MISSION UNITEDTM connects service members, veterans, and their families with the services they need. This is a collective effort that identifies gaps, disrupts broken systems, and creates systemic change in the areas of health, education, and economic mobility.
Vision: To disrupt the military services system, which is often confusing to navigate, and collaborate with community partners to create a stronger support network along the Emerald Coast.
Mission: Mission United empowers service members, veterans and their families by connecting them to the services they need while building a network that supports them.
Launched by United Way Emerald Coast in November 2023, Mission United exists to provide information and support to service members, veterans, and their families when they need it most. We offer a comprehensive and collaborative approach including outreach, information, events, and programs. We are proud to collaborate with and support organizations that serve the military community, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.
Our Approach:
- Align. Create stronger alignment and communication between non-profits, VSOs, MSOs, and other community resources. By supporting our service members, veterans and their families in highly personalized, unique, collaborative, and compassionate ways, we'll make it easier to access available services and resources.
- Engage. In partnership with First Sergeants, local non-profits, and the business community, we offer and support events and engagement opportunities for our active-duty service members and military families so they can feel connected to the community beyond the fence.
- Invest. In November 2023, we launched the Mission United fund which allows us to invest in critical local supports and services, when alternate funding cannot be secured.
Why United Way Emerald Coast:
Because we've been doing this work in the civilian sector for more than 65 years! United Way Emerald Coast already serves as a trusted vehicle, bringing stakeholders together to strategically work on innovative and measurable solutions to local issues. Now, through Mission United, we are intentionally serving the military community. We have discovered opportunities to collaborate with our local military installations and create greater synergy between their work and ours. Together, United, it's time to serve those who selflessly served us.
Partner Spotlight:
Forever Warriors, powered by Step One Automotive Group, understands the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families, and they are dedicated to supporting their well-being through a range of specialized resources that focus on the core pillars of success: mental health, transition & sustainment, and community immersion. Their priority is to ensure that the entire military community reestablishes and upholds the profound sense of pride and fulfillment that comes with being part of something greater than oneself, just as when serving our country. Click here to visit their website for more information.
The Florida Veterans Support Line Is a free, confidential support line dedicated to service members, veterans, and their loved ones, answered by local veterans. The trained professionals working the Florida Veteran's Support Line can help you through the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life, connect you to community resources and services, and provide emotional support. We will NEVER report your outreach to your unit or commander. If you, or someone you know, needs assistance, please click here to visit the website, dial 211 (or toll-free 855-428-8689) 24/7, or dial 1-844-MYFLVET (693-5838) or text your zip code to 898-211 M-F from 0900-1700.
Join Us:
If you would like to invest in Mission United in honor of our military community or in memory of a veteran, please donate today.
If you would like to volunteer, please email volunteer@united-way.org.
Grant Funding:
In partnership with Forever Warriors, powered by Step One Automotive Group, and the generosity of the State of Florida / Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, we are excited to announce additional investments in non-profit organizations supporting the military community in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
At this time, our grant opportunities are by invitation only. To be notified of future open applications, please email kelly@united-way.org.
If you've been invited to apply, please visit this site for more information and to access the application. Click here to view our press release on grants for military support programs.