United Way of Northeast Florida is marking 100 years of service to the community this year, but the century-old nonprofit’s focus for 2025 is the youngest group of future philanthropists, 18 to 40-year-old professionals.
“The older generations have been the leaders for 30 or 40 years. It’s time to help the younger generation carry the torch forward,” said Patrick Moran, United Way of Northeast Florida vice president of philanthropy.
“Studies show that age group has a passion for giving back, but they live in a world that’s popcorn quick. They are action-oriented and they love innovation, but they are bombarded with messages. Open your email or social media and you’ll find another opportunity to get involved,” Moran said.
To provide an avenue for young professionals to become involved in the community, United Way is reviving its Atlantic Circle group for 2025.
Donors to United Way can opt-in to Atlantic Circle with a $500 or more annual gift.
“It’s a hub for collaboration and impact. That generation is what I call ‘rising philanthropists.’ They are at the beginning of their careers and deeply interested in building a community of hope and opportunity,” Moran said.
Before the coronavirus pandemic began, Atlantic Circle had more than 1,000 members, but the lockdowns and social distancing made it impossible for the group to continue its activities.
“We recruit mostly at workplaces. It’s a way to network with peers along with leadership development and an education about the most pressing needs in the community,” Moran said.
The group has rebounded to close to 200 members, led by Atlantic Circle Chair Eustachius Roberts.
The Community Engagement Leader at Thrivent Financial Services, Roberts said he, like many young professionals, found himself in a pattern of going to work and coming home. Involvement with Atlantic Circle is a way to enter what Roberts calls the “third space.”
“People have a passion to give, but they may not know about opportunities. Atlantic Circle puts them in that space with like-minded young professionals,” Roberts said.
He also is a member of the Stein Fellowship program, established at United Way by David and Linda Stein.
Each fall, the selection process identifies rising community leaders. When chosen, each fellow serves as a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor throughout the academic year. Additionally, a member of United Way’s Tocqueville Society is paired with each Stein fellow, fostering professional skills and nurturing relationships.
“It’s an awesome opportunity,” Roberts said.
Moran said one of United Way’s greatest needs in 2025 is addressing the needs of what the nonprofit calls the “ALICE” population.
“It stands for asset-limited, income-constrained but employed,” Moran said.
The group comprises people who work every day, but because of the type of job they have and the wage they earn, they have trouble covering basic living expenses.
Moran said that combining members of the community that live in poverty with the ALICE group represents close to 40% of Northeast Florida’s residents.
“When you can’t make ends meet, it is difficult to have a life of meaning, value and purpose,” he said.
Services available include United Way 211, an informational and referral telephone service that provides callers with information on free available community resources such as Ride United transportation assistance, meal delivery and crisis/suicide intervention.
Mission United offers specialized care coordination that can help active military, veterans and their families understand their benefits and navigate community resources.
United Way also can guide residents in need to the First Coast Relief Fund, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and JEA’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor program for help paying utility bills.
“We have a beautiful community, but we have some issues we need to work on,” Moran said.
Visit tinyurl.com/yd7b7rbu for details about Atlantic Circle and tinyurl.com/44rm947c for more information about the Stein Fellowship program.