United Way of Greater Greensboro’s office will be closed on January 1st, 2013 for New Year’s Day.

Please note that 2012 donation payments may be mailed to 1500 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro, NC 27405 throughout the end of the year. Check donations postmarked and dated by December 31, 2012 will be honored as 2012 contributions if they are received by United Way the first week of January 2013. Credit card payments must be made by 5:00 p.m. December 28, 2012.

Online giving is for new donations/payments only, not for payment of outstanding balances.
If you are paying off a current pledge by credit card this must be done by phone or in person at the United Way location on Yanceyville St. before 5:00 p.m. December 28, 2012

If you wish to make a new donation and pay that donation online this must be done prior to 5:00 p.m. in order to process the charge and be eligible for your tax donation. Online credit cards are NOT processed automatically, so please make sure you post your pledge/payment by 5:00 p.m. December 28, 2012.

Our website will not accept new pledges after December 28, 2012. It will reopen January 2nd for new donations.

If you have any questions please contact Dawn Taylor at dawn.taylor@unitedwaygso.org or 336-378-6612.

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On Thursday, May 17th, United Way of North Carolina and Action for Children are joining forces in Raleigh for a day of advocacy on behalf of important issues facing North Carolinians. There are three key issues that we will be advocating for on that day:

1. Enhancing NC 2-1-1’s state-wide coverage in order to create a system that allows people to efficiently find the services they need
2. Preserving and extending the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as a way to reduce poverty while encouraging self-sufficiency
3. Raising the age for juveniles to be charged with crimes in the adult criminal justice system to 18, so that court-involved minors can receive developmentally appropriate, research-based services and treatments that prepare them for a successful life

As an advocate, you know that it’s important to speak up about issues that matter most to you and your community. The Youth & Family Advocacy Day will include training on these key issues, special guest speakers, and an opportunity to meet with your legislators. Here is the schedule at a glance:

9:30 a.m. Registration
10:00 a.m. Issue Briefing at the Museum of History
11:00 a.m. Rally Event in front of the Museum
Legislative Visits
Gallery Recognition — House/Senate

Will you will be able to join us? Click here to RSVP to United Way of North Carolina.

For more information, contact Anna Hoy at 336-378-6614 or anna.hoy@unitedwaygso.org

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Are you a walker? Runner? Stroller or Roller?

Join our LIVE UNITED team this year at the 2012 Human Race!

The Human Race is a 5K charity walk and run that allows participants to raise money for their favorite non-profit (agency, church, school PTA, etc.).

Date: Saturday, March 31, 2012
Location: The Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Greensboro, NC
Site Map (click to download; this map outlines important areas like handicap parking,
walker line-up, runner check-in, etc.)

Signing up for our team is free…that’s right…FREE! Click here to register. 

Come out and join us for the Human Race in Rain or Shine! If there is rain on Saturday, we will still host the Human Race After Party inside of the Greensboro Coliseum Pavilion starting at 10am. We will only cancel the run in the case of severe weather. Please see the “Race Day” page for more information.

Race Day Schedule
- 9:00 am – Gates Open
- 9:00 – 9:50 am – Submit Donations, Walkers Line Up, RunnerRegistration/Check-in
- 9:50 am – Opening Ceremony
- 10:00 am – Race Start
- 10:30 – 11:45 am – After Party with food, fun, and live music
- 11:45 am – Awards Ceremony
- 12:00 noon – End of 2012 Human Race

Route
5K Route (click to download)
Short Route (click to download)

Each participating nonprofit manages their agency’s fundraising campaign. Our community partner The Volunteer Center of Greensboro plans and manages the overall Human Race fundraising campaign and event. The Volunteer Center has planned the Triad’s Human Race for the past 18 years.

What is special about The Human Race?

- You can support any nonprofit! Where else can you walk or run with more than 100 nonprofits and their supporters?
- FREE FOOD! LIVE MUSIC! PRIZES! FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
- Participation is easy!
- Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Owners must clean-up after their pets.

There will be prizes for the top 10 individual fundraisers and top three male and female runners. The first 1,200 individuals who raise $50 or more will receive one free Human Race shirt. See a full list of prizes at www. volunteergso.org.

Have more questions? Contact our Human Race Coordinator, Julia Cox, at 336-378-6600 for answers!

See you at the start line!

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When there is an emergency, we know to call 9-1-1 for help. Who do we call when we need community health and human service resources? The answer is United Way’s 2-1-1 service.

According to NC211.org, there are 30,000 nonprofits in North Carolina. It can be dif­ficult to identify all of the resources that are available in a quick, one-step process. 2-1-1 makes this easy by connecting you to the services that you need. If you want to con­tact a food bank, would like to learn about child care, are in need of counseling, or are seeking other services, 2-1-1 is the number to call. It is free, multilingual, and is avail­able 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“2-1-1 is a resource anyone can utilize and it is confidential,” said Julia Cox, lead­ership giving manager of the United Way of Greater Greensboro. “People in our com­munity need help more than ever and ev­eryone’s circumstance is different. 2-1-1 will work with callers regardless of the health or human service needed. It is a hand up, not a handout.”

If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation, 2-1-1 can connect you to these opportunities. 2-1-1 also offers communities data about needs in the area, which is critical when developing strate­gies to meet those demands. So, pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1 to learn what resources and opportunities are available.

2-1-1 offers many services where you can find:

• Free legal advice
• Basic services in our area
• A calendar of health events
• Diapers, formula or clothes for new or expecting mothers
• Information about immigration services
• Donated medical supplies
• Information about drug rehabilitation programs
• Educational resources and a job placement center
• HIV testing in the area
• Support to stop smoking
• Affordable housing

This post was written by Crystal Edwards Oldham for The Greensboro Voice. Crystal teaches Introduction to Communication Studies at UNCG and will complete her graduate program in May. She dedicates her free time to leading community projects and volunteering. She values meeting new people, hearing their stories and expanding her worldview. 

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Building a Stronger North Carolina

Hear an Overview of the North Carolina State Budget, Economic Forecast, and Issues Affecting Your Community & Add Your Voice to the Discussion

This year United Way, the NC Budget & Tax Center and the NC Justice Center are teaming up to share the story of the economy and the state budget. But, throughout this interactive session, your community will have the opportunity to respond and help write the next chapter in the story. During Building a Stronger North Carolina, be prepared to answer a few questions and to learn a few facts that you can put into action. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

• How have the state budget and the economy impacted your community?
• What budget trends are developing, and how long will it take for NC to recover from the Great Recession?
• Is NC falling behind in areas like Education, Health and Public Safety?
• How can you impact the issues you care most about? Join with others to focus your local advocacy for the greatest outcome.

Tentative Agenda

9:00 to 9:05 Welcome and Overview of the Morning
9:05 to 10:05 Debunking the Myths of the 2011 Legislative Session
10:05 to 10:30 Identifying Key Policy and Advocacy Issues for 2012
10:30 to 10:40 Break
10:40 to 11:30 Presentations and Q&A with Area Legislators

Hosted in the Triad by the United Ways of Forsyth County, Greater Greensboro, and High Point

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 16th from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Place: Girl Scouts’ Carolinas Peaks2Piedmont Triad Service Center (8818 West Market Street, Colfax, NC 27235)

RSVP: online at United Way of NC, or call United Way of Forsyth County at 336-721-9336

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Jill Cox– Government Relations and Communications Director, UNITED WAY OF NORTH CAROLINA

Alexandra Sirota–Director, NC BUDGET & TAX CENTER

Louisa Warren–Senior Policy Advocate, NC JUSTICE CENTER

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2-1-1 is a national issue and this past weekend support for 2-1-1 made it’s way to The Huffington Post.

Read the article here: It’s Time to Pass the Calling for 2-1-1 Act.

United Way of Greater Greensboro shares the regional 2-1-1 service in order to offer fast, reliable and confidential referral to services that you are looking for.

Have a question about services available in your area? Don’t get lost in the numbers! 2-1-1 is easy! Call 2-1-1 any time 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to link to vital services in your area.

Learn more about 2-1-1 in North Carolina.

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United Way of Greater Greensboro’s African American Leadership Presents Distinguished Service Awards

On March 20, 2010, African American Leadership (AAL) of United Way of Greater Greensboro held its second annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet. Approximately 175 attendees gathered at the NC A&T Alumni-Foundation Events Center to recognize individuals and community organizations that performed outstanding volunteer activities for nonprofit and charitable organizations aimed at improving the general welfare of the African-American community. In keeping with United Way of Greater Greensboro’s priorities, awards were presented in the categories of Education, Health, and Self Sufficiency.

Hank Wall, Executive Director of Brothers Organized to Save Others (BOTSO) received the award in Education. Hank has worked with African American Males in both Greensboro and High Point since 1975, mentoring them to stay in school, instilling discipline and self respect. He has formed strategic partnerships with agencies and organizations such as Communities in Schools, Kiwanis, Junior League, etc.“ In 2009 BOTSO became a part of Win-Win Resolutions, a non-profit organization that teaches youth critical negotiation and conflict resolution skills.”

Karen Dyer, President of the Greensboro chapter of The Links, received the award in Health. The Links has developed the “Go Healthy Challenge Program” which focuses on childhood obesity and nutrition. This program is administered through the Hayes-Taylor YMCA, and targets children ages 8-16 and their parents.

Amos Quick, Executive Director, Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, received the award in Self-Sufficiency, aligning with the United Way focus on income. Amos has worked tirelessly to ensure that children are given the tools needed to overcome obstacles. His organization currently serves approximately 1400 children annually, providing them not only with a safe place to socialize after school, but also instilling (in them) critical character development, literacy and life skills.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Ms. Nettie Coad, community organizer and Executive Director of the Partnership Project. Ms. Coad is a longtime advocate of equitable housing and affordable healthcare for the underserved and underrepresented citizens in the community. Her efforts to revitalize the Southside community led to the naming of the Nettie Coad apartment complex on Martin Luther King Drive.

African American Leadership engages donors in the work of United Way of Greater Greensboro. United Way addresses critical community needs in the areas of Education, Income (Self Sufficiency) and Health by delivering 61 programs through 30 partner agencies. United Way also supports and provides leadership to three strategic initiatives including Thriving at Three, Partners Ending Homelessness and  2-1-1, a 24/7 referral line that operates 365 days a year.

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Since our regional 2-1-1 billboards were put up earlier this month, I’ve passed by both of them on my travels between Greensboro and High Point. After planning for the installation for months, all I could do was smile when I saw the real thing installed and to-the-point for drivers passing by. These new billboards share the 2-1-1 number and it’s main goal–to help if help is needed.

The first step in finding help is knowing who to call.  9-1-1 is for emergencies, 4-1-1 is for directory assistance and 2-1-1 is for finding community health and human service resources. (from www.nc211.org)

Learn more about 2-1-1 in North Carolina here.

By: Aden Hailemariam, Marketing & Communications at United Way of Greater Greensboro

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United Ways in the Piedmont Raise Over $51,000 Thanks to LIVE UNITED GIVE UNITED Telethon

Greensboro, NC … United Ways in the Piedmont raised $51,293 on Wednesday during the LIVE UNITED GIVE UNITED Telethon as WFMY News 2, WGHP Fox 8, and WXII 12 provided programming that focused on the importance of closing campaign gaps in order to meet critical community needs. The telethon occurred from 5am-9am and viewers were urged by all three stations to call 2-1-1 to submit pledges.

United Way of Greater High Point Campaign Chair Leah Price was the event initiator. “The success of the LIVE UNITED GIVE UNITED Telethon is a testament to residents’ commitment to changing lives and a confirmation of their choice of United Way as the means to do so. We thank all who gave during the event as well as the three community-spirited television stations that made it possible,” stated Price.

The total amount raised includes a pledge from Duke Energy that matched donors dollar for dollar up to $15,000.

Additionally, the event served as an opportunity to familiarize the Piedmont community with 2-1-1, a 24/7 helpline that is available 365 days a year. Free of charge, callers are provided referrals to needs that range from food, clothing, and shelter to basic child care services. By dialing 2-1-1 yesterday, those who desired to pledge were routed to a call center at United Way of Greater Greensboro. Those who need help can call every day.

The event was a launch pad in moving individual United Way campaigns in the Piedmont closer to their goals, but there is still much work to be done in an effort  achieve individual fundraising goals. United Ways are asking community members to continue to give in order to close campaign gaps. Closing the fundraising gaps translates to helping more individuals who need assistance in the Piedmont Triad.

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Duke Energy Provides $15,000 Matching Grant for LIVE UNITED GIVE UNITED Telethon

Winston-Salem, NC … Duke Energy will provide a $15,000 matching grant for the United Ways of the Piedmont Triad’s December 16 LIVE UNITED. GIVE UNITED. Telethon. The first $15,000 in pledges will be matched dollar-for-dollar from Duke Energy’s generous grant.

The LIVE UNITED GIVE UNITED Telethon is being supported by WXII12, WFMY News 2, and Fox 8 WGHP.

Between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 16, each station will air numerous stories illustrating how individual United Ways are making a real difference in people’s lives. Viewers will be able to pledge to the United Way serving their own community by dialing 2-1-1.

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