United Way Of North Central Florida

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ONE NEIGHBORHOOD Initiative

United Way of North Central Florida is focusing the resources of the community to help target populations most in need. This is all part of our ONE NEIGHBORHOOD Initiative. By focusing our efforts in ONE NEIGHBORHOOD, the impact on our community will be greater.

Local data helps United Way identify neighborhoods in our area in which successful interventions will results in the greatest change in community conditions. Key indicators (including the percent of single family homes, percent of low birth weight babies, teen pregnancy rates, child maltreatment rates, and educational attainment levels) were used to to determine which neighborhoods have the greatest need.

We know which schools have the lowest achievement test scores and graduation rates, and we know which neighborhoods in our community have the greatest needs in the areas of income and health. But along with these negative statistics, these neighborhoods also have excellent schools with dedicated principals and teachers engaged in the community, faith based organizations ready to mobilize their constituents, and community based non-profit organizations already working to address these serious issues.

United Way will galvanize our community to help us address the critical issues in education, income and health through the ONE NEIGHBORHOOD initiative. In addition to the traditional grants awarded to United Way partners from funds raised by our local community, we will also unveil nine new programs/initiatives focused on addressing critical issues that will:

Mobilize volunteers through corporate relationships
Mobilize college students to further bridge the gap between campus and community
Increase community donations of goods and services to those most in need

ONE NEIGHBORHOOD Projects:

Day of Action: More than 600 volunteers and businesses join in a one-day effort to impact our community.	Home Libraries: Our goal is to provide home libraries to 100 families and five child care centers in the 32609 zip code. Early reading is key to improving school readiness and increasing graduation rates.
Dental Screenings: Mobile dental clinics and onsite screenings at area schools will help identify kids who may miss school due to mouth pain	East Side High School Mentoring Program: Our goal is to recruit 100 volunteers per graduating class to mentor high school students and increase graduation rates.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program: Join the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and help prepare tax returns for low income families who are eligible to receive extra money.	Junior Acheivement: Learning how to be financially stable can start in elementary school. Basic financial skills are key. Lend your talents to this volunteer program.
FluMist: Research shows that preventing the flu helps kids stay in school. Excessive absenteeism can lead to higher drop out rates.	Neighborhood Resource Center: Part of the One Neighborhood Initiative, the center will be a one stop shop for residents in the 32609 zip code.
Weekend Hunger Backpack Program: Fund a program to fill backpacks with child-friendly food at two elementary schools in the 32609 zip code.	"When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all."