Peace River Elementary School A United Way Community School
Charlotte County's first Community School is launching at Peace River Elementary—bringing the school, families and community partners together through one coordinated system of support. By building on the resources already available and creating stronger connections to the broader community, the Community School will help students, families and staff find the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
Support Centered Around the School
Building on What Already Exists
Peace River Elementary already provides important support beyond the classroom. The Community School model will strengthen that foundation by making resources easier to coordinate, access and expand.
Currently at Peace River
- School-Based Mental Health Team Supporting students' emotional and behavioral well-being.
- Food Pantry and Backpack Kidz Helping students and families access nutritious food.
- Student Uniform Closet Helping students arrive prepared and ready to learn.
United Way Connections
A Trusted Guide for Families
Meet Families Where They Are
A full-time Community School Coordinator will be based at Peace River Elementary, giving families one trusted person they can turn to when they need support.
The Coordinator will listen, help identify a family's needs and connect them with appropriate school and community resources. Families will not have to know which organization to call or navigate multiple systems alone—the Coordinator will help guide them through the process and follow up along the way.
One trusted connection can open the door to a whole community of support.
Built Through Collaboration
Three Organizations. One Shared Commitment.
Peace River Elementary's Community School is a collaboration between United Way Charlotte County, Charlotte County Public Schools and Peace River Elementary School—working together to connect students and families with coordinated support.
Momentum Already in Motion
Our Community Is Already Showing Up
The vision is already becoming action. A grant made possible through the Charlotte Impact NOW! Initiative, a partnership between the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation, is supporting the Community School Coordinator position. Local businesses are also helping students begin the school year ready to learn.
Coordinator Position
Charlotte Impact NOW! Initiative
Supporting the coordination at the heart of the model.
500 Water Bottles
HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital
250 Backpacks + Supplies
The Gasparilla Inn
Plus 40 boxes of clothing and essential school supplies.
Hygiene + School Supplies
Walmart Punta Gorda
These early investments demonstrate what is possible when our community works together—and create a foundation for even more partners to join us.
Looking Ahead
Growing With Peace River
The Peace River Elementary Community School will continue to grow in response to the voices of students, families and school staff. As needs are identified and partnerships deepen, new resources, opportunities and connections can be added—creating a stronger, more responsive system of support around the entire school community.
The vision is not a fixed list of programs. It is a school community that listens, adapts and grows together.
Be Part of What Comes Next
Help Peace River Students and Families Thrive
Your time, resources and partnership can help strengthen the Community School and expand what is possible for the entire Peace River community.