EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES.
CHANGING LIVES.

Who We Are

The Pinellas County Urban League has been serving the community for over 43 years. The agency's mission is to help African-Americans and others in underserved communities achieve their highest true socialparityeconomic self- reliance, power, and civil rights. The League promotes economic empowerment through education and job training, housing and community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health, and quality of life.

We accomplish this by providing programs that enhance personal growth skills, job readiness training, financial literacy education, entrepreneurship development opportunities, civic engagement initiatives, and a variety of other services that meet the needs of hardworking families.

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We regretfully announce the passing of the Pinellas County Urban League's beloved President & CEO, Rev. Watson L. Haynes, II who transitioned peacefully on Saturday, August 20, 2022.

Rev. Haynes was a trailblazer leader and true community hero who will be remembered for breaking glass ceilings on behalf of African Americans in St. Petersburg. He was known throughout the Urban League movement as a man of courage and commitment who was always ready to fill the role of the preacher as well as a champion for racial and economic justice. His lifelong mission and legacy of Empowering Communities and Changing Lives will continue for generations and will have a lasting impact locally and nationally.

The Pinellas County Urban League has benefited tremendously from Rev. Haynes’ leadership and vision. His passing has left a tremendous void that will be challenging to fill. He was an inspiration to his family, church, community, and the entire Urban League movement. His welcoming smile and warm spirit will be sorely missed by this community. He was a husband, uncle, friend, confidant, father, brother, grandfather, mentor, and leader.

Leadership was deeply rooted in Rev. Haynes long before he became the President & CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League. He was the first African American elected Senior Class President at St. Petersburg High School. Over the past 50+ years, Rev. Haynes has held positions on numerous governmental boards and commissions. His recent awards include the National Council of Negro Women Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award, Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award, Community Leader Award from the Florida Police Chiefs Association, Superior Service Award from Eta Rho Chapter Psi Phi Fraternity, member of the National Urban League Cabinet of Presidents in the United States and received the key to the City of St. Petersburg for his work in the community.

In continuation of the philosophies established by Rev. Haynes, the Urban League will continue to move forward with our work in the community with no disruption in our programs and services to the underserved and disadvantaged of our community. Ms. Charlotte Anderson, Chief Operating Officer has been assigned to manage the day-to-day operations in coordination with the board.

Funeral arrangements for Rev. Haynes will be provided in a subsequent announcement.

Sincerely,

Rodney Wilson

Rodney Wilson, Board Chair

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Our Services

Economic Development

We assist our job-seeking clients to obtain their goals by providing assessments and goal setting, career counseling, employability skills training, financial fitness training, resumes, technical training, certifications, career fairs, job search, resources, and wrap-around services.

Health

One of the key objectives of the Pinellas County Urban League has been to improve health outcomes for Black people and other people of color in Pinellas County through the elimination of longstanding health inequities. We believe in access to affordable healthcare Our ACA Navigators are here to help you "Navigate Your Heath Care".

Education

Personal Development is vital to the overall success of youth and families served by the Youth & Family Services Department. In order to assist our clients in achieving success, we offer Educational Achievement, Leadership Skills, Social & Character Building, and Financial Literacy programs and services.

Housing Services

Provide safe, affordable, clean, and efficient housing. Build strong collaborations with partner agencies that provide homeowner assistance and other housing services. We also offer weatherization services to promote energy efficiency. Our clients can also apply for Utility Assistance.