Partnering with United Against Poverty: Light Orlando partners attend May Lunch & Learn
- Amanda Selby
- May 24
- 4 min read
On Wednesday, May 6th, Light Orlando gathered alongside nonprofit and faith-based community partners for another impactful Lunch & Learn event hosted by United Against Poverty (UP). The gathering created space for leaders across Central Florida to connect, collaborate, and learn more about the organizations working daily to uplift and strengthen the community.
As part of Light Orlando’s Lunch & Learn series launched in 2025, these monthly gatherings have already brought together more than 160 nonprofit and faith-based leaders, fostering meaningful partnerships and encouraging shared impact throughout the region.
Light Orlando May Lunch & Learn at United Against Poverty
Founded in 2003, United Against Poverty was established with a vision of helping communities where every family and individual has access to basic needs, nutritious food, crisis care, education, and employment training. This, in turn, creates opportunities for futures filled with hope and possibility.
Their approach is centered on helping people help themselves by offering “a hand UP, not a handout.” Today, UP Centers serve more than 56,709 unique households annually, with an average of 4,700 families receiving assistance each month. Services are available to households living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Offering “a hand UP", not a handout
United Against Poverty: Their Purpose
To empower families and individuals to lift themselves to sustainable economic self-sufficiency.
United Against Poverty: Their Mission
To serve families and individuals through crisis care, case management, transformative education, food and household subsidy programs, employment training and placement, personal empowerment training, and active referrals to collaborative social service providers.
Their work is guided by the belief that lasting change happens through collaboration and compassionate support.
United Against Poverty: Their Core Values
Dignity
Integrity
Respect
Compassion
Empowerment
Responsibility
Collaboration
Holistic Approach
Programs Designed to Empower
During the Lunch & Learn event, attendees toured the United Against Poverty Orlando campus and learned more about the organization’s four essential programs designed to strengthen community foundations and help individuals and families move toward economic self-sufficiency.
Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP)
One of the most impactful initiatives highlighted was the Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP), a dignified and accessible food assistance program that allows families to personally select the food and household items best suited to their needs.
Individuals and families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for free membership. Once enrolled, members can access the grocery program an unlimited number of times while contributing a small handling fee for products, helping families save up to two-thirds of their household food budget.
Rather than simply distributing food, the program empowers participants by giving them choice, dignity, and practical support as they work toward long-term stability.
How the Program Works
Qualified households complete an application process to determine eligibility. Once approved, members can begin shopping for food and household essentials through the program.
To learn more about the program and determine eligibility, click here.
Success Training Employment Program (STEP)
United Against Poverty’s Success Training Employment Program (STEP) provides free employment training and career development services for individuals who are unemployed or underemployed.
In 2024 alone, STEP helped 325 individuals gain job skills training, secure employment, and increase household income, with more than 200 graduates successfully obtaining employment.
The three-phase program equips participants with practical tools and confidence through:
Resume building
Professional development
Networking opportunities
Industry-recognized certifications
One-on-one employer connections
The Three Phases of STEP
Phase One: Job Training
Participants complete four weeks of classroom instruction focused on career readiness, certifications, interviewing skills, and resume preparation.
Phase Two: Career Connection
Participants connect directly with employers and industry leaders through networking and interview opportunities.
Phase Three: Success Coaching
Once employed, participants continue receiving one-on-one coaching designed to help them succeed and grow professionally.
Crisis Stabilization Program
Attendees also learned about the Crisis Stabilization Program, which supports individuals facing physical, emotional, or financial instability.
The program begins with a formal intake process and one-on-one meetings with the Case Management Team to assess each individual’s needs. Together, participants and staff create customized care plans that outline both immediate and long-term goals toward self-sufficiency.
Program Support May Include:
Housing and shelter assistance
Employment assistance
Transportation support
Mental health and substance abuse counseling referrals
Access to identification documents
Connections to community-based resources
What makes United Against Poverty unique is its deeply collaborative approach. Rather than simply offering referrals, the organization actively partners with nonprofits and local agencies to ensure participants receive comprehensive support every step of the way.
Collaborative Community Partnerships
Collaboration remains a key part of United Against Poverty’s mission. Through partnerships with local organizations and service providers, the Orlando campus offers access to a wide range of resources directly on-site.
Some of the collaborative partners serving the community include (click/tap each organization to learn more!):
These partnerships allow United Against Poverty to maximize impact and better serve individuals and families who are hidden, hungry, and hurting throughout the community.
To learn more about services offered at United Against Poverty Orlando and additional locations, click here.
As always, Light Orlando’s May Lunch & Learn served as a powerful reminder that lasting community transformation happens when organizations come together with a shared mission to serve others. Through compassionate care, practical resources, employment support, and collaborative partnerships, United Against Poverty continues to create pathways toward stability and hope for thousands of families across Central Florida.
We are grateful for the opportunity to learn more about their incredible work and look forward to continuing to strengthen partnerships that bring light and lasting impact to our community. With our amazing partners we are Delivering Hope, Together in Central Florida.
To view Light Orlando Lunch and Learn from this event and previous events, click here.
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