Laurie George
Nonprofit
There are 84,000 veterans in Palm Beach County and many of them may not be getting the services they need to thrive after completing military service. However, United Way of Palm Beach County is hoping to change that.
The nonprofit organization, which invests in 110 programs and initiatives in Palm Beach County to ensure everyone has access to the basics, is ramping up efforts around its MISSION UNITED initiative. The program helps veterans and their families connect with support services such as assistance with housing, employment, education, healthcare, mental health counseling and legal assistance.
For United Way of Palm Beach County President and CEO Laurie George, the initiative is personal.
“My son joined the United States Marine Corps two years ago, he is active service and it’s given me a whole new perspective. It fueled my passion for helping service members and their families,” says George, who has been leading the local United Way’s efforts since 2013 and has been with the organization for 23 years.
MISSION UNITED gives veterans a place to turn with special access through the 211 Helpline. Calls are free, confidential and available 24/7. A case manager with a local veterans’ organization contracted through United Way helps veterans and their families find the assistance they need no matter how long the veteran has been out of the service.
United Way convened an Advisory Council made up of veterans, nonprofits, businesses and government entities. They are instrumental in helping implement a three-pronged strategic plan over five years, which will develop stronger cross-system collaboration, enhance navigation and services supports and grow capacity for nonprofit organizations across Palm Beach County serving veterans and their families.
“We used some of the MacKenzie Scott funds we received last year to launch MISSION UNITED, and we are currently on track to have conversations with corporations and individuals who may be interested in matching these funds to help our veteran population,” shared George.
“It’s connecting the different resources through a coordinated case management effort,” says George. “Veterans deserve to be self-sufficient and have a smooth path into civilian life.”
United Way of Palm Beach County, 477 S. Rosemary Ave., Ste. 230, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, 561-375-6600, unitedwaypbc.org
Wonder Women Special Advertising Section