United Way of Broward County Celebrates Volunteer Heroes at Annual Appreciation Breakfast

United Way of Broward County held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in the Mary Porter Ballroom. The event honored the tireless efforts of countless volunteers who have generously donated their time throughout the year to support the community.

Tom Watson, Dr. Howard Hepburn, Maria Hernandez, Dr. Lori Canning, Emilia Vilaire-Monchery and Wanda Robinson

The breakfast celebrated volunteers from some of United Way of Broward County's largest and most impactful initiatives: ReadingPals, Project Empower and Community Partnership School.

ReadingPals is an early learning literacy initiative where mentors are carefully screened, trained and then deployed into schools to read to a child for one hour a week over 29 weeks, significantly enhancing the child’s reading skills. To date, over 2500 Broward County Elementary school students have been served through United Way of Broward County’s ReadingPals program.

Chief Constance Stanley, Maurice Screen, Juliet Murphy-Roulhac, and Maria Hernandez

Project Empower is a collaborative program between Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and United Way of Broward County, focusing on building trust and positive relationships between law enforcement officers and youth. Project EmPOWER has involved over 1,500 youth and 6 different Law Enforcement agencies. This year more than 50 activities were completed.

Community Partnership School and Family Stability Program aims to improve the success of students, families and their community through on-site collaborations at neighborhood schools, such as Gulfstream Academy. CPS has impacted more than 2,300 students and families in 3 Hallandale Beach schools.

Valarie McQueen Johnson, Bonnie Maya, Kenny Cohan, and Dante Pitts

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Maria Hernandez, Chief Program Officer for United Way of Broward County. Attendees were then inspired by a thoughtful keynote address from Juliette Murphy Roulhac, Director of Broward-SW External Affairs & Corporate Philanthropy for FPL. The celebration also featured a heartwarming performance by students from the Jack and Jill Children’s Center and concluded with an exciting raffle enjoyed by all.

"We are immensely grateful for the dedication and passion of our volunteers," said Maria Hernandez. "Their commitment to our initiatives makes a significant difference in the lives of so many in our community. Today, we honor their contributions and celebrate the positive impact they have made."

Cynthia Tapia-Rodriguez, Donald Rufus-Raphael, and Diana Cabot

This year, more than 350 volunteers have participated in United Way of Broward County programs.

For more information about United Way of Broward County and its volunteer programs, please visit www.unitedwaybroward.org.

About United Way of Broward County

United Way of Broward County is a volunteer-driven, community-based, non-profit organization serving Broward County for more than 85 years. United Way of Broward County fights for the Health, Education and Financial Prosperity of EVERY person in our community. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.

By ML Staff. Images couresty of United Way of Broward County