VERO BEACH, July 7, 2025 – United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) has announced its FY 2025-2026 community investments totaling $1,528,036 in direct funding to local nonprofit organizations. Thirty-six partner agencies will deliver forty-nine programs across three key impact areas—Health ($615,960), Education ($501,550), and Financial Stability ($410,526)—to improve lives and strengthen support systems for Indian River County residents.
These investments, determined through United Way’s annual Community Investment Process, will fund programs from July 2025 through June 2026. The process engages nearly 100 trained community volunteers who serve on Citizens’ Review Panels, evaluating grant proposals and conducting site visits to ensure funds are used wisely and effectively.
“This is more than just funding programs—it’s about building a reliable, interconnected safety net,” said Brian McMahon, Ph.D., Community Impact Committee Chair and United Way Board Member. “When someone faces a crisis—whether it’s food insecurity, job loss, or mental health challenges—it’s rarely one-dimensional. United Way ensures our community has a full spectrum of services, so families aren’t just surviving—they’re finding a path forward.”
United Way’s work addresses the broad and interrelated needs of the community—knowing that housing, food access, early learning, job skills, and health services all play a role in long-term stability. One agency alone cannot provide all of these, but through a collaborative network of funded partners, families can receive holistic and coordinated care.
Without UWIRC’s support, vital services would be missing from our local safety net. For example:
- 24 survivors of home fires might not receive emergency assistance
- 532 children could go without dental care
- 871 individuals would lack access to nutritious food
- 139 home-delivered meals would not reach isolated seniors
Beyond immediate impact, many partner organizations rely on United Way funding to leverage federal, state, or private grant dollars. These allocations often serve as matching funds, making them essential to sustaining and expanding local services.
“A gift to United Way is a gift to the entire community,” said Meredith Egan, Chief Executive Officer. “Each dollar is stretched to do more because of our collaborative approach. When someone falls through the cracks, we want to make sure there’s not just a net—but a way out.”
Funded Partners and Programs
| Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County, Respite: Caring for the Caregiver |
| American Red Cross, South Florida Region, Home Fire Prevention & Emergency Assistance |
| Big Brothers, Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee Counties, Inc., Community Based Mentoring and Passport to Early LiteracyBoys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County, Project Learn |
| Camp Haven, Inc., Pathways to Financial Stability |
| Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Samaritan Center for Homeless Families |
| Childcare Resources of Indian River, Subsidized High Quality Childcare and Wellness & Early Intervention Program |
| Children’s Home Society of Florida, Treasure Coast Region, Dodgertown Elementary Community Partnership School |
| Crossover Mission, Accelerate My Potential (AMP) Program and Healthy Kids Program |
| Drug Abuse Treatment Association, Inc., Norman C. Hayslip Treatment Center, Fort Pierce and Outpatient Treatment Center |
| Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties, Inc., Strategies for Success in Early Learning ClassroomsEconomic Opportunities Council, Early Head Start |
| Gifford Youth Achievement Center, Inc., After School Education Program (ASEP) |
| Hibiscus Children’s Center, Inc., Career Pathways to Independence Program |
| Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, Inc., Healthy Families, Parents as Teachers, Babies and Beyond, and Nurse Family PartnershipIndian River Habitat for Humanity, Critical Home Repair Program |
| Literacy Services of Indian River County, Inc., Adult & Family Literacy |
| Mental Health Association in Indian River County, Walk-In & Counseling Center |
| Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County, Inc., McCabe Connections Center |
| Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Inc., Enhancing Early Learning and Family Support Services |
| SafeSpace, Inc., SafeSpace Domestic Violence Services |
| Senior Resource Association, Inc., DayAway Program, Senior Navigation Program, and Meals on Wheels/Emergency Meals on WheelsSunshine Physical Therapy, School Readiness through Occupational and Speech Therapies |
| The Arc of Indian River County, Behavioral Analysis Program and Supported Employment ProgramThe Hope for Families Center, Inc., Helping Homeless Families Achieve Success |
| The Learning Alliance, Inc., Moonshot Academy The Salvation Army, Homelessness Prevention and Social Services Program |
| Thrive, Prevention Works! and Recovery Works!Treasure Coast Community Health, Inc., Dental Services |
| Treasure Coast Food Bank, Inc., Mobile Pantry Treasure Coast Girls Coalition, Seeds of Change STEAM Pathway |
| Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc., Homeless Resource Center |
| United Against Poverty, Inc., Success Training for Employment Program (STEP) |
| Veterans Council of Indian River County, Inc., Veterans Case Management and Direct Aid |
| Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast, Telehealth: Chronic Disease Management Program |
| Youth Guidance Mentoring Program, The Mentoring Academy and Pre-Apprenticeship Program |
For more information about United Way of Indian River County’s impact or how to become involved in the Citizens’ Review Panel process, visit www.UnitedWayIRC.org or contact Deana Shatley at gro.CRIyaWdetinU@yeltahS.anaeD or (772) 567-8900 ext. 114.
These investments are made possible by the generosity of thousands of local donors and corporate partners through United Way’s annual community campaign. United Way is committed to serving as a strategic steward of these community dollars. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Indian River County. To make a donation, please click here.
About United Way of Indian River County
United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.
