United Way of Collier and the Keys - Monroe

12/25/2025

Happy holidays from United Way of Collier and the Keys.
We’re grateful for our community today and every day.

12/24/2025

As we pause for the holidays, our offices will reopen with regular hours on Monday, January 5.
For non-emergency support, 211 (Collier) and KeysHelp.org (Monroe) remain available.

12/18/2025

🐾 Join us for a special celebration!

Islamorada, Village of Islands, in partnership with United Way of Collier and the Keys, invites you to the dedication of the Dog Park at Founders Park in honor of Mike Forster.

📍 Location: 87000 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
📅 Date: Sunday, January 18
⏰ Time: 3:30–5:30 PM

Enjoy food trucks, bring the kids, and don’t forget to bring non-perishable food donations to support local food pantries in the Upper Keys, part of UWCK’s Feed the Keys program.

Questions? Contact Sharon Mahoney at 305-304-5262.

12/17/2025

Welcome to VolunteerUWCK.org! 🎉

We’re excited to introduce the new agencies that have joined in December:

Monroe County:
-Keys AHEC Health Centers
-The Florida Correctional Officers Association, Inc.

Collier County:
-Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
-Meals of Hope
-Feeding Dreams
-Help a Diabetic Child
-Community Cooperative

Check out their volunteer opportunities and sign up today! 🌟

If you haven’t yet, create your profile to volunteer or register your agency at VolunteerUWCK.org.

12/10/2025

Our science staff recently got trained to work with our newest instructor-An ROV that was purchased with the generous help from !

Stay tuned to meet the newest member of our team 🐚🦑

12/09/2025

United Way of Collier and the Keys is thrilled to announce the 2025-2026 Marine Science Education Grant recipients! 🐠 A total of $27,978 will support 12 organizations and schools, giving students across Monroe County hands-on marine science and conservation learning experiences.

Recipients include The Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Island Dolphin Care, Key West Preschool Co-op, MarineLab Environmental Education Center, May Sands Montessori School, Seacamp Association, Inc., Ocean Studies Charter School, Poinciana Elementary School - Key West, REEF Reef Environmental Education Foundation, Reef Relief, Reef Renewal USA, Inc., and Sigsbee Charter School.

Learn more about the grants and UWCK’s marine education initiatives here: https://uwcollierkeys.org/reef-revitalization-education-hub/

12/06/2025

12/02/2025

This , United Way of Collier and the Keys is sharing a story that shows the power of community - and what your support makes possible.

Meet Chris Jones: a father, veteran, and incredibly hard worker. Not long ago, Chris was living in his car in the Florida heat. Instead of giving up, he held onto hope.

“I took it as an opportunity to think, okay - it’s not happening to me, it’s happening for me.”

With help from United Way of Collier and the Keys and our partner agencies, Chris secured permanent housing and fully furnished his new home. Today, he’s rebuilding his life, creating stability for his children, and inspiring everyone who meets him.

“I think it’s just amazing what United Way of Collier and the Keys does. Now I’m going to take every opportunity to get ahead in this life and help pave the way for my kids and others like me.”

Today, you can help open that same door for another family.

A little help goes a long way. One connection can open countless doors. One donation - no matter the amount - can change someone’s life forever.

And every dollar stays local.

Give today: uwcollierkeys.org/give
Watch Chris’s story: youtu.be/59Jlw8JImm0

11/27/2025

We’re feeling grateful in 2025!

From your support for our internal programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), 211, and KeysHelp.org, to our Community Investment Grant partners, Marine Science Scholarships, Women United, and the newly expanded VolunteerUWCK.org in Monroe County - you’re helping hardworking families and individuals move from surviving to thriving.

As we enter this season of giving… is right around the corner, and we’re looking forward to introducing you to a local veteran who will be sharing his story on December 2. Stay tuned to meet Chris if you missed him at our Community Impact Breakfast.

Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
Learn more and support our mission: UWCollierKeys.org

11/26/2025

UWCK is grateful for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys! We recently received a $5,000 Paradise for Good Grant to support our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

This grant helps us provide free, reliable tax preparation services for individuals and families across Monroe County.

Learn more or sign up to volunteer: https://uwcollierkeys.org/programs/vita/

11/24/2025

United Way of Collier and the Keys’ volunteer platform, VolunteerUWCK.org, is now live across ALL of Monroe County!

Nonprofits can now post volunteer needs, and community members can easily find opportunities to give back.

If your agency could use volunteers, or if you’re looking for ways to make a difference, visit VolunteerUWCK.org to get started.

Together, we’re making it easier than ever to support our community.

11/21/2025

🎙️ LISTEN NOW!
UWCK President and CEO Tiffani Mensch is the latest guest on the amazing Community Matters podcast.

Hear her talk about our mission, how you can get involved, and so much more!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O2TyVD73eE8&pp=0gcJCR4Bo7VqN5tD4gcEEgJpZw%3D%3D

Tiffani Mensch, CEO of United Way of Collier and the Keys discusses building stronger, more resilient communities. Learn how United Way is addressing critical needs—from disaster recovery and affordable housing to education and economic stability—while fostering partnerships that create lasting impact.

Watch and listen below, or on all major podcast platforms 🎙️

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O2TyVD73eE8