Category: Impact

College Students Invited to Apply for United Way Alternative Spring Break

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

LoveGSO Spring Break Greensboro, NC (February 7, 2018) – United Way of Greater Greensboro is seeking college students to participate in a local Alternative Spring Break, March 5 – 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Interested students must complete a short application by February 23, by visiting www.UnitedWayGSO.org/SpringBreak

10 to 12 local college students will be chosen through the application process have hands-on volunteer experiences and exclusive “behind the scenes” visits to awesome Greensboro businesses.

Volunteer activities include street clean up, community garden work, sorting donations and painting.

Behind the scenes locations include FORGE, Center for Creative Leadership, HQ Makers Space, International Civil Rights Museum and Revolution Mill.

Breakfast snacks and lunch will be provided daily.

Participants must be able to meet at United Way’s office each morning – travel to volunteer and behind the scenes location will be provided.

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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United Volunteers: Alyce Barrett & Jen Caldwell

Posted on by Katie Glaser

                   

 

 

“In order for a community to function and be successful, everybody has to chip in when they can.”

Every year, a handful of dedicated volunteers in North Carolina are awarded the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. This award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals who make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Two of this year’s recipients include local United Way volunteers Alyce Barrett and Jen Caldwell.

Their passion for volunteering stems from a love of community. When Alyce and Jen moved to Greensboro with their families several years ago, both immediately sought ways to become involved in the new community they called home, and both looked to United Way to make it happen.

They started as volunteers for Handbags for Hope, an annual handbag auction hosted by United Way’s affinity group, Women United. Both women chose this event because it engages local women and raises money to support United Way’s focus on breaking the cycle of poverty.

Today, Alyce and Jen are co-chairs of the Handbags for Hope planning committee. Both always show up, recruit volunteers, form partnerships with companies and ensure everything goes as planned. “We want to have fun, and we always want to make the event better than the previous year,” says Alyce.

While both women are thankful to be recognized with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for their contributions, both also say the act of encouraging others to volunteer is more important.

Alyce says, “United Way reinforces the importance of being a part of a community by making an impact and we should encourage everyone to be involved. Supported people support others.”

Likewise, Jen says, “nothing in history has ever survived when it functions by itself. In order for a community to function and be successful, everybody has to chip in when they can.”

 

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United Way Receives $210,000 Grant to Help Local Women Earn GEDs and Increase Financial Stability

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

United Way of Greater Greensboro has received a $210,000 grant from the Women to Women Fund of The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro to help local women earn GEDs and increase their financial stability.

 

United Way will receive $70,000 a year over the next three years to support programming at its Family Success Center (FSC) which connects families with education, work and income supports, employment and career advancement, access to health and wellness services, and financial education and asset building.

United Way serves as the strategic leader of the FSC and leverages relationships with 30 human services experts, business leaders, governmental agencies and philanthropists to develop solutions. The FSC is located at Guilford Child Development and its integrated service delivery approach connects families with resources and services that reduce the impact of poverty.

Grant funds will be used to:

  • Support local women at the FSC who are on the path to earning GEDs and skills training to prepare them for employment and job advancement.
  • Ensure that children of mothers in the GED program obtain on-site, high-quality childcare and afterschool care.

The FSC’s GED program is the only high school equivalency degree completion program in Guilford County that offers on-site high-quality childcare. This cornerstone two-generation approach to learning has been identified as a main reason mothers participate.

National statistics indicate that 80% of the 12 million children living with a single parent live with their single mother. In most cities, including Greensboro, female headed households with pre-school aged children are experiencing 40% poverty rates. United Way of Greater Greensboro is creating partnerships to reduce generational poverty by increasing household income to the point of self-sufficiency and financial stability.

Vanessa Ferguson to Perform at United Way’s 95th Campaign Kick off and Community Celebration

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

The community is invited to join United Way of Greater Greensboro on August 31, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Revolution Mill in Greensboro for a celebration 95 years in the making.

The entirely free event, which kicks off United Way’s 2017 campaign also celebrates United Way’s 95th year in the community and will feature a performance by Vanessa Ferguson. Ferguson was a finalist on NBC’s The Voice and tours the U.S.

Attendees will also be treated to Natty Greene’s beer, Cugino Forno pizza and gelato, Wow What a Drink juice, water, a DJ and more. People are encouraged to RSVP at www.UnitedWayGSO.org.

Participants should enter Revolution Mill at Textile Drive and walk across the bridge. United Way volunteers will be on hand to offer directions to the event location.

Additionally during the celebration, results from this year’s Pacesetter Campaign, which began in July, will be announced. The Pacesetter Campaign includes 18 companies that decided to conduct their United Way campaigns early to set the pace for a successful community-wide campaign.

2017 Pacesetter Campaigns:

  • Allen Tate Realtors
  • American National Bank & Trust
  • BB&T
  • Carruthers & Roth, P.A.
  • Center for Creative Leadership
  • Children’s Home Society
  • City of Greensboro
  • Duke Energy Corporation
  • First Citizens Bank & Trust
  • Guilford County
  • Mylan Pharmaceuticals
  • Norfolk Southern Corporation
  • Piedmont Natural Gas
  • Sharrard, McGee & Co., P.A.
  • Target Corporation
  • United Way of Greater Greensboro
  • UPS
  • Volunteer Center of Greensboro

 

 

MeaningFULL Meals Helping Feed Children Over Summer Months

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

MeaningFULL Meals Helping Feed Children Over Summer Months

Greensboro, NC (June 17, 2017) – United Way of Greater Greensboro is mobilizing the community throughout July with its annual MeaningFULL meals program in partnership with BackPack Beginnings and The Volunteer Center of Greensboro.

Four years ago, United Way and The Volunteer Center started MeaningFULL Meals, a nutrition project that seeks food donations to help feed school children in need while school is out for summer.

More than 65% of Guilford County School’s 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.

Through the month of July, community members are encouraged to host food drives to supply the food pantry at Wiley Elementary, that also supports students of Jackson Middle and Smith High School.

For the second year in a row, BackPack Beginnings has joined the partnership by managing the food pantry during the summer months, preparing bags of food for pick up and being a drop off location for food donations.

Food drive donations supporting MeaningFULL Meals can be dropped off at Wiley Elementary, BackPack Beginnings and United Way of Greater Greensboro.

A full list of needed items can be found at UnitedWayGSO.org/Volunteer

 

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United Way of Greater Greensboro is celebrating 95 years: 1922 – 2017. We fight for the opportunity, prosperity and future of every person in greater Greensboro by creating partnerships that reduce poverty. We bring together dynamic and caring professionals and volunteers who teach, coach and inspire the 57,000 people in our community living in poverty. With so many of our neighbors struggling to become self-sufficient, United Way believes poverty must be replaced with sustainable solutions that meet the unique needs of children, adults and ENTIRE families. www.unitedwaygso.org

The Volunteer Center of Greensboro strengthens our community by creating meaningful volunteer connections. We connect people, promote volunteerism, support nonprofits and build partnerships. www.volunteergso.org

BackPack Beginnings, founded in 2010 by Parker White, a native of Greensboro and mother of 2 children, is a 100 percent volunteer-run and donor-driven organization. What started out as a feeding program in one school feeding 50 children has grown to a multi-program organization serving over 4,000 children a year. BackPack Beginnings’ mission is to deliver child-centric services to feed, comfort and clothe children in need.  By ensuring food and basic necessities are given directly to children in need, we make a positive and lasting impact on their health and well-being. Find out more or support BackPack Beginnings through in-kind donations, funds or volunteering, visit www.backpackbeginnings.org. 

United Way of Greater Greensboro Opens Funding Process, Asks for Letters of Interest

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

 United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) is opening its funding process and accepting Letters of Interest (LOI) from current and unaffiliated non-profit partners with programs that focus on increasing income and financial stability or addressing basic needs. The shared outcome will be to reduce the number of children, adults and families experiencing the impact of generational poverty.

Non-profit organizations with programs that meet LOI requirements will be invited to submit full grant applications. Programs selected through a volunteer-led award process are eligible to receive two-year funding for 2018-2020.

Applicants can access a detailed list of funding objectives, strategies and indicators at: www.UnitedWayGSO.org/Our-Grants

This historic move to an open funding model for increasing income and financial stability and addressing basic needs is the first of two steps in UWGG’s implementation plan. In fiscal year 2019, new and existing community partners whose services focus on increasing educational achievement and improving health outcomes will be invited to submit a LOI.

NOTE: See UWGG Open Funding Model Timeline below for additional information.

United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) Open Funding Model Timeline
Date Action
Summer – Fall, 2013 To determine greater Greensboro’s most urgent needs, UWGG sought public input and opinions and researched local, regional and national best practices. Poverty was identified as greater Greensboro’s most urgent need.
March 2014 UWGG Board of Directors voted to adopt the goal of “Breaking the Cycle of Poverty” to reduce the number of children, adults and families experiencing the impact of generational poverty.
Summer 2014 Meetings and group presentations were held with community partners to discuss the shift to a focus on poverty.
2015 – 2016 UWGG updated funding strategies and goals to align with Breaking the Cycle of Poverty.
June 2017 UWGG Board voted to approve an open funding model, allowing new and existing partners equal opportunity to apply for funding.
July 2017 Call for Letters of Interest (LOI) shared in multiple ways

  • Press Release
  • UWGG Website
  • UWGG Social Media
  • Guilford Nonprofit Consortium
July – August, 2017 Grant Seeker Meetings

  • 2-3 meetings open to all grant seekers
  • Opportunity for Q&A with UWGG
  • Opportunity to review UWGG’s grant process
September 1, 2017 LOI due
September –

October, 2017
  • LOI reviewed by staff and volunteers for eligibility and alignment.
  • Volunteer-led councils select programs to submit full applications.
November 2017 Notification is sent to programs that are selected to submit full applications.
November 2017 –

January 2018

 Application training and technical assistance offered by UWGG staff for program applicants.
January 27, 2018 Full applications due from qualified programs.
February – April 2018 Application review
May 2018
  • Volunteer-led councils recommend funding
  • UWGG Board of Directors approve funding
  • Award letters mailed to grantees
July 1, 2018 Funding period begins for increasing income and financial stability and addressing basic needs impact areas.
TBD dates in 2018 LOI process for Education and Health impact areas begins.
July 1, 2019 Funding period begins for Education and Health impact areas.

 

United Way Day of Action Collecting Hygiene Kits for those in Need

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

Last call to join United Way of Greater Greensboro on June 21 for Day of Action to collect hygiene kits that will be distributed to neighbors in need.

On June 21, people across the world will volunteer in their communities to celebrate United Way’s 2017 Day of Action. Day of Action is a worldwide event that promotes volunteerism.

Locally, United Way will be collecting hygiene kits filled with basic needs items, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and shampoo, for neighbors that do not have everyday access to these items.

Hygiene kits will be delivered to the Greensboro Urban Ministry, Interactive Resource Center and United Way’s Family Success Center.

Instructions for building hygiene kits can be found at UnitedWayGSO.org/event/day-of-action/.

“Basic needs items are things we often take for granted because they are right at our fingertips. Some of our neighbors do not readily have access to these everyday items. It’s when the community comes together to help support our neighbors that change can happen, not only now but beyond,” says Radiah Pinckney, Manager of Volunteer and Community Engagement at United Way.

United Way is also accepting donations of basic needs items at 1500 Yanceyville Street, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Wednesday, June 21.

Greensboro Deputy Chief holds forth the importance of mentorship

Posted on by Katie Glaser
Deputy Chief Brian James is a Greensboro native with a true​ heart for serving his community. Born and raised on the Northeast side of town where his mother still lives, Brian was surrounded by people who looked out for him as he grew up. This upbringing proved to him that with the support of others, anything was possible. After graduating from NC A&T State University, he eventually joined the Greensboro Police Department and has been serving the community with them ever since.

“I’m just real passionate about kids and making sure that regardless of background or economic situation, they have an opportunity to succeed.”

Beyond his day job, Brian continues to give back to the city. Through United Way, he is a donor, vice-chair for African American Leadership, and a mentor with the African American Male Initiative.  Brian says being a mentor to a student at Wiley Elementary School is extremely rewarding. “I feel like we’ve established a good relationship,” he says, “I want to continue it as long as I can.”
 
Brian and his mentee meet up once a week at the school. They talk about family, learning from mistakes, and most importantly, school. He’s been helping his mentee with homework and constantly reminds him that “not going to college is not an option.” This was something Brian’s parents instilled in him and something he instills in the younger generation so that one day, they may be “pillars in their communities.”  
 
When asked what keeps him motivated at his job and at United Way, Brian says it’s the power to change a child’s life for the better.  The mentors in Brian’s life showed him that change is possible if everybody participates, whether it be through volunteering, mentorships, or donations. He concludes, “As citizens we have an obligation to help those kids. It’s just that simple.”