United Way of Northwest Florida

06/15/2026

Got a heart for community and a knack for getting things done?

We're hiring a VITA Program Specialist to help lead our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, connecting working families across Northwest Florida with free tax prep services that make a real difference.

If this sounds like you (or someone you know), click the link in the comments to apply, or tag them below!

06/13/2026

"I’m 82 years old and have walked with a cane for the last several years. For just as long, standing up has been a challenge. I used to wriggle and scoot to the edge of my seat, then slowly push myself up into a standing position.

This diabetes class has inspired me to move more than I have in over a decade. During the 8-week class, I gradually worked up to walking, with my cane, 20 minutes, four times a week. During TV commercial breaks, I make a point to at least stand up, and often I’ll do some of the leg exercises they taught us.

All of my friends have noticed the difference, and I’m proud of myself!"

With support from United Way, was able to give Sarah the tools she needed to work towards her goals.

06/12/2026

Imagine losing the comfort of having a place to call home.

Last month, 22.7% of the people who contacted 211 were experiencing homelessness. For many, that meant living with fear, uncertainty, and the constant stress of not knowing what tomorrow will bring.

No one deserves to feel alone during life’s hardest moments.

This is just one of the many needs 211 helps solve, and no matter what yours is, we’re here.

Call 211, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

06/11/2026

Five days later and we are still feeling the joy.

Play it Forward 2026 was something special and we are already counting down the days until we get to do it all over again.

Thank you to all the partners who made this possible!

See you in 2027.

06/10/2026

Parker Elementary School is a Title I school. For a lot of the kids who walk through those doors, school is more than just a place to learn. It is where they get food, clothing, and support they might not find anywhere else.

Last week, the community showed up to make sure that place feels like it belongs to them.

Volunteers from local businesses and organizations across Bay County spent the morning painting, landscaping, cleaning, and organizing, giving Parker Elementary a fresh look that students and staff can take pride in. WMBB News 13 was there to capture it all.

We are grateful to every single person who showed up today. This is exactly what the Day of Caring is all about.

Read the full story at the link below!

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Volunteers from the community and local businesses rolled up their sleeves Friday morning for what they called Bay Day of Caring. The crew descended on Parker Elemen…

06/10/2026

We are so proud of what our community built last Friday, and grateful that WJHG-TV was there to capture it.

Over 40 volunteers donated their Friday morning to paint, landscape, clean, and beautify the campus at Parker Elementary School, a community partnership school where kids with wide-ranging needs can get support right where they learn. That kind of place deserves a community that shows up for it, and Bay County absolutely did.

Thank you to every single volunteer, our partners at Children’s Home Society, and our incredible sponsor Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc. for making this Day of Caring possible. We are already so proud of what this community accomplished.

Read the full story from NewsChannel 7 at the link below!

Community volunteers spent their Friday morning beautifying the campus of Parker Elementary School as part of United Way’s Bay County Day of Caring.

06/09/2026

They say it better than we ever could. 🥹

Thank you to every family who came out to Play it Forward this year. Seeing these kids leave with gear in their hands and smiles on their faces is exactly why we do this every single year.

See you in 2027.

06/09/2026

We talk a lot about the equipment, but can we take a second to talk about our community partners?

Every organization that showed up Saturday with a game, a snack, a craft, or an activity did something really important. They made sure that every family who came through felt like they were part of a fun community day, because that is exactly what it was. These are organizations that are genuinely invested in the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of our kids, and it shows.

Thank you to:
Coastal Waste & Recycling
PanCare of Florida, Inc.
Win Within GTWTW
The United Hands Project
John Douglas Insurance & Financial Services
Skater's Choice
Bay County Public Library Foundation
Lynn Haven Police Department
Lynn Haven Fire Rescue
Bay Bounce & Party Supply, Inc.
Bay District Schools
Buffalo Rock Company

Play it Forward would not feel the way it feels without you. Thank you for showing up and pouring into these families!

06/08/2026

This year we were able to offer over $8,500 in brand new equipment thanks to DICK'S Sporting Goods, HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, and the The St. Joe Community Foundation, Inc.!

Equipment ranged across just about every sport you can think of: basketball, soccer, football, softball, baseball, golf, tennis, disc golf, skating, biking, volleyball, wiffleball, and even surfing. Our goal is simple: keep kids active and on the field, and these three made that possible in a big way.

Play it Forward continues to grow every single year, and that does not happen without sponsors who believe in what we are doing.

We are so grateful for the support and we cannot wait to see what next year looks like.

06/08/2026

A huge thank you to Buffalo Rock Company for being the presenting sponsor of Play it Forward 2026!

From keeping everyone cool and hydrated throughout the morning to making sure this event could happen at the scale it did, Buffalo Rock showed up for this community in a big way.

We are so grateful for your continued support and investment in the kids of Northwest Florida.