Keyshaundra Reynolds’s journey from homelessness and addiction to stability and success is a testament to the transformative power of support and perseverance. Struggling just a year ago, she found herself alone, burdened by debt and in despair. She joined the Success Training Employment Program through United Against Poverty which marked a turning point. With the guidance of our STEP team, she tackled her challenges head-on. Despite setbacks, Keyshaundra never lost hope. Graduating from STEP, Keyshaundra landed a job at a local apartment complex. With this newfound stability, she secured her own apartment and left behind the cycle of poverty. Keyshaundra’s story embodies resilience and the promise of a brighter future.
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!
Click here to sign the REQUIRED CORPORATE Volunteer Waiver before you come volunteer:
Volunteer WaiverLearn 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
Julie had been out of a job for several years, due to autism. Julie was invited to an UP Orlando Success Training Employment Program (STEP) graduation ceremony, where she met several UP Orlando STEP staff who motivated her to enroll in the STEP program. The program had a powerful and profound impact on Julie. “The STEP program impacted my life in so many ways. I learned about myself, gained confidence, learned new skills, and most importantly learned how important it is to listen. I was even named alumni ambassador! I am so excited about what my future holds”.
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.