Category: Impact

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.

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

 

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.

 

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

Investing In community impact: Lifting families out of poverty

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

By Aaron Strasser and Jason Bohrer

Originally published in the Greensboro News & Record on January 3, 2016

“Being in this class really gave me some hope that I can do things better. I can be a good example for my kids and even to myself,” says Ashley in reference to a recent training class at United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Family Success Center.

This is the positive community impact United Way of Greater Greensboro is collaboratively creating in places where poverty is present.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services established the 2015 poverty threshold as an annual income of $11,770 for an individual or $24,250 for a family of four. Sadly, nearly 20 percent of Greensboro’s adults and their children live at or below poverty levels and need access to services that offer a helping hand.

This is precisely why the United Way of Greater Greensboro adopted “Breaking the Cycle of Poverty” as its main strategic goal. Today, we are asking members of the community to make an investment to position more citizens on a path out of poverty. We need to raise $1.5 million by Jan. 31 in new gifts to match last year’s total of $11.1 million.

United Way understands that people living in poverty are more than statistics and that poverty is not linked to a single issue or need.

For 93 years, United Way of Greater Greensboro has been providing solutions. One example of a recent collaborative solution is the launch of a pilot Family Success Center in ZIP code 27406. This work prioritizes education, job training and financial management as signature solutions offered by 12 agencies under one roof serving an initial 100 families. Many in this program have identified abusive households, teenage pregnancy, lack of transportation, jobs and unsafe housing as their main challenges.

“I want to work and just need a chance” is a common statement coming from adults looking for employment.

As a community we are known for banding together to create social change and for helping our neighbors who are facing challenges. Hope is important to a successful life. Imagine that, for so many people there is a light at the end of the tunnel. However, the broken light bulbs along the way make it hard to get a job, eat and take care of family.

Please help position more people on a bright road to education, employment and financial independence. Support community impact by contributing to United Way of Greater Greensboro. You can easily make a contribution at here, at 1500 Yanceyville St. or by calling (336) 378-6600.

 Aaron Strasser is the chairman of the United Way of Greater Greensboro board of directors. Jason Bohrer is the chairman of the United Way 2015 campaign committee.