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A Message About United Way and Planned Parenthood
Dear Reader,
We have received several questions by members of our community as to our relationship with Planned Parenthood, spurred by recent media reports naming “United Way” as a supporter of the organization. We operate as a trusted and respected nonprofit leader in Greater Greensboro and are fully transparent as to how we steward our donor’s contributions.
United Way of Greater Greensboro does not provide financial support to Planned Parenthood nor are our United Way health programs administered through Planned Parenthood. The amount directed to Planned Parenthood Health Systems as identified on our 2014 990 form is 100% designations made by a small number of individual donors. Hundreds of our donors designate to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations outside of our United Way of Greater Greensboro “partners” and we have an obligation to honor their choice.
United Way Worldwide, the leadership and support organization for the network of local United Ways, does not provide financial support to Planned Parenthood and expresses the following:
All funding decisions by local United Ways are made by individual United Ways based on an assessment of local needs. United Way Worldwide does not dictate funding decisions to local United Ways. Out of nearly 1,200 local United Ways in the United States, only a small number (less than 6 percent) provide support to Planned Parenthood. The amount of financial support represents less than one tenth of one percent of total United Way revenue. In many of these instances, funding for Planned Parenthood is the result of specific requests from individual donors.
No United Way funds are currently used, or have ever been used to support abortion services. Several local United Way partners provide professional family and individual counseling services, which include professional counseling on pregnancy-related issues.
Local United Way decisions to fund Planned Parenthood programs across the country focus on community health maintenance (e.g. communicable disease prevention; medical care service; family planning; health education; public awareness services; and family preservation) and strengthening services like counseling and family life education.
I invite our community to look deeply at our work. United Way is for the community made possible by the community. The generosity of Greensboro is inspiring and I thank you for your care, concern, and continued support.
Sincerely,
Michelle Gethers-Clark
President and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro
Host a MeaningFULL Meals Food Drive This Summer
More than 56% of Guilford County Schools (GCS) students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. In the summer , when school is not in session, these children often do not have the same access to a nutritious meal and go hungry. To complement the work of GCS feeding centers, MeaningFULL Meals is a summer nutrition project by United Way of Greater Greensboro and The Volunteer Center of Greensboro to help feed hungry children in our community in the evening.
Please host a food drive at your work, school or place of worship.
For more details and promotional materials, Download the Food Drive Kit.
You can also drop off food items to The Volunteer Center of Greensboro, 1500 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro, during normal business hours.
Items needed include:
– mac & cheese (microwavable)
– canned veggies
– bread
– tuna & chicken (vacuum sealed)
– ramen noodles
– fruit cups
– applesauce
– fruit roll-ups
– raisin snack packs
– juice boxes
– dried rice and beans
– Peanut butter & jelly (pre-made & individual jars)
– breakfast cereal (individual boxes hot & cold)
– Poptarts
– graham crackers, Nekot/Lance crackers
– chips (individual sizes)
– pasta & spaghetti sauce
– freeze pops
– Hamburger Helper
– Oodles of Noodles
– ravioli
– single serving size spaghetti lasagna
* No soda or candy please *
Questions? Please contact Radiah Pinckney at United Way of Greater Greensboro at 336-378-6606 or radiah.pinckney@unitedwaygso.org.
United Way of Greater Greensboro to Welcome Spike Lee for Speaker Series May 15, Honor James “Smitty” Smith with Lifetime Achievement Award
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Dana Carter, United Way of Greater Greensboro
Ph: 336-378-6617
dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org
(Greensboro, NC – April 27, 2015) – On Friday, May 15, United Way of Greater Greensboro will welcome celebrated American filmmaker Spike Lee as keynote speaker for its 2015 African American Leadership (AAL) Speaker Series luncheon. All are welcome to attend this gathering of community leaders and caring citizens to explore issues related to income and financial stability, support the work of United Way, be inspired, and give back.
United Way’s AAL Speaker Series with Keynote Speaker Spike Lee
Presented by Bank of America and VF Corporation
Friday, May 15, 2015. 11am-1pm.
Koury Convention Center, Greensboro, NC
SPIKE LEE is a writer-director, actor, producer, author and educator who has helped revolutionize Modern Black cinema. Lee is a forerunner in the ‘Do It Yourself’ school of independent film. Lee has recently finished his Kickstarter funded Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014). Lee began teaching a course on filmmaking at Harvard in 1991 and in 1993 he became a Professor at New York University’s Graduate Film Program, Tisch School of the Arts where he received his Master of Fine Arts in Film Production. In 2002, he was appointed the Artistic Director of the Graduate Film Program. Spike Lee has also combined his extensive creative experience into yet another venture: partnering with DDB Needham, he created Spike/DDB, a full-service advertising agency.
Individual tickets are $95. Event sponsorships are available starting at $1,500. Proceeds benefit the work of United Way of Greater Greensboro to break the cycle of poverty in our community.
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org or call 336-378-6600.
2015 Gwendolyn & Dr. Alvin V. Blount, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award
At the AAL Speaker Series luncheon, United Way will present the 2015 Gwendolyn & Dr. Alvin V. Blount, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated superior commitment to the Greater Greensboro community through generosity, service and leadership in the areas of self-sufficiency, income and entrepreneurship. The 2015 recipient of the award will be Greensboro business leader James “Smitty” Smith.
James “Smitty” Smith, CEO of DeJas Management/dba McDonald’s, owns 10 McDonald’s franchises in the Piedmont Triad area. He is a business and community leader in Greater Greensboro who has generously given of his time, talent and resources to strengthen the community. Mr. Smith views his mission as providing a business vehicle to employ members of the community, to help youth learn the proper work ethic needed to succeed in the business world, and to reinforce the importance of education.
Mr. Smith’s community involvement has included serving on the Southeast Economic Development (SEEDS) Board, United Way Board of Directors, Sickle Cell of the Triad Board, Eastern Music Festival Board of Directors, Hayes-Taylor YMCA Board of Management, The International Civil Rights Center and Museum Board, as President of Greensboro Men’s Club, and the Board of Trustees-UNCG. He is also an active lay leader at the Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro, is a member of the Forward Greensboro Board, is a Thirty-Third Degree Mason (G.I.G.) and Past Master of C.W. Lawrence Lodge #837 Free and Accepted Masons. He serves on the Board for the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association, and is Past President of the N.C. Black McDonald’s Operators Assoc. He has also been honored to receive the NAACP Corporate Humanitarian Award.
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LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro makes investments in our community to serve those in need so that all individuals and families can succeed. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.
Volunteer During Depend® & United Way Days of Action, June 15-24
Depend® and United Way are coming together to promote healthy, active and independent living throughout an individuals’ life, with a focus on volunteering.
Depend® & United Way Days of Action will support MeaningFULL Meals.
More than 56% of Guilford County Schools (GCS) students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. In the summer , when school is not in session, these children often do not have the same access to a nutritious meal and go hungry. To complement the work of GCS feeding centers, MeaningFULL Meals is a summer nutrition project by United Way of Greater Greensboro and The Volunteer Center of Greensboro to help feed hungry children in our community in the evening.
Volunteers are needed for the following:
Food Drive Host: Host a food drive at your work, school or place of worship. Download the Food Drive Kit.
Pantry Makeover Team Member: Help spruce up the food pantry at Wiley Elementary School!
Recipe Wizard: Create or research a delicious, healthy recipe to share with families who benefit from the MeaningFULL Meals program. Email your recipe to Dana Carter at United Way of Greater Greensboro.
Click the link below to sign-up as a volunteer so we can reach out to you with more details for each activity and make sure to count you in our Days of Action efforts.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!
You can also drop off food items to The Volunteer Center of Greensboro, 1500 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro, during normal business hours.
Items needed include:
– mac & cheese (microwavable)
– canned veggies
– bread
– tuna & chicken (vacuum sealed)
– ramen noodles
– fruit cups
– applesauce
– fruit roll-ups
– raisin snack packs
– juice boxes
– dried rice and beans
– Peanut butter & jelly (pre-made & individual jars)
– breakfast cereal (individual boxes hot & cold)
– Poptarts
– graham crackers, Nekot/Lance crackers
– chips (individual sizes)
– pasta & spaghetti sauce
– freeze pops
– Hamburger Helper
– Oodles of Noodles
– ravioli
– single serving size spaghetti lasagna
* No soda or candy please *
Questions? Please contact Radiah Pinckney at United Way of Greater Greensboro at 336-378-6606 or radiah.pinckney@unitedwaygso.org.
Samet Corporation Announces Gift to Support United Way of Greater Greensboro Campaign
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Jeff Kass, Samet Corporation
Phone: 336-544-2665
jkass@SametCorp.com
Dana Carter, United Way of Greater Greensboro
Phone: 336-378-6617
Dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org
(Greensboro, NC – April 24, 2015) – To advance the critical work of United Way of Greater Greensboro, Samet Corporation has committed to contributing $30,000 over three years to United Way in support of the recent pilot of Family Success Centers.
“As a corporate leader in Greensboro, it is our privilege and responsibility to invest in the community we call home,” says Arthur Samet, president and CEO of Samet Corporation. “Our company consists of people who are dedicated to giving back and dedicated to serving others. Our relationship and investment with United Way of Greater Greensboro exemplifies that passion to help those who need it most.”
Samet gives back to nonprofit organizations throughout the Triad and makes corporate philanthropy a part of its leadership strategy. A list of organizations in which Samet Corporation invests can be found at www.sametcorp.com/samet-gives-back.
“Samet Corporation is a prime example of a strong company investing to create a strong community,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “We are on a journey to ensure that every individual and family in our community has the opportunity to succeed and we couldn’t be more proud to have our partners at Samet by our side to help make that goal a reality.”
United Way of Greater Greensboro is committed breaking the cycle of poverty in Greater Greensboro. A list of the organization’s most recent investments is available at www.unitedwaygso.org/ourfocus/investments/
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About Samet Corporation
Founded as a commercial construction company by Norman Samet in 1961, Samet Corporation quickly became known for its unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and high ethical standards. As a premier contractor and developer, Samet Corporation provides the experience, resources and structured processes of a large firm combined with the responsiveness, management accessibility and personalized service of a family-owned business. For more information, visit www.sametcorp.com.
LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro advances the common good by supporting programs, initiatives, member agencies, and partners meeting critical needs in our community in the areas of education, income, and health. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.
United Way of Greater Greensboro Raises $11.1 Million for Community Impact
(Greensboro, NC – April 14, 2015) – “Greensboro citizens have made their voices heard through their generosity and compassion for this community,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “We hear you loud and clear: We are kicking poverty out.”
United Way of Greater Greensboro is on a long-term journey to create positive community impact by breaking the cycle of poverty in Greensboro. It closed its 2014-15 campaign on March 31, 2015 and is proud to announce its campaign total of $11,100,000 million, marking the second year in a row of an increasing campaign for the organization. United Way campaign funds are invested locally in Greater Greensboro to support high-quality human service programs and initiatives targeted towards children, adults, and families.
“Increasing rates of poverty, financial instability in our families, barriers to success for our young people—these are real challenges we face,” says Gethers-Clark. “When we combine our resources, time and talent, we have the power to direct the future of Greensboro. More than $11 million is proof that Greensboro believes in a bright future.”
With the combined power of caring citizens, thoughtful community partnerships, and corporate support, United Way of Greater Greensboro has served the community for 93 years with the goal of improving the quality of life.
“When we began this campaign, we set out with the intent to engage new corporate leaders and donors in the critical work of United Way,” says Jason Bohrer, 2014-15 United Way of Greater Greensboro campaign chairperson and president and partner at management consulting firm Newbold Advisors. “We are thankful to all those who answered our call, who opened their door to us to hear the new story of United Way, and who made a commitment to invest in this great community.”
United Way brings a high level of due diligence, responsibility and community voice to its work. When United Way invests in vital human services throughout Greater Greensboro, it is working to advance partnering programs and initiatives toward success. When it leverages the power of community volunteers and advocates, it is fostering strong community leaders.
2014-15 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS
More than 500 organizations participated in and more than 15,000 individuals donated to this year’s United Way campaign. More than 1,400 donors gave at a leadership level of $1,000 or more to support United Way’s work in Greater Greensboro.
2014 Spirit of North Carolina Awards
The Spirit of North Carolina Awards for Campaign Excellence, sponsored by the United Way of North Carolina, recognizes outstanding commitment and support to North Carolina communities through local United Way involvement. Organizations and companies were judged on criteria including leadership giving, volunteerism, employee participation and giving levels, year-round education, corporate support, incentive programs, and campaign rallies just to name a few. In Greensboro, we are honored to celebrate several Spirit of North Carolina award recipients who go above and beyond to support their community.
– City of Greensboro and Guilford County
– E.P. Pearce Elementary School
– Guilford County Human Resources Department
– Guilford County Schools
– VF Corporation
United Way Launched its First Family Success Center United Way of Greater Greensboro, with its lead partner Guilford Child Development, is driving the effort to implement Greensboro’s first Family Success Center to provide solutions that reduce poverty in Greensboro neighborhoods. The Family Success Center will begin as an 18-month pilot in zip code 27406 that will offer integrated, place-based services to help meet the needs of the entire family with the goal that each family enters the path toward self-sufficiency. The new system views the family as a unit and plans to serve every member of the household. The primary features of the system include family engagement, client input, testing and learning, and increasing flexible access to services. The ultimate goals are to increase per capita income for low-income neighborhoods, improve community health, and enhance school readiness (which will help ensure children graduate from high school). During the next 36 months, United Way will launch additional Family Success Centers in at least three other zip codes in Greensboro.Visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org for all upcoming events, news, and opportunities to give, advocate and volunteer.# # #
LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro makes investments in our community to serve those in need so that all individuals and families can succeed. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.
Volunteer During United Way Week of Caring
Week of Caring April 13-18, 2015
Greensboro, North Carolina
Spring into action with United Way by supporting the community you live and work in through volunteerism. National Volunteer Week starts April 13 and United Way of Greater Greensboro is hosting a Week of Caring to join the fun! Together, we will make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of others in our community.
Check out the volunteer projects below and register to volunteer during United Way’s Week of Caring.
April 1-15 Book Drive
Did you know that children from low-income households can lose two or more months of reading achievement over the summer months? This is due in part to not having books at home to read. You can help us fight summer learning loss this summer by getting more books in the hands of children who need them. Donate new and gently used books for Pre-K through 12th grade students; donations will be received April 1-15 at United Way of Greater Greensboro, 1500 Yanceyville St., Greensboro, from 9:00am-5:00pm daily. Book donations will be distributed to children and families during Guilford County Schools’ Family Fun Day hosted by Guilford Parent Academy. We also need help cleaning, sorting and labeling the books on Friday, April 17.
April 13-17 Storytime Packs
Create and build fun reading activities for parents and children to engage and learn together. Storytime Packs include a book and related activity. As parents read the book with their children, they can learn and comprehend more with the hands on activity. This volunteer project is perfect for small to large groups in workplaces, places of worship, schools and more and can be completed on your own time at your own location! See the Storytime Pack brochure to learn more about this unique project!
April 14 – Club Connect Reading Oasis
(A volunteer project for Women’s Leadership Council Step-Up members)
Help give children at Wiley Elementary a love of reading through a new Club Connect Reading Oasis filled with hundreds of NEW books for the school. This project includes assembling shelving units, sorting and stamping books, moving furniture and more.
April 15 – YMCA Camp Weaver Beautification Projects
Don’t mind getting your hands dirty? Lend a helping hand to prep and prepare the grounds for another fun and enriching summer session at YMCA’s Camp Weaver. This is a great way to help give children in our community a meaningful summer camp experience, and a beautiful setting to enjoy it in. Great for small or large groups. Up to 60 volunteers needed.
April 18 – Human Race
Get ready for a little bit of fitness and a whole lot of fun with United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Human Race team. Each year, The Volunteer Center of Greensboro hosts The Human Race to raise funds for nonprofits throughout our community. Join our team and give back with each step! Learn more and sign-up here.
Not able to join us during Week of Caring? Have no fear–volunteering happens all year! Check out this great opportunity coming up at the end of April.
April 24 – Thriving at 3 Raising A Reader Celebration
Volunteer during the annual celebration Thriving at 3 Celebration at Greensboro’s Central Library. This annual event gathers children and their families to celebrate the gains in children’s early literacy skills and connect families to library resources to encourage fun and learning. SIGN UP HERE >>
United Way of Greater Greensboro, Guilford Child Development Partner To Break Cycle of Poverty
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
CONTACT
Dana Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
(p) 336-378-6617
(e) dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org
Pilot Family Success Center For Neighborhoods in 27406
(Greensboro, NC – March 9, 2015) — United Way of Greater Greensboro, with its lead partner Guilford Child Development, is driving the effort to implement Greensboro’s first Family Success Center to provide solutions that reduce poverty in Greensboro neighborhoods.
“Job placement and achieving family financial stability for low income families, the major objectives of the Family Success Center, may represent the two most difficult challenges in the field of health and human services,” says Robin Britt, Executive Director of Guilford Child Development. “Our goal is to achieve ‘systems change’ by collaborating with a broad array of agencies to align services, by removing barriers, and by empowering families to make progress toward self sufficiency.”
The Family Success Center pilot follows United Way of Greater Greensboro’s announcement that it will focus its work on breaking the cycle of poverty for the next decade and more. Guilford Child Development was chosen as the lead partner for Family Success Center for its expertise in helping children and families reach their full potential. Guilford Child Development operates Head Start programs that serve children ages zero to five and enhance early child development while assisting families create the strong educational foundation necessary to be successful in school and in life. By federal definition Head Start participants fall at or under 100% of the family federal poverty line ($24,250 for a family of four). Greensboro currently struggles with a 20% poverty rate, a number that has seen steady increase since 2008.
“Greensboro has great human service organizations currently addressing issues related to poverty,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “Our intention is to create a new system of collaboration between nonprofit, government and businesses that works together to provide solutions for all members of a family. The system will deliver wrap around services that embrace new ideas for/from clients and implement known human service techniques that work. Members of the neighborhood pilot will be accountable for their success that leads to financial independence. When people feel successful, the community is successful.”
The Family Success Center will begin as an 18-month pilot in zip code 27406 that will offer integrated, place-based services to help meet the needs of the entire family with the goal that each family enters the path toward self-sufficiency. The new system views the family as a unit and plans to serve every member of the household. The primary features of the system include family engagement, client input, testing and learning, and increasing flexible access to services. The ultimate goals are to increase per capita income for low-income neighborhoods, improve community health, and enhance school readiness (which will help ensure children graduate from high school). During the next 36 months, United Way of Greater Greensboro will lead the development of Family Success Centers in at least three other zip codes in Greensboro.
Families currently enrolled in Guilford Child Development programs in zip code 27406 are being given the opportunity to opt-in to the pilot. Up to 100 families will work through the 18-month pilot to develop their own self-sufficiency plan which will be supported through workshops, trainings, and individual coaching sessions.
“Integrated servicing is not a new concept, but it’s new to Greensboro in this form,” says Frank McCain, vice president of community investment and impact at United Way of Greater Greensboro. “After benchmarking similar programs from San Francisco to Chicago and even neighboring Winston-Salem, we know this type of deep collaboration is a monumental change to how we have previously addressed poverty in Greensboro; a change in the right direction.”
The Family Success Center will officially kick-off on Thursday, March 26 where more than a dozen additional community partners will be announced.
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United Way of Greater Greensboro makes investments in our community to serve those in need so that all individuals and families can succeed. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.
