Monica found herself homeless after the passing of her mother and had nowhere to turn. Everything seemed to spiral out of control in the blink of an eye. She had nowhere to live, and was struggling to keep her car, since she was unable to pay her bills. No home, no family to turn to, and now on the brink of losing everything. Monica was referred to the Success Training Employment Program (STEP) by a transitional housing program for the homeless and wasted no time. Upon completing our 4-week STEP program, Monica landed a full-time job, with benefits and a salary that allowed her to obtain an apartment of her own and keep her car. We are thrilled to report that Monica is now working towards a managerial position at her current job and is living completely self-sufficiently.
Corporate Group Volunteers
This is the Headline
Calling All Volunteers!
We Need Your Help!
At UP Orlando, we are proud to serve our community during these challenging times, and we need your help! Join us in empowering families and individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency. With over 500 families relying on our Grocery Program every day, volunteers are crucial to keeping our shelves stocked, our store organized, and our space welcoming. Your support alongside our dedicated staff ensures that every family – your neighbors – has a dignified and positive experience when they visit.
Interested in a team-building volunteer experience? Find out more!
Learn more about where you may be volunteering:
What To Expect
When your team volunteers on campus, you can assist in areas such as:
- Cleaning, organizing, and stocking shelves in our Member Share Grocery.
- Cleaning, organizing, and stocking household items in our Member Marketplace.
- Taking inventory in our Emergency Food Pantry.
- Sorting donated Business Professional clothing in our STEP Clothing Closet.
- Or wherever else there is a need on campus.
What To Wear
- Sneakers are required for your safety (no open-toed shoes).
- Comfortable clothing is recommended—please avoid tanks and leggings, though it’s ultimately up to you.
- Choose attire that allows you to move freely and stay comfortable throughout the event.
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- DO bring a bottle of water
- DO park in the back parking area
- DO show up 10 minutes early
- DO bring your amazing energy and make a difference in our community!
Don'ts
- DON’T bring any valuable items, leave them at home or in your car! We do not have any lockers!
- DON’T park in the front parking lot
- DON’T Wear open toed shoes or heels
Testimonials
Juan’s journey with United Against Poverty Orlando began at one of the lowest points in his life. Nearly a decade after moving to the United States from Venezuela, he had worked hard to build a future, but the loss of his grandmother sent him into a deep spiral of grief. In that darkness, Juan struggled with addiction, losing everything he had worked for: his job, his home, access to food, and even his relationships.
By the time he walked through UP Orlando’s doors in 2024, Juan had just $20 to his name and no clear path forward.
That day changed everything.
When Juan discovered the Member Share Grocery Program, he was overwhelmed. For the first time in a long time, he stood in front of shelves filled with fresh produce and nutritious food he could actually afford. In that moment, he felt something he hadn’t felt in years – relief, dignity, and a renewed sense of hope.
With support from the Crisis Navigation Center, Juan began to stabilize. Determined to rebuild his life, he enrolled in the Success Training Employment Program (STEP), where his resilience quickly became evident. Though his journey wasn’t easy, Juan kept showing up—for himself and his future.
He went on to volunteer 784 hours, becoming a familiar face in the grocery program. More than staying busy, he found something deeper: community. Juan often shares that UP Orlando became a “beautiful family” to him—a place where he could both receive support and give it back.
Today, Juan works two jobs and continues to inspire others, proving that transformation is always possible.
Natasha moved to Orlando seeking new opportunities after being diagnosed with Lupus while five months pregnant with her son, who was later diagnosed with ADHD and Autism. Despite her efforts, she struggled to find stable employment until she joined UP Orlando’s Success Training Employment Program (STEP). After STEP, Natasha continued to work with an UP Orlando Success Coach and has recently started working at Omaha Steaks as a Remote Sales Specialist and Brand Ambassador and is well on her way to economic self-sufficiency.