United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has added to its services in Fort Myers at its three Community Partnership Schools.
The three United Way Community Partnership Schools, established in 2020 at Franklin Park Elementary School, 2021 at Fort Myers Middle School, and 2023 at Colonial Elementary School, serve a unique role in the community. Each location offers students and their families, school faculty, and residents of the surrounding neighborhoods convenient access to services including, but not limited to, a food pantry, information and referrals, a school-based pediatric clinic, educational support, and health and wellness programs.
Because of the existing services and relationships, the Community Partnership Schools were designated as United Way Resiliency Hubs. As Resiliency Hubs that serve both the schools and surrounding communities, the locations provide additional services like job skills training along with food and supply distributions in times of crisis amongst other services.
“The United Way Community Partnership Schools have been a tremendous source of assistance for families in the community,” said Madison Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Disaster Response at United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. “Becoming a United Way Resiliency Hub will allow staff to access additional training throughout the year and resources during times of community disaster.”
There are 21 United Way Resiliency Hubs in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties that all provide social services to neighborhood residents. Now part of a network of United Way Resiliency Hubs across the three counties, the newly designated centers are located at:
- Franklin Park Elementary School – 2330 Henderson Ave., Fort Myers
- Fort Myers Middle School – 3050 Central Ave., Fort Myers
- Colonial Elementary School – 3800 Schoolhouse Road E., Fort Myers
These locations will continue to operate using the four key pillars of United Way Community Partnership Schools. Those pillars are expanded learning, wellness supports, family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership. These schools aim to remove barriers like hunger, poverty, limited health care, and educational gaps, challenges identified by the community itself. By improving access to essential resources for students, families and staff, the schools work to boost student success and overall well-being in the community. Having the hubs in the schools offers a trusted environment where families can feel comfortable asking for assistance.
For a full list of United Way Resiliency Hub locations, please visit UnitedWayLee.org/United-Way-Resiliency-Hubs or call 211 (just dial 211 or 239-433-3900).
About United Way
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed more than $243 million since its establishment in 1957, with all funds staying local to support a vast network of partner agencies and community programs. Together, we serve the community by nurturing youth, strengthening families, helping the elderly and disabled live independently, and empowering neighborhoods by delivering essential health and human services. Visit UnitedWayLee.org to learn more.
