Help Make this the Season of Sharing for Charlotte County
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director - United Way of Charlotte County
In life, unexpected things can send a curveball our way. Think of that time when it happened to you. Through no fault of your own and in spite of the day-to-day grind of work, home, school, family, it happened.
As the director of the United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC), I’ve witnessed how a single moment can completely disrupt a life, personally for me and professionally through my career. Whether it’s a hurricane, family emergency or an unexpected job loss – these events can really turn things upside down, especially when it comes to finances.
Here’s the catch - just as unfortunate events can trigger financial crises, ONE act of giving can turn things for the better. That’s why the Community Foundation of Sarasota’s Season of Sharing (SOS) campaign is so important and why your donations matter.
For over twenty years, UWCC has played a pivotal role as a fiscal agent for the Community Foundation of Sarasota’s Season of Sharing (SOS) grant. Annually from November to January 31, the Community Foundation of Sarasota collects donations from Sarasota, DeSoto, Manatee and Charlotte counties, totaling nearly 4 million last year. Donations pour in from all over these four counties, with a large number coming in from other counties to help our county.
This is my ask of you. Can we in Charlotte County show our gratitude for all the years we have been so fortunate to receive these funds? Your contribution directly impacts the lives of those in need, with 100 percent of it going to help those in need. For each $500,000 raised by the Community Foundation of Sarasota by Jan 31, 2024, the Patterson Foundation will match it with $100,000.
This fund serves as a TRUE lifeline, providing one-time emergency financial assistance to families and individuals in need, many
who've faced heightened challenges since Hurricane Ian. As the sole fiscal agent in Charlotte County, it is the responsibility of UWCC to manage all incoming funding and training of local case managers, including dedicated volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), to compassionately facilitate the application process for our hardworking neighbors. Tom McDonough, Vice President of SVdP Sacred Heart Conference, shared that “It’s all about providing Help and Hope, and how we all work together, providing both, to those in need.”
Since its inception in 2000, SOS has invested in more than 50,000 individuals and families across the region, making a way for neighbors to help neighbors. Across Charlotte County, I have seen the difference this one-time boost can make. From November 2022 to October 2023, UWCC was able to issue checks totaling a staggering $913,948 spread amongst 632 households. At one point in the year, we were processing an incredible $100,000 a month in assistance. This would not be possible without these generous donations.
Loss of income and health issues are among the top reasons listed by SOS applicants. From a couple forced to live in their car after a new landlord doubled the rent, to a family of five impacted by decreased hours and lost wages, SOS has helped countless Charlotte County households, aiding them in regaining stability. These stories reflect the struggles of everyday individuals facing unexpected challenges. SOS becomes their lifeline, offering more than financial aid—it's a chance for these families to reclaim their footing, rebuild shattered hopes, and restore their sense of self-worth. Your generosity doesn't merely cover bills; it transforms tales of despair into narratives of community support and upliftment.
I want to encourage you to give to Season of Sharing this year because we are witnessing its profound impact on our community. Let's unite as Charlotte County residents, intensify our support, and amplify the reach of this campaign that has truly blessed numerous residents. Your participation can make a substantial difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Truly, seeing the impact of SOS has been one of the most rewarding things I do, to be a conduit to helping people living and working in Charlotte County when they need it most. Will you join us by making a donation today?
For more information or to donate to the Season of Sharing Fund for Charlotte County, please visit unitedwayccfl.org/sos
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.