The lasting impact of listening, participating, and making room for others to lead
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer
Sometimes the most meaningful impact of our work isn't measured by the number of meetings held, workshops offered, or people served. It's found in the ideas that take root, relationships that develop, and people who discover their voices can make a difference.
That has been one of the greatest lessons of United Way Charlotte County's Parent Advisory Council (PAC).
Now completing its second year of support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, this work has created opportunities for parents to share experiences, learn from one another, and help shape solutions to challenges facing families.
I've come to appreciate that these conversations often reach much further than we initially imagine.
One of our inaugural PAC members passed away following the council’s first year, but her contributions continue to make a difference. During her involvement, she shared the challenges families face when choosing between basic needs and extracurricular opportunities for their children. Leadership Charlotte’s Class of 2025 carried that idea forward, selecting it as their legacy project and helping bring the Children’s Enrichment Fund to life.
Today, the fund is housed at United Way Charlotte County and helps children participate in enrichment experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.
Something that began as one parent's idea has grown into an opportunity for so many children – 166 in its first year. It is a beautiful reminder that we never know where one conversation or person's willingness to speak up might lead. Her voice helped create something that will continue long after her time with us.
This year, we have another example of that influence in Kaitlin Priday.
Kaitlin initially joined the PAC to contribute her perspective as a parent with children at Peace River Elementary. Through her involvement, she became more engaged in community conversations and grew into a leadership role. She brought valuable insight and thoughtful perspective while also representing Publix and its strong community partnership. Today, she serves on the steering committee for United Way's Community School initiative at Peace River Elementary, helping guide an effort to connect students, families, and school staff with needed resources and support.
Her journey is exactly what we hope to see: parents moving beyond participating in conversations to becoming partners in shaping decisions that affect their families and community.
Through family and staff needs assessments, we have heard directly from those we will serve at the Community School about challenges they face, including knowing where to turn for help and the value of having someone at school who can connect families with resources. This feedback helps inform the initiative's direction and priorities.
As I reflect on these two stories, I see both the lasting impact of an idea and the promise of someone stepping forward to lead. Both began with an opportunity to be heard and a willingness to contribute.
I am grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for its continued investment, and especially to the parents who have shared their experiences, offered their ideas, and reminded us why listening matters.
When we make room for people to have a voice, we may be doing much more than addressing today's challenges. We may be helping create the ideas, leaders, and legacies that will shape tomorrow.
Our work doesn't stop here. We hope to continue creating opportunities for parents and families to help shape what happens at Peace River Elementary. If you are interested in getting involved, sharing an idea, or learning more about the Community School initiative, connect with us here www.unitedwayccfl.org/PRES. Stronger schools and stronger families start with a community willing to come together.
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.