On November 10, 2015, with over 150 guests in attendance including local dignitaries, veterans and community leaders, United Way’s MISSION UNITED program at the new Jean and David Colker Center was unveiled.
More than 150 attendees, including local dignitaries, veterans and community members gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Center. The event kicked off with introductions by Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO of United Way of Broward County, followed by a flag raising ceremony, remarks by Jean Colker, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Mike Kaufman of Kaufman Lynn Construction. The guests then gathered together for a ribbon cutting ceremony with key contributors and supporters, including Jean Colker, Stephen Moss, Founding Chair of MISSION UNITED, Alan Goldberg and Elliot Borkson of the Leo Goodwin Foundation, and Chancellor Ray Ferrero Jr. of Nova Southeastern University followed by a tour of the new facility.
MISSION UNITED is a critical program that supports US military service members, veterans and their families in Broward County by helping them to re-acclimate to civilian life. The primary areas of focus include employment, education, health, legal assistance, emergency financial aid, and housing. MISSION UNITED was created with multiple partners to align existing military services and create programs where there are gaps in support.
The Leo Goodwin Foundation has been a long-time contributor of United Way and has made a $100,000 contribution to support MISSION UNITED. “We’re honored to be a part of this Capital Campaign that will help support so many veterans who have fought tirelessly for our country’s freedom,” said Elliot Borkson, Vice President of the Leo Goodwin Foundation. “It has been wonderful to see the community pull together for this important charitable initiative.” The Center’s Welcome Reception area proudly bears the Leo Goodwin Foundation name.
“On behalf of United Way of Broward County, I would like to thank each and every person who has supported MISSION UNITED, this project and generously contributed to making it possible,” said Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO of United Way of Broward County. “We look forward to welcoming our veterans and providing our services to help them lead more successful lives as civilians.”
The new Center is located directly behind United Way of Broward County’s offices and will serves as a centralized location where veterans and military service members can go to receive case management services provided by MISSION UNITED. Since its conception, MISSION UNITED has assisted more than 2,000 Broward County veterans with housing, employment, education, emergency financial aid, legal and health services.
For more information on MISSION UNITED, please call 954-4-UNITED, visit www.MISSIONUNITED.org, Facebook or Twitter.
