By Kristy Pate, United Way of West Florida

Pensacola, Fla. - United Way of West Florida recently conducted QPR, or Question, Persuade, Refer training for Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.  

QPR is a free training program offered by UWWF to any local organization or school. QPR is not a form of counseling or treatment but is an intent to offer hope through positive action for those who are struggling with mental health.

ALICE is your neighbor, the barista taking your coffee order, a teacher at your child’s school, an administrative assistant—or it could even be you.

Founded in January 2023, Hope Above Fear is a young nonprofit with a powerful mission: to reduce substance use among youth through prevention, education, and empowerment. Led by Executive Director Stephanie Shepard, the organization began with a focus on fentanyl awareness and has quickly grown into a comprehensive, community-driven approach to substance abuse prevention.

The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people, the experience is more complicated. This season can bring financial strain, complicated family expectations, heavier emotional weight, increased social demands, and the kind of exhaustion that settles in after a long year. Some people welcome the celebrations, while others simply try to navigate December as smoothly as possible. 

Regardless of how you participate, holiday stress doesn’t discriminate. It affects people everywhere, across every income level and walk of life.

Pensacola, FL – November 18, 2025

A Veteran’s Mission to Warm Hearts and Feet

By: Kristy Pate

United Way of West Florida

PENSACOLA, Fla., -- Retired Command Sergeant Major Raymond McKnight has been donating socks to those in need since 1978. He was 35 years old then and it was a passion he has continued since.