At United Way Space Coast, our mission comes to life through the people we serve. Behind every program and partnership is a story of strength, resilience, and possibility.

These are just a few of the lives changed through your support. It’s proof that when we come together as a community, we create the kind of change you can see and feel.

Jonathan, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida

Sometimes all it takes is one person to change a child’s future.

At seven years old, Jonathan was struggling in school, living apart from his parents, and searching for stability. His grandmother became his primary caregiver and hoped to find him a positive male role model who could encourage him academically and personally. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jonathan was matched with Calvin, a mentor who shares his love of sports and values education. With Calvin’s steady guidance, Jonathan’s confidence and grades grew. He recently made the AB honor roll, trains for varsity wrestling, and has become more secure in his reading and writing. Jonathan’s story shows how committed mentorship builds trust, inspires growth, and creates hope for the future.

United is the Way we invest in young people to unlock their potential and brighten their futures.

Mario, The Children's Center

Starting preschool should be a joyful milestone, but for Mario it began with meltdowns, leaving his family unsure how to help. At just four years old, he showed behaviors linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder, and his grandmother and mother felt overwhelmed. With the support of The Children’s Center staff, they pursued an evaluation that confirmed his diagnosis. Over the school year, Mario received speech therapy, behavior therapy that taught skills through positive reinforcement, and daily one-on-one support. Gradually, he began to communicate more clearly, grow in independence, and manage his emotions. His mother calls the year truly transformative, grateful for a safe and caring place where staff went above and beyond every day. Mario’s story shows how early childhood programs can help children grow and families find hope.

United is the Way we invest early to build strong foundations for lifelong success.

Louis, Brevard Alzheimers Foundation

Caring for a loved one should never mean sacrificing your stability.

When Louis’s Alzheimer’s disease advanced, his daughter and son-in-law welcomed him into their home, but the daily demands quickly became overwhelming. His daughter reduced her work hours to offer Louis more care, and the family faced growing financial strain.

At Joe’s Club Adult Day Health Center, one of the safety net agencies that receives funds from United Way Space Coast, Louis found connection, activities, nutritious meals, and safe supervision. His daughter was able to return to full-time work, while the family regained time to rest and regroup. When Louis recently lost his health insurance, Joe’s Club staff stepped in with resources and resolved the issue in days, once again restoring balance for his family.

United is the Way we support families when they need it most.

Maria, Children's Home Society Early Head Start

When Maria enrolled her children in Early Head Start, her family was looking for stability and direction. Caring teachers quickly became trusted guides.

When her son Dylan was diagnosed with a developmental delay, they helped the family navigate therapy and build confidence. At the same time, her daughter Melanie blossomed through activities that boosted her communication, independence, and self-assurance. Guidance on managing toddler emotions brought calm to their home, and the program’s flexibility allowed Maria to continue teaching online while her husband created special routines with the kids. “Without Early Head Start, I’m not sure where we would be today,” Maria says.

With steady support, her family has overcome challenges, celebrated milestones, and grown stronger together. Their story highlights how a compassionate, community-focused program can uplift entire families and help children reach their full potential.

United is the Way we nurture hope and growth from the very start.

Heidi, Club Esteem

Sometimes, it only takes one safe place to feel seen.

Heidi came to Club Esteem carrying the weight of instability, homelessness, and a deep sense of being invisible. Low self-worth made it hard for her to imagine any future at all, let alone one filled with possibility.

But the moment she walked into Club Esteem, Heidi was met with kindness, structure, and people who believed in her. Through self-esteem and life-skills programs, Heidi found her voice and her strength. The Teens as Tutors program gave her a way to earn money for essentials, further restoring her confidence.

Now a high school graduate with a 3.1 GPA, Heidi has earned two scholarships and Level 5 Florida Ready to Work certifications in soft skills, digital skills, and data. Her transformation is a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given a space to grow and people who walk beside them.

United is the Way we empower youth to overcome barriers.