Our History

The United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. (UFCF) was founded in 2014 by a group of passionate community leaders who shared one vision — to empower youth and families in underserved communities through education, mentorship, and opportunity. What began as a small, grassroots effort in Pine Hills has evolved into a globally minded organization driving measurable transformation through early intervention, education, and empowerment.

UFCF’s early years were grounded in the belief that sustainable change begins with prevention and holistic support. In 2014, the organization hosted its inaugural Red Carpet Evening Under the Stars Fundraising Gala, marking the start of its mission to uplift families. By 2015, UFCF launched the Freshman Success Mentoring Program at Maynard Evans High School to help students transition smoothly into high school. The following year, UFCF partnered with The Braswell Group, LLC, and Evans High School to introduce the Honoring Our Heroes Program and assumed leadership of the Youth Empowerment Program, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for youth development and community advancement.

In 2017, the Youth Empowerment Program evolved into the Future Leaders United (FLU) After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program. What began with seven students grew to 60 participants in its first year, becoming the largest and most impactful after-school initiative at Evans High School. That same year, UFCF awarded its first $11,000 in scholarships to 19 graduating seniors. Over the next two years, the program expanded rapidly—graduating dozens of students annually and launching mentoring initiatives in elementary and middle schools such as the G.I.R.L.S. Mentoring Group at Ridgewood Park Elementary. By 2019, UFCF had awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships and celebrated its 5th Anniversary as a leader in community engagement.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, UFCF swiftly mobilized to address the urgent needs of families across Central Florida. Through its Weekly Food Distribution Program, the organization provided food assistance to more than 20,000 families and 100,000 individuals in its first year. In 2021, UFCF opened its first Community Solutions Center & Headquarters, solidifying its physical presence in the region. By year’s end, UFCF had delivered over one million meals to families and surpassed $111,000 in total scholarships awarded.

Between 2022 and 2024, UFCF achieved record-breaking growth and measurable results. The foundation distributed over 7.3 million pounds of food, equivalent to 6.1 million meals, and awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships to local students. Its holistic approach to youth and family empowerment helped reduce crime in Pine Hills by 46% and raise the graduation rate at Maynard Evans High School from 42% to 97%. The launch of the Pine Hills Program, modeled after the successful Tangelo Park initiative, further integrated neighborhood revitalization, educational advancement, and family stability.

As of October 2025, UFCF has become one of Central Florida’s most impactful nonprofit organizations, with a total economic impact of $45 million across the region. The foundation has delivered 300,000 hours of service and programming, provided $500,000 in educational scholarships to Future Leaders United graduates, granted $60,000 in alumni support to help former students persist through college, and distributed 15 million pounds of food — equivalent to 12.5 million meals — serving more than 500,000 families.

Through these combined efforts, UFCF has mentored and graduated over 300 youth from its FLU Program, with 288 continuing to higher education, 10 entering military service, and 2 pursuing vocational or trade careers. Outside of the FLU Program, UFCF has mentored over 3,000 students across the Central Florida Region. Supported by its Board of Directors, staff, alumni, and more than 20 partner organizations, UFCF continues to empower individuals and families through education, workforce development, health and wellness, and community engagement.

Today, UFCF proudly serves residents of Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Polk Counties. Its core program areas include prevention and intervention, education and youth development, career preparedness and workforce training, health and wellness counseling, and food distribution. Under the visionary leadership of Sandra Fatmi-Hall, CEO and Executive Director, the United Foundation of Central Florida remains steadfast in its mission — empowering communities one family at a time, globally.