Written by Tiffany Gonzalez, American Red Cross Public Affairs

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on UnidosNow, an organization whose mission and impact embody the heart of the Hispanic community—resilience, empowerment, and unity.

Founded in 2010, UnidosNow has spent nearly 15 years transforming lives across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. As they celebrate their quinceañero this year, the milestone marks not only their growth but also the thousands of families whose futures they’ve helped shape. Their mission is clear and powerful: to elevate the quality of life of the Hispanic community through education, integration, and engagement.

UnidosNow reaches the community through a range of innovative programs designed to support families from middle school through adulthood. Their Future Leaders Academy for Middle Schoolers (FLAM) introduces students to leadership development early, while the Future Leaders Academy (FLA) for high schoolers offers a rigorous college and career preparation experience guided by dedicated coaches. For parents, UnidosNow provides resources and meetings to help them better understand the U.S. education system—ensuring they feel confident navigating their children’s academic journey.

But UnidosNow’s impact extends beyond education. This year, the American Red Cross awarded a grant to UnidosNow to strengthen disaster preparedness among local families. The grant included 80 drawstring bags filled with emergency supplies and educational resources, helping families become more resilient in the face of natural disasters. UnidosNow also hosted a disaster preparedness training, where families learned about first aid, CPR, and AED safety.

“When we started this relationship with the Red Cross, my mind was blown,” shared Ana C. Aristizabal, a UnidosNow representative. “We had a great response when we hosted the disaster preparedness training! The families were so happy and wanted to learn more.”

The grant also allowed UnidosNow to purchase equipment for their space to help prepare for future emergencies. For many families, this partnership has been life-changing. One parent who lost everything during last year’s hurricanes said she wished she had known earlier that these kinds of resources existed. UnidosNow and the Red Cross are working to change that, ensuring that no family faces disaster unprepared.

“All that the Red Cross is doing to keep the community informed is invaluable because we can be prepared firsthand through your app, preparedness tips, and emergency alerts,” they shared.

At the core of UnidosNow’s work is the belief that education and empowerment go hand in hand. Whether through academic guidance or emergency readiness, the organization builds confidence and connection within the community.

“When you see children be so proud of their culture and their roots, it moves you,” one team member reflected. “Together, we can join forces and do so much for our community to make them feel empowered.”

As UnidosNow approaches its fifteenth anniversary, it stands as a beacon of collaboration and pride. Their partnership with the Red Cross highlights the strength of working together—because when organizations unite for a common purpose, communities don’t just survive; they thrive.

“It’s important for organizations to work together,” they said. “Because together, we can better help the community.”

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate UnidosNow’s unwavering dedication, their vibrant leadership, and the countless lives they’ve touched. Here’s to 15 years of elevating voices, opening doors, and empowering the future.