OCALA, Fla. – July 1, 2026 - United Way of Marion County is announcing its new strategic framework that focuses on community impact. The new operating infrastructure consists of a renewed focus on youth opportunity, financial security, healthy community and community resiliency. The new operational framework was approved by UWMC’s volunteer board of directors on June 24, 2026.
For over 65 years, UWMC has secured donations from community members, organizations and businesses, and invested those dollars into programs that focused on education, financial stability and health. Now, the organization is moving to support the community through four main pillars of success.
The youth opportunity pillar will include a $1 million investment from UWMC and focus on:
- $200,000 investment in Thrive Tutoring Program – Investing in tutoring services for students at Belleview Santos, College Park, East Marion, Harbour View, Legacy, Stanton-Weirsdale and Wyomina Park Elementary Schools.
- ~$700,000 in grant funding from the University of Central Florida to Community Partnership Schools at College Park and East Marion Elementary Schools.
- ~$100,000 grant for ReadingPals, a UWMC program that supports early literacy and improves academic performance.
The financial security pillar will include a $500,000 investment which consists of:
- $100,000 investment in Champions for Employment, a new program that aligns employers with individuals facing barriers to employment, in partnership with the business community.
- $300,000 investment in Strong Families, a program that addresses generational poverty and uplifts families.
- $100,000 grant for UWMC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, a program that provides free income tax preparation.
The healthy community pillar will receive $200,000 investment from UWMC which will include:
- $100,000 investment in 2.4 Million Meals Campaign, a new program in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank which provides 2.4 million meals to 48 food pantries countywide.
- $100,000 investment in Nourish Now Campaign, ensuring no seniors are left without food, in partnership with Marion Senior Services.
The community resiliency pillar will secure a $35,000 investment from UWMC and will focus on:
- Partnership with Marion County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management & Florida Department of Health in Marion County to create the Long-Term Recovery Group, which will steer disaster recovery efforts.
“United Way of Marion County's strategic framework will increase donor engagement, expand advocacy and build strategic partnerships to address our community’s pressing issues,” said UWMC President and CEO Robert Haight.
“United Way of Marion County conducted a national and local search for our President & CEO position with the retirement of Bob Haight. The organization is thrilled to announce Natalie McComb has accepted the role of Interim President and CEO,” said Alan Keesee, board chair at UWMC.
“Natalie's deep knowledge of United Way, combined with her genuine passion for Marion County and the people it serves, makes her an exceptional choice to lead the organization during our strategic transformation,” said Kristy Rowland, board chair-elect at UWMC.
“I'm looking forward to getting started and working with United Way of Marion County's volunteers and staff as we launch these exciting partnerships and programs. These partnerships will be blended with our current Strong Families, Community Partnership Schools, ReadingPals and Volunteer Individual Income Tax Assistance,” said Natalie McComb, incoming interim president and CEO at UWMC.
In developing the new framework, UWMC conferenced with CareerSource, City of Ocala, Marion County Community Services, Marion County Emergency Management, Marion County Hospital District, Marion County Public Schools, Marion Public Education Foundation, Marion County Medical Society, Florida Department of Health, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and Advent Health.
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About United Way of Marion County
United Way of Marion County mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way of Marion County is there. From supporting youth opportunities to addressing financial security, growing healthy communities and building community resiliency, we’re working towards a brighter future for Marion County, Fla.
To learn more, visit uwmc.org.