Our History
A Purpose Built by People With Passion.
Since 2014, the United Foundation of Central Florida has grown from a grassroots vision in Pine Hills into a community-rooted organization advancing education, mentorship, family stability, food access, workforce development, and opportunity throughout Central Florida.
Where It Began
One shared vision became a growing movement for opportunity.
UFCF was founded in 2014 by a group of passionate community leaders who believed sustainable community change begins with early intervention, prevention, education, mentorship, and holistic family support.
From the beginning, the goal was larger than creating individual programs. UFCF sought to build pathways that would help young people succeed, strengthen families, and connect underserved communities to resources capable of creating lasting transformation.
The principles that shaped UFCF in 2014 continue to guide the organization today.
Our Journey
More than a decade of service, growth, and transformation.
The Beginning
United Foundation of Central Florida is founded.
UFCF begins as a grassroots organization in Pine Hills with a mission centered on empowering youth and families through education, mentorship, opportunity, and early intervention.
The organization hosts its inaugural Red Carpet Evening Under the Stars Fundraising Gala, helping establish the foundation for its community work.
Youth Mentorship Takes Root
UFCF expands directly into schools.
In 2015, UFCF launches the Freshman Success Mentoring Program at Maynard Evans High School to support students transitioning into high school.
The following year, UFCF partners with The Braswell Group, LLC and Evans High School to introduce the Honoring Our Heroes Program and assumes leadership of the Youth Empowerment Program.
A Growing Legacy
What started with mentorship became a pathway to leadership.
Future Leaders United
A signature program is born.
The Youth Empowerment Program evolves into the Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program.
What begins with seven students grows to approximately 60 participants during its first year, establishing FLU as a major student enrichment and mentoring initiative at Evans High School.
Expanding the Reach
Mentorship extends across more schools and age groups.
UFCF continues expanding youth development and mentoring programs, including initiatives such as the G.I.R.L.S. Mentoring Group at Ridgewood Park Elementary.
By its fifth anniversary, UFCF had awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships and was continuing to grow its footprint in youth development and community engagement.
Responding to Crisis
COVID-19 changes the need. UFCF responds.
When the pandemic created unprecedented hardship for families, UFCF rapidly expanded its work through a Weekly Food Distribution Program.
A Permanent Community Presence
The Community Solutions Center opens.
UFCF opens its first Community Solutions Center & Headquarters, establishing a physical home for the organization's expanding work.
By year's end, UFCF had delivered more than one million meals and surpassed $111,000 in cumulative scholarship awards.
The Next Generation
Youth remain at the center of UFCF's story.
As the organization expanded its work with families and neighborhoods, Future Leaders United continued developing young people through mentorship, leadership, education, career exploration, and service.
Explore Future Leaders UnitedAccelerated Growth
Programs deepen and community impact expands.
UFCF enters a period of significant organizational growth, increasing food distribution, scholarship investment, youth mentorship, family support, and strategic partnerships.
The organization also launches the Pine Hills Program, integrating neighborhood revitalization, educational advancement, and family stability.
The Story Continues
12+ years of impact and still growing.
UFCF now serves youth, families, seniors, and communities through education, mentorship, workforce development, health and wellness, food support, leadership development, and community engagement.
What began in Pine Hills has grown into an organization serving communities across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Polk Counties.
More Than a Timeline
Every milestone represents people, families, and possibilities.
UFCF's history is not defined only by dates or statistics. It is reflected in students who became graduates, alumni who returned to serve, families who received support during difficult moments, volunteers who gave their time, and partners who chose to invest in stronger communities.
The Next Chapter
Our history is still being written.
Join UFCF as we continue empowering communities, strengthening families, and creating opportunities for the generations ahead.