United Way of Greater Greensboro

The United Way of Greater Greensboro supports 70 programs within 29 partner agencies throughout the local community in the areas of Caring for Everyone’s Health, Growing Successful Kids, and Helping People Help Themselves. While all of the member agencies are integral to our city, one in particular, continuously inspires me, that agency is Reading Connections.

Reading Connections is a nonprofit organization that promotes self-sufficiency through literacy and adult basic education. Tutors work with students to develop individual learning plans for GED preparation, English for speakers of other languages, computer literacy, workplace literacy, health literacy, and family literacy. At no cost, the organization provides individuals with the resources to succeed professionally and socially.

When I think of Reading Connections and the difference it makes in Greensboro, I always think of a quote that was posted on the wall in my graduate dorm:

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

I have had the opportunity to hear program recipients of Reading Connections speak on two separate occasions.  Each time, I left feeling humbled and motivated to give back to the community.

In the beginning of the campaign season, I scheduled a rally at Bernard Robinson & Company; the employee campaign manager requested a speaker that could touch the hearts of the employees.  Marcy Ray, the Assistant Director at Reading Connections agreed to the engagement.  She invited, Brandy, a program recipient, to share her experience. Brandy is a remarkable woman with a sweet disposition and an aura of confidence. Although Brandy was nervous, she stood in front of an audience of formally educated career professionals and explained that she dropped out of school at a young age and couldn’t read for several years.  After struggling with financial documents and her career, she decided to go to reading connections and get a tutor.  Not only did Brandy learn how to read, she has taken up creative writing, and she became a leader in a student club.  Despite her past, she said she was not ashamed; instead her experience fuels her to help others who are in her shoes. While she spoke, I observed the audience and I could tell they were moved by her story.

After Brandy spoke, she received a standing ovation.  I know the applause meant a lot to her, but it also meant a lot to me because sharing our stories is essential to living united. Without communication and understanding the life experiences and struggles of others, we cannot take collective action to improve our local community.

Dorian Wanzer

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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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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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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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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It speaks for itself….turn up your speakers.

(click the picture below to watch)

Thank you to David, Lynn and Pete from The Design Group!

Download the files here: e-spot

(right click on the file, and do “Save as”)

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We all know that if we can keep an older person living in their home for longer, we save not only their dignity and independence but also a lot of money – for both the family and the taxpayers.  More and more people are needing Mobile Meals, Adult Day Services, and other in-home help.  This kind of help also allows the caregivers to keep working and keep healthy themselves.  Caregivers already have higher health risks and shorter lifespans due to the stress.

At the Guilford County Commission on Aging, we were urged to call our Congresspeople to ask them to re-authorize the Older Americans Act, which provides discretionary funding that is at risk of being cut in the federal budget – someone heard up to 40%.  The Act provides federal funds that constitute more than 40% of the state’s “Home and Community Care Block Grant” of almost $60 million.  The block grant is a crucial source of funding for Mobile Meals, Senior Line (I&R), respite care, adult day & health care, health promotion/disease management services, housing and home repair – among other things.  I learned what block grant recipient agencies are saying about cuts (Especially see footnote at bottom of p. 2!).

We need to have the Older Americans Act re-authorized, at level funding at least.

Without the home and community care services, more people will either have to go into expensive institutions or be cared for fulltime by family members, who in turn will become more likely to need other health and human services assistance due to lowering their income to care for their loved one!

If I were in government I’d prioritize keeping the caregivers healthy and contributing to the economy by ensuring their elderly spouses and parents can get in-home care.

I found that all the Congressional staffers I spoke to today were interested in what I had to say. Contact your Congresspeople and tell them to re-authorize the Older Americans Act to maximize the health of older adults and create economic security in our community for care-takers.

For more information on the Older American’s Act and how you can show your support, click here.

This was an email that came over from a co-worker- Sarah Glover, Community Investment Specialist – United Way of Greater Greensboro.  Pass it along and/or let us know your thoughts….

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United Way of Greater Greensboro will hold a Summer networking event and school supply drive on Thursday, August 18 from 6-8 pm at 1618 Wine Lounge on Battleground. The event will focus on collecting school supplies and toiletries for the women and children of Clara House; as well as volunteer opportunities through United Way. Please come out and bring the following items:
•    School supplies (paper, pens, erasers, notebooks, pencils, etc.)
•    Backpacks
•    Gift Cards to Clothing stores
•    Books for ages 0-3;
•    Ethnic Hair Care Products
The address is 1724 Battleground Avenue. A $5 donation is requested. For more information please contact us at 378-6600.

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Hattie Aderholdt, Legacy Society Manager at United way of Greater Greensboro, went by the Food Pantry today to find that there is still a huge need from families right in our backyard.  “When I left today, we had about 6 bags of food packed and not enough of any of the above to make a full bag for a family.  We had about 20 families come by today, so the shelves need to be restocked for Thursday.  If you are able to get by the store that would be very helpful.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

The pantry at Gillespie Park school is in desperate need of the following:

• Canned vegetables
• Canned tuna and chicken
• Peanut butter
• Cereal and other breakfast foods
• Canned fruit

Please drop off these or other nonperishable foods to:

1900 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Greensboro, NC 27406

Thank you to all those who have helped this summer as a volunteer and/or for your donations.

Spread the word! Thank you for making a difference in our community!

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The Wyndham Championship is being played this year the week of August 15 – 21st. This being the 72nd year Greensboro has held the tournament; it makes me pause to think about the many years the great golfers on the PGA tour have traveled to Greensboro and the rich history of this tournament. I wonder in 1938 when the tournament was played, if anyone thought that the tournament would stand the test of time and become the oldest tournament stop on the PGA tour.

Our tournament has been through so many changes to make it successful and keep it as the premier golf event in the triad. It started out as the Greater Greensboro Open in 1938 and was won by the golfing legend Sam Snead. The name changed in the mid to late 80’s when a major sponsor stepped in and had it renamed the Kmart Greater Greensboro Open. The name changed several more times over the last 20 years as sponsorship changes have been made. In 2007, the event was renamed the Wyndham Championship when Wyndham Hotels & Resorts took over as the main sponsor.
The venue has changed over the years from Sedgefield Country Club and Starmount Country Club in the early days to Forest Oaks Country Club in 1977. Tournament officials decided in 2008 to bring the tournament back to Beautiful Sedgefield Country Club which is in pristine shape and ready for great golf this year.
Through all the change, the one thing that remains constant is the fact that the tournament has always been played in Greensboro, that the tournament is a wonderful triad event and that our citizens will continue to support this fabulous week which hosts the great players on the PGA tour. Another constant is the commitment of the tournament staff to giving back to our community. The Greensboro Jaycees set the standard many years ago for community involvement and the staff at the Wyndham Championship have followed their lead.
This year the Wyndham Championship partnered with Triad United Way chapters to give back through online ticket sales.  For every tournament ticket purchased, the Wyndham Championship will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to the Alamance County, Winston-Salem, High Point and Greensboro United Way chapters. To participate, fans need only visit www.wyndhamchampionship.com, purchase tickets and enter the “United Way” promo code at purchase.  Fifty percent of the proceeds from each purchase will go to the United Way chapter closest to the zip code entered in the online transaction.
United Way is committed to improving the lives and meeting the needs of those in our community. Programs and partnership’s like this are a huge help in meeting these critical needs. President and CEO for United Way of Greensboro Keith Barsuhn summed it up best when he said.   “What is most important to me is that the Wyndham, who prioritizes supporting children and youth, recognizes United Way as playing an important role in the lives of children from cradle to graduation.  Last year, more than 12,000 kids in Guilford County participated in our communities best programs for tutoring, mentoring and after schools activities that were funded by United Way.  Guilford County School graduation rates are at their highest levels.  United Way programs helped support that achievement.  We are very grateful to the Wyndham for this unique partnership”.
Please take a moment and purchase your tournament tickets online and enter “United Way” in the promo code. Enjoy a day of golf, use the tickets as an employee incentive or give them to a child who ordinarily would not be able to attend the tournament. Just remember that every ticket you purchase with our promo code, you have contributed to the life of a family member, friend, child or neighbor who may be in need of assistance.

Blog Post Written by Brad Huffstetler, Donor Relations Manager at United Way of Greater Greensboro.

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United Way of Greater Greensboro funds programs and initiatives addressing the critical needs in our community in the areas of Education, Income/Self-Sufficiency, and Health. We recognize that children are the future and deserve opportunities to grow and become successful.  Here are some insights from Jacob Rosenberg, student at The Early College at Guilford, Intern at United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Famous author G.K. Chesterton once said, “There is a great deal of difference between an eager man who wants to read a book and a tired man who wants a book to read.” A study by Purdue assistant professor of development studies, Jennifer Dobbs-Oates, is putting new validity behind this statement.

Her study’s focus was on, “low-income preschoolers ages 3-5,” and asked parents questions about the level of interest their children had in reading. The study found that students who showed an early interest in reading, “[were] more likely to show positive, adaptive behavior [rather] than negative, disruptive kinds of behavior.” However, it is just not reading for the sake of reading that helps. “It’s like a three-legged stool – learning and behavior aren’t enough, you also need to incorporate a child’s interests and motivation,” said Dobbs-Oates.

Think about this in context. Here is Sam, a student in the 2^nd grade class who is reading well above grade level.  Next to him is Rachel, who is struggling to read at a first grade level.  Is Sam smarter than Rachel?  Or, was Rachel deprived of the tools to help her learn at an early age? By giving children books when they are young, we empower them to become better students and better people. Talk to your kids, learn what interests they have and make learning personal. As parents and responsible members of the community, we must show children that learning is something they can grow to love.

Oftentimes we think that to change a child’s behavior it is merely a function of he or she changing.  In reality, the parents and families must collectively adjust their actions and mindset so that children can understand the importance of learning.

This kind of family wide change also addresses the problem of obesity. Dr. Dennis Clements of Duke often tells families, “Obesity is a family event, not an individual event.”  He offers advice for how to make the changes necessary to truly change the way we live. Our problems are not things that can be done away with ease, no matter how fool-proof the product seemed at 2 a.m. on that infomercial.

If we want to give our children the best future possible, it means change by all of us. United Way is committed to making changes for the better. The Thriving at 3 initiative operates under the premise that children who are physically and emotionally healthy by age three are more likely to be successful in school and in life—and a focus on early literacy is a key component.

Change is scary, and it is hard. However, when we realize the impact that we have on someone else’s life, it makes change a lot easier. Any child, including myself, can tell you that a parent’s help learning makes everything easier. From a teacher’s lesson plan to the everyday complications of growing up, communication in some form with a mentor is unimaginably helpful. Someday we can all hope to be lucky enough to help someone as much as our mentors have helped us. Let’s make someday as soon as possible.

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What do you think should be done to help early child development?

What do you see as a key to the future of our children’s education?

Comment below and start the discussion…….

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