United Way Broward Celebrates This Well-Earned Honor from AFP Broward
by Kathleen Cannon, LCSW, President and CEO at United Way Broward
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) supports over 26,000 members globally through education, advocacy, and networking. AFP Broward hosts National Philanthropy Day to honor impactful community leaders in giving, volunteering, and leadership.
AFP sets the global standard for best practices in the profession and promotes the idea that fundraising is about raising money as well as building relationships, trust, and long-term impact.
Each year, AFP chapters across the U.S. — including AFP Broward — host National Philanthropy Day Awards to honor individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made outstanding contributions to their communities through charitable giving, volunteering, and leadership.
These awards spotlight people and organizations which go above and beyond to make a difference — whether through personal generosity, corporate responsibility, or nonprofit leadership. Winners are selected for their measurable impact, innovation, and commitment to community.
United Way Broward is thrilled to share that Stephen Moss has been named the inaugural winner of Outstanding Veteran Nonprofit Leader by the Association of Fundraising Professionals — and if you know his story, you know this honor couldn’t be more deserved.
A Vietnam veteran and accomplished attorney, Stephen’s dedication to service extends far beyond his military and legal careers. He is a major donor to several organizations, legal advocate, trusted advisor, volunteer, and relentless innovator.
He is a current member of United Way Broward’s board of directors, and as the founding chair of United Way Broward’s MISSION UNITED Advisory Council, he has been instrumental in supporting tens thousands of Veterans across Broward County and the entire U.S.
Stephen’s passion for Veteran care is deeply personal. After his daughter Shannon was injured while serving in Iraq, she faced years of misdiagnoses and delays in treatment. When a doctor told Stephen that unsupported Veterans often become homeless, he made a vow to change the system.
In 2013 — along with co-founders Stephen Ferrante, Tami Lyons, Diane McSwain, Carlos Molinet, and Ben Sorensen — Stephen Moss helped launch the very first MISSION UNITED, a groundbreaking initiative connecting Veterans to housing support, healthcare, employment, education, legal aid, and financial stability.
As its first chairperson — and now national chair — Stephen has guided MISSION UNITED’ expansion into a nationally replicated model adopted by United Way Worldwide in 30 locations across the U.S.
In addition to his long-standing commitment to MISSION UNITED, Stephen has served on the boards of Legal Aid Service Broward, HANDY (Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth), Coast to Coast Legal Aid, and Goodman Jewish Family Services. His legal expertise and strategic insight have helped these organizations expand their impact.
At Holland & Knight, Stephen has rallied corporate sponsorships, employee giving, and pro bono legal services. His leadership helped secure buildings for United Way Broward — including the Veteran Resource Center and East Wind Villas, which provide housing support and other services for Veterans.
In 2023, Stephen chaired United Way Broward’s Mayors’ Gala, celebrating MISSION UNITED’s 10th anniversary. Thanks to his connections, this event raised more money than ever before and featured high-ranking military guests like General Andrew Poppas of the U.S. Army.
Stephen’s impact has been inspiring and quantifiable. Here’s what MISSION UNITED has accomplished in Broward County under his leadership:
• Over 8,000 Veterans have received pro bono legal services, valued at a total of $7 million
• Over 6,000 Veterans have been supported through rapid rehousing and homeless prevention services
• Over 2,000 Veterans and their spouses have received employment services
• Over 2,500 Veterans and their families have been supported by behavioral health services through MISSION UNITED and funded partners
• A 90% success rate in homelessness prevention for Veterans has been achieved
• Through Stephen’s influence, 400 attorneys in Broward County have volunteered to provide legal services to Veterans
The financial outcomes are equally impressive. Through his leadership and direct involvement, MISSION UNITED has secured more than $10 million in philanthropic and public funding. This support has fueled everything from mobile legal clinics to mental health outreach programs. When Hurricane Irma devastated South Florida, Stephen helped launch a disaster-response fund that provided emergency financial relief to nearly 1,000 families.
Stephen’s approach mobilizes public agencies, private donors, faith-based institutions, and nonprofit providers to form deeply collaborative, mission-aligned coalitions. He understands systems change requires greater funds, courage, coordination, and vision.
The creation of MISSION UNITED has been a landmark innovation in the field of Veteran care. By integrating access to services through a single intake point, and creating case management models treating veterans holistically, Stephen challenged the patchwork approach that had dominated Veteran services. His work has ensured that regardless of how Veterans seek help — whether through housing stability, mental health, or employment services — they gain access to a full spectrum of support.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephen was a rapid responder — orchestrating the expansion of MISSION UNITED’s services to include digital counseling, tele-legal aid, and emergency rental assistance.
Stephen Moss is a changemaker, a bridge-builder and a relentless advocate for Veterans and our entire community. United Way Broward is extremely proud to salute Stephen Moss for being named as AFP Broward’s inaugural Outstanding Veteran Nonprofit Leader. His extraordinary vision, passion, and leadership have improved the lives of tens of thousands of Veterans and their families, and his example continues to inspire everyone around him.
His story is a powerful lesson that results can be transformative when civic-minded passion meets community-building purpose. Each of us has the potential to lead, serve, and build initiatives to uplift others. Discover how you can strengthen our community and help people rise and thrive.