WHO WE ARE

United Council for Aging (UCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating older adults, caregivers, and families about available community resources and how to access them. 

UCA focuses on community education, resource awareness, and outreach presentations. We do not provide case management or direct individual services.

WHY WE EXIST

Many seniors and families face barriers to accessing services due to limited digital access, language barriers, transportation challenges, and lack of awareness of available programs. 

UCA was created to help bridge this gap by increasing awareness of existing community resources through education and outreach.

WHAT WE DO

We provide educational presentations and community outreach to help people understand available resources in areas such as food assistance, housing, healthcare, transportation, caregiving support, and community services.

Our goal is to connect individuals with the information they need to access existing support systems.

A nonprofit executive with over 20 years of leadership experience. She has founded and led key nonprofit organizations, including the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, Inc., the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce of Northeast Florida, and the Jacksonville Puerto Rican Parade. She presented and secured approval from the City of Jacksonville for the Sister Cities relationship between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, and organized the Twin Sister Cities Ceremony. Her work has been recognized by the City of Jacksonville, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the University of Florida. She also served with the U.S. Census Bureau, overseeing 17 counties. She holds national certifications as a Certified Nonprofit Executive (CNE), Certified Nonprofit Consultant (CNC), and Certified Development Executive (CDE). She currently leads United Council for Aging, focused on dignity, access, and opportunity.

She is an accomplished professional in personal risk management and health‑benefits advisory services. With strong experience guiding individuals and families through complex protection plans and regulatory documentation, she has also offered her leadership on several community boards. Known for precision, integrity, and a deep commitment to service, she strengthens the mission of United Council for Aging through her dedication to advocacy, accountability, and community empowerment.

A dedicated community advocate and owner of a professional security services company, he brings extensive experience in staffing and training security personnel. He is known for stepping in whenever he sees a need and for supporting vulnerable families and seniors with integrity and compassion. His commitment to safety, service, and community empowerment strengthens the mission of United Council for Aging and adds valuable leadership to the Board of Directors.

Sandra is the Founder and President of Abrazos Network, Inc., a nonprofit strengthening support systems for caregivers, patients, and families. She created the organization after serving as the primary caregiver for her mother, whose dementia and cancer journey revealed gaps in culturally informed guidance and compassionate care. Since relocating to Jacksonville in 2004, Sandra has advanced community impact through leadership roles with the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce of Northeast Florida, and Daniel Memorial. She also supports Daniel Memorial nationally as staff for its Annual Independent Living Conference, serving as an international consultant. A foster and adoptive parent, she understands the complex needs of children and families and has been recognized by multiple agencies for her commitment to service, advocacy, and equity. Through Abrazos Network, she promotes culturally responsive support, education, and resources so no one faces these challenges alone.

A Marine veteran, humanitarian, and nationally respected community leader, he has dedicated his life to advancing relief, dignity, and hope for individuals and families across the country and abroad. Known affectionately as Dr. Zorro, he has led impactful efforts in disaster response, food distribution, missionary outreach, and long‑term community development. His lifetime of service has earned recognition from the Governor of Florida, the President of the United States, and Oprah Winfrey, who honored him as National Volunteer of the Year. He is also the author of Treasures of a Servant, a book whose proceeds support the nonprofit organizations he champions. A mentor and model of servant leadership, he continues to inspire United Council for Aging through his belief that service is a calling lived with purpose, humility, and lasting impact.

A respected reverend, licensed counselor, and distinguished community leader, he has built a trusted reputation across Florida’s health and senior‑care sectors through decades of service, advocacy, and professional excellence. As the owner of his consulting clinic, he provides guidance and support to individuals, families, and older adults with a unique blend of clinical expertise and compassionate leadership. Widely recognized for his integrity, vision, and commitment to uplifting diverse communities, he continues to play a vital role in strengthening the well‑being and resilience of seniors and the broader community he serves.