MISSION UNITED Builds Bridges from Military Life to Stability in Civilian Life
by James W. Heaton, Vice President of MISSION UNITED, United Way of Broward County
What Is MISSION UNITED?
MISSION UNITED was born out of the clear recognition that many veterans face significant challenges after their periods of service. The varied complexities of civilian employment for Veterans can include having stable housing, accessing healthcare, and navigating through administrative delays for care.
The transition to civilian life can be daunting. MISSION UNITED acts as a centralized hub, connecting Veterans and their loved ones to the support they’ve earned through a single point of entry. With a holistic approach that aligns public and private resources, MISSION UNITED’s critical, comprehensive services include:
- employment assistance and job placement
- educational support and training
- legal aid, including pro bono services
- healthcare navigation
- housing support for homeless or at-risk Veterans
- financial counseling and stability programs
MISSION UNITED also fosters community engagement through a range of volunteer opportunities, mentorship, public policy, and advocacy.
MISSION UNITED’s Impact Over the Years
Since its inception, MISSION UNITED has made a profound difference in Broward County:
- improving the quality of life for more than 21,000 Veterans
- bringing nearly $8 million in financial assistance to Veterans
- providing 9,000 Veterans with pro bono legal assistance
- supporting 6,000 Veterans and their families with housing
- achieving a nearly 90% success rate in homelessness prevention for Veterans in Broward County
One powerful example is the story of U.S. Army Veteran David Cortijo, who credits MISSION UNITED with helping him rebuild his life after personal loss and near homelessness. Through a structured 12-month program, he gained stable housing, financial independence, and financial counseling to build a path toward homeownership. one idea to include a link to the video with David
MISSION UNITED’s Upcoming Events in 2025
In addition to its vigilant, daily care for Veterans, MISSION UNITED fulfills its purpose through a series of impactful community events throughout the year. Here is what events are on the way:
On July 30, from 4 pm to 6 pm at United Way of Broward County’s headquarters on Andrews Ave., MISSION UNITED’s employees, volunteers, and sponsors will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to children and teens who live in Veterans households. Known as Backpack Broward, this annual, drive-thru event ensures young people start the school year with confidence because they have essentials items like notebooks, crayons, hygiene items, and more.
How you can help:
- Donate $75 to sponsor a backpack stocked with school supplies
- Drop off filled backpacks by July 23 at United Way of Broward County’s Ansin Building
- Volunteer to help with distribution on the day of this fun and meaningful event by contacting [email protected]
If you are a Veterans who is interested in getting a backpack, please register here.
In partnership with Nova Southeastern University’s Veterans Health Clinic, and generously sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, MISSION UNITED will present its annual Hero-Fest Veteran Stand-Down. This event provides Veterans and their families with:
- health screenings
- legal consultations
- Veteran
- housing and employment resources
- raffles, giveaways, and lunch
Hero-Fest — held at NSU’s Carl DeSantis Building from 11 am to 3 pm — Hero-Fest is open to all Veterans and their families, and the general public is welcome from 2 pm to 3 pm.
How you can help:
- Volunteer to assist with logistics or resource booths by contacting [email protected]
- Become a vendor or sponsor
- Spread the word to Veterans who can benefit from this support
Interested in attending? Click here to register.
Held every year in November, Operation Turkey Dinner typically takes place during the week of Thanksgiving. In 2024, MISSION UNITED distributed over 800 meal kits to Veterans and military families, and each box included everything needed for traditional holiday meals and a $25 grocery gift card.
How you can help:
- Donate $75 to sponsor meals for a family of four
- Fill and deliver meal boxes with stuffing, canned vegetables, pie ingredients, and more
- Volunteer to help with packing and distribution
Be a Part of MISSION UNITED’s Powerful Impact
MISSION UNITED thrives because of the generosity and commitment of people like you. Whether you’re a Veteran looking to give back, a company seeking meaningful engagement through sponsorships or employee participation, or a community member who simply wants to help, United of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED has a place for you!
Ways to get involved:
- Make a donation to support the delivery of school supplies, meals, and year-round services
- Volunteer at one (or all) of our events or join the MISSION UNITED Advisory Council
- Become a sponsor for event by contacting [email protected]
- Share the info with Veterans who may benefit
Together, we can honor the brave men and women who served.
To learn more, visit MISSION UNITED’s webpage or call 954-4-UNITED.
