Nonprofit Spotlight: United Way of Tampa Bay

The United Way of Tampa Bay is a nonprofit organization that helps residents of Tampa Bay improve their communities and quality of life by addressing health and human service needs.

In July 2002, the United Ways of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties combined operations to better serve the Tampa Bay community. The new United Way of Tampa Bay currently funds more than 69 community partner agencies located throughout the two-county area. In its first year of operation, United Way-funded programs helped one out of every three people in Tampa Bay.

Patch recently talked to Doug Arnold, vice president of marketing and communications at UWTB, about why the organization is important and ways the community can get involved.

Patch: What does the United Way of Tampa Bay do?

Arnold: United Way of Tampa Bay is one of the longest and well-known nonprofit organizations creating and funding programs that help improve the lives of people throughout our region.  Our strategies are to help children and youth achieve their potential through education; assist families to improve their financial stability, enhance targeted neighborhoods – like Sulphur Springs in Tampa; and to partner with dozens of local agencies to provide a safety net for those homeless, hungry and hurting.  Our work touches hundreds of thousands of lives in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties and we like to say that when you reach out a hand to one, you influence the condition of all.

Patch: Why is the organization important for communities like Carrollwood and Northdale?

Arnold: The importance of the work we do is often very visible in work at Boys and Girls Clubs, the Y, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the 2-1-1 help line and other community agencies.  What is not often visible is the work being done for individuals and families – often in their homes, in clinics and in classrooms – where we are providing financial mentoring, services for seniors and the disabled, counseling for the abused and others in need.  Someone right down the street in Carrollwood, Northdale and throughout Hillsborough County is being helped each and every day through United Way support.

One of our top initiatives in 2011 is the “Raise Your Hand for Education” project.  We are asking everyone to step up and pledge their commitment to work toward achieving 90 by 19 – ninety percent high school graduation by 2019.  You can learn more about how you can help our children at www.UnitedWayTampaBay.org/education .

Patch: What is the purpose or mission of the organization?

Arnold: Our mission is to improve lives and create lasting community change by mobilizing the caring people of Tampa Bay.  We do this by helping build childhood literacy with our annual children’s book drive, we offer free tax preparation to thousands in need, we create and strengthen neighborhood resources and we help with food and shelter to those suffering.  This year, we have created a unique “virtual book drive” for kids where you can participate online.

Patch: How can people get involved if they want to volunteer?

Arnold: United Way of Tampa Bay offers the largest single volunteer operation – HandsOn Tampa Bay – placing qualified volunteers throughout Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.  This special division of United Way has been serving the community for more than 25 years. It matches individuals with numerous volunteer projects each and every month.  If you want to work with children, we can make that happen.  If you want to work with seniors, we have a match for that.  Volunteers are more motivated when they can be linked with their individual interest and passion.  Go to our website at www.UnitedWayTampaBay.org and click on VOLUNTEER at the top of the page to learn how to sign up.  We are always looking for new faces and hands.

Patch: What sets UWTB apart from other organizations?

Arnold: We believe we are the best way to do the most good, because we touch so many people who face so many challenges.  As well, we depend upon community volunteer leaders to help us focus on the important issues critical to the region. Corporate, government, and nonprofit leaders sit on our board plus many committees and advisory councils.  They guide and direct the work we do and oversee how we deploy services and allocations.  It is a united effort that brings together many voices of leadership to the day-to-day operation.