United Way of Northwest Florida

09/04/2026

Big Sister Jacqueline Crow and her Little, Naomi, have been matched since 2020, and what has grown between them is nothing short of extraordinary. Jacqueline is active military, stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, and she has shown up for Naomi with a consistency and dedication that has genuinely changed a young girl's life.

Together, they have built holiday traditions, served their community side by side, and created the kind of memories that shape who a child becomes. When Jacqueline was interviewed by the news, she said it simply and beautifully: 'Your presence is really all that matters to these kids. Being consistent and being constant.' She lives those words every single day.

Naomi is being raised by a single mother who is doing everything she can for her daughter. With Jacqueline in her corner, Naomi has flourished in school and, perhaps more importantly, in her own sense of self. The shy little girl we once knew is growing into a confident, bright young woman right before our eyes.

They describe each other as family. And that is exactly what they are.
United Way's Community Impact Grant helps make matches like Jacqueline and Naomi's possible, investing in the kind of one-on-one mentorship that does not just support a child today but shapes who they become for the rest of their lives.

09/04/2026

Nonprofits and businesses have more in common than you think.

This morning we sponsored First Friday with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, and our CEO Gina Littleton took the stage to talk about exactly that. When nonprofits and businesses work alongside each other, the result is a community where people can truly thrive.

A healthy workforce.
A stronger economy.
A place people actually want to live and work.

Our partner agencies filled the rotunda, the conversations were real, and the thread that unites us was on full display.

Thank you to Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc. for enabling us to sponsor this event and making it possible for us to be in the rooms that make a difference.

09/02/2026

A HUGE thank you to 100wwcbc for their generous donation in support of our ReadingPals program!

This gift will help us connect more volunteer readers with young students across Northwest Florida, giving kids the one-on-one literacy support they need to build confidence, fall in love with reading, and thrive in and out of the classroom.

Want to support ReadingPals? Sign up to volunteer today at the link in the comments.

09/02/2026

Last week, we kicked off campaign season differently.

Over 150 people walked in as donors and community leaders. They walked out as bus drivers, janitors, school teachers, and sanitation workers, each one trying to stretch a budget that was never going to be enough.

Most of them ran out of money before they finished. All of them left changed.

Campaign season is here. Let's get to work.

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

What a night.

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Campaign Kickoff. The energy in that room was a reminder of something we never take for granted: this community shows up.

You are a part of our thread.

The one that connects neighbors to resources, families to stability, and this campaign to the people who need it most. Last week we felt what that looks like when it all comes together.

Now let's carry it forward.

09/01/2026

For more than 30 years, United Way and Delta Air Lines have worked with you, hand in hand, to help make a difference in countless communities across the country. Now, we want to reward you for your support close to home.

All September long, Delta SkyMiles Members who make a qualifying donation to United Way can direct their contribution locally by specifying a ZIP code and earn a one-time bonus of up to 5,000 miles as a thank you.

Donation Link in the Comments.

08/28/2026

When Adult Protective Services reached out to Holmes Council on Aging about a senior living without adequate heat, whom was also bedridden, immediate action was critical. Her room was freezing, and the senior was vulnerable, isolated, and not able to meet basic needs. Thanks to United Way’s Impact Grant, we were able to quickly step in and provide a heater and an electric blanket, bringing immediate warmth and comfort during a scary time. That same grant allowed us to go beyond the initial crisis—enrolling the client in personal care and homemaking services and beginning home-delivered meals to ensure they had nutritious food and regular contact with caring staff. What started as an emergency call turned into ongoing support and stability, made possible because the Impact Grant gave us the resources needed to respond swiftly, compassionately, and holistically when this client needed us most.

08/27/2026

In July, people across our community reached out to 211 for help with the things we all need to feel safe and secure: utilities, food, housing, and health.

But the greatest needs were health and housing, reminders that when life becomes uncertain, having somewhere to turn matters.

Whatever challenge you’re facing, 211 is here to help connect you to resources and support.

Call 211 anytime, any day.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day!

This year we had a special guest at Stuff the Bus. Even the youngest puppers of Northwest Florida know the importance of giving back.

Drop a photo of your pup in the comments!