United Way of Greater Greensboro

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.

_______________________________________________________

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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It’s natural to think about the many people in our nation and world who desperately need a helping hand. We are all aware of the world-wide natural disasters that have recently occurred.  And many of us give most generously to the worthwhile charities trying to help.

But do you ever feel like you want to participate more directly? If you do, you’re part of a growing number of people taking grassroots actions with events to help neighbors in their community.

If you think it won’t make a difference, think again. According to America’s Second Harvest, local food drives provide nearly one third of the two billion pounds of food it distributes annually. During 2010, United Way of Greater Greensboro hosted “community conversations” to identify the issues most important to Greensboro residents. Four issue areas emerged from the community: financial stability, access to health care, successful school experiences, and positive youth development. United Way of Greater Greensboro recognizes basic needs must be met while working toward resolving larger community issues. It’s hard to imagine that 1 out of 4 of our neighbors here in Greensboro are experiencing food hardships.  When individuals, organizations, governments and businesses set aside their special interests and work together, we can make a difference.  Living United means being part of the change.

On Tuesday, June 21^st individuals and families across the country will participate in the fourth annual United Way Day of Action. Here in Greensboro, the event will be the MeaningFULL Meals’ Drive Through and Drop Off. At the central office, United Way of Greater Greensboro is hosting a drop off zone to collect non-perishable food items for the MeaningFULL Meals Nutrition Project. You may drop off your non-perishable items between 6am-10am and again between 4pm-7pm.

After the non-perishable food is dropped off at the central United Way office the food will be taken to Gillespie Park Elementary School, where United Way Volunteers will be packing bags of food that will be distributed to the children of families in the Gillespie Park community.

Although, helping your community can be a onetime gesture, it can be so much more! The United Way of Greater Greensboro is continuing MeaningFULL Meals all summer long! Between June 13th and August 15th, you can donate non-perishable foods to Gillespie Park Elementary School Monday through Thursday from 9am – 1pm. Or, if you are looking to volunteer time helping prepare bags of food for the next day would be extremely helpful! You can volunteer your time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm. To learn more about this project, visit our website at www.unitedwaygso.org. If you are interested in signing up to be part of the MeaningFULL Meals please call us at (336) 378-5033.

Article Written by Volunteer, Amy Riss.

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Do you want a way to get involved  this Summer?

Want to help United Way of Greater Greensboro

Give, Advocate, and Volunteer?

……………….

Here’s how…

Give: Donate Food items at Gillespie Park Elementary School

Advocate: Coordinate a food drive in your neighborhood or business

Volunteer: Tuesday’s and Thursday’s – June 14th to August 18th @ 9:30am-1:30pm

Each time slot will be a group of 3 volunteers… Call us to sign up today at 336.378.5033…

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“If we turn outward and become more intentional in our choices and judgments in creating change we can have greater impact and increase our relevance and significance in communities”

United Way of Greater Greensboro conducted a health and human services assessment, empowering over 1,700 individuals to voice their opinions. Through this we found that financial stability, health care access, success in school, and nurturing children are all main concerns in our Greensboro Community.

In response to listening to the community, we are making great strides to stay in tune with the community interests and needs… having this information isn’t enough. Your opinions, interests, and needs are always evolving. We need you to stay vocal. Tell us what is important to you so that we are turning outward and acting on the true issues. So here’s your call to action: from today on, we urge you to speak your voice and use our social media outlets to tell us more about the change you want to see in your community. If you feel strongly about an issue and want to post it to our blog (email us your post), facebook, or twitter, we invite it. This is your community, and we want you to have a say in the change you want to see around you and your neighbors.



If you view our Voices. Choices. link, you can learn further about each of these issues.

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Children’s Home Society of NC has been awarded a three-year grant of up to $6 million – with a first-year award of $2 million- from Edna McConnell Clark Foundation and the Social Innovation Fund. These investments will be matched by the Duke Endowment and others for a total of up to $12 million in three years. CHS will expand and implement its Family Finding program statewide, connecting more children in foster care with birth-family relatives and other resources. In addition, CHS will expand its evidence-based teen pregnancy-prevention program, Wise Guys, which targets adolescent males.                                           

 -Info from Guilford Record: 4/21/11

What is the Wise Guys Program?

Wise Guys is an award winning adolescent pregnancy and STI prevention program for young men. Curricula and multi-session programs are designed to promote sexual responsibility in young males.

Over 2,300 professionals nationwide have been trained to implement the Wise Guys program in their home communities. This program has been successfully replicated in many diverse communities serving a variety of ethnicities and populations.

Wise Guys Male Responsibility Curriculum © and the Latino version, Jóvenes Sabios, is now used by public, private, non-profit, health, community, school-based and faith-based organizations in over 45 states and the list continues to grow!

Wise Guys is:

* Research Based

* Evaluated Program

* Best Practice Model

* Peer Reviewed

* National Award Winner

* NC State Award Winner

* Community Award Winner

* Curriculum Approved for use by many funding sources

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 Tide’s Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Program Heads to North Carolina

To Provide Free Laundry Services

WHO:        The service is available to all families or individuals in need of clean clothes.

WHAT:     Beginning Wednesday, April 20^th, the Tide Loads of Hope mobile laundry program will bring its free laundry services to Fayetteville and on Friday, April 22^nd to Bertie County, NC to provide clean clothes to those affected by the recent tornadoes. Working with the American Red Cross, Tide Loads of Hope will deploy its fleet of vans to transport laundry to and from local laundromats to be washed, dried and folded by the Tide Loads of Hope team, free of charge. Laundry will be accepted and returned at the specified laundromats in each area. No bedding, jackets, or other large pieces will be accepted.

Tide Loads of Hope was created in 2005 to provide much needed free laundry services to families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Inspired by the resilience and spirit of the people of New Orleans, Tide was driven to expand the Loads of Hope program and has since helped families affected by disaster in Southern California, Texas, North Dakota, and most recently, Tennessee. Today, the program includes the Tide Loads of Hope truck outfitted with 32 energy-efficient Frigidaire^® Affinity^™ washers and dryers, and a fleet of vans that allow the Tide team to help more families than ever before. Collectively, Tide has washed over 35,000 loads of laundry for more than 27,000 families impacted by disasters since the program launched.  

WHY:        Tide has learned that little things – like clean clothes – can make a big difference to those who have lost the comforts of home. Recent tornadoes have devastated parts of North Carolina and have forced many residents from their homes, leaving them without basic needs and resources. Tide Loads of Hope is prepared to help relief workers and families whose clothing and personal items have been impacted and to help renew a sense of hope to individuals in need. 

 HOW:        People across the country can help support Tide Loads of Hope by purchasing a Tide Loads of Hope vintage tee by visiting www.tideloadsofhope.com. All of the profits from the tees go to help families affected by natural disaster.

 WHERE:   Tide Loads of Hope Drop-Off Sites: 

 Kore-O-Mat

3311 Bragg Boulevard

Fayetteville, NC

(910) 867-4379

The Wash House

126 Granville St.

Windsor, NC 27983

WHEN:     Services available:

Kore-O-Mat, Fayetteville: Wednesday, April 20^th through Saturday, April 23^rd from 8AM – 8PM

The Wash House, Windsor: Friday, April 22^nd through Sunday, April 24^th from 8AM – 8PM

For more information:

Ali LaFleur – DeVries PR, 212-891-0463(o) alafleur@devries-pr.com   

 ** Follow @TideLoadsofHope or become a fan of Tide on Facebook for updates on the program.**

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The American Red Cross is working around the clock to help people recover after a three-day outbreak of severe weather across much of the south.        

·  Tornado damage is widespread across Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and Virginia. And more than 700,000 acres have been scorched by wildfires in Texas prompting evacuations and destroying homes. Oklahoma has been hit doubly hard by both tornadoes and wildfires in just the last week.

·  In North Carolina alone, preliminary disaster assessments show almost 500 homes destroyed and more than 1,000 damaged.

·  More than 500 people sought refuge in Red Cross shelters in four states this weekend. To find an open shelter visit www.redcross.org.

·   Across the south, Red Cross workers are serving meals and providing essential supplies as clean-up efforts begin. More than 25 response vehicles are on the ground in North Carolina and another eight are supporting Alabama. In Mississippi alone, an estimated 4,000 meals and snacks have been served.

·  With government officials reporting more than 40 deaths from this weekend’s severe weather, Red Cross disaster mental health workers are available to help people cope with the aftermath.

·  The Red Cross will be on the ground in all of these affected areas for weeks to help people get back on their feet and make sure disaster caused needs are met.

Photo from website: http://gso.redcross.org/ 

Since the end of March, the Red Cross has helped people affected by 35 large disasters like floods, tornadoes and wildfires in 20 states, making this an extremely busy spring.

·  Prior to this weekend’s severe weather, Red Cross workers have supported residents in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin recover from floods, tornadoes and wildfires.

·  Each year the Red Cross spends an average of about $450 million on providing disaster relief to people in need and maintaining the resources needed to get help to people 24/7.

·  There is no other non-governmental organization that can respond to disasters on the size and scale of the Red Cross – but we rely on donations from the American public to be ready to respond every day across the country.

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to get help to people affected by disasters. Please consider making a donation today; every single donation brings hope to those in need.

·  You can help people affected by disasters like floods, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

·  Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

·  Visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

·  Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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