History

According to the 2019 Kids Count Data Book, published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation 459,000 children in Florida are living in high-poverty areas. With the high rate of Florida families living in poverty and on welfare, many are struggling to create a better life for themselves. A college education is one of the best ways to become self-sufficient. Having a college degree or post-secondary education can reduce individuals chances of being unemployed, build self-sufficiency, and lead to drastically reducing their chances of living in poverty. William Umansky, Central Florida attorney and founding partner of Umansky Law Firm, recognized the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. While operating a successful law practice focused on giving individuals second chances, he saw children suffering as a result of their parents’ mistakes and subsequent incarceration. He knew their chances of going to college were slim to none.

Wanting to give back to his community, in 2011 Umansky, established the Second Chance of Florida Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, which focuses on helping individuals gain a second chance to go to college or graduate school. He is particularly compelled to help those students who continue doing well in school despite lifes hurdles. Having come from a broken home and being given a second chance himself, Umansky wants young people to shine as a beacon to others that “where there is a will, there is a way.