United Way of Marion County Launches New Strategic Framework for Enhanced Community Impact

OCALA, Fla. - EntSun -- United Way of Marion County is announcing its new strategic framework that focuses on community impact. The new infrastructure consists of a renewed focus on youth opportunity, financial security, healthy community and community resiliency. The framework was approved by UWMC's volunteer board of directors on June 24, 2026.

For over 65 years, UWMC has secured donations from community members, organizations and businesses, and invested dollars into programs that focused on education, financial stability and health. Now, the organization is moving to support the community through four pillars of success.

The youth opportunity pillar will include a $1 million investment from UWMC and focus on:
• $200,000 investment in Thrive Tutoring Program – Investing in tutoring services for students at Belleview Santos, College Park, East Marion, Harbour View, Legacy, Stanton-Weirsdale and Wyomina Park Elementary Schools.

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• ~$700,000 in grant funding from the University of Central Florida to Community Partnership Schools at College Park and East Marion Elementary Schools.

• ~$100,000 grant for ReadingPals, a program that supports early literacy and improves academic performance.

The financial security pillar will include a $500,000 investment which consists of:

• $100,000 investment in Champions for Employment, a program that aligns employers with individuals facing barriers to employment, in partnership with business communities.
• $300,000 investment in Strong Families, a program that addresses generational poverty and uplifts families.
• $100,000 grant for UWMC's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, a program that provides free income tax preparation.

The healthy community pillar will receive $200,000 investment from UWMC which will include:

• $100,000 investment in 2.4 Million Meals Campaign, a program in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank which provides 2.4 million meals to 48 food pantries countywide.
• $100,000 investment in Nourish Now Campaign, ensuring no seniors are left without food, in partnership with Marion Senior Services.

The community resiliency pillar will secure a $35,000 investment from UWMC and will focus on:

• Partnership with Marion County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management & Florida Department of Health in Marion County to create the Long-Term Recovery Group, which will steer disaster recovery efforts.

"United Way of Marion County's strategic framework will increase donor engagement, expand advocacy and build strategic partnerships to address our community's pressing issues," said UWMC President and CEO Robert Haight.

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About United Way of Marion County

United Way of Marion County mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. From supporting youth opportunities to addressing financial security, growing healthy communities and building community resiliency, we're working towards a brighter future for Marion County, Fla.

To learn more, visit https://www.uwmc.org/