United Way Charlotte County and Charlotte Community Foundation's Collaborative Approach
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
Have you ever met someone and instantly felt a sense of connection, knowing that this was a person who would leave a lasting impact on you? That is exactly how I felt the first time I met Dr. Shelley Strickland, the CEO at the Charlotte Community Foundation (CCF).
I will be honest I stalked her LinkedIn page when the hiring announcement was made! We soon came to realize that we had both worked in the Atlanta area during the same period. From our first lunch together soon after her arrival in Charlotte County, to our regular monthly meetings, I have thoroughly appreciated getting to know Shelley. Her passion for community shines through in every conversation, and her wisdom and vision for leading a community foundation are nothing short of inspiring.
In August, we took our collaboration to new heights when a long-awaited Board and Staff social took place at CCF. It was more than just an event – it was a meaningful opportunity to bring together board members and staff from both organizations, deepening the bonds between the United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC) and CCF as we work side by side to support local nonprofits and promote community well-being.
That evening, we engaged in meaningful heartfelt discussions, asking each other thought-provoking questions about our missions and what drives our work in Charlotte County. Each attendee was asked to introduce themselves with a single word that captured their true reason for being part of UWCC or CCF. Words like “Impact, Cooperation, Community, Hope, Caring, Sustainable, and Elevate” filled the room. These words didn’t just describe what we do; they captured the heart and soul of our shared purpose.
As we shared our personal “why” for being a part of these organizations, the emotional energy in the room deepened. It was uplifting to hear the common threads that emerged—a shared dedication to the people of Charlotte County, a passion for making a meaningful impact, and a firm belief in the strength of community. It was a beautiful reminder that we are not simply two organizations; we are a united community of hearts, working together to lift each other up.
It truly is awe inspiring to think of what can be accomplished when we come together. Whether it’s combining resources, navigating disaster recovery, strengthening nonprofit and board capacity, or maximizing impact while also reducing duplication of efforts, collaboration opens the doors to endless possibilities.
We are fortunate to have Shelley, whose extensive experience working with United Way in her previous communities makes collaboration second nature to her. The CCF board made an outstanding choice in bringing her on board, and our community is better for it.
This ongoing partnership ensures that nonprofits can continue their #gamechanging work, and that the broader community benefits from well-aligned investments and impactful outcomes.
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.