Strong Families program graduates 42 in latest class

Scholarship recipient Ashley Todd, left, is shown with Strong Families Director Pebbles Vance and Christopher Knife, VP for Institutional Advancement and CEO of the College of Central Florida Foundation, during a recent celebration. [Photo courtesy United Way of Marion County]

Strong Families, a program sponsored by United Way of Marion County, Inc., which a goal of reducing generational poverty locally, is celebrating its 18th graduating class.

Participating families attend 15-week learning sessions, during which children work on improving their reading skills and success coaches work with the adults to attain their goals. Class 18 ran from Jan. 30 through a May 8 graduation ceremony.

Since its beginning in 2016, 500 people have graduated from the program. According to UWMC, 72% of participating families moved from temporary to permanent housing, 41% began advancing their education and earnings potential, 76% increased household income and 26% reduced the amount of their debt, according to a recent news release.

According to Robert “Bob” Haight, President/CEO of United Way of Marion County, two Strong Families graduates will receive awards annually based on candidate qualifications.

“The scholarship amount will vary depending on their enrollment in a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree program. The funds will be withdrawn from the United Way scholarship fund, established several years ago by donors,” Haight explained.

Strong Families graduates Ashley Todd and Michelle Haan recently were selected to receive scholarships.
According to materials provided by Haight, Todd is a young mother who “has shown remarkable resilience and determination in overcoming significant life challenges.”

“Having faced personal struggles, including the loss of her mother to alcoholism in 2021 and navigating legal issues, Ashley is committed to creating a brighter future for herself and her family. She recently achieved her GED and has been working part-time for nearly six months, marking her longest tenure in a job. This experience has allowed her to gain stability and build some savings. She has applied to the AA Arts program at CF and is eager to enter a physical therapy program. Despite facing setbacks in her applications for housing and parenting classes, she remains focused and determined to enhance her education and independence. We are inspired by Ashley’s journey and her commitment to personal growth and community betterment. We look forward to seeing what she accomplishes as she pursues her educational pursuits,” Haight wrote.

Haan is pursuing a business and organizational management degree, “driven by her passion for creating a business that supports and uplifts her community. Her commitment to furthering her education stems from her desire to build a better future for her family,” he noted.

“Michelle has achieved remarkable milestones, including securing a full-time job and receiving a raise within a month of employment. She purchased a vehicle and enrolled in phlebotomy courses, completing them in record time. Michelle’s journey has been marked by resilience and determination, making her an inspiring example of growth and ambition. We look forward to seeing her achieve her goals and positively impact the world,” Haight stated.

To learn about Strong Families and all of the other programs of United Way of Marion County, go to uwmc.org

From left, Robert Haight, President, United Way of Marion County; Pebbles Vance, Strong Families Director; scholarship recipient Michelle Haan; and Christopher Knife, VP for Institutional Advancement and CEO of the College of Central Florida Foundation. [Photo courtesy United Way of Marion County]