How Motherhood Shapes the Work of UWCC
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer
At United Way Charlotte County (UWCC), our work is rooted in compassion, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. This month, we are proud to welcome two incredible new team members: Belinda Campbell, Development and Communications Coordinator, and Lisa Sunday, Director of Finance and Operations. Both bring valuable experience, fresh perspectives, and a passion for helping our community thrive.
Their arrival also highlights something special about UWCC—every member of our staff is a mother.
Motherhood teaches patience, adaptability, empathy, and the importance of showing up every day with care and determination. Those lessons naturally shape the way we serve our community. We understand the value of strong support systems and the opportunities families need to succeed.
When I asked our team what motherhood means to them, they shared:
“Motherhood has taught me that each of my three children is uniquely their own, with different needs and goals. I strive to instill in them the values of giving, responsibility, respect, and caring for others—principles that guide both my family and my work in serving our community.” — Kristen Szych
“Being responsible for more than yourself means your actions can have an impact on the whole community.” — Lisa Sunday
“Motherhood is, without a doubt, the most meaningful responsibility I have, it’s the best and the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And I believe that when we show up for our kids and our community, through work or volunteering, we’re making the future just a little bit better for the next generation.” — Jen Martin
“Showing up, giving love and support while also slowly teaching them to fly on their own is the delicate balance of motherhood.” — Belinda Campbell
“Motherhood reminds me every day that my kids are watching more than they’re listening. It’s not about what I say—it’s how I show up.” — Stephanie Lucy
“It’s such a sacred blessing being a mother and being able to experience the pure love and joy of raising a child! Motherhood has taught me a whole other level of love, patience, and selflessness that I never knew existed and I continue to learn so much through the journey.” — Danya Larotta
“Motherhood is my anchor—it keeps me grounded when everything feels like a lot. Being a mom changed how I show up. I lead with more heart, listen differently, and care more deeply.” — Janine Silvaroli
Having just brought my daughter home from her freshman year of college—a year where worry often felt like my middle name—I realize over and over that motherhood is not about perfection or controlling outcomes. It is the long, faithful work of building guard rails—integrity, honesty, love, accountability, compassion—and then walking inside those same guard rails myself. Children eventually see through our words. What stays with them is consistency. They remember the example they lived beside.
These reflections are a reminder that motherhood brings perspective, empathy, and purpose into everything we do. Programs like United at Work, Family Empowerment, and Ageless Engagement strengthen individuals and families across our community. The work we do is personal, and it is driven by a team that understands the real-life challenges many are facing.
As we continue this work, we are grateful—for our team, the community, and for the shared experiences that connect us all.
This Mother’s Day, we honor mothers everywhere for their strength, love, and dedication. If you feel inspired to make a difference, we invite you to support the families we serve in Charlotte County. You can make a gift in honor or memory of your mother—or a woman who has inspired you—and help provide critical resources, stability, and hope for brighter futures.
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, at 941-627-3539 or director@unitedwayccfl.org.