Standing Up For Our Neighbors
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer
Last week, I traveled to Tallahassee for United Way Florida Capitol Days and in serving in my role on the United Way Florida Board of Directors, where we heard from leaders across all branches of government—each offering perspective shaped by responsibility, service, and accountability.
When we show up at the Capitol, we are not just talking about line items—we are standing up for our neighbors.
That truth was woven through every conversation. Regardless of title, affiliation, or role, the focus returned to the same grounding question: What do our people need, and how do we remove the barriers standing in their way?
The issues discussed were broad and urgent—food insecurity, mental health, childcare, veterans, disaster response, access to medical and dental care, reading readiness, and free tax preparation assistance. None of these were treated as abstract policy debates. They were spoken about as lived realities, experienced daily by families across Florida.
A unifying lens in these conversations was ALICE—those who are working, often multiple jobs, yet still struggling to make ends meet. The math simply does not add up. Housing costs rise faster than wages. Childcare is out of reach. One unexpected expense can unravel everything. And yet, these are the very people who lift up and stabilize 
our communities every day.
One speaker shared a phrase that stayed with me: “We sit in the shade of trees others planted.” It was a powerful reminder that the decisions made today shape the lives of future children and leaders. This is not short-term work. It is legacy work.
What struck me most was the seriousness with which this responsibility is held. Leaders spoke candidly about accountability—the weight of decision-making and the obligation to steward limited resources wisely when needs continue to outpace funding. A recurring question surfaced: What is the core function of government when the needs are greater than the resources available?
Across a bipartisan lens, many shared their personal paths to service—beginning in their local communities and evolving into public leadership. One representative spoke of remaining in the legislature to model the importance of service for her children. Another noted that when he looks across Florida at what is being done well, efficiently, and effectively, United Way is often the organization leading the way. Hearing that was deeply affirming. That trust matters—not only for the people we serve, but also from a legislative perspective seeking confidence in solutions that work.
From a local standpoint, I felt proud seeing so many organizations from Charlotte County present at the Capitol. In every corner, familiar faces were advocating on behalf of our neighbors. It was a powerful reminder that local voices matter—and that when communities show up together, the impact is stronger.
In the end, what stayed with me most was this: no matter the affiliation, the focus remained on people—what they need, how to make fiscally sound decisions, and how to ensure Florida remains a place where families can not only survive, but thrive for generations to come.
Policy gives us the framework.
People give us the reason.
Purpose reminds us why showing up matters.
And when we show up together, we are doing more than shaping policy—we are standing up for our neighbors.
If you would like to engage in the work of your local United Way, we have lots of options for you. Please visit our website at unitedwayccfl.org/purpose.
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.