Author: Shelby Newsome

United Way of Greater Greensboro Earns Coveted 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

United Way of Greater Greensboro’s (UWGG) strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the first time that UWGG has earned this top distinction.

Charity Navigator evaluates charities based on financial health, accountability and transparency. Only the most fiscally responsible organizations receive a 4-star rating.

“United Way of Greater Greensboro’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator.

Thatcher adds, “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support United Way.”

“It’s important our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely and this rating demonstrates solid governance and financial accountability,” says Marci Peace, UWGG Vice President, Finance and Administration.

United Way’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.

 

Charity Navigator is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of more than 8,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a 501 (c) (3) public charity itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America’s charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452.

United Way Excited to Announce 2016 Pacesetters!

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

Seventeen companies have joined forces with United Way of Greater Greensboro to launch the 2016 United Way Pacesetter Campaign. The Pacesetter Campaign hopes to raise $1 million through August 31, 2016.

Pacesetters represent a strong commitment to supporting long-term solutions addressing poverty that teach, coach and inspire the 57,000 people in Greensboro struggling to obtain basic needs. Participants also pave the way for an exciting and successful community-wide campaign that begins September 1.

“Pacesetters represent dedicated civic and corporate leaders who not only want to see their community thrive, but are willing to lead the way,” says Chuck Burns, Corporate Development Officer, Vice President of First Citizens Bank. Burns is chairing the Pacesetter Campaign and is a member of the United Way Board of Directors.

Results from the Pacesetter Campaign will be shared in a NEW and exciting way at United Way’s official 2016 Campaign Kick Off Celebration August 31, 5 to 7 p.m. located at Belk, Friendly Center in Greensboro.

“With the help of this year’s pacesetters, I’m confident we will announce that we’ve reached our first $1 million milestone during our official campaign kick off celebration,” adds Burns.

Gregg Strader, EVP, Chief Banking Officer of American National Bank & Trust will chair United Way’s 2016 Annual Campaign. Burns will serve as vice chair of the campaign.

2016 Pacesetter Campaigns:

  • Allen Tate Realtors
  • American National Bank & Trust
  • Carruthers & Roth
  • City of Greensboro
  • Duke Energy
  • First Citizens Bank & Trust
  • Guilford County
  • Milan Pharmaceuticals
  • Norfolk Southern Corporation
  • Piedmont Natural Gas
  • Procter & Gamble Manufacturing
  • Senn Dunn Insurance
  • Sharrard, McGee & Co.
  • Target Corporation
  • United Way of Greater Greensboro – just recognition, no award
  • UPS
  • VF Corporation
  • Volunteer Center of Greensboro

 

United Way Welcomes New Board Members

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

On June 8, at its annual meeting, United Way of Greater Greensboro donors voted unanimously to welcome five new members to its board of directors. Constituents also voted to accept term renewals for twelve existing board members.

The United Way of Greater Greensboro board of directors provides direction, support, guidance, and governance to the organization by engaging business leaders as committed volunteers and leveraging expertise to advance the work of United Way.

New board members at United Way of Greater Greensboro include:

  • Chuck Burns, corporate development officer, First Citizens Bank
  • Jacquelean Gilliam, philanthropic management consultant, UNC-G
  • Antonia Monk Reaves, vice president and senior program officer, Cone Health Foundation
  • Robert Scheppegrell, senior vice president, customer solutions, Lincoln Financial Group
  • Gina Sorrells, market executive of the Carolina commonwealth market, Merrill Lynch

The 2016-2017 United Way of Greater Greensboro Board of Directors: 

  • Jason Bohrer, president and partner, Newbold Advisors
  • Tina Akers Brown, executive director, Greensboro Housing Authority
  • Dan Burdett, head of customer marketing & services, Syngenta
  • Chuck Burns, corporate development officer, First Citizens Bank
  • Pete Callahan, regional vice-president, Piedmont Triad Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo
  • Sue Cole, founder and managing partner, SAGE Leadership & Strategy, LLC
  • Mike Diamond, senior vice-president, BB&T
  • Mae Douglas, community volunteer
  • Angela Fox, NC district court judge, 18th judicial district, Guilford County Courthouse
  • Kim Gatling, partner, Smith Moore Leatherwood LLC
  • Jeff Gauger, community volunteer
  • Jacquelean Gilliam, philanthropic management consultant, UNC-G
  • Robin Hager, chief administrative officer, Yadkin Bank
  • John Houghtby, senior vice president and general manager, global quick-serve, Ecolab-Kay Chemical
  • Jeff Johnson, service operations and strategic workforce development, Cigna Healthcare
  • Mark Kiel, community volunteer
  • Dr. Paul Leslie, vice president, academic affairs and dean of faculty professor of sociology, Greensboro College
  • Dr. Samantha Magill, academic affairs and diversity and inclusion, Honda Aircraft Company
  • Dan McGinn, partner, Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard
  • Ron Milstein, executive vice president, external affairs, ITG Brands, LLC
  • Rich Newman, president/community leader, Pennybyrn at Maryfield
  • Brian Pierce, partner, Deep River Partners, LLC
  • Dr. Antonia Monk Reaves, vice president and senior program officer, Cone Health Foundation
  • Dr. Edward Robinson, principal scientist, ITG Brands, LLC
  • Judy Schanel, chief operating officer, Cone Health
  • Robert Scheppegrell, senior vice president, customer solutions, Lincoln Financial Group
  • Martin Schneider, global chief information officer, VF Corporation
  • Gina Sorrells, market executive of the Carolina commonwealth market, Merrill Lynch
  • Lee Stokes, founder and senior pastor, Destiny Christian Center
  • Gregg Strader, executive vice president, chief banking officer, American National Bank & Trust
  • Jason Strange, senior manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
  • Aaron Strasser, owner, Lucky’s Pet Resort & Day Spa
  • Jane Trevey, community volunteer
  • Jim Westmoreland, city manager, City of Greensboro
  • Sue White, president, Donathan Properties, Inc.
  • Dr. Terrence Young, chief information officer, Guilford County Schools
  • Ben Zuraw, community volunteer

Day of Action Offers Volunteer Opportunities and Kicks Off MeaningFULL Meals Summer Food Program

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

United Way, The Volunteer Center and BackPack Beginnings Partnering to Feed Children

United Way of Greater Greensboro is mobilizing the community on June 21, for Day of Action and continuing the volunteer buzz throughout July with its annual MeaningFULL meals program in partnership with The Volunteer Center of Greensboro and BackPack Beginnings.

“June 21 is United Way National Day of Action. Join us to share prosperity with neighbors who need a helping hand. MeaningFULL Meals brings food to children and adults who are hungry. Your kindness can bring nutrition into corners of our community that do not have grocery stores. Please give the gift of nutritious food,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Day of Action June 21

On June 21, people across the world will volunteer in their communities to celebrate United Way’s 2016 Day of Action. Day of Action is a worldwide event that promotes volunteerism. Locally, we have partnered with The Volunteer Center to offer the community multiple opportunities that support education, income, health and basic needs.

This year, the community can:

  • Host a food drive
  • Host a book drive
  • Build hygiene kits
  • Submit budget-friendly recipes.

More about these volunteer opportunities can be found on United Way’s website at: www.unitedwaygso.org. In addition, people can count down the days to Day of Action by reading United Way’s A Healthy Us blog at: www.ahealthyus.wordpress.com. People are encouraged to share their experiences and photos on social media using #DayofAction.

MeaningFULL Meals June 21 – July 25

There are over 72,000 students grades K-12 who attend Guilford County Schools. More than 67% of these students qualify for free or reduced lunch. In the summer months, many of these children do not have the same access to a nutritious meal and go hungry.

Three years ago, United Way and The Volunteer Center started MeaningFULL Meals, a summer nutrition project that seeks food donations to help feed school children in need. People are encouraged to host food drives June 21 – July 25 that will benefit food pantries at Wiley Elementary, Jackson Middle and Smith High Schools.

“Hunger remains a significant issue for many in Guilford County,” says Carley Swaim, executive director of The Volunteer Center of Greensboro. “Giving of your time and resources to help children and families have access to nutritious meals this summer is your chance to make a difference and invest in our future.”

This year, BackPack Beginnings has joined the partnership and is kicking off the MeaningFULL Meals project by making the program’s first donation of over 3,400 pounds of food. This initial food donation will be used to help stock a food pantry at Wiley Elementary School, ensuring there will be food available for students to take home when the MeaningFULL Meals begins on June 21.

“BackPack Beginnings fed 105 students at Wiley Elementary this past school year, so we are thrilled to continue to feed many of these students over the summer as well.  As we know too well, hunger does not end during summer break.  We are honored to partner with the United Way and Volunteer Center to serve in this MeaningFULL way,” says Parker White, Founder/Volunteer Executive Director BackPack Beginnings.

Food drive donations supporting all three pantries can be dropped off at Wiley Elementary, 600 West Terrell Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

United Way Receives Lincoln Financial Foundation Grant

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

United Way of Greater Greensboro has received a $250,000 grant from the Lincoln Financial Foundation in support of collaborative solutions addressing poverty, including educational opportunities for children and families at United Way’s Family Success Center.

The Family Success Center is a community collaboration to empower families to achieve their goals through job skills training and education. The center offers onsite integrated services tailored to meet the needs of each family member.

“We are more than excited about the future of greater Greensboro. Partners like Lincoln Financial Foundation make it possible to advance our work addressing the root causes of generational poverty,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, President and CEO United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lincoln Financial Group, believes in empowering people to live greater lives, which advances culture and empowers greater positive change. Its grant is part of Lincoln Financial’s annual $10 million investment in its local communities’ youth education, economic and workforce development, human well-being and arts programs.

 

​New United Way Community ​Impact Model Attracts Supporters Contributing $10.4 Million

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

United Way of Greater Greensboro is proud to announce over 13,000 caring people contributed a total of $10,400,000 to advance United Way’s new approach for leading local solutions addressing poverty.

“Poverty can devastate a community not focused on local solutions. It not only impacts the poor and those in need, but also negatively impacts business development and growth, crime rates and our education and health systems. Our community cannot thrive if poverty rates continue to increase,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro.

United Way solutions bring together dynamic and caring professionals who teach, coach, inspire and care about the 57,000 people in greater Greensboro struggling to obtain basic needs. Results from this new model are proving people are achieving financial independence, becoming part of the local workforce, families are healthier and children are in quality child development centers and learning in school.

“The message is clear, people want to solve complex issues like poverty with strategies that are local, logical and measurable. Our new model is attractive because it is both efficient and effective,” says Gethers-Clark.

For every dollar invested, United Way of Greater Greensboro generates $1.82 in value that empowers children, adults and families to overcome and avoid barriers.

Community contributions exceeded last year. United Way is continuing its focused effort on large strategic grants much like the $750,000 one time gift received in 2014, from the Phillips Foundation. While a strategic grant was not obtained during the 2015 campaign, overall giving was up in several areas including Tocqueville Society, Corporate employee giving and Leadership segments.

“This year’s takeaway is that our community remains full of people who choose to support innovative and collaborative solutions, and that’s what United Way does best – we pull people together to create solutions that have the most sustainable impact,” says Jason Bohrer, 2015-16 Campaign Chair.

IRS to Fund VITA at up to $30 Million

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

Last week, legislation passed out of the Senate Finance Committee that would formally authorize the federal VITA grant matching program and give the IRS authority to fund VITA at up to $30 million, absent specific appropriations from Congress.

While this is only the first step in the policymaking process, it is a BIG step. And United Way played a key role in making it happen.

What does this mean?

More than 380 United Ways support free tax preparation efforts across the country, and historically, about one-third of all the federal VITA grant dollars have gone to United Ways to serve communities. The VITA grant program has been funded each year basically as a pilot program, without formal authorization.  This lack of authorization has been a vulnerability for VITA funding long-term (especially in a climate of government cuts), and so it’s been a big priority for our network over the past 8 years to get the VITA grant program in statute, as well as to continue advocating for annual appropriations.

How it happened

  • United Way Worldwide advocated to include VITA authorization in a moving piece of larger legislation – The Taxpayer Protection Act of 2016. We were thrilled it was included in the bipartisan bill (a big thank you to Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Wyden and Senator Brown) and that there was language to give IRS authority to fund VITA absent specific Congressional appropriations.
  • Senator Brown’s office (D-OH) approached United Way with the idea of an amendment that would raise the cap on how much the IRS could fund VITA from $15 million to $30 million.
  • With firsthand knowledge of the need and effectiveness of VITA, United Way Worldwide (UWW) endorsed the amendment and worked with policy staff and CEOs from United Ways that have key Senators on the Senate Finance Committee. They took swift action to reach out to targeted tax committee staffers yesterday afternoon and this morning to build bipartisan support for the amendment. It was not a given that this amendment would pass – the behind the scenes action from United Way leaders was pivotal.
  • When Senator Brown introduced the amendment, he voiced appreciation (scroll to the end of the video) for United Way’s work on VITA and the EITC and entered UWW’s letter of support into the record.
  • The committee recessed shortly after the amendment was introduced and reconvened  when the VITA amendment to the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2016 passed on a voice vote with bipartisan support.  The bill now moves forward to the Senate Floor (timing unknown).

Our progress last week was many years in the making, but by no means is our work done.

Click here for more information on VITA.

3rd Annual Family Economic Success Day Offering Free Tax Prep

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

For those living paycheck to paycheck, on low to moderate income, earning, keeping, and growing one’s income is critical to financial success. United Way of Greater Greensboro knows the importance of a family’s financial health and has teamed up with BB&T Bank to host its third annual Family Economic Success Day, Friday, March 11, 2016.

Family Economic Success Day will offer free income tax preparation and filing by IRS-certified volunteer income tax preparers, as well as information and education on financial topics. BB&T will provide free credit reports to those who qualify for tax prep, and Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Greensboro will give free individual review sessions to discuss those credit reports.

Free tax preparation is available to those whose households earned $54,000 or less in 2015. The BB&T Bus will be parked at United Way of Greater Greensboro, 1500 Yanceyville, and will serve as a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site for the day. Appointments preferred: call SeniorLine at 336-333-6981. 

“A family’s financial stability could depend on the difference of keeping $200 or more in the bank instead of paying to have your taxes prepared and filed,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, CEO and president of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “United Way offers free tax preparation services because we support the financial health of families. For those straddling the poverty line, this service is invaluable.”

“BB&T is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve. Between the months of January and April, we utilize our Bank Bus as a mobile VITA site to offer free tax preparation and financial education. BB&T is pleased to partner with the United Way to provide this service to the community,” John Stokes, VP/Community Development Specialist NC/SC.

BB&T is one of the largest financial services holding companies in the U.S. with approximately $209.9 billion in assets and market capitalization of approximately $29.5 billion as of Dec. 31, 2015. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company operates 2,139 financial centers in 15 states and Washington, D.C., and offers a full range of consumer and commercial banking, securities brokerage, asset management, mortgage and insurance products and services. A Fortune 500 company, BB&T is consistently recognized for outstanding client satisfaction by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Greenwich Associates and others. BB&T has also been named one of the World’s Strongest Banks by Bloomberg Markets Magazine, one of the top three in the U.S. and in the top 15 globally. More information about BB&T and its full line of products and services is available at BBT.com.

WHAT: Family Economic Success Day hosted by United Way of Greater Greensboro and sponsored by BB&T

WHEN: Friday, March 11, 9:00am-6:00pm – last appointments available at 5:00pm.

WHERE: United Way of Greater Greensboro, 1500 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro, NC 27405

Workshops during the day include: 

9:00 – 11:00 am: “Ready to Be Your Own Boss? How-To Advice from Local Business Owners” – panel led by Greensboro-based entrepreneur, Joe Fowler

12:15pm: “Money and Me: Habits and Attitudes,” by Housing Consultants Group

2:00pm: “Financial Solutions,” from BB&T Bank

Workshops are open to the public, at any income level, not only people getting their taxes done. For questions about workshops, or to reserve your seat, contact Sarah Glover at sarah.glover@unitedwaygso.org or 336-378-5036.

WHO QUALIFIES for FREE TAX PREPARATION: Households earning $54,000 or less in 2015 qualify for free tax preparation and credit reports on this day.  There will also be a computer kiosk available for taxpayers who want to prepare their own taxes online through MyFreeTaxes.com, and the income threshold for that is $62,000.

IMPORTANT! WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: To receive free tax preparation services, you must bring with you a photo ID for all adults in the household, all W2s and tax documents, and actual social security cards or proof of ITIN numbers for every person in the household.

SPONSORED BY: United Way of Greater Greensboro, BB&T Bank, the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, and Senior Resources of Guilford

PAPER DONATIONS NEEDED: United Way is asking for donations of 8-1/2”x11” white printer paper to support the VITA program throughout the tax season. If you would like to donate, please contact Julie Longmire at 336-378-5023 or Julie.longmire@unitedwaygso.org.

Five Local Campaigns Receive United Way Spirit of NC Awards

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

Five out of 14 statewide recipients of this year’s United Way of North Carolina Spirit of North Carolina awards are United Way of Greater Greensboro partners.

Each year, the United Way of North Carolina recognizes and awards companies and organizations that have demonstrated strong community support through local United Way involvement. The Spirit of North Carolina Award celebrates the partnership of people working together to develop and implement innovative solutions for long-term community change.

The award program is an important statewide initiative that recognizes companies and employees for their outstanding support of the community by demonstrating excellence in their United Way campaigns.

On behalf of the 2015 Spirit of North Carolina Campaigning for Excellence Awards Committee, United Way of Greater Greensboro is pleased to announce local Spirit of North Carolina Award winners, were honored at the United Way of North Carolina Annual Meeting on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 in Pinehurst, NC:

  • Guilford County Schools – School Campaigns 5001+ Employees
  • (along with UW of Greater High Point)
  • Morrisette Paper Company – Manufacturing 51-100 Employees
  • Kayser-Roth Corporation – Manufacturing 101-200 Employees
  • E.P. Pearce Elementary School – School Campaigns 51-100 Employees
  • City of Greensboro and Guilford County – City/County Municipality 5001+ Employees

“The fact that five of this year’s award winners are from the greater Greensboro community is outstanding. This shows a tremendous dedication to helping United Way achieve our strategic aim to break the cycle of poverty,” says Michelle-Gethers Clark, President & CEO, United Way of Greater Greensboro.

A team of 21 United Way leaders from across North Carolina judged 58 outstanding applications selecting 33 as winners. The established Seven Standards of Excellence, including volunteer culture, partnership with community to raise awareness of needs and foster a spirit of giving, leadership involvement, and campaign coordination are the criteria on which applications are judged.

 

Last-Minute Help to Enroll in Affordable Care Act Coverage

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

In an effort to give uninsured people living in the Greensboro area a last-minute opportunity to enroll in health coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace before the final enrollment deadline on Sunday, January 31, local organizations have planned a series of enrollment events during the last week of January.

Get Covered America, Cone Health Foundation, United Way of Greater Greensboro, Legal Aid of NC and Guilford County Health & Human Services will host events to educate people about the Health Insurance Marketplace.

A 3-day kickoff event will take place Tuesday, January 26 to Thursday, January 28, at the Greensboro Coliseum. To provide support during the final weekend, there will be four additional events in Greensboro on Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31 at United Way of Greater Greensboro and Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Walk-in appointments are available at all the sites and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. People can also schedule appointments in advance by calling 1-855-733-3711 or visiting www.getcoveredamerica.org/connector

In-person assisters are asking consumers to bring the following to the enrollment events:

  1. Social Security Numbers or document numbers for immigrants;
  2. Employer name and phone number, and income information for every member of your household who is working or has income and needs coverage;
  3. Policy numbers for current health insurance plans covering members of your household.

The open enrollment period is an opportunity to not only gain access to quality affordable health care, but also a chance for people to avoid paying a fine when they file their taxes. Those who do not enroll in a plan by the deadline of January 31, 2016, could face a fine of $695 or 2.5% of yearly income, whichever is greater.

AT-A-GLANCE

What: Greensboro Affordable Care Act Deadline Enrollment Events
Who: Get Covered America, Cone Health Foundation, United Way of Greater Greensboro, Legal Aid of NC and Guilford County Health & Human Services

When: Tuesday, January 26, to Thursday, January 28, 10a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403

When: Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31, 10a.m. – 3p.m.
Where: United Way of Greater Greensboro, 1500 Yanceyville St., Greensboro, NC 27405
Where: Legal Aid of North Carolina, 122 N. Elm St, 7th Floor, (in the Self Help building), Greensboro, NC