Category: Community Partners

Sloan and Benjamin Families Honored by United Way as Top Philanthropic Leaders

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At 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 21, 2018, 600 people will attend United Way of Greater Greensboro’s annual Speakers Series at Grandover Resort & Conference Center to hear Leigh Anne Tuohy, the inspirational subject of The Blind Side, share her amazing personal story about the power of turning around to help others.

During the luncheon United Way will present two annual awards that will honor members of the Sloan and Benjamin families for their tremendous compassion and impact in our community.

2018 United Way of Greater Greensboro Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
Linda and Tom Sloan.

2018 United Way of Greater Greensboro Legacy Award Recipients
Joan and Mente Benjamin, Ann and Ben Zuraw, and Bill and Margaret Benjamin.

“We are so fortunate to have such caring and generous families in our community. We are honored to recognize them for their leadership in philanthropy and overall desire to do good. They are true heroes and lead a life of authentic compassion,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals or couples who demonstrate a history of extraordinary leadership, philanthropy, and true “love of mankind”. In addition, they exemplify a shared dedication to United Way of Greater Greensboro’s mission, vision, and values through decades of service and exceptional support of programs that transform lives in our community. We are delighted to recognize the Sloans for a lifetime of giving and compassion.

Past Lifetime Achievement Recipients:
Dr. Preston Clark – 2017 Community Speaker Series
David and Joann Grimes – 2016 Community Speaker Series
James “Smitty” Smith – 2015 Community Speaker Series
Royce and Jane Reynolds – 2014 Community Speaker Series
Dr. Maya Angelou 2013 – Women in Philanthropy Luncheon
Dr. Edward B. Fort – 2013 AAL Speaker Series
Dr. Alvin V. Blount, Jr. – 2012 AAL Speaker Series

The Legacy Award is presented to families who demonstrate a legacy of giving and community impact. In addition, they exemplify a shared dedication to United Way of Greater Greensboro’s mission, vision and values through service and exceptional support of programs that transform lives in our community. We are delighted to recognize the Benjamin Family for their love of mankind and family legacy of generosity in our community.

Past Legacy Award Recipients:
Alan and Sally Cone 2016
Betty and Benjamin Cone 2016
Phyllis Shavitz, Joy Shavitz 2014
Kay Stern, Katherine Weaver 2013
Tobee Kaplan, Kathy Manning 2013

More About the Sloan Family
Linda and Tom Sloan have demonstrated incredible leadership with United Way as loyal Tocqueville Society members. They continue to lead the charge to create positive impact throughout Greensboro.

Linda’s leadership can be seen across Triad Stage, Women to Women, Green Hill, United Arts Council, UNC-G College of Visual and Performing Arts, Touring Theatre, Hospice and Palliative Care, Greensboro Day School, The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, and United Way.

Tom’s leadership has benefited Cone Health System, University of Rochester, UNC-G, Triad Stage, Greensboro Jewish Federation, The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, Greensboro Jewish Foundation, and Temple Emanuel.

“It is a privilege to be able to give back to the community and to be able to invest in the future of Greensboro. Charitable giving is about giving to people who are involved in ideas and organizations that you trust and value. We have always had great confidence in United Way leadership and the impact of United Way,” said Tom and Linda Sloan.

More About the Benjamin Family
The Benjamin family has a long legacy of multi-generational philanthropy and enrichment within the greater Greensboro community. Their family has made the community a better place for all. They have devoted their time, energy, and funding to help those in need. Their family legacy of commitment to United Way and other organizations is remarkable.

Leading by example almost 100 years ago, Ann and Bill Benjamin’s great grandfather, Emanuel Sternberger, was a founding board member of The Community Chest which was the precursor of United Way of Greater Greensboro.

The Emmanuel Sternberger Educational Fund established in 1925 by Mrs. Bertha S. Sternberger to honor her late husband Emanuel Sternberger continues to provide scholarships.

Other donations by their family to Greensboro include property for the Sternberger Children’s Hospital, Wesley Long Hospital, Benjamin Bog Garden, The Blanche S. Benjamin Branch Library, Bertha Sternberger School, and Benjamin Parkway. In addition, they donated property used as headquarters for Junior Achievement and The Junior League of Greensboro.

Joan and Mente Benjamin, Ann and Bill’s parents, have been involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors. They are loyal Tocqueville Society contributors to United Way. Through their long-time support of United Way, they inspired their family to continue their philanthropic tradition.

Ann and her husband Ben Zuraw are dedicated United Way supporters and have served both locally and at the international level.

Ann serves on the United Way Worldwide Leadership Council. She is past chair of United Way Tocqueville Women and currently serves on the Women United Cabinet and Tocqueville Strategy Committee. Her additional leadership and community support include Well Spring Retirement Community, Triad Stage and The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.

Ben has served on the board of directors of United Way, Partners Ending Homelessness, WellSpring Solutions, and volunteers at Greensboro Day School.

Bill and Margaret Benjamin have also been long time United Way supporters and active volunteers. Both Margaret and Bill have served on the United Way allocation review committees and have a legacy of service to our community.

Bill’s leadership has been instrumental to Boy Scouts, Green Hill, City of Greensboro Redevelopment Commission, NC Association of CPA’s, Greensboro Science Center and ArtsGreensboro.

Margaret has provided exceptional leadership to the following organizations: Weatherspoon Art Museum, LSU Museum of Art, Greensboro Historical Museum, Museum Trustee Association Board of Directors, Greensboro Downtown Parks, LeBauer Park, Greensboro’s Public Art Endowment, Greensboro Public Library Foundation, Children’s Home Society and Greensboro Cerebral Palsy Association
among others.

“We are so proud to build on the example Emanuel Sternberger set for the Benjamin family to continue a legacy of giving in the community. Our heartfelt thanks to United Way for its outstanding tradition of leadership and service in making our community a more caring and more united place now and into the future,” said Margaret and Bill Benjamin.

The 2018 United Way Community Speaker Series is open to the public and tickets and sponsorships are available. For more information, contact United Way at 336.378.6600 or visit their website at https://www.unitedwaygso.org/speakerseries/

GSO Tornado Relief: City Closing its Two Disaster Relief Centers; Shifting Focus to Long-Term Recovery

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City Closing its Two Disaster Relief Centers; Shifting Focus to Long-Term Recovery

The City of Greensboro is closing its two Disaster Relief Centers this week as it transitions its focus from tornado response to long-term recovery efforts. The Peeler Recreation Center location is closing at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, and the Willow Oaks Community Center location is closing at noon on Friday, May 4. The two sites have been open for more than a week to assist residents affected by the April 15 tornado.

The City is still attempting to contact all former occupants of homes that were destroyed, or suffered major damage, during the tornado. It’s also awaiting decisions from state and federal agencies for financial support, who surveyed the affected areas last week.

Financial assistance may be available to help residents secure housing through the Greensboro Housing Coalition. Affected residents are encouraged to call the coalition at 336-691-9521 or the City’s Neighborhood Development Department at 336-373-2349. The coalition may also connect families in need with the Red Cross for financial assistance if available.

All homeowners who have been displaced because of a destroyed home or significant damage should contact the Red Cross to see if they qualify for disaster relief funds. The Red Cross will be at the Willow Oaks Community Center until noon on Friday, May 4. After this time, the Red Cross is open at its 1501 Yanceyville St. location.

Beginning at noon on Friday, May 4, residents may pick up food and supplies previously donated to the City at the following community partner locations:

  • Mt. Olivet AME Zion Church2123 McConnell Rd.
    Contact: Janice Holt, 336-327-7199
    Open 12-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays
  • Genesis Baptist Church2182 E. Bessemer Ave.
    Contact: Rev. Calvin Foster, 336-587-7318
    Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
  • New Light Missionary Baptist Church1105 Willow Rd.
    Contact: Tonja Fant, 336-478-7417
    Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
  • Salvation Army Food Pantry1311 S. Eugene St.
    Open 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays through Fridays
  • Greensboro Urban Ministry Food Pantry305 W. Gate City Blvd.
    Open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
  • St. Mary’s Catholic Church812 Duke St.
    Contact: Becky Dubois, 336-705-4805
    Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays
  • The Islamic Center of Greensboro
    2023 16th St.
    Contact: Moussa Issifou, 336-255-1870
    Open from 2-5 p.m. on Friday, May 4 and from 9-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6

GSO Tornado Relief: Fund Distribution Update

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United Way of Greater Greensboro is pleased to announce it has directed $64,000 from GSO Tornado Relief donations to the Greensboro Housing Coalition for immediate housing stability and rehousing of households impacted by the April 15, 2018 tornado in Greensboro, NC.

“Housing is the most important human need we can give our neighbors. The outpouring of love and compassion in the community is great and we want to say thank you to everyone for being heroes. We are stronger together,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Greensboro.

The Greensboro Housing Coalition’s main relief focus at this time is to assist households whose homes were completely destroyed or experienced major damage, as assessed by Guilford County Emergency Management Services.

As GSO Tornado Relief donations continue to be collected and processed, United Way will issue weekly checks as identified and directed by the City and Guilford County Disaster Response committee.

The committee has determined future United Way GSO Tornado Relief distributions will be directed based on need to a combination of housing, getting students back in school, getting adults back to work, and basic needs.

GSO Tornado Relief: Ways to Get Help, Give and Volunteer

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In response to the April 15, 2018 tornado that affected our neighbors, we will continue to collaborate with official disaster response representatives. As updated information is available, we are committed to passing it along as soon as possible. 

Tornado Assistance:

Impacted residents may pick up food and supplies at the following community partner locations:

  • Mt. Olivet AME Zion Church2123 McConnell Rd.
    Contact: Janice Holt, 336-327-7199
    Open 12-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays
  • Genesis Baptist Church2182 E. Bessemer Ave.
    Contact: Rev. Calvin Foster, 336-587-7318
    Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
  • New Light Missionary Baptist Church1105 Willow Rd.
    Contact: Tonja Fant, 336-478-7417
    Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
  • Salvation Army Food Pantry1311 S. Eugene St.
    Open 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays through Fridays
  • Greensboro Urban Ministry Food Pantry305 W. Gate City Blvd.
    Open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
  • St. Mary’s Catholic Church812 Duke St.
    Contact: Becky Dubois, 336-705-4805
    Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays
  • The Islamic Center of Greensboro
    2023 16th St.
    Contact: Moussa Issifou, 336-255-1870
    Open from 2-5 p.m. on Friday, May 4 and from 9-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6

Monetary Donations:

With the coordinated support of the City of Greensboro and Guilford County, United Way of Greater Greensboro is accepting monetary donations to support local organizations working directly with children, families and adults impacted by the tornado.

Local organizations receiving funding will be selected by the City of Greensboro and Guilford County Disaster Response Committee.

  • Donations can be made online securely through United Way www.UnitedWayGSO.org.
  • Donations can be mailed to, or dropped off at, United Way of Greater Greensboro, 1500 Yanceyville St., Greensboro, NC 27405. Checks should indicate the donation is for “Tornado Relief.” Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Volunteer Information: 

Jumping In Head First

Posted on by Kacie Lynch

Written by Kacie Lynch, Marketing & Communications Intern

Two years ago this month Carla Banks became the Communications and Marketing Director for the City of Greensboro. With a heart for community, she began looking for opportunities to volunteer. She was involved with United Ways in other states and communities, and sought out United Way of Greater Greensboro. Carla was pleasantly surprised to see that her new United Way had a single focus: eradicating poverty.

She jumped in head first and started serving on two United Way cabinets: African American Leadership and Women United. Both of which have brought her closer to her new community.

“I think it is important for people to recognize opportunities that are available like African American Leadership and Women United because they specialize in areas where you feel like you can make a difference.” These cabinets, Carla explained, host events that are geared toward putting the spotlight on the issue of ending poverty and illuminate ways that the issue can be combatted.

Carla Banks Emceed United Way’s 2017 Handbags for Hope.

Carla says, “United Way of Greater Greensboro makes it easy to take resources and channel them where the needs are with the goal of ending poverty. One of the best things about United Way of Greensboro, is that the community can see the statistics, the research, the evidence that the money and time people are contributing are having a positive impact on other people’s lives. A difference is being made. There are tangible results.”

Carla envisions a community where people are actively working together to reduce poverty and celebrate the positive outcomes along the way. Thanks to volunteers like Carla, United Way is working on making that vision a reality.

 

 

Kacie Lynch | Marketing & Communications Intern

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Ben & Jerry’s Partners with United Way for Free Cone Day April 10

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2018 Free Cone Day | Ben & Jerry's United Way of Greater GreensboroBen & Jerry’s Friendly Center is partnering with United Way of Greater Greensboro for the third year in a row to celebrate “Free Cone Day” on Tuesday, April 10, 12 to 8 p.m. The media is invited.

Free Cone Day offers every visitor to Ben & Jerry’s a free ice cream scoop of their choice.

Free Cone Day will take over the central plaza of Friendly Center and will feature outdoor games, a DJ, and special appearances by the North Carolina A&T State University drumline, pep band, and dancers.

Ben & Jerry’s celebrates Free Cone Day every year as a thank you to their customers. The celebration has grown over the years into a global event at Ben & Jerry’s locations around the world.

Participants will have the opportunity to make a donation to United Way during the event, and 100% of donations received will be given to support United Way’s efforts to reduce poverty in the greater Greensboro community.

 

 

 

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The Courage to Move Forward

Posted on by Kacie Lynch

Written by Kacie Lynch, Marketing & Communications Intern

Dorothy Stroud on the Family Success CenterDorothy Stroud was referred to the Family Success Center by Section 8 Housing after her case manager recognized her desire to build a better future for her daughter.

Dorothy initially came to the Family Success Center (FSC) seeking daycare. She soon she could also finish her GED – something she had always wanted to do. Dorothy exclaimed, “Childcare was the main purpose. But I came here, and they offered me a lot more. I saw all the opportunities that they had for me. Computer classes, GED classes, the Speaker’s Bureau, and HRD classes and I took advantage of some of that.”

Before the Family Success Center, Dorothy was unsure of what her next move was. “I was struggling,” stated Dorothy. When she decided to become a part of the FSC, Dorothy was assigned a career coach, Cameo Parks. She attributes much of her success and her plan for the future to Ms. Parks.

Since September, Dorothy has gained employment and is working towards earning her GED. “The GED is only the beginning,” says Dorothy. She has plans to start her own business and is working towards setting up her own website. Like many other participants, the FSC has opened a door of possibilities.

Dorothy sharing her story with Kacie Lynch on the Family Success Center
Dorothy sharing her story with United Way Marketing intern, Kacie Lynch

Dorothy shares that “before [FSC] I was just thinking about going back to work, but now it’s getting my GED, because I am going to have to do that and I want to do that. I want my daughter to see you cannot fail. You cannot quit, you cannot stop.”

The Family Success Center has played an integral part of helping Dorothy work towards her dreams. While being a part of the FSC community, she has taken it upon herself to serve as a motherly figure to many of the younger participants, offering guidance and a helping hand when she can.

Dorothy helped out a fellow FSC participant when she was going through a rough time. Dorothy enlisted her family and church to donate clothing to someone in need. She even donated some of her own child’s clothing. When recounting this event, she explained, “it’s all about helping. They help me. I gotta help you. We gotta help each other.”

 

 

Kacie Lynch | Marketing & Communications Intern

 

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Six United Way Partners Receive Statewide Spirit Awards, Cone Health Honored as Exceeding Excellence

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Spirit of NC 2017Six United Way Partners Receive Statewide Spirit Awards, Cone Health Honored as Exceeding Excellence

Greensboro, NC (February 27, 2018) – Six local United Way of Greater Greensboro partners were honored with Spirit of North Carolina Awards at United Way of North Carolina’s annual award luncheon on February 21. Cone Health was additionally honored with an Excellence in Community Spirit Award.

Each year, the United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) recognizes and awards companies and organizations that demonstrate 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.

Local Spirit of NC Award winners include:

Hunter Elementary
Jesse Wharton Elementary School
Northwest Middle School
Youth Focus, Inc.
Guilford County Schools
Cone Health

“We are so grateful to this year’s winners for being collaborative, hands-on partnership and corporate supporters. This year’s winners led the way with campaigns that communicated the important message of our work while creating a spirit of healthy competition and engagement” says Nadine Malpass, Senior Vice President, Resource Development, United Way of Greater Greensboro.

UWNC also honored Cone Health with an Excellence in Community Spirit Award, which is not awarded every year, for far exceeding its Spirit of North Carolina Award standards of excellence. Cone Health stood out from other award winners not only because of their number of volunteer hours and financial donations, but the number of lives they impacted in the three NC counties they serve.

Excellence on Community Spirit Award:

·       Cone Health

Skip Hislop, Vice President, Oncology Services and chair of the Cone Health United Way Campaign, accepted the award on behalf of all Cone Health employees.

“Our employees give of their hearts every day and the work of the United Way is an extension of that. It is easy for us to support an organization that shares our values and commitment to the communities we serve,” says Hislop.

“Cone Health Network is an excellent example of people who care about all aspects of humanity and doing good for others,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, United Way of Greater Greensboro president and CEO.

Winners were determined by a panel of 20 judges from United Way organizations across the state. For more information about the Spirit of North Carolina Award and a complete list of winners, visit unitedwaync.org/spirit-north-carolina-award-winners.

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OUR PARTNERSHIPS END POVERTY: United Way of Greater Greensboro supports solutions that work together to end poverty. Our partners provide basic needs, access to care, learning opportunities and financial stability so your community can thrive. The federal government defines poverty as family of four earning $24,600 per year. According to local self-sufficiency standards many four-member households need to earn around $60,000 to meet basic needs without subsidized assistance. www.unitedwaygso.org

Ben & Jerry’s: Spreading Awareness and Impact

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

Richard Golden | Ben & Jerry's

Written by Kacie Lynch, Marketing & Communications Intern

Every year, United Way of Greater Greensboro partners with organizations throughout the community to create meaningful impact in the community. Three years ago, Richard Golden, general manager of four Ben and Jerry’s in the Triad area, reached out to United Way looking to get involved in creating impact and to form a relationship with United Way.

Richard first heard about United Way through TV commercials as a child, but never fathomed that he would partner with this organization decades later. Through working with United Way, Richard realized that Greensboro, his very own backyard, was one of the hungriest cities in America. He felt compelled to do something about it.

Eradicating homelessness and hunger have always been causes that have been close to Richard’s heart. Coincidentally, United Way of Greater Greensboro’s primary focus is to address root causes of issues like homelessness and hunger. Through partnering with United Way, Richard and his Ben and Jerrys team have reached hundreds within the community through their Free Cone Day, Dollar Scoop Day, and United Way’s Halloween Trunk-or-Treat.

Richard & Team | Ben & Jerry's
Richard and Friendly Center Shift Leader, Tyrone proudly standing in front of a store graphic of depicting the Greensboro Four

Through Ben & Jerry’s involvement within the greater Greensboro community, Richard and his team are helping to spread the word about United Way and giving people an opportunity to make an impact in their community.

“The best thing I like about United Way are that the people that I’ve associated with are very passionate and you can really get involved in an organization when there is passion,” says Richard. He has been truly surprised and inspired by United Way’s commitment to eradicating poverty in the Greensboro community.

Richard and United Way share similar dreams, in that nobody will go without. Richard says his dream for Greensboro is “for everybody to have a pillow to lay their head on… and it can be done.” Together, United Way and community partners like Richard and Ben & Jerry’s can make this dream a reality.

 

During the month of February, we’ve teamed up with Ben & Jerry’s to bring you something sweet. If you swing by Ben & Jerry’s at Friendly Center and drop off spaghetti dinner items and/or sign up for the loveGSO volunteer mailing list, you’ll get a FREE scoop of your favorite ice cream. Learn more.

Bonus: Throughout the month, Ben & Jerry’s will doante $5 of every Valentine cake sold! Order your cake today.

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Thanks(for)giving Helps United Way’s Family Success Center Members

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

After hearing one too many Black Friday horror stories, Jenny Stilley decided that the madness needed to stop.

“Black Friday can be a little intense. So we decided that we wanted to do something for our community that would give our customers a chance to give back while they shopped,” says Jenny Stilley, owner of BohoBlu, a local boutique shop.

Five years ago Jenny and her husband started BohoBlu. They now operate a total of six locations across the Triad and they are committed to using their success to make a difference.

For the last three years, Jenny and her husband, Patrick, have invited their Black Friday customers to participate in ‘Thanks(for)giving’ as a way to support local organizations.

This year, Jenny and her husband asked customers to donate gently used or new clothing that would be given to families at United Way’s Family Success Center.

Jenny Stilley | Thanks(for)giving“My husband and I are blown away by what the Family Success Center offers. Members can drop their kids off and earn a GED, develop job skills training or access whatever they need to become self-sufficient.

We’ve met some of the families and heard their stories. There’s no doubt the center is meeting a tremendous need, which makes it a no-brainer for us.”

Jenny says the support their customers gave this year was overwhelming. In total, 86 large bags of clothing was collected during Thanks(for)giving.

“We really believe that people want to give. You just have to make it easy. United Way makes it easy for us to give, so we make it easy for our customers to give,” Jenny Stilly, owner of BohoBlu.

Family Success Center members picking out clothing donated by Boho Blu.

Jenny and her husband are continuing to explore new ways to help United Way replace poverty with self-sufficiency, including offering onsite job training to Family Success Center members.

“I love the size of our community. We’re big enough to have restaurants and entertainment, but small enough so that individuals can still bring our community together to make an impact,” says Jenny Stilly, owner of BohoBlu.

“We’re just in awe of what United Way does. We own retail stores. But to be able to touch just a little of what United Way does in our community is such a gift to us.”​

Please make a year-end gift today to support initiatives like the Family Success Center.

 

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