Category: Community Partners

City of Greensboro and United Way Seek to Engage Volunteers During National Mentoring Month

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

January is National Mentoring Month, and this year the City of Greensboro and United Way of Greater Greensboro are celebrating 15 years of the mentoring movement and expanding quality mentoring opportunities in support of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative.

This is an opportunity to connect more of our community’s young people with caring adults by identifying youth employment and mentoring programs throughout the City of Greensboro.

The City is partnering with United Way’s African-American Male Initiative to provide mentors for our African-American, Hispanic and other male students, under the MBK model. Mentoring starts in grades 2nd – 5th at Wiley Elementary, 6th – 8th at Jackson Middle and 9th grade at Smith High School. Approximately 140 boys are eligible to participate in the program between the three schools.

“Over the past 15 years, mentoring has gained tremendous momentum, in large part due to National Mentoring Month. Mentoring is a critical part of developing life changing relationships – mentoring is proven to have a positive effect on academic, social, and economic outcomes for our young people,” said Mayor Nancy Vaughan.

“Too many young people right here in Greensboro lack sufficient support to succeed in school and in life,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “ Each of us has the power to truly impact the future for our youth by simply being a caring adult in their life as a friend and mentor.”

Research shows mentors can play a powerful role in providing youngsters with the tools to make responsible choices, attend and excel in school, and reduce or avoid risky behavior like gang activity or drug use.

In turn, young people who are mentored:

  • 55% more likely to be enrolled in college
  • 81% more likely to report participating regularly in sports or extracurricular activities
  • 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities
  • More than twice as likely to say they held a leadership position in a club or sports team

Yet, the same research shows that nine million young people in our country will grow up without a mentor. National Mentoring Month each January allows for unique engagement from community members interested in becoming a mentor. This year, with the support of the mentoring community, we are encouraging the public to go beyond just digital engagement – and become involved in making a real life impact.

Mentoring relationships are at their best when connections are made between a caring adult and a young person who knows that someone is there to help guide them through those real life decisions. Pledge to be a mentor today, by contacting the United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Other important dates for National Mentoring Month include:

January 12, 2017: “I Am a Mentor Day”
A day for volunteer mentors to celebrate their role and reflect on the ways mentees have enhanced their world and share their stories about being a mentor on social media using #MentorIRL.

January 16, 2017: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
A day to share in the inspirational words of MLK, Jr., and elevate the spirit of service through volunteerism.

January 17, 2017: International Mentoring Day
A day of international conversations on social media where photos, video and messages to share powerful mentoring stories.

January 19, 2017: “Thank Your Mentor Day” 

A day for all who have real life mentoring experiences to thank those who helped them on their path to adulthood and beyond when we encourage anyone who has had a mentor to say thank you by sending a note, a card or sharing a story on social media using #MentorIRL.

To learn more about the role mentoring plays in our community and to find volunteer opportunities, click here.

About National Mentoring Month
National Mentoring Month is led by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, with support from the Highland Street Foundation. Each year since its launch in 2002, National Mentoring Month has enjoyed the strong support of the President and the United States Congress.

Other prominent individuals who have participated in the campaign include: Maya Angelou, former President Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, Quincy Jones, Cal Ripken Jr., Bill Russell and Usher.

PRESS RELEASE: United Way Receives $25,000 Grant From North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) has been awarded a $25,000 North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Ribbon of Hope grant to support UWGG’s Family Success Center.

The NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation grant will allow United Way to increase the capacity of the Family Success Center and expand the educational services provided to low-income families.

 

 

Funding will be used to:

  • increase the number of GED preparation classes provided by funding additional GED class instructor hours
  • provide  books and study materials for all Family Success Center students working to obtain their GED
  • subsidize the cost of the test for students
  • provide tutoring for students with English as a second language or who start the program with low literacy skills.

“We are so grateful for the generous support of the NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, CEO UWGG. “The Ribbon of Hope grant will have a direct impact on local families and will help us provide them with the support and hope they need to be successful.”

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About the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent self-funding 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today’s society and future generations. Since its creation in 1986, the foundation has granted $71.0 million to support North Carolina projects and programs that emphasize the understanding and application of science, health and education at all academic and professional levels. Visit us at NCGSKFoundation.org.

About 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 program is focused on helping individuals enter a pathway toward becoming self-sufficient and successful. The program offers families services they need to meet the needs of each family member. The program helps people achieve goals by connecting them with training, resources and supports in a single location, to reduce barriers and increase opportunity for success.

United Way of Greater Greensboro Receives $25,000 Women to Women Grant to Serve Family Success Center Members

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

United Way of Greater Greensboro has received a $25,000 grant from the Women to Women Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. Grant funds will be used to increase GED program participants at United Way’s Family Success Center.

“The Women to Women Fund is innovative and solution oriented. We are honored and grateful to have been selected to receive the 2016 grant. The grant will be invested in a generational solution at the Family Success Center – parents getting GEDs while children are in quality childcare in the same location is a win/win. Together, parents and children will learn to value education as a pathway out of poverty,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Greensboro.

The GED program at Family Success Center is the only effort in Guilford County that offers a two-generation approach for mothers of young children to complete high school requirements. This cornerstone initiative at Family Success Center has been identified as a main reason mothers have engaged in the model.

The unique attributes of the GED program includes:

  • 42 week GTCC instructor-led classes and child care in the same building located near the student’s residence
  • Enrollment in a five star child development program to nurture the brain development of the GED student’s child while the mother is in classes, tutoring, and testing
  • Mother and child are provided with high quality meals when mothers attend classes
  • Student books and testing fees
  • Bus passes and other transportation needs
  • Parent/child graduation ceremony

Procter & Gamble engages over 700 employees in service to the community

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

As part of an annual all staff retreat, on September 21, P&G employees volunteered for 2 hours, making 7,500 trail mix snack packs, over 7,000 toiletry kits, countless encouraging cards and notes, 250 pencil bundles, and almost 100 no-sew blankets.

The products produced were donated to over 20 nonprofit organizations, including: Salvation Army Center of Hope, YWCA Family Shelter, Women’s Resource Center, Senior Resources of Guilford, Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, Guilford Child Development, Family Services of the Piedmont, and Greensboro Urban Ministry.

The Volunteer Center of Greensboro and United Way of Greater Greensboro co-facilitated the project. P&G used the event to promote their annual United Way of Greater Greensboro fundraising campaign with their employees.

Erin Kennedy, Director of Programs with The Volunteer Center said, “We were thrilled to work with P&G to engage their employees in service- they were so eager to give back, and wanted to do as much as possible, benefitting as many organizations as possible. They really take their corporate responsibility seriously, and the nonprofit community really appreciates that. We couldn’t do what we do without companies like P&G!”

“In two hours, P&G employees impacted thousands of children, families and adults. This event is a true example of the power of partnerships, volunteering and LIVING UNITED,” says Carl Jones, Campaign Manager, United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Terri Rouleau, Site Human Resources Leader with P&G said, “This collaboration between P&G, United Way of Greater Greensboro and The Volunteer Center was a true privilege to be a part of.  Our team at P&G could not have been more energized and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to GIVE BACK !!”

​Community Celebration and NEW United Way Announcement

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

 The community is invited to join United Way of Greater Greensboro on August 31, 5 to 7 p.m., at Belk, Friendly Center in Greensboro, for a celebration like they have never seen before.

The celebration, which kicks off United Way’s 2016 campaign, will include free food, drinks, giveaways, a DJ and more and will feature a special announcement outlining the “NEW” United Way at 6 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food, gently used handbags or school supplies.

Gregg Strader, Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer at American National Bank & Trust and United Way Board member is chairing the 2016 campaign.

Strader says, “I am honored and thrilled to serve as this year’s campaign chair. Our focus on reducing poverty is brave and bold and we are achieving positive results. We are grateful to all of our supporters including volunteers, community partners, corporations, foundations and citizens who want to make a difference in our community.”

Additionally during the celebration, results from this year’s Pacesetter Campaign that began in July will be announced. The Pacesetter Campaign is made of 17 companies that decided to conduct their United Way campaigns early to pave the way for a successful community-wide 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

 

The NEW United Way is creating partnerships to reduce poverty in greater Greensboro. We bring together dynamic and caring professionals and volunteers who teach, coach and inspire the 57,000 people in our community, struggling to obtain basic needs. The federal government defines poverty as family of four earning $24,300 per year. With so many of our neighbors struggling to meet basic needs, United Way believes poverty must be addressed so that our community can thrive.

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.

 

Make It A Day On, Not A Day Off

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

Every January, thousands of Americans come together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through service.

How You Can Serve
On Monday, January 18th, The Volunteer Center of Greensboro will be hosting several service projects at Four Seasons Town Centre, benefiting local nonprofits. There will also be a Nonprofit Fair to learn how to get involved in your community, a kid’s area, community art projects and performances from Guilford County School students, a scavenger hunt and raffle.

Did You Know?
In 1994, Congress designated Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service, appointing the Corporation of National and Community Service (CNCS) to lead the effort. MLK Day of Service is every third Monday in January. 

Dr. King had a vision of creating a “Beloved Community” — a community of people with different backgrounds, recognizing that we are all connected and that our own well-being is linked to the well-being of others.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is an opportunity for individuals to strengthen their community and break barriers, moving us closer to a “Beloved Community.”

How will you make it “a day on, not a day off?”

MLK BLOG QUOTE

 

Samet Corporation Announces Gift to Support United Way of Greater Greensboro Campaign

Posted on by admin

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/

# # #

 

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.​

MyFreeTaxes.com

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You could save $200 or more right now by filing your federal and state income taxes for free. Discover how easy it is to file your taxes:

  • Online at MyFreeTaxes.com, powered by H&R Block. This is a great option if you earn $60,000 or less and can easily use the internet.*NOTE:All MyFreeTaxes.com users can call 1-855-MY-TX-HELP (1-855-698-9435) 10am – 10pm Monday – Saturday for assistance filing their taxes. The helpline is staffed by select call centers and IRS VITA Certified Volunteers, supported by multi-year MyFreeTaxes trainers.
  • In person with an IRS-Certified Volunteer Income Tax Preparer,  if you make $53,000 or less. Call 2-1-1 or visit MyFreeTaxes.com and click “File in Person” to find free tax filing in your area.

We’ve teamed up with BB&T for FAMILY ECONOMIC SUCCESS DAY on Friday, February 27 to offer free income tax preparation. LEARN MORE.

Finding ways to boost the financial stability of our neighbors is what United Way is all about.

Myfreetaxes.com provides free state and federal tax preparation and filing assistance for qualified individuals. It’s easy, safe, secure and 100 percent free.

Powered by the Walmart Foundation  — in cooperation with Goodwill Industries International, National Disability Institute, and United Way Worldwide — the MyFreeTaxes Partnership’s online and in-person tax preparation and filing services have helped 4.5 million families claim nearly $6 billion in tax credits and refunds since 2009. Tax filing software is provided by H&R Block.

United Way Celebrates Corporate Champions of Change

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11 corporations recognized for innovative use of company assets, employee engagement and results in communities worldwide

Alexandria, VA (May 14, 2014)–Yesterday, United Way Worldwide recognized eleven companies as “Outstanding Strategic Partners,” celebrating their long-term commitment, giving, volunteering, leadership and employee engagement which is making a lasting impact to improve lives and communities.

“United Way and communities around the world wouldn’t be where we are today without the passion and partnership of these corporate leaders and their employees,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO, United Way Worldwide. “They are helping us scale impact around the world and create opportunities for a brighter future and a better life for all people.”

2014 winners:
• 3M (NYSE: MMM) @3MNews – 3M & its employees encourage innovation through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), by volunteering and supporting students and schools. Globally, 3M supports United Way’s early childhood education effort around the world including Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific.

• AT&T (NYSE: T) @ATT – AT&T is one of United Way’s top national company campaigns year after year and also supports United Way through an AT&T online auction. AT&T also is leading the way with new technologies, including a mobile optimized web application for employees to pledge during the annual campaign using their mobile phones.

• Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) @BofA_Community — Bank of America has been a longtime supporter of United Way and its affiliates for decades contributing more than $200 million and engaging employees annually through the company’s United Way Campaign. In 2006, the bank helped launch United Way’s life-changing financial stability work and has contributed $6.5 million towards volunteer income tax assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit education as well as holistic financial programs, which have helped millions of hardworking individuals and families nationwide.

• Deloitte LLP, @DeloitteUS — Deloitte is a leader in its efforts to help address our nation’s most pressing societal needs, notably through its more than 30-year commitment to United Way. With one of the nation’s largest United Way employee giving campaigns – and alongside its award-winning pro bono program and community engagement initiatives – Deloitte supports its national focus on education and veterans issues through designated United Way collaborative funds.

• GE (NYSE: GE) @generalelectric — GE’s global vision for education, income and health includes a long-term commitment to and investment in United Way and communities from the company, foundation, employees and retirees. GE also donates 2% of all appliance purchases at the GE Outlet Store to help United Way advance the common good.

• P&G (NYSE: PG) @proctergamble — P&G touches and improves the lives of millions of children around the world, and made it possible for the entire Latin America region to focus on improving early learning and helping kids get ready for success in school by expanding Born Learning with United Way.

• Publix Super Markets, @Publix – Publix has made a long-term commitment to kids and Born Learning, United Way’s early childhood education engagement campaign, educating customers with helpful tips on school readiness through multiple channels – in-store experiences, newsletters, shopping bags and more.

• Target (NYSE: TGT) @Target — Target’s national education partnership with United Way is helping communities collaborate to improve kindergarten readiness and test scores, and long-term, ensure more young people graduate from high school and college.

• UPS (NYSE: UPS) @UPS — UPS and its employees were the first company to raise $1 billion in contributions to United Way, with focused efforts on education and financial stability. UPS also holds an annual eBay auction, leveraging their sports and entertainment connections to raise funds for United Way. The company has also been an early champion for United Way’s global expansion, ensuring more people and communities would be strengthened for generations to come.

• Walmart (NYSE: WMT) @WalmartGiving – The Walmart Foundation’s national investment in MyFreeTaxeswith United Way is increasing access to free tax preparation and filing services and building awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit. This critical work has helped millions of individuals and families save over $8 billion since 2009, building financially stronger futures and communities.

• Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) @WellsFargo – Wells Fargo is working with United Way to create a new Financial Capability Network that will strengthen individuals, families and communities across the country. This work is helping people follow a budget and save for the future so they can buy a home, educate children, build a business and achieve their financial goals.

Winning companies also increased employee engagement through mobile, web, videos and social media and leveraged numerous company assets including product donations and skilled volunteering to create sustainable, positive changes in local communities worldwide in the areas of education, income and health.

About United Way
United Way is a worldwide movement of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. It advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality life. The United Way movement mobilizes millions to action – to give, advocate and volunteer – to improve conditions in their local community. For more information about United Way, please visit:UnitedWay.org.

For more information, contact:

Amanda Ponzar
Amanda.Ponzar@uww.unitedway.org
tel: 703.836.7112 x 253
@LivingUnited