the table, paying rent, affording transportation or paying for childcare. Which one would you choose? These are the choices many individuals and families face every day, especially in these uncertain economic times. At United Against Poverty Orlando, our mission to serve those in need can only happen through the community’s philanthropic efforts.
Due to the enormous strain on Central Florida’s essential nonprofits, this year’s philanthropy issue feature focuses on those who receive and manage the community’s gifts, and what the support means to their organizations.
T
hrough the generosity of financial donations from our Central Florida community, United
Against
Poverty Orlando is able to
provide resources that make these choices more manageable. For instance, our Member Share Grocery Program allows a family to put healthy and nutritional food on the table for a reduced cost of up to 70% off of a traditional grocery store. This allows individuals in need to redistribute their income to other life essentials. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized the growing need for our grocery services and took immediate action by implementing a fresh market on wheels we call the “Mobile Market.” These Mobile Markets give communities immediate access to fresh food including vegetables, produce, milk, eggs and proteins for a small handling fee. At our initial location, we were overwhelmed by how many families were in need. We had more than 40 volunteers, cars were lined up for hours, the sheriff’s office had to assist with traffic, and our volunteers worked from 9am to 4pm, making sure every family was served. Through the efforts of donors and volunteers, United Against Poverty is able to help those who are unemployed get back to work. Our Workforce Development Program helps adult learners enhance their job-readiness skills through emotional
NANCY ROBBINSON Executive Director, United Against Poverty Orlando 98
orangeappeal.com
