How local partnerships and thoughtful investments are creating opportunities for Charlotte County residents.
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer
One of the things I value most about my role at United Way Charlotte County is seeing what happens when a community decides to invest in its people.
Each year, the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners entrusts United Way Charlotte County with public dollars to support local nonprofit programs addressing some of the most important needs facing our community.
For 2026–2027, those investments are supporting programs across five priority areas: Basic Needs, Seniors, Educational Success, Financial Empowerment, and Communication & Navigation.
That responsibility is one I don't take lightly. Our job is not simply to distribute money, but to help ensure these resources support programs making a meaningful difference for Charlotte County residents.
That happens through a thoughtful Community Investment process, where local volunteers give their time to review applications, visit agencies, ask questions and carefully consider how these dollars can have the greatest impact. These panel volunteers show up for our community in an important way.
And our funded agencies show up, too.
This year, we are especially pleased to welcome several organizations into the BOCC-funded network, including Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity, the Children’s Advocacy Center, Girls on the Run, Catholic Charities and C.A.R.E. Childcare Center.
Each organization is doing something different.
Habitat for Humanity is helping individuals and families move toward greater housing stability.
The Children’s Advocacy Center provides critical support for children and families facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances.
Girls on the Run creates opportunities for girls to build confidence, connection and resilience.
Catholic Charities provides behavioral health support that can help individuals and families navigate challenges that affect their ability to thrive.
And C.A.R.E. Childcare Center provides something every working family needs: safe, dependable care for their children.
What I love about looking at these organizations together is that they remind us that community needs don’t exist in silos.
Housing affects employment. Childcare affects a parent’s ability to work. Mental health affects family stability. A child’s ability to learn is connected to whether that child feels safe, supported and cared for.
When we remove one barrier, we can create an opportunity for someone to move forward.
That is the purpose behind this work.
And it is why I believe so strongly in the power of people who are willing to show up —
organizations, funders, government partners, panel volunteers and community members coming together around the needs of our neighbors.
Over the next few weeks, I will share more about some of these programs and the people they serve.
Because behind every organization is a person. Behind every program is a story. And behind every investment is the possibility of a stronger future.
When we show up for people, we invest in the future of our entire community.
To learn more about our funded partners, please visit www.unitedwayccfl.org/fundedpartners
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.