My husband was our sole provider, due to illness he became disabled in less than 2 years. We got evicted from our home of 5 years and found ourselves living in our vehicle. I was desperate and really didn’t know where life was taking me. We were confused and didn’t know what direction to turn, I cried all the time. I came to the St. Lucie County UP Center and spoke to the Crisis Navigator looking for help. The Crisis Navigator provided me with many useful resources to help us get started including how to save money on my groceries by signing up for the Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP) and information on the Success Training Employment Program (STEP).
I immediately signed up for the grocery program and joined the next cohort of STEP, and that is when my life began to change. STEP helped me gain my confidence back and focus on my hopes and dreams. I’m no longer afraid of change, I embrace it. Because of the programs offered at the UP Center, I am now working at Sailfish Brewing Company and have found stable housing. I cannot express my gratitude enough.
Indian River Campus
Helping families and individuals with a Hand UP
United Against Poverty Indian River - Uplifting Communities Since 2003.
United Against Poverty was founded in 2003 as a small member share grocery resource with a mission of transforming lives by empowering people to uplift themselves and their families to break the cycle of poverty, securing economic self-sufficiency. UAP believes that providing people in need a hand UP rather than a handout is the proper path to empower individuals to long-term personal, career, and financial success.
By connecting people to life-saving tools and resources, we aim to foster an environment in which participants across the state of Florida have the opportunity to pursue a future filled with hope and possibility.
Together, we can create lasting change to combat poverty.
Our Mission
&
Vision
United Against Poverty was incorporated in 2003 with the vision of helping communities where every family and individual has access to basic needs, nutritional food, crisis care, education, and employment training, and where everyone has the opportunity to achieve a future filled with hope and possibilities.
Our Purpose: To empower families and individuals to lift themselves to sustainable economic self-sufficiency.
Our Mission: To serve families and individuals by providing crisis care, case management, transformative education, food and household subsidy, employment training and placement, personal empowerment training and active referrals to other collaborative social service providers.
Our work is shaped by the understanding that, together, we can create lasting change to combat life’s most difficult challenges.
Our Values
Dignity. Integrity. Respect.
Compassion. Empowerment.
Responsibility. Collaboration.
Holistic Approach.
UAP offers programs to help stabilize the foundations of our communities and foster the confidence needed to lift them to sustainable economic stability.
Member Share
Grocery Program
United Against Poverty is proud to provide our Member Share Grocery Program to Indian River County. MSGP is an accessible, dignified, worry-free food assistance program where members have the opportunity select nutritious food items suited toward them and their family’s lifestyle.
Our Members contribute a small handling fee per item to support program sustainability. This meaningful exchange is part of our Hand UP model designed to restore dignity and instill empowerment.
Membership is FREE
to those who qualify!
Offers a wide range of fresh produce, proteins, freezer items, pantry staples and more.
Members can save up to two- thirds of their household food and product budget by utilizing our grocery program.
In 2023, United Against Poverty served 13,800 unique members who utilized the Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP).
Military Mondays
Bring in a Military ID and receive a 10% discount in the Member Share Grocery Program.
Senior Wednesdays
Are you 55 or older? Every Wednesday, enjoy 10% off items in the Member Share Grocery Program.
Educator Thursdays
Are you a school educator? Teachers receive a 10% discount in the Member Share Grocery Program with their school ID.
College Student Fridays
Bring in a current school ID and receive a 10% discount in the Member Share Grocery Program
The Member Share Grocery Program is a significant part of the UP Mission; this service allows eligible members to access fresh, quality groceries at a reduced cost, helping to ease the financial burden of food insecurity faced by many families throughout Indian River County.
In 2023, UP Indian River served over 13,800 unique members who utilized the Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP) which serves families at or below the 200% poverty level. The MSGP program affords individuals access to low-cost groceries, allowing them to stretch their budgets and put an aggregate amount of $7.5 million back into our local economy.
Program Members contribute a small nominal handling fee per item to cover costs of pick-up— this contribution gives them dignity and empowerment to engage in the many life-changing programs we offer at UP.
How It Works:
Qualified families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level must fill out an application. Upon qualification, individuals become members and can begin purchase of food or household products.
Check the chart below to see if your household qualifies:2024 Poverty Guidelines
48 Contiguous States (all states except Alaska and Hawaii)Household Size Annual Household Income At/Below 1 $30,120 2 $40,880 3 $51,640 4 $62,400 For families/households with more than 4 persons, add $10,760 for each additional person.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.
Become a Member today!
Click the button below to access the Member Share Grocery application form:
Ready to Contribute?
Click the button below to learn how to become a product partner, how to donate, and more info about MSGP
What Is STEP?
Contact us to Learn More
A STEP team member will respond to all inquiries.
Getting a Job is Hard,
but you don’t have to do it alone.
Whether you are unemployed or underemployed, our Employment Programs are designed to assist you in securing the dream job and financial stability you deserve!
Our Success Training Employment Program (STEP) is a FREE 3-phase program that provides participants with valuable skills, confidence, and knowledge to help secure employment and reach financial goals. In 2023, we helped 128 individuals obtain job skills training, gain employment, and increase their household income. We had 86 graduates become successfully employed.
The NEW Build UP program is a 3-phase program providing hands-on training and skills to secure in-demand, high paying employment in the growing trades, construction, and manufacturing fields. You will learn basic construction math, print reading, measuring, calculating, and so much more!
We also host career events at the UP Center featuring dozens of our career partners. These are incredible, not to be missed events for those seeking employment across a variety of different fields.
Thanks to our Employment Programs, we’re able to connect participants with a variety of life-changing tools, skills, and opportunities, including resume building, professional development, networking, and more!
Job Training
Join fellow participants seeking career growth by completing 4 Weeks (M-F, 9am-1pm) of valuable classroom training. You will gain industry-recognized certifications, craft a winning resume, and learn how to prepare for and secure a job offer.
Career Connection
During STEP, you will connect with top employers and industry leaders in your area. You will have the opportunity to meet with a wide variety of employers for one-on-one interviews.
Success Coaching
Once you have obtained employment, receive one-on-one coaching to help you excel in your position and become a strong candidate for future career advancement. Our goal is to help you succeed!
Want to Donate? Here's How:
STEP into your future with the Success Training Employment Program.
Whether you are unemployed or underemployed, our STEP program is designed to assist you in securing the dream job and financial stability you deserve!
Thanks to our Success Training Employment Program, we’re able to connect program participants with a variety of life-changing employment tools, skills, and opportunities, including resume building, professional development, networking, and more!
In 2022, we helped 57 low-income individuals obtain job skills training, gain employment, and increase their household income. We had 26 graduates become successfully employed. Not only did the individuals increase their income, this created a $787,640 “social cost avoidance”, which refers to the expenses taxpayers would have incurred for unemployment, rent/utility assistance, emergency room usage, and criminal justice costs.
The Ideal STEP Participant
- Looking for dream job!
- Dedicated to setting goals
- Open to learning new skills
- Excited to transform their lives
- Ready to work!
- Prepared to improve
Sucess
“I knew I had to set the standards in my life for her now, not just for me. During my time in STEP, I learned valuable skills, and the guidance, support, and mentorship has played a significant part in my professional development.”
Maranda, STEP Graduate
Our Employer Partners
With Compassion
Help Starts Here
One-On-One Meetings
Our Crisis Navigator meets with individuals as part of the intake process to discuss and access needs and current situation.
Customized Care Plan
Together with our Case Management Team a customized care plan is created that outlines the programs and services best suited for an individuals needs.
Long Term Roadmap
A detailed case plan provides an achievable step-by-step roadmap outlining immediate and long-term goals to stabilize your life and help achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Action Steps may Include:
- Housing and/or Shelter Assistance
- Obtaining Identification Items
- Employment Assistance
- Counseling for Mental Health and Substance Abuse
- Transportation Barriers
- Access to Community Based Resources
Our Difference
We don’t just offer referrals; we team up with nonprofit partners and community resources to make a real difference. We are here with you every step of the way to empower you, help you reach your goals, and guide you toward success.
Our Crisis Care Program is intended to provide support for those facing instability in their lives, whether that be physical, financial, or emotional. Our dedicated staff can provide access to community-based resources and emergency support to overcome their immediate needs, assisting them in creating a long-term plan for self-sufficiency to prevent facing similar problems in the future.
Each program participant undergoes an initial formal intake process to assess their current situation. You will meet one-on-one with a member of our Case Management Team, and, together, you will create a customized care plan. Each participant’s customized care plan is designed to help guide them and includes an achievable action plan. We are here to help you every step of the way!
In 2023, our Crisis team met with 1,043 families, providing 7,232 services. We take the time to get to know our families, identify barriers and build a sustainable action plan so we can truly implement our hand up versus hand out model.
Get Help Now !
If you are facing a crisis and don’t know where to turn, visit the Indian River UP Center at 1400 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or call 772-564-9365 and request a meeting with our Crisis Navigator for assistance.
Contact us For Assistance
A Crisis Navigator team member will respond to all inquiries.
Donate
Volunteer
NOTICING THE UNNOTICED
United Against Poverty of Indian River County is grateful for the community of supporters who believe in our mission to break the cycle of poverty by offering a hand up, not just a handout. If you would like to mail a gift to United Against Poverty, please send it to 1400 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. In addition to inviting you to give a gift online, we encourage you to consider these additional investment options:
- Matching Gift: Multiply your impact by asking your human resources department if they offer Matching Gift opportunities.
- Memorial Gift: Celebrate the life of a friend or loved one by making a gift in their honor or in their memory.
- Monthly Gift: Help sustain our programs year-round by making a recurring gift.
- Planned Gift: Leave a legacy by including UP Indian River in your estate plans.
- Stock Transfer Gift: Take advantage of tax savings by making a contribution via stock transfer.
Tax Information
Lifting Lives One Hand at a Time
Come Volunteer!
It is only through generous investment of time and talent that we can lift the lives of struggling families in our community. Our volunteers ensure the smooth daily operation of our campus, so that our financial resources can be utilized in the most effective way possible.
In 2023, a remarkable 20,783 hours of service valued at $656,951 were recorded by our volunteers. We simply could not operate without you! Individual United Against Poverty volunteers assist with everything from stocking shelves in our Member Share Grocery Program to organizing the food pantry and staffing our welcome desk.
*Children must be ten years of age or older to participate in our regular volunteer opportunities. Youth under 16 years of age must have a parent or adult guardian present at all times while volunteering. Family Volunteer night invites volunteers of all ages!
Collaborative Partner Services
Collaborative Partner Services
Collaboration is a key component of our mission. At United Against Poverty of Indian River County, we advocate a “more is more” approach. We believe that the more agencies we partner with and the more services and resources we can make available on-site, the more we can help those who are hidden, hungry and hurting.
We regularly make active referrals to partner agencies so that people in crisis can access the services they need to stabilize their lives. Through these partnerships, we can maximize our impact and better reach and serve those in need in this community.
Calendar of Events
Featured Events
- Feel the romance in the air as we eagerly await United Against Poverty’s Valentine Ball. This cherished yearly event is…
- November 28, 2024Join us for this Thanksgiving Day community tradition featuring a 5k sanctioned race/walk, a ¼ mile kids race, and a…
- June 29, 2024Burgers & Brews! Don't miss out on the ultimate food and drink experience at the 9th Annual Burgers & Brews…
Upcoming Events
- Join us for this Thanksgiving Day community tradition featuring a 5k sanctioned race/walk, a ¼ mile kids race, and a…
News & Press
United Against Poverty is dedicated to helping people across Florida lift themselves up and out of the cycle of poverty. Discover the latest stories, testimonials, and updates coming out of United Against Poverty’s Indian River campus.
Latest News
Annual Report
Success Stories
We at United Against Poverty are incredibly proud of the positive impact we’ve had in our communities. Our Success Stories are a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit, and the difference that dedicated compassion, support, and outreach can make.
Read through our Success Stories to learn more about the individuals we’ve helped on their journey to self-sufficiency.
Leroy, a Veteran came to the United Against Poverty looking for assistance through our crisis program. Leroy had enough couch surfing and had been looking for employment for 3 months. Our Crisis Navigator referred Leroy to the Housing Tribe where he was able to secure shared housing and to Veteran Affairs to address other needs. Leroy enrolled in our Success Employment Training Program to assist him with finding employment. Leroy entered the first day of STEP class with low self-confidence and feeling hopeless. After 4 weeks in the STEP program, Leroy found the career he was looking for at Freight Liners as a CDL Driver. Leroy is now focused on saving up for a home of his own.
“STEP helped me receive a great job offer. I am now hopeful and confident! Thanks to UAP staff which are super!” -Leroy G.
When Tami came to United Against Poverty she was in crisis. She had lost her family, her home, and a successful career after over a decade of substance misuse. UP’s crisis navigator provided her with food, resources, and hope. She encouraged Tami to enroll in our Success Training Employment Program. After completing the program and graduating, Tami began working in our MSGP, and became part of the UP family. Six years later Tami has come further than she could have dreamed. She reunited with her son Tyler and is an active grandmother to his daughter. She loves her job at C.W. Willis Family Farms, where she is one of their most valued employees. Tami shares this advice for anyone considering taking STEP – “Don’t look back on your past, take that first step forward and it can lead you to an amazing future.” -Tami
Board & Staff
Community Advisory Board
United Against Poverty Indian River’s dedicated Staff and Community Advisory Board are committed to our goal of breaking the cycle of poverty in communities across the United States.
Araminta Caldwell
Manager of Workforce Development1786Araminta Caldwell
Manager of Workforce Development
Staff
United Against Poverty Indian River’s dedicated Staff and Community Advisory Board are committed to our goal of breaking the cycle of poverty in communities across the United States.
Araminta Caldwell
Manager of Workforce Development1786Araminta Caldwell
Manager of Workforce Development
Get In Touch
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