2024 Was A Doozy
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
As we began 2024, my heart was solidly placed on the streets of Italy, realizing a long-held dream with our daughter. Seeing her wonder at the sights, smells, movement on the streets, history – all of it was a gift. A year later, I am still listening (my word for 2024) to her heart and dreams of being a world traveler. My momma self is so full of love for this girl who just turned 18 and is ready to fly to greater sights.
Heading into 2025, I’m preparing with moments of reflection not only of my family, but my work with United Way Charlotte County (UWCC). In fact, being one who wants to listen to her staff, we discussed what this column topic should be. They wanted to meaningfully recap the year because let’s face it, it was a doozy.
So many moments come to mind. Intentionality was the name of the game as we started the year. Events were set, staff in place and we were ready. For some time, the goal has been to ensure we are listening to our clients, those we serve. In abundance, this has happened – through the United at Work initiative, the struggles our workforce faces making a living, having a home, nurturing their family. The parents we serve in the Kids Thrive circle have grown to a broader group with our Parent Advisory Council – to really understand what kind of community they desire.
Through the UWCC focus on Ageless Engagement, we recognize seniors are facing isolation, a lack of resources and caregivers navigating the challenges of an aging population. In general, there are many in Charlotte County who are looking for a way and place to engage. We have been blown away by the response to those looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities. Stories of widowers just wanting to be out of the house after a year of loneliness sit in our hearts and drive our work every day.
One thing clear to our staff and board -- navigating and accessing resources, mobilizing our community will continue to be the work we need to be focused on. Post-disaster, being prepared, knowing our role and activating immediately to get resources out is critical. Listening to other United Way leaders across the state, the role of disaster response will not go away, thus we must ensure our capacity to be excellent as we serve the community in this way.
Gifts from this past year as described by the team really share the story.
- Coming together as a family, the staff have become stronger as a unit and it has become visible to those on the outside.
- We shoot for the stars in everything we do and learn from our mistakes.
- A community Impact process with tech savvy offerings.
- Chance encounters with people who left lasting impressions.
- Small, beautiful moments remind us of the magic of life.
- Trusting that sometimes the best things happen when we are not trying so hard to make them happen.
- Serendipity reminds us to stay open to the surprises life offers.
- We stayed strong and worked together after the hurricanes.
- Many say you have a work family, and we truly do, everyone cares and loves our work, our clients, our volunteers, our donors, our community, and one another unconditionally.
For more information about engaging with us in 2025 or learning about our impact, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/2024Recap
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.