Community Conversations:

We Asked, You Answered, We Listened

United Way of Broward County, the largest non-governmental funder of health and human services in the county, has been actively engaged in "turning outward," asking Broward County residents their aspirations for the community.

United Way of Broward County conducted dozens of focus groups called "Community Conversations," in which 300 Broward residents participated over the course of 10 months.

These Community Conversations were held to gain a better understanding of people's concerns, hopes and vision for the future of the community. The feedback received will help United Way better serve the community's greatest needs.

In the future, United Way will be conducting other targeted Community Conversations around specific issues impacting the quality of life in Broward County. If you have issues that you would like discussed in your community, please contact us at (954) 462-4850 ext. 130.

"We need to be a turning force to help each other. We need to step up and be leaders ourselves and not wait for things to be done for us," said one Community Conversation participant.

In all Community Conversations, across every demographic group, some common themes and issues surfaced. These overlying themes included inadequate:

• safety
• transportation
• after school/summer programs for youth
• child care
• sense of community

In addition, participants identified issues including an abundance of vacant buildings, veterans struggling to reintegrate into the community, seniors being underserved and the acculturation of immigrants.

As a result of gaining this important feedback, United Way of Broward County has developed an overview of current initiatives, as well as new solutions to these issues. To view the Community Conversations Final Report, click here.

While Community Conversation participants were evenly divided across all income levels, 53% were supported by more than one income. In addition, 50% were home owners, 40% were renters, and 10% were

in temporary or transitional housing.

A Sense of Community

To specifically help people reconnect with their communities, United Way is piloting an initiative to help neighborhoods explore ways to re-engage neighbors by hosting community-building events.

We also know from our community conversations, a large part of people's concerns and perceptions about not feeling safe is based on not knowing their neighbors. Helping people reconnect with their neighbors and taking pride in their community can help alleviate some of those fears and safety concerns.

United Way continues to listen to the hopes, concerns and solutions of the community. To support our work, learn more about our programs and initiatives, or find out how you can get involved, click here.

 

Night of Caring

sponsored by

Join United Way in honoring the

Night of Caring award recipients:

Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr.

"Lifetime of Caring" and

Publix Super Markets Inc.

"Leader in Caring"

Thursday, May 31

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Seminole Hard Rock

Hotel and Casino

For sponsorship and ticket information, click here or call 

(954) 462-4850 ext. 125 

Women's Leadership Council

Wine and Design

Wednesday, June 6

5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

AutoNation Academy of Art & Design

Museum of Art l Fort Lauderdale

For more info, contact kgoldman@unitedwaybroward.org or (954) 462-4850 ext. 117

South Florida Culture

"Miami used to be the melting pot... now Broward is," said one of the 300 Community Conversation participants. In order to gain accurate feedback representing the views of the entire community, we interviewed a diverse cross-section of residents.

Our participants ranged from Publix employees in Fort Lauderdale to senior citizen groups in Coral Springs; from women recovering from substance abuse addiction in southwest Broward to union members in Pompano; from an LGBT faith community in Wilton Manors to Haitian immigrants in Lauderdale Lakes; from major gift donors to low-income families we serve through our Center for Working Families.

Of the residents who participated in the Community Conversations, 45% identified as white, 25% as African American, 20% as Hispanic, and 10% as Caribbean.

Help United Way Continue to Make a Difference

United Way of Broward County is committed to mobilizing the resources of our community and finding common sense solutions to problems facing Broward County. Help us continue to achieve great work by making an online donation today. Click here.

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