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
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St. Lucie Campus
Helping families and individuals with a Hand UP
United Against Poverty St. Lucie - Serving Fort Pierce Since 2003.
From the very beginning, UP St. Lucie County was destined to be a different kind of charity; one that focused on offering a hand UP, not just a handout. The organization started as a unique Member Share Grocery Program, which offered much needed dignity for families. Its popularity quickly grew and, as traffic to the campus increased, participants expressed a need to have additional services available on-site.
As UP St. Lucie continues to grow and additional needs are identified, the center is expanding services to include crisis care, case management, counseling, educational opportunities, specialty skills training and job placement.
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 the St Lucie area. MSGP is an accessible, dignified, worry-free food assistance program where you have the opportunity select nutritious food items suited toward you and your 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 11,835 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 our 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 Florida. A total of 11,835 unique members accessed food from the St. Lucie MSGP in 2023. That saved our members $4.68 million which is vital for other household and living expenses.
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
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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 64 individuals obtain job skills training, gain employment, and increase their household income. We had 34 graduates become successfully employed.
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!
Phase
1
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.
Phase
2
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.
Phase
3
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
“Before STEP I was unmotivated, unemployed, worried about the future and having a hard time making good choices. STEP helped me stay motived, have a better outlook on my future and find a good job”
Kynge, STEP Graduate
Our Employer Partners
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$02023 Combined Income
2023 Employed
$
2023 Combined Income
Crisis Care
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 Stabilization team helped 309 households with 2,485 services including housing or utility assistance, emergency food, health, education, and one-time referrals to obtain assistance.
Get Help Now !
If you are facing a crisis and don’t know where to turn, visit the St Lucie UP Center at 2520 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34947 or call 772-468-8543 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 St Lucie 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 2520 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34947. 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 St Lucie in your estate plans.
- Stock Transfer Gift: Take advantage of tax savings by making a contribution via stock transfer.
Tax Information
United Against Poverty is a registered 501c3 nonprofit and contributions are tax deductible. Donation acknowledgment letters will be sent in the mail within 3 business days of the donation. Our Federal Tax ID is 11-3697936. Download our IRS Letter of Determination and W-9 forms below.
Lifting Lives One Hand at a Time
Come Volunteer!
It is only through generous investment of time and talent that we are able to 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 8,975 hours of service valued at $283,700 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 St. Lucie 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 the community.
Calendar of Events
Featured Events
November 15, 2024Join us for a Night of Hope! United Against Poverty St. Lucie will be hosting their 1st annual Lifting UP…
August 02, 2024On Friday, August 2nd, join us for our most important fundraising event of the year, UP St. Lucie's Annual Hand…- March 30, 2024Join us for our Annual Fools Day 5K! Run, jog, or walk your way through an unforgettable 3.1-mile course filled…
Upcoming Events
- Join us for a Night of Hope! United Against Poverty St. Lucie will be hosting their 1st annual Lifting UP…
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 St. Lucie campus.
Latest News
Free, mobile healthcare services expanding in Fort Pierce
It's not easy for people in underprivileged communities to get access to quality healthcare and it's really hard to afford,…
Coke Florida Donates 300 Laptops to United Against Poverty in Ft. Pierce for Employment Training Program
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida donated 300 new laptops on Wednesday to the Fort Pierce branch of 'United Against Poverty' to help…
Hot Shots: Hand Up Luncheon
Back in September, guests mingled at the United Against Poverty St. Lucie Hand Up Luncheon, hosted at Clover Park.
Mobile Food Pop-up Bringing Discount Healthy Foods to PSL This Spring
The Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation Department will host St. Lucie County’s United Against Poverty food trucks at its parks, which offer fresh,…
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.
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.
Guerline joined STEP in hopes of finding better employment where she could earn a living wage and find a job that makes her happy.
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.
Due to his dedication and perseverance Zach was able to secure a new career at The Porch Factory. He is using skills he acquired in the Navy along with new skills acquired during his time in the STEP program at his new job at The Porch Factory.
Raul is a graduate of our Success Training Employment Program (STEP) who turned his life around after incarceration. With no job, license, or money, Raul was determined to change his circumstances. Starting in our UAP warehouse, Raul impressed staff and eventually secured a full-time position and became a house manager at a sober living facility. Today, Raul’s transformation is remarkable—he’s founded three sober living homes, partnered with Pure Health and Wellness, and serves as a mentor in our community, guiding others toward recovery. He credits his success to focused determination and the support he received from his Success Coach, proving that there are no limits to what one can achieve.
“Morning motivation sessions and crafting vision boards resonated with me the most. They fueled my enthusiasm and sense of purpose each day. Initially skeptical, I gradually embraced the program’s uplifting ethos, which significantly altered my perspective on life. This newfound mindset proved invaluable as I navigated the rigorous dental school application process. Today, I make it a point to incorporate positive affirmations into my daily routine, a practice I credit to STEP.
Upon completing STEP, I served as the Children’s Program Coordinator at Catholic Charities. After a year of dedicated work, I relocated to Buffalo, New York, to embark on my dental education journey at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.”
My mantra has become “Aut inveniam viam aut faciam,” (I shall either find a way or make one). Thanks to the generosity of UP’s donors and their dedicated staff, I approach each day with determination and perseverance, knowing there is a path forward waiting to be discovered or created.”
Board & Staff
Community Advisory Board
United Against Poverty St. Lucie’s dedicated Staff and Community Advisory Board are committed to our goal of breaking the cycle of poverty in communities across the United States.
Brian Rubin
Brian Rubin is one of the foremost experts on change in the financial services industry, known for orchestrating and implementing the redesign of Bank of America’s foreclosure process during the great recession in 2008-2009. This included rewriting over 3000 processes, holds and issues across more than 20 locations in 9 states. He did this for the largest mortgage servicer in the country, during historically high inventory levels and during constantly changing regulations. This allowed Bank of America to convert tens of millions of dollars in foreclosed real estate into revenue and satisfied regulatory requirements from more than 10 different government regulators.
He has strategized, designed, and implemented full scale transformations of sales and service organizations, post-merger integrations, project management offices and engineered multiple regulatory responses at Bank of America, Wirbicki Law Group, Let’s Talk Counseling, and Bank of America Merchant Services.
Brian also holds certifications in all major change methodologies including the Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Scrum Product Owner and Customer Experience Champion designations.
Brian has over 20 years of entrepreneurship experience, starting his first business, The Old Dominion Student Guide magazine, before graduating with a finance degree from Old Dominion University. He has experience as a founder/operator, investor, CEO consultant and board member in industries including construction materials, real estate, technology, and financial services.
Currently, Brian is Senior Vice President and Process Engineering Director at Wells Fargo and sits on the Corporate Board of Directors at Untied Against Poverty. At Wells Fargo, he owns all process and is a leader of the major growth initiative occurring in the Credit Card and Merchant Services groups. He manages a worldwide team of process engineers responsible for the digital transformation of workflow and process in that organization.
He is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a panelist and presenter at various change and process strategy events. He is a 2-time winner of the Bank of America Community Service award and in 2010, he took home a gold medal in Karate at the North Carolina State Games.
Based out of South Hutchinson Island, Florida, Brian is an avid scuba diver that can often be found at the reefs of the coast of Ft. Lauderdale and Key West. As an ice hockey fanatic, he tries to catch as many Florida Panthers games as he can. He also enjoys travelling and attending live music events with his wife Laura.
1378 Brian Rubin
Brian Rubin is one of the foremost experts on change in the financial services industry, known for orchestrating and implementing the redesign of Bank of America’s foreclosure process during the great recession in 2008-2009. This included rewriting over 3000 processes, holds and issues across more than 20 locations in 9 states. He did this for the largest mortgage servicer in the country, during historically high inventory levels and during constantly changing regulations. This allowed Bank of America to convert tens of millions of dollars in foreclosed real estate into revenue and satisfied regulatory requirements from more than 10 different government regulators.
He has strategized, designed, and implemented full scale transformations of sales and service organizations, post-merger integrations, project management offices and engineered multiple regulatory responses at Bank of America, Wirbicki Law Group, Let’s Talk Counseling, and Bank of America Merchant Services.
Brian also holds certifications in all major change methodologies including the Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Scrum Product Owner and Customer Experience Champion designations.
Brian has over 20 years of entrepreneurship experience, starting his first business, The Old Dominion Student Guide magazine, before graduating with a finance degree from Old Dominion University. He has experience as a founder/operator, investor, CEO consultant and board member in industries including construction materials, real estate, technology, and financial services.
Currently, Brian is Senior Vice President and Process Engineering Director at Wells Fargo and sits on the Corporate Board of Directors at Untied Against Poverty. At Wells Fargo, he owns all process and is a leader of the major growth initiative occurring in the Credit Card and Merchant Services groups. He manages a worldwide team of process engineers responsible for the digital transformation of workflow and process in that organization.
He is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a panelist and presenter at various change and process strategy events. He is a 2-time winner of the Bank of America Community Service award and in 2010, he took home a gold medal in Karate at the North Carolina State Games.
Based out of South Hutchinson Island, Florida, Brian is an avid scuba diver that can often be found at the reefs of the coast of Ft. Lauderdale and Key West. As an ice hockey fanatic, he tries to catch as many Florida Panthers games as he can. He also enjoys travelling and attending live music events with his wife Laura.
John Cesar
Jim Brann
Lillie Shephard
Michael Walker
Marci Sanders
Rufus C. Byrd
Erin O’Brien
Cassandre Agahro
Staff
United Against Poverty St. Lucie’s dedicated Staff and Community Advisory Board are committed to our goal of breaking the cycle of poverty in communities across the United States.
Brian Rubin
Brian Rubin is one of the foremost experts on change in the financial services industry, known for orchestrating and implementing the redesign of Bank of America’s foreclosure process during the great recession in 2008-2009. This included rewriting over 3000 processes, holds and issues across more than 20 locations in 9 states. He did this for the largest mortgage servicer in the country, during historically high inventory levels and during constantly changing regulations. This allowed Bank of America to convert tens of millions of dollars in foreclosed real estate into revenue and satisfied regulatory requirements from more than 10 different government regulators.
He has strategized, designed, and implemented full scale transformations of sales and service organizations, post-merger integrations, project management offices and engineered multiple regulatory responses at Bank of America, Wirbicki Law Group, Let’s Talk Counseling, and Bank of America Merchant Services.
Brian also holds certifications in all major change methodologies including the Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Scrum Product Owner and Customer Experience Champion designations.
Brian has over 20 years of entrepreneurship experience, starting his first business, The Old Dominion Student Guide magazine, before graduating with a finance degree from Old Dominion University. He has experience as a founder/operator, investor, CEO consultant and board member in industries including construction materials, real estate, technology, and financial services.
Currently, Brian is Senior Vice President and Process Engineering Director at Wells Fargo and sits on the Corporate Board of Directors at Untied Against Poverty. At Wells Fargo, he owns all process and is a leader of the major growth initiative occurring in the Credit Card and Merchant Services groups. He manages a worldwide team of process engineers responsible for the digital transformation of workflow and process in that organization.
He is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a panelist and presenter at various change and process strategy events. He is a 2-time winner of the Bank of America Community Service award and in 2010, he took home a gold medal in Karate at the North Carolina State Games.
Based out of South Hutchinson Island, Florida, Brian is an avid scuba diver that can often be found at the reefs of the coast of Ft. Lauderdale and Key West. As an ice hockey fanatic, he tries to catch as many Florida Panthers games as he can. He also enjoys travelling and attending live music events with his wife Laura.
1378 Brian Rubin
Brian Rubin is one of the foremost experts on change in the financial services industry, known for orchestrating and implementing the redesign of Bank of America’s foreclosure process during the great recession in 2008-2009. This included rewriting over 3000 processes, holds and issues across more than 20 locations in 9 states. He did this for the largest mortgage servicer in the country, during historically high inventory levels and during constantly changing regulations. This allowed Bank of America to convert tens of millions of dollars in foreclosed real estate into revenue and satisfied regulatory requirements from more than 10 different government regulators.
He has strategized, designed, and implemented full scale transformations of sales and service organizations, post-merger integrations, project management offices and engineered multiple regulatory responses at Bank of America, Wirbicki Law Group, Let’s Talk Counseling, and Bank of America Merchant Services.
Brian also holds certifications in all major change methodologies including the Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Scrum Product Owner and Customer Experience Champion designations.
Brian has over 20 years of entrepreneurship experience, starting his first business, The Old Dominion Student Guide magazine, before graduating with a finance degree from Old Dominion University. He has experience as a founder/operator, investor, CEO consultant and board member in industries including construction materials, real estate, technology, and financial services.
Currently, Brian is Senior Vice President and Process Engineering Director at Wells Fargo and sits on the Corporate Board of Directors at Untied Against Poverty. At Wells Fargo, he owns all process and is a leader of the major growth initiative occurring in the Credit Card and Merchant Services groups. He manages a worldwide team of process engineers responsible for the digital transformation of workflow and process in that organization.
He is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a panelist and presenter at various change and process strategy events. He is a 2-time winner of the Bank of America Community Service award and in 2010, he took home a gold medal in Karate at the North Carolina State Games.
Based out of South Hutchinson Island, Florida, Brian is an avid scuba diver that can often be found at the reefs of the coast of Ft. Lauderdale and Key West. As an ice hockey fanatic, he tries to catch as many Florida Panthers games as he can. He also enjoys travelling and attending live music events with his wife Laura.
Sean Howald
Executive Director
Dawn Krupp
Manager of Development
Tamara Staley
Manager of Programs
–
Manager of Crisis Stabilization
Pedro Salas
Manager of MSGP
Get In Touch
St. Lucie
Campus
Campus
Connect with our community of compassionate doers and thinkers.
2520 Orange Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34947
772-468-8543