United Way of Greater Greensboro

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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Children who are healthy, physically and emotionally, by age 3 are more likely to be successful in school and in life. That’s why United Way of Greater Greensboro recently hosted 40 early childhood professionals from across the city to discuss children’s oral health during Thriving at 3’s quarterly Lunch-N-Learn.

Penn Gruhen, a recent Lunch-N-Learn attendee, said “We’re all working for the same purpose: children. We want Greensboro to have the healthiest children.”

Thriving at 3 is United Way of Greater Greensboro’s early childhood development and school readiness initiative. Thriving at 3’s Lunch-N-Learns are popular professional development and networking events among service providers who work with young children. Each quarter, Thriving at 3 hosts a different presenter on a different topic relating to the development of young children, their families, and our community.

Kelly L. Close, RDH, MHA, Preschool Oral Health Coordinator of North Carolina’s Department of Public Health, discussed the importance of early childhood oral health.

On Wednesday, Thriving at 3 hosted Kelly L. Close, RDH, MHA, Preschool Oral Health Coordinator of North Carolina’s Department of Public Health, to discuss the importance of caring for young children’s teeth and gums. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) tooth decay affects children in the US more than any other chronic infectious disease. Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to other problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.

Those who attended this Lunch-N-Learn learned about the oral health status of kids in our state and prevention methods of early childhood tooth decay. They also shared tips and tools for how to implement this information into the work with the families they serve.

“Because we are more informed, we know more of the resources that are out here,”  said Regina Dowd of Greensboro’s Children’s Developmental Services Agency, another attendee at the most recent event. “The more we attend, the more we can share the information with our families.”

For more information about United Way’s Thriving at 3 initiative click here, or contact Traci McLemore, Thriving at 3 Community Investment Specialist.

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Join us for the cross-town battle of the Blue and Gold!

UNCG vs. NC A&T Men’s Basketball

Monday, November 28

7:00 PM Tip-Off

$5 of every ticket purchased benefits United Way!

Purchase your $10 tickets before the game one of the following ways:

• Call the UNCG Ticket Office at 336-334-3250
• Download this ticket form and E-Mail to Mike at MAEHMKE@UNCG.EDU
• Download this ticket form and Mail to GREENSBORO COLISEUM BOX OFFICE, 1921 West Lee Street · Greensboro, NC 27403

Pre-Game ticket orders must be received by Friday, November 25th, in order to receive the $10 price. Tickets will be left at Will Call for day of game pick up under your name.  Will Call opens at 6:00pm on November 28^th and an ID is required for ticket pick up.

On Game Day, purchase your $15 tickets by visiting the Coliseum Box Office.

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Syngenta’s loyalty to the United Way of Greater Greensboro reminds me of sports fanatic.  An enthusiastic fan makes sure everyone knows about the successes of their team, even if the team has a bad season.  Similarly, Syngenta employees go above and beyond to spread the importance of giving back to our local community through the United Way.  Syngenta’s campaign wrap up took place on September 23^rd in their corporate auditorium.  Needless to say, I did not know what to expect, but I was in for a huge surprise.

The auditorium was filled with employees sitting in front of an empty stage waiting for the event to begin.  All of a sudden a large screen projector descended and two “awards show” correspondents appeared on screen. Dressed in classic formal attire, the correspondents introduced the 2011 award show honoring the Syngenta campaign and its participants. The award show had an array of “famous” guests including: Slash, The Real Housewives of LA (Lower Archdale), and Ozzie Osbourne.  There were performances by Customer Center Manager-Lana Hedgecock, Lady Gaga, and the Black Eyed Peas.  The Syngenta Awards was definitely one of the highlights in entertainment this year.

Okay, so maybe the “celebrities” were Syngenta employees.  However, the event was filled with shining stars; employees that took the time out their schedule to dress up and entertain their colleagues, solely because they care about giving to the United Way.  Witnessing such camaraderie and excitement in a professional organization was really a great experience.  The Syngenta wrap-up proved that giving back is important, but the enthusiasm behind it is what keeps the light shining.

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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When one hears of the United Way they often think of the many things that it does for the community at large. However, it is not until you know someone who has been touched by one of United Way’s member agencies  that you realize just how important their services are.

As a former counselor at Camp Joy, a camp for people in our community with mental and physical disabilities, I came into contact with many people. However, there were a few that stand out in my  head as inspirations and examples of perseverance. One of these people was a young teenage boy named Anthony who is obsessed with basketball and more specifically Michael Jordan.

Anthony is the type of person that although plagued with health problems never let them get him down. Every day when the camp vans pulled up I would see Anthony with a basketball in hand and a smile on his face. Although I was never Anthony’s counselor I was always drawn to him and had many conversations with him.

It was not until I was a United Way Campaign Associate that I realized just how amazing Anthony really is. On an agency visit to Kids Path we met a woman named Jane Gibson who told us the story of a young man and his love of basketball and how much he touched the lives of others through his story. I immediately thought of Anthony from Camp Joy and to my surprise these young men were one and the same.

After our visit I was forwarded the article, and I was pleased to know that one of United Way’s agencies was able to touch the life of someone who I cared so much about. Seeing all that Kids Path is doing in our community made me proud and further showed me how through agencies like kids path, Greensboro is able to “Live United”.

This entry written by United Way Campaign Associate, Lindsay Smith, a recent graduate of University of North Carolina.

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Let us know on Facebook if you are coming!!

All are welcome!

If you want to donate a designer handbag for the auction, please come to our “Drive Thru and Drop Off”

on October 5th, between 4-7pm to drop off your handbag @ The United Way Parking Lot (1500 Yanceyville Street)

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