By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer – United Way of Charlotte County
Every week, I meet people in Charlotte County who remind me why our work matters so deeply. A mom working two jobs who’s still one car repair away from crisis. A senior who simply wants to stay connected and independent. A young parent trying to build a stable future for their family. Their stories—our community’s stories—are exactly why United Way Charlotte County (UWCC) has embraced a renewed mission: mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive.
This isn’t just a slogan. It’s who we are, and who we’re determined to be.
Our mission aligns with a powerful moment for the United Way network nationwide. United Way Worldwide recently introduced a refreshed brand and theme—United We Thrive—a reminder that thriving doesn’t happen alone. It happens when communities show up for one another, roll up their sleeves, and choose to build something better together.
Here in Charlotte County, that belief has long been our foundation.
But to help people thrive, we must first understand the barriers they face. That’s where ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—comes in. ALICE represents families who are working hard, often in the jobs that keep our county running, yet still struggle to afford the basics: housing, childcare, transportation, and healthcare. More than 43 percent of households in our county fall into this category. That means nearly half of our neighbors are walking a tightrope, where one unexpected expense can unravel their stability.
When we talk about community impact, we’re talking about them.
Our vision is simple: every person deserves the chance to build a stable, hopeful future. To bring that to life, we focus on key priorities that support families, youth, and seniors in real and practical ways. Whether it’s helping parents strengthen financial stability, ensuring children have the tools to succeed, or creating meaningful ways for older adults to remain connected, each step strengthens the fabric of our county.
Three core areas guide this work: Family Empowerment - helping households gain the tools, skills, and confidence to build stronger financial futures; United at Work - partnering with local businesses to support employees, identify challenges early, and connect families to critical resources; and Ageless Engagement - ensuring seniors stay active, valued, and connected in every season of life.
But what truly sets UWCC apart is the way we bring people together. We are collaborators, conveners, and bridge-builders. We don’t just fund programs—we coordinate them, measure results, and unite nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, government agencies, and donors behind shared goals. When we do this work together, every dollar stretches further and every effort becomes more powerful.
In that spirit of connection, we’re excited to share our refreshed website—designed to make it easier to learn about our impact, find resources, volunteer, or get involved in ways that matter to you. In the coming year, this will become even more valuable as we incorporate our interactive calendar of events for local nonprofit partners and simpler ways to engage with volunteer opportunities.
Charlotte County is a place defined by resilience and heart. We’ve seen our community come together after storms, after hardships, and in moments of both need and celebration. It’s what gives me hope every single day.
As we look ahead, I invite you to join us. Volunteer. Lend your voice. Share your talents. Make a gift that fuels possibility. Together, we can build the kind of community where every person—not just some—has the opportunity to truly thrive.
To learn more or get involved, visit our refreshed website at unitedwayccfl.org.
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.