United Way of Greater Greensboro

National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week focuses national attention on the impact and power of volunteerism and service as an integral aspect of our civic leadership. The week draws the support and endorsement of the president and Congress, governors, mayors and municipal leaders, as well as corporate and community groups across the country.

LIVE UNITED – Volunteer at one of the many service opportunities organized by Women’s Leadership and Young Leaders.

Click here to see the list of projects through Women’s Leadership. Women’s Leadership is focused on uniting women to empower and strengthen families to succeed. Read more about Women’s Leadership.

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Women’s Leadership invites you to participate in a week of volunteer activities, from 1 hour to a full day, that impact women and families. These volunteer opportunities are open to all who want to make a difference – men and women!

To sign up for a volunteer opportunity, click the linked time slot and complete the registration form.

Click here to download an overview schedule for Week of Caring opportunities.

Assemble Materials for Bereavement Camp

Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro
Up to 4 volunteers are needed to assemble materials for the Wish Ceremony during the Kids Path Bereavement Camp.

• Wednesday 4/24 – 1:00-5:00pm

Assist Young Children in Early Literacy Program

Raising A Reader Program – Claremont Courts Community Center, 2702 Patio Place, Greensboro
4 Volunteers are needed to assist preschool children with simple learning activities.

• Thursday 4/25 – Noon-1:30pm

Beautification Projects

Volunteer Center of Greensboro – Meet at Wiley Elementary School, 600 West Terrell Street, Greensboro
Several volunteers are needed to build picnic tables, bookcases, and paint murals. Wear comfortable clothes to work on. Materials are provided.

• Tuesday 4/23 – 9:00am-11:00am, 11:00am – 1:00pm, and 1:00pm-3:00pm

Guilford Child Development, 1200 Arlington Street, Greensboro
4 to 6 Volunteers are needed to paint an office, clean interior windows, and reorganize the agency resource center. Materials are provided.

• Friday 4/26 – 9:00am-1:00pm and 1:00pm-5:00pm

Blood Donor Days

American Red Cross, 1501 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro

Volunteers needed to donate blood throughout the day

• Thursday 4/25 –  Click here to register for a specific donation time.

Volunteers needed to work in the blood donation canteen serving snacks

• Thursday 4/25 – 12:30pm-3:30pm and 3:30pm-7:30pm

Volunteers needed to greet blood donors

• Thursday 4/25 – 12:30pm-3:30pm and 3:30pm-7:30pm

Collect Poetry for “A Poem in my Pocket”

Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro
This volunteer opportunity is to collect poems for “A Poem in my Pocket.” Write or print poems on individual pieces of paper to make a difference for patients and family members during difficult times. This project can be completed off-site at any point during the Week of Caring.

Bring items to HPCG, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, Sunday 4/21 to Saturday 4/27 between 9:00am-5:00pm

Create Crafts to Decorate Beacon Place

Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro
Volunteers are needed to create spring crafts or decorations for the exterior of patients’ doors, bulletin boards, and the nurses’ station. This project can be completed on-site or off-site at any point during the Week of Caring.

• Bring items to HPCG, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, Sunday 4/21 to Saturday 4/27 between 9:00am-5:00pm

Create “Worry Jars” for Kids Path Support Groups

Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro
Volunteers are needed to create “Worry Jars”, a therapeutic tool made from recycled jars/containers used at Kids Path for children to write down their worries. This project can be completed off-site at any point during the Week of Caring.

• Bring items to HPCG, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, Sunday 4/21 to Saturday 4/27 between 9:00am-5:00pm

Decorate Pillow Cases for Kids Path Patients and Clients

Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro
Volunteers are needed to decorate pillow cases with fabric paint to use as a therapeutic tool at Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Greensboro’s Kids Path program. This project can be completed off-site at any point during the Week of Caring.

• Bring items to HPCG, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, Sunday 4/21 to Saturday 4/27 between 9:00am-5:00pm

Deliver Meals to Homebound Individuals

Senior Resources of Guilford – Meet at Peace United Church of Christ, 2714 West Market Street, Greensboro
Volunteers are needed with their own cars to deliver meals to homebound individuals

• Monday 4/22 – 1 Volunteer 9:30am-11:30am
• Wednesday 4/24 – 2 Volunteers 9:30am-11:30am
• Friday 4/26 – 4 Volunteers 9:30am-11:30am

Donate Shelter Items for Domestic Violence Survivors

Hold a supply drive for families at Family Service of the Piedmont’s domestic violence shelter, Clara House. Items requested include Walmart gift cards, body bath towels, eating utensils, plastic tableware, and large size toiletries.

• Bring requested items to United Way of Greater Greensboro, 1500 Yanceyville St, Greensboro Monday 4/22 through Friday 4/26 9:00am-5:00pm

Inspire Teens with Your Career Story

YWCA Greensboro, 4002-E Spring Garden Street, Greensboro
5 volunteers needed to speak to teen and young mothers and share your career story

• Tuesday 4/23 – 5:00pm

Mock Interviews

Women’s Resource Center, 628 Summit Avenue, Greensboro
3 volunteers are needed to conduct Mock Interviews with clients to prepare them for job interviews. Volunteers must have Human Resource or interviewing applicants experience.

• Tuesday 4/23 – 9:30am-11:30am

Prepare Meals

YWCA Greensboro, 4002-E Spring Garden Street, Greensboro
A group of volunteers are needed to prepare, provide, and serve a meal to 30 teen and young adult mothers and their 20 children.

• Tuesday 4/23 – 6:00pm

Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro
A group of volunteers are needed to prepare and serve a home cooked lunch or dinner to Beacon Place patients and their family members.

• Sunday 4/21 – 12:00pm-1:30pm and 6:00pm-7:30pm
• Monday 4/22 – 12:00pm-1:30pm and 6:00pm-7:30pm
• Tuesday 4/23 – 12:00pm-1:30pm and 6:00pm-7:30pm
• Wednesday 4/24 – 12:00pm-1:30pm and 6:00pm-7:30pm
• Thursday 4/25 – 12:00pm-1:30pm and 6:00pm-7:30pm
• Friday 4/26 – 12:00pm-1:30pm and 6:00pm-7:30pm
• Saturday 4/27 – 12:00pm-1:30pm and 6:00pm-7:30pm

A group of volunteers are needed to prepare and serve a treat to Beacon Place patients and their family members.

• Sunday 4/21 – 1:30pm-2:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm
• Monday 4/22 – 1:30pm-2:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm
• Tuesday 4/23 – 1:30pm-2:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm
• Wednesday 4/24 – 1:30pm-2:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm
• Thursday 4/25 – 1:30pm-2:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm
• Friday 4/26 – 1:30pm-2:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm
• Saturday 4/27 – 1:30pm-2:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm

Volunteers are needed to prepare baked goodies or frozen casseroles to be shared with Kids Path families.

• Bring items to HPCG, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, Sunday 4/21 to Saturday 4/27 between 9:00am-5:00pm

Receptionist Needed

One Step Further, 623 Eugene Ct, Greensboro
1 Volunteer needed to answer phones per shift

• Monday 4/22 - 9:00am-1:00pm and 1:00pm-5:00pm
• Tuesday 4/23 - 9:00am-1:00pm and 1:00pm-5:00pm
• Friday 4/26 - 9:00am-1:00pm and 1:00pm-5:00pm

Sort and Organize Office Supplies and Books

Reading Connections, 122 North Elm Street, Suite 520, Greensboro
4 to 6 volunteers needed to assistwith sorting and organizing office supplies and books.

• Wednesday 4/24 – 1:00pm-4:00pm

Work in the Garden

Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro
A group of volunteers are needed to work with Hospice Horticulture Therapist in the Kids Path and Beacon Place gardens. Work gloves are the only required materials to bring.

• Thursday 4/25 – 9:00am-Noon

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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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This blog post was written by Ann Zuraw in a series of guest blogs leading up to Women in Philanthropy on May 22nd. Ann is the author of  Chicks, Chat and Change and has been a UWGG donor for over a decade.  Ann is in her third year as Chair of United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Tocqueville Women’s Leadership. 

I just came back from attending the United Way Conference in Nashville (pictured above). What an amazing experience to be with people that are so inspiring.

The focus of the United Way is to inspire, engage and change the world. United Ways are making a tremendous impact. We had the opportunity to meet fascinating people leading the philanthropic movements in India, Romania, Nigeria, and Ghana just to name a few countries. It showed the power and strength of networking worldwide.

I heard strong statistics supporting the critical need in the United States to improve graduation outcomes. One in four students (or 1.3 million youth) will not graduate from high school in the U.S.

United Way’s focus is on education, financial stability and healthcare to provide the opportunity for a better life. It brings multiple sectors of the community together to support a common goal to drive change. Local United Way’s across the country are focusing to help youth prepare for success in college, work and life.

Please join us for lunch on May 22nd to learn more about how the United Way of Greensboro focus on mentoring is supporting students in Greensboro so we can be a leader in creating a foundation of success for youth.

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“Paint Day” for the Claremont Courts Born Learning Trail will be held Monday, May 7th, from 10 am to 1 pm in the community located off Phillips Avenue.

Children enrolled in the Thriving at Three program, along with their parents, service providers, and staff and volunteers from Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) and United Way of Greater Greensboro will participate in painting hopscotch, shapes, designs and numbers on the trail that extends approximately 1,373 feet through the heart of Claremont Courts to the McGirt Horton Library.

The Born Learning Trail is an engaging path of interactive activities that helps parents/caregivers promote language and pre-literacy skills, motor skills and school readiness for their young children. The trail, funded in part by the Tocqueville Women’s Leadership of the United Way of Greater Greensboro, includes exercise equipment, play and sidewalk graphics and will serve as an educational and fun area for young children in the community.

“Our commitment is that every child in the Claremont Courts community gets off to the best start. We care so deeply about these kids and their families,” said Keith Barsuhn, President, United Way of Greater Greensboro. Thriving at Three operates under the premise of “children who are healthy physically and emotionally by age three are more likely to be successful in school and in life.” “The partnership with GHA Born Learning Trail is the perfect way to link together important assets to the community,” stated Barsuhn.

Claremont Courts provides 250 affordable housing apartments for over 700 low-income, handicapped and elderly Greensboro residents. The modernization of the community was made possible by the award of $5.58 million in Housing and Urban Development Capital Fund Formula Grant funds pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The community now includes newly designed exterior facades for all apartments; the addition of a new handicap-accessible community building that houses community meeting space, a kitchen, Police Neighborhood Resource Center, property management offices, and program staff offices; and new landscaping throughout. An additional $1.8 million in GHA’s Capital Funds provided installation of 250 high energy-star rate 15 SEER heating and cooling systems for the community.

“With the help of Tocqueville Women’s Leadership and United Way of Greater Greensboro, we will offer our youngest residents a great beginning with the Born Learning Trail. Through the complete community renovations, we will provide Claremont families a great place to call home,” said Tina Akers Brown, Chief Executive Officer for the Greensboro Housing Authority.

Three hundred plants were also donated on April 26th by Syngenta. Mums, geraniums and salvia are being planted throughout the community. The official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the community will be held May 11, 2012.

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This blog post was written by guest blogger Karen Walrond, photographer, author, and blogger who will be the guest speaker at Women in Philanthropy 2012 on May 22nd.  Like Karen’s blog? See her in person! Click here to purchase your ticket. 

Have you ever played that game where you draw up a guest list for your dream dinner party, including only famous people, whether or not they’re still living? I love that game. Some favourite answers I’ve often heard are John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Nelson Mandela, Jesus, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mother Teresa. (Personally, I would invite all of those people, and also add Steve Jobs, Ann Richards, Barack Obama, Aretha Franklin, Bill Bryson, the Dalai Lama, Harper Lee, Maya Rudolph and Lady Gaga. That, my friends, would be a dinner party.)

Another person who has always been near the top of my invitation list, however (and also one of the most common answers I hear, of course) is Mahatma Gandhi. His philosophy on nonviolence, specifically to effect change, continues to be so revolutionary, especially in this time of continued war. I’ve been intrigued by his teachings since I was quite young, and the thought of ever sitting down with him one-on-one and asking him questions about his life and times is a fantasy I’ve harboured for many years.

Obviously, this is never going to happen. But late last year, I experienced the next best thing.

In early November, Stephen F. Austin State University held their annual Leadership Conference, and the theme was “Be the Change,” based on the quote from Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Needless to say, it was an honour to be asked to be the closing keynote for this event, and an invitation that I gratefully accepted. But I became even more excited when I subsequently learned that the lunchtime keynote was Mr. Arun Gandhi, the venerable Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson. Mr. Gandhi was born in apartheid-era South Africa, and after facing discrimination and bigotry (manifesting in a few serious beat-downs by both blacks and whites), his family sent him to India to live with his grandfather, during the time when the Mahatma’s influence was at its height. Over the weekend, Mr. Gandhi spoke several times — at a private dinner on Friday, and a private breakfast on Saturday morning before his lunchtime keynote — but for me, the most amazing moments came before breakfast the morning the conference began.

I’d woken up early to check out of my hotel and have a cup of tea before our host met us to take us to the university, and found Mr. Gandhi already sitting in the lobby reading the newspaper, having a cup of coffee. “You are welcome to join me,” he said with a smile, and so, after I made my cup of tea, I did.

We sat and talked for about 45 minutes — I asked him about his travels, his family, his thoughts on the state of the world today, all of which he answered fully and with astonishing patience, considering I was probably asking him questions he’d heard a million times before. The word that immediately comes to mind to describe him is “gentle” — he is a quiet man who speaks slowly and deliberately, and everything about him is circumspect. I couldn’t help but feel that I was in the presence of a truly extraordinary spirit, one full of incredible wisdom, and it made me feel very small and childlike, like I have so much more to learn and grow in my lifetime. He is extremely committed to spreading the message of pacifism and nonviolence espoused by his grandfather as much as possible, clearly considering it his life mission to carry on the torch. To say I am filled with admiration for the man would be the understatement of the century.

Later that day I watched him address the students of SFASU (some extraordinary spirits in their own right, I have to say), I couldn’t help but wonder if they really grasped what an incredible life experience they were having, just sitting in that room, listening to his words. In particular, I found myself looking around the room at the expressions of the young men and women in the room when Mr. Gandhi expressed his belief that we are not here by accident – we are here to fulfill a purpose. He talked about “trusteeship,” as espoused by his grandfather: we all have talents — each and every one of us — but we feel like we own the talent or gift. The Mahatma believed that we don’t own them, but rather we are trustees of the talent, and we are called upon to use these talents for the benefit of others.

I believe this wholeheartedly. In writing my book, The Beauty of Different, I found myself faced with a considerable body of evidence that everyone is Different, and that Different is often the source of immeasurable beauty. But I’ve also become to believe that perhaps these differences aren’t just coincidences – that there’s a reason we are Different. It has occurred to me more recently that these Differents may have been specifically designed for each of us to help change the world – or, at the very minimum, help change our individual worlds.

And even if I’m wrong — even if there’s really no reason for us to have these gifts, that there is no meaning behind it, and it’s just some sort of evolutionary scientific luck-of-the-genetic-draw — it still behooves us to use these gifts in a way that makes the world, or at least our worlds, a little better, don’t you think? Besides, I have to think that using our gifts and our passions to help improve our communities is a much more sustainable (and fulfilling) action than simply signing our names to cheques: in my experience, giving back while simultaneous feeding our souls with what we love always feels great.

It’s something to think about, I guess.

And it might even make for great conversation at that dream dinner party.

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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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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!

When: May 22 from 11:30 am- 1:30pm
Where: Greensboro Marriott Downtown 

Tickets are $35 (including lunch entrée) and are available to purchase online.

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Meet Sarah Glover, Community Investment Specialist for Helping People Help Themselves at United Way of Greater Greensboro. Sarah is responsible for managing the investment process and community initiatives for everything dealing with hand ups–those things that help people overcome barriers in their lives. When she’s not evaluating programs and keeping up with the latest trends in self-sufficiency and financial stability , she’s busy working with the community to improve information and referral systems and  enhance local workforce development. Sarah also is our point person for NC 2-1-1 for Greater Greater Greensboro and has spearheaded our online reporting system for our community partners. What a busy lady, eh?!

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!

When did you start working at United Way?

Sarah: I started here in July 2009. Before that I worked briefly as a freelance consultant doing research, writing, and group facilitation. I also worked for ten years at the Center for Creative Leadership where I did research on global leadership and innovation.

Why did you decided to go into the field of self-sufficiency and financial stability work?

Sarah: I’ve always been drawn to work that empowers people in someway. I know too many people (including myself at times) who either live paycheck to paycheck or don’t have a paycheck.

Why is the financial stability and self-sufficiency work that United Way and our partners do critical for Greensboro to thrive?

Sarah: Before you can be concerned with your own empowerment and psychological development, you need things like safety, shelter, and food. To continually meet those basic needs for yourself and your family, you need some financial stability. Stability gives you the peace of mind to be able to turn your thinking to bigger things like improving yourself or increasing opportunities for your family. When individuals and families aren’t safe, financially stable, and self-sufficient, it erodes not only their own health and well-being, but the community’s as well. Think about the stress of the people who need help, but also the stress on the helpers, especially in times where there is unprecedented demand and limited support. The effects of financial stability on people can be seen beyond food pantry shelves; it affects things like crime, domestic violence, and access to healthcare and elder care. By helping people get or keep housing, employment, basic health, child or elder care, and transportation, we save taxpayers money from needing to use public benefits and also add revenue from continued economic activity.  When I talk to people, I often hear things like, “Well we’re not getting any help out of Washington (DC).” We have to do a lot of the work for ourselves. We need people trying to pitch in locally, instead of just waiting for big solutions from on high. I love that my work at United Way has a local impact.

What is it about United Way that you’ve learned since you’ve joined the staff?

Sarah: To be honest, before I started working here I really didn’t know a lot about United Way except for what I learned from campaign rallies at my workplace. I really thought of United Way as “rah-rah” fundraising. What I know now is that there’s much more. Since United Way isn’t the direct service provider to clients, we have the ability to lift our eyes to the horizon and notice things that others may not—patterns, trends, gaps, and the bigger picture of the system.  It’s not the old community chest; we’re not raising money for agencies because they can’t do it for themselves–they can. We are making programs and the community stronger. We do more than write checks. We support programs with technical assistance, measure and evaluate community conditions, and bring people together to form community collaborations.

What I love about United Way is that it values learning, sharing ideas, collaborations, and solving problems. At first I was really surprised how willing other United Ways were to share their successes, ideas, and suggestions. The more I learn about what United Ways across the country are doing, the more I am impressed about being part of a larger system that is really committed to improving our communities. Also, I’m really proud of the dedication, diligence, and authenticity of our volunteers who serve on our committees.

What are everyday ways that people can take action to improve financial stability and self-sufficiency of our community?

Sarah: First of all, slow down and pay attention. Sometimes we’re all just too busy. People are falling apart because they don’t have time to sleep, think clearly, and take care of themselves. You have to find a certain clarity in order to find the best way to help. You may be able to help people when you’re frazzled, but it will probably be a band-aid. You can’t nurture, create changes in habits or systems, or pay attention to each other enough when you’re over-stressed. Slow down enough to pay attention to how your neighbors, family, and friends are doing and what they need. Look for success stories of people overcoming struggles and then notice what helped them to succeed. Notice what’s working well in our community. When you do that, you may feel some small calling to action and you’ll know what to do.

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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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