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Emmy-Award winning journalists Maria Celeste Arrarás and Laurie Jennings to serve as prominent local supporters of senior social platform
Broward County, home to 1.9 million residents, faces significant challenges for its older adult population. The bilingual platform addresses the unique needs of Broward’s growing senior population, where 24% of residents – more than 462,000 people – are aged 60 or older. Social isolation, particularly among seniors, is linked to serious mental health issues, while limited mobility and rising costs can prevent older adults from participating in community activities.
United for Seniors bridges these gaps with a simple, welcoming online community that empowers seniors to connect, learn, and thrive. The platform provides a vital, accessible solution helping older adults stay active, socially connected, and supported in their daily lives.
The United for Seniors App can be downloaded on Google Play, in the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.unitedforseniors.
- Chat and connect with peers in safe, interest-based groups
- Access expert tips and advice on health and wellness
- Participate in fun, enriching activities and workshops designed specifically for seniors
- Join informative monthly webinars and receive guidance that supports both seniors and their caregivers. The platform also features a robust search tool, making it easy to explore a wide range of previously recorded webinars by topic and interest.
“United for Seniors started as a way to bring culturally sensitive support to our Hispanic seniors, and we are thrilled to now expand its reach to the broader community,” said Maria Hernandez, Chief Impact Officer for United Way Broward. “This platform is a lifeline helping seniors connect with one another, access resources, and remain engaged in ways that truly enhance their quality of life.”
The pilot program was launched in September 2024 with support from prominent local figures, including Maria Celeste Arrarás, a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and television host and Laurie Jennings, an Emmy Award-winning news anchor. Their involvement is helping drive strong adoption among Broward’s seniors.
United for Seniors quickly expanded its reach and, by August 2025, surpassed 1,000 registered users. Building on this success, United Way Broward’s Coalition plans to introduce the platform to additional community partners throughout Broward County and United Way affiliates across the country, making it a model for senior engagement nationwide.
Older adults, families, and caregivers can join the community by visiting www.unitedforseniors.
United Way Broward mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way is there. For more than 85 years, United Way Broward has brought a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across the communities in Broward County means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives in collaboration with our donors, volunteers, corporate and agency partners. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit UnitedWayBroward.org.
About United Way Broward’s Coalition on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention
United Way Broward’s Coalition on Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention is a broad-based substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion coalition dedicated to reducing negative consequences on individuals, families, and communities. Today, its primary role is to serve as a coalition-building organization that brokers partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies to foster, develop, and enhance integrated behavioral health efforts throughout Broward County, while searching for innovative and effective ways to address the issue of substance misuse. Coalition on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention is a vital component of United Way Broward’s four impact areas (strengthening local resilience, advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security) focused on the solutions to close gaps in services and create a better life for all. For more information, please visit www.drugfreebroward.org or follow us on social media at facebook.com/uwbcoalition