The Power of Community Schools
More Than a School.
A Hub for the Whole Family.
A Community School brings educators, families, nonprofits, businesses and neighbors together around one trusted place—the school. By coordinating education, health, basic needs and family support, it helps remove barriers so students can succeed, families can grow stronger and the entire community can thrive.
Why It Matters
When Families Face Barriers, Children Feel Them Too
Children don't leave hunger, housing instability, grief or family stress at the classroom door. And even when help is available, families may not know where to turn or have the time to navigate a disconnected system alone.
More than 4 in 10 Charlotte County households struggle to afford the basics.
Source: 2026 ALICE Report
How It Works
One Trusted Connection.
A Whole Community of Support.
A dedicated Community School Coordinator listens to students, families and school staff, identifies their needs and connects them with trusted community resources.
Listen. Connect. Coordinate. Follow Through.
The gap is not services. The gap is coordination.
Why United Way?
Built Through Collaboration
United Way Charlotte County is bringing the Community School model to life in collaboration with Charlotte County Public Schools and Peace River Elementary School.
Momentum Already in Motion
Our Community Is Already Showing Up
The vision is already becoming action. A grant made possible through the Charlotte Impact NOW! Initiative, a partnership for catalytic impact between the Elsa and Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation is supporting the Community School Coordinator position. Local businesses are also helping students begin the school year ready to learn.
Coordinator Position
Charlotte Impact NOW! initiative
Supporting the coordination at the heart of the model.
500 Water Bottles
HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital
250 Backpacks + Supplies
The Gasparilla Inn
Plus 40 boxes of clothing and essential school supplies.
Hygiene + School Supplies
Walmart Punta Gorda
These early investments demonstrate what is possible when our community works together—and create a foundation for even more partners to join us.
The Power of Partnership
Building Charlotte County's First Community School
See how United Way Charlotte County, Charlotte County Public Schools and Peace River Elementary are working together to bring this vision to life.
Peace River Is Where We Begin
Charlotte County's First Community School
Peace River Elementary School is where this vision begins. Together, we can build a model that strengthens students, families and our entire community for generations to come.