People from across St. Lucie County walk through the doors of the United Against Poverty center in Fort Pierce in search of jobs, food, or help to make it through a crisis. Often they need all three.
“We see a lot of families,” said Raishonn, an assistant manager in the grocery store that is housed inside the center, which allows people to buy nutritious food at a reduced price. The center also provides wraparound services like employment assistance, crisis stabilization, and referrals to partnering organizations.
Recently, UAP Executive Director Sean Howland invited Better Together’s Brittany Day and Jacqueline Hardin to the center to share our efforts to help prevent children from entering foster care.
Efforts that are urgently needed in St. Lucie County.
The Florida Department of Children and Families reports that St. Lucie County has 196 children in out-of-home care as of February. The Florida Senate also reports that nearly 70% of DCF removals in Circuit 19, which encompasses the counties of St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee, are from St. Lucie County.
Aware of this growing need, Better Together’s Brittany and Jacqueline were excited for the opportunity to come to the center. They met families, listened to their needs, and shared our short-term care, mentoring, and job programs.
“It was so meaningful to be here because I know that the work we do works,” said Brittany. “And we’re grateful for UAP for helping make families in St. Lucie County aware that we’re here for them.”
Brittany and Jacqueline will return to the center on Monday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
UAP is located at 2520 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34947.
Story and Moments by Kinfay / Better Together
