Keith Barsuhn, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro

By now you may have heard about National Thank Your Mentor Day on January 26th. You might even be thinking about a person in your life that made such a “game changing” impression on you that became a cornerstone to your success.

For me it was a former manager, who 27 years ago became my boss at United Way in Tri-State (New York).  For three years, Frank Karr directed me, at times, as a supervisor; but almost on a daily basis he coached and mentored me in my early years as a United Way professional.  His insight and guidance was the difference between me enjoying a career at United Way, 28 years and counting, or jumping around to other non-profits.  Lunch hours sometimes turned into near half day conversations on how to work with CEO level volunteers, fundraise within large politically complex companies, and learn about community needs and resources. Those conversations would prepare me to lead a United Way in New York, which I soon did after working for him.  I also am reminded about my new experience as a 26 year old executive director of a United Way, sometimes feeling unprepared to take on that high level of responsibility.  Thanks to Frank’s willingness to spend as much time as I needed to be coached through the most challenging situations, our United Way thrived.

Frank, THANK YOU for instilling in me the confidence to lead and succeed!

This post was written by Keith Barsuhn, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. January is celebrated as National Mentoring Month, 31 days where we celebrate mentors and recognize the importance of mentors for positive youth development. For us at United Way of Greater Greensboro, this year brings special meaning because of the launch of our African American Male Initiative. As one of the key elements of the initiative, United Way is committed to mobilizing mentors to improve the future for disadvantaged youth. Click here to see more ways that you can get involved in National Mentoring Month in Greensboro. 

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Together United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Women’s Leadership and Tocqueville Women’s Leadership groups represent Women in Philanthropy: women united, with one voice, to promote community resources that advance family issues.

This year, Women in Philanthropy is excited to announce Karen Walrond, writer and photographer, as the keynote speaker. Please join us for a lunch you will not want to miss!

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United Way of Greater Greensboro’s African American Leadership group represents African Americans who are leadership givers that invest their time and resources to strengthen the impact of United Way of Greater Greensboro and its community partnerships.

African American Leadership is excited to announce the Inaugural African American Leadership Speaker Series featuring Dr. Benjamin Carson, neurosurgeon and author, as the keynote speaker.

When

Friday, March 16, 2012 from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM EDT
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8:30 – 9:00 am
Registration

9:00 – 11:00 am

Healthcare Symposium: Improving Health Outcomes in Our Community

Panelists Include:

• Benjamin Carson, MD
• Tim Rice,  President & CEO, Cone Health

Moderated by:
Cynthia Marshall, President, AT&T of North Carolina

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Keynote Address Lunch: Benjamin Carson, MD
Think Big—Launching the African American Male Initiative

Distinguished Service Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to Dr. Alvin Blount,
Physician and Community Leader

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Private Reception
This is your opportunity to meet Dr. Carson in person. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity.

About Dr. Benjamin Carson

Dr. Carson had a childhood dream of becoming a physician.  He grew up in a single parent home and was challenged by dire poverty, poor grades, a horrible temper, and low self-esteem. Although his mother held only a third-grade education, she challenged her sons to strive for excellence. Young Ben persevered, and today is a full professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he has directed pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for over a quarter of a century.  He became the inaugural recipient of a professorship dedicated in his name in May, 2008 and is now the Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D. and Dr. Evelyn Spiro, R.N. Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery. Read more…

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This month we’re proud to be participating in National Mentoring Month, 31 days where we celebrate mentors and recognize the importance of mentors for positive youth development. For us at United Way of Greater Greensboro, this year brings special meaning because of the launch of our African American Male Initiative. As one of the key elements of the initiative, United Way is committed to mobilizing mentors to improve the future for disadvantaged youth.

Here are a few ways that we are recommending for you to take action during National Mentoring Month:

• Change your profile picture on Facebook and Twitter to the I AM A MENTOR or the INVEST IN THE FUTURE badges (above). By doing something simple like changing your profile picture, your helping us spread the word and increase the awareness of people in your network. You may even inspire someone else to do the same!

Right Click on the Picture to Save & Upload as Your Profile Picture

Right Click on the Picture to Save & Upload as Your Profile Picture

• Get Started! Become a mentor. Make the commitment to help a child find his spark. Click here to make it happen.

• Thank Your Mentor. January 26th is National Thank Your Mentor Day. As a mentor, sometimes we never really know how we have changed our mentee’s life. Take a moment and thank your mentor for the difference (s)he has made. We welcome you to post your story on our Facebook Wall. Whether you do it publically or privately, your personal message makes us all remember what it is about mentoring that makes it all worth the effort.

• Raise Money to Raise Hope! Behind many great mentors are great mentoring programs, which take resources to operate. We take advantage things like background checks, professional staff who can guide mentors through difficult situations, program evaluation, and recruitment efforts. All of these things require funding to make high quality mentoring programs happen. Hold a fundraiser with your friends to raise hope for thousands of kids in our community. Remember, all of the dollars that you donate to United Way stay in your community.

On behalf of everyone here at United Way of Greater Greensboro, we thank you for giving, advocating, and volunteering to improve the quality of life for young people!

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Tell Congress to restore Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funding in FY12 to $200 million and to release funds immediately!

Since 1983, billions of federal dollars have been distributed to local communities through the Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) which helps stabilize families by providing emergency food, shelter and utility/rent assistance during times of crisis. This fiscal year (FY 2011) Congress cut the EFSP by 40% from $200 million to $120 million. During these economic times, demand for these services has only increased.

Now is the time to speak up to restore critical funding in FY 2012 to help families on the path to self sufficiency.  Congress is operating on a continuing resolution through December 16. Please take two minutes to tell Congress to:

• Fund EFSP at $200 million, and
• Have the Department of Homeland Security release the full amount immediately. Releasing the dollars now will allow local communities to plan how to allocate the funds to best meet local needs.

For additional information on EFSP, including information on EFSP funding in our state and community, please go to: www.efsp.unitedway.org

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Meet Jennifer Ruppe, MPA, Community Investment Specialist for Caring for Everyone’s Health at United Way of Greater Greensboro. Jennifer is responsible for managing the investment process for all health related programs that receive United Way funding. Yes, that’s right…she’s the one that has the fun part of spending all the money! When she’s not evaluating programs and keeping up with the latest trends in the health of our community, Jennifer enjoys building community partnerships by convening diverse people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise, and resources to make change happen. Recently she has been busy working with Cone Health Foundation to form a community collaborative that will improve access to healthcare in Greensboro.

Take a minute to peek behind the scenes of United Way and get introduced to one of the staff members that puts your dollars to work!

How long have you been working at United Way of Greater Greensboro?
Jennifer: I started working at United Way of Greater Greensboro in August of 2010, but have worked for United Way or a United Way partner agency for the past 8 years.

Why are you passionate about the impact area of health?
Jennifer: I see health as one of the factors that holds our entire community and economy together. Health, more so than any other issue, affects your everyday life and your ability to succeed. Healthcare and access to care is a hot button issue. Our healthcare system is broken. Despite spending more on health care than any other country, the United States currently ranks 37th in the world in overall health. In the current system, many people are faced with difficult choices when it comes to meeting their basic health needs . People with a limited income often have to make the choice whether to go to the doctor, or get a prescription filled, or buy food for their family. The cost of healthcare is a huge factor that can tip middle-class people into bankruptcy and poverty. I want to make sure that everyone has opportunities for the same quality care and comprehensive services.

What drew you to this position?
Jennifer: While I’m passionate about health, it wasn’t really what drew me to this position. I’m a believer that everyone should have equal access and opportunities to the building blocks for a quality life: education, financial stability, and health. I was drawn to this position because United Way sees how those three things intertwine. I enjoy that my role is able to bring access to healthcare and improve opportunities for all people to succeed in life.

You’re a big advocate for United Way. Have you had any “Aha!” moments that sparked your passion about United Way?
Jennifer: For me, it’s the Ogre Story. I was at a diversity conference for United Way and I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Johnnetta Cole speak. It made me take a look at the big picture and I just got it. It made me question if our actions were just putting band-aids on the problem or actually solving what was causing it.

Click here to see Dr. Cole’s rendition of the Ogre Story.

With World AIDS Day coming up on December 1st, what is United Way of Greater Greensboro and it’s partners doing to combat HIV/AIDS in our community?

Jennifer: One of the most important things about combating HIV in our community is making people aware of their own status. Two key United Way partners in making that happen are Piedmont Health Service & Sickle Cell Agency’s Street Community Outreach Prevention Education program and Triad Health Project’s Prevention Services. Both programs offer HIV testing, information about how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, and referral services to help those affected by or at higher-risk of contracting HIV/AIDS find the help they need.

What can people in Greensboro do to improve the health of our community?
Jennifer: The biggest way to change the health of our community is to advocate. We need you to advocate for health care reform in our state and nationally. We have to make a moral decision that we care about everybody, and that we will provide health care to those who can’t otherwise afford to. We also need you to advocate by raising awareness about the health problems in our community. One easy way to do that is at local events, like Triad Health Project’s Winter Walk for AIDS on Sunday, December 4th.

If you’re interested in learning more about United Way of Greater Greensboro’s work in Caring for Everyone’s Health, contact Jennifer at jennifer.ruppe@unitedwaygso.org.

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Greensboro Cerebral Palsy Association’s Infant Toddler Program

Good health and well-being of individuals and families are the foundation for a good quality of life.  United Way of Greater Greensboro and its partners are leading the way to care for everyone’s health.

Greensboro Cerebral Palsy Association’s Infant Toddler Program is one of 21 United Way supported programs that address the issue of health.

Through participation in this program, children improve their physical and mental skills while parents improve their ability to support their child’s unique needs.  By providing therapy, education, and counseling early on, children are able to make tremendous improvements that allow them to reach their maximum potential.

“I remain in awe that my child and family have the opportunity to be a part of such a phenomenal program.” Says parent, Shantra Gray, “The success of Jackson throughout his life will be contributed to the early intervention he is receiving through the Greensboro Cerebral palsy Association. We will be forever grateful.”

Click here to see more ways that United Way of Greater Greensboro is caring for everyone’s health.

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Family Service of the Piedmont’s Consumer Credit Counseling

Financial stability and self sufficiency of individuals and families are the foundation for a good quality of life.  United Way of Greater Greensboro and its partners are leading the way to help people help themselves.

Family Service of the Piedmont’s Consumer Credit Counseling (CCCS) is one of 26 United Way supported programs and initiatives that address the issue of self sufficiency.

CCCS provides free counseling services to clients who are in danger of losing their homes, are facing bankruptcy, and need assistance with managing finances. This past year 2,014 default housing clients found help with a 99.6% success rate in preventing foreclosure.

“Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a vital part of this community in helping assist those with financial burdens,” Says Pete Cross, Family Service of the Piedmont Board Chair. “It offers the tools to create financial stability for the future. This program truly is making a difference.”

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Over 90 Young Leaders volunteered to make the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat at United Way a big success!

The average 20 something may dread waking up on a Sunday morning, decorating their car, and passing out candy to excited trick or treaters, but not the Young Leaders. United Way’s 2011 Trunk or Treat was an amazing event created by young people for even younger people.  Approximately four hundred children and their families enjoyed games, face-painting, and trick or treating in a safe environment.  Trunk or Treat exemplified United Way’s Young Leaders and volunteers dedication to public service.  Based on the variation of creative trunks and fun activities at the event, it’s evident that United Way’s Young Leaders are dedicated to public service.

Dorian Wanzer (aka Princess Tiana) poses at her tricked out trunk

Lucky for me, my Princess Tiana costume was a pretty big hit—so I was able to greet children and their parents, and observe a wide array of costumes. I even met a little tiny frog…well, the cutest baby dressed as a frog who was the perfect accessory to my costume.  The excited expression on each child’s face as they walked up and said “trick or treat!” was so rewarding.  After I ran out of candy, I circled the parking lot to see the other trunks. No wonder kids love this event, the trunks were equally as entertaining as the face painting and contests. I honestly can say Trunk or Treat has been my favorite United Way event to date.

Trunk or Treat is an example of how the United Way encourages Greensboro to Live United. Trunk or Treat didn’t just bring people together; it supported interaction of diverse families, which is the key to fostering community relationships and inclusion. When community members can see that there are all types of people who benefit from United Way services and events, then they are more likely to advocate and volunteer too.

Trunk or Treat hosted over 700 people on October 30th in the United Way of Greater Greensboro parking lot

For more pictures from this event, visit the Young Leaders’ Facebook page by clicking here. For more information about how you can join Young Leaders click here.

This post was written by Dorian Wanzer, Campaign Associate at United Way of Greater Greensboro. Dorian is a native of Greensboro, NC.  She received a BA  from Elon University and MPA from Rutgers University, in New Jersey. Dorian has had a number of educational and professional experiences working in the nonprofit sector.  As someone who is passionate about volunteerism and community engagement, Dorian is very pleased to be working at the United Way and encouraging others to Live United.

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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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