Category: News release

Greensboro, NC (January 15, 2019) – United Way of Greater Greensboro is seeking college students to participate in a free, local Alternative Spring Break, March 4 – 8, 2019 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m daily.

Interested students must complete a short application by February 15, by visiting www.UnitedWayGSO.org/SpringBreak. In its second year, this program is again offered at no cost to students.

This exclusive opportunity is open to only 12 local college students who will be chosen through the application process to have hands-on volunteer experiences and “behind the scenes” visits to awesome Greensboro businesses and attractions.

Volunteer activities include preparing a location and pouring a concrete slab for a bus shelter, sorting donations at BackPack Beginnings and The Salvation Army Thrift Store and canvasing downtown Greensboro for United Way’s 2-1-1 referral and information line.

Behind the scenes locations include Kau, Center for Creative Leadership, HQ Greensboro, International Civil Rights Museum, and the City of Greensboro.

Lunch and breakfast snacks 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 along with lunch and breakfast snacks.

Part two of a two part mentoring story – click here to read Markell’s story.

When Craig attended United Way’s Breakfast with Community Leaders hosted by African American Leadership in 2017, he was inspired to action.

“When I learned about the group’s mentoring initiative and all it was accomplishing, I knew I had to be part of it,” said Craig.

United Way’s African American Mentoring Initiative (AAMI) is focused on improving the emotional and social well-being of African-American and other boys at Wiley Elementary, Jackson Middle and Smith High Schools.

Last year, Craig was paired with Markell, a second grader at Wiley Elementary. According to both of them, the past 12 months have been more than what they could have imagined.

“I can’t say enough about Markell. He is eager, bright, and engaging,” said Craig.

Craig visits Markell in the classroom on a weekly basis and sometimes they even get together to have fun and educational experiences outside of the classroom.

Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic and professional situations.

According to the National Mentoring Partnership, many mentors say that the rewards they gain are as substantial as those for their mentees, and that mentoring has enabled them to:

• Have fun
• Achieve personal growth and learn more about themselves
• Improve their self-esteem and feel they are making a difference
• Gain a better understanding of other cultures and develop a greater appreciation for diversity
• Feel more productive and have a better attitude at work
• Enhance their relationships with their own children

As a professor who teaches adult students who are seeking to become school administrators, Craig says, “I learn a lot from Markell. The experience of mentoring him helps inform and improve my professional practice of preparing principals,” said Craig.

Markell and Craig are one example of the how mentoring truly matters. Right now, there are children in our community waiting for someone like you to listen, guide and share your life experience with them. Click here to learn more about how to become a mentor.

Part one of a two part mentoring story – stay tuned next month to read Craig’s Story

On certain days, Markell has an added spring in his step when he walks to elementary school. Markell says he’s usually excited to see friends and learn from his teachers, but he really gets excited on the days his mentor comes to visit.

“I always get excited when I know I’m going to see Mr. Craig!” said Markell.

As a second grader, Markell was paired with Craig through United Way’s African American Mentoring Initiative (AAMI). Craig decided to become a mentor after attending and being challenged to help at United Way’s Breakfast with Community Leaders last year.

According to Markell and Craig, the past 12 months have been life changing.

Markell says he enjoys beating Craig at Jenga and chatting about life during their weekly lunch. Their mentorship extends outside of the classroom, too. This summer, Markell and Craig were able to visit the Greensboro History Museum and the Greensboro Science Center. Markell’s favorite part of that experience? “Definitely seeing the howler monkeys,” he said.

Markell’s favorite thing about having a mentor is having someone that he trusts and can to talk to. When asked, Markell said, “I can tell Craig things I haven’t told anyone before.”

Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic and professional situations. Mentors like Craig help keep students in school, improve self-esteem, and set career goals and take steps to realize them. Yet one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset.

According to The National Mentoring Partnership, young adults who were at-risk for falling off track but had a mentor are:

• 55% more likely to enroll in college
• 78% more likely to volunteer regularly
• 90% are interested in becoming a mentor
• 130% more likely to hold leadership positions.

Markell and Craig are one example of the how mentoring truly matters. Right now, there are children in our community waiting for someone like you to listen, guide and share your life experience with them. Click here to learn more about how to become a mentor.

Greensboro, NC (December 13, 2018) – Giving has its perks! Esther Ngo of Youth Focus’ Act Together Crisis Care was randomly selected to be the third of six semi-finalists who will have a chance to win a 2019 Toyota Camry.

In case you haven’t heard, anyone who makes a gift during the 2018 annual campaign of $100+ that supports our work to end poverty (and provides a personal email) qualifies for the giveaway.

All six semi-finalists will gather at Rice Toyota in March 2019 and one lucky winner will drive away with a brand new car.

For all of the rules and regulations, visit www.unitedwaygso.org/car.

Greensboro, NC (November 8, 2018) – Giving has its perks! Erika Hicks Henderson of Cone Health was randomly selected to be the second of six semi-finalists who will have a chance to win a 2019 Toyota Camry.

In case you haven’t heard, anyone who makes a gift during the 2018 annual campaign of $100+ that supports our work to end poverty (and provides a personal email) qualifies for the giveaway.

All six semi-finalists will gather at Rice Toyota in March 2019 and one lucky winner will drive away with a brand new car.

For all of the rules and regulations, visit www.unitedwaygso.org/car.

Greensboro, NC (October 30, 2018) – Giving has its perks! Mary Dunning of American National Bank and Trust Company was randomly selected to be the first of six semi-finalists who will have a chance to win a 2019 Toyota Camry.

In case you haven’t heard, anyone who makes a gift during the 2018 annual campaign of $100+ that supports our work to end poverty (and provides a personal email) qualifies for the giveaway.

All six semi-finalists will gather at Rice Toyota in March 2019 and one lucky winner will drive away with a brand new car.

For all of the details, visit the rules and regulations page of our website.

Stay tuned for future announcements!

Greensboro, NC (October 4^th, 2018) – Two thousand children and adults are expected to attend United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Trunk-or-Treat hosted by Young Leaders, October 27, 2 – 4 p.m. in the parking lot of United Way, 1500 Yanceyville Street.

Trunk-or-Treat Fall Festival is a fun, safe and festive event that is free and open to the public. Young Leaders and other community volunteers are creatively decorating the trunks of their vehicles and filling them with candy and healthy treats for children and families to enjoy.

Historically, parents who bring their children to Trunk-or-Treat say they prefer the event over traditional trick-or-treating because it’s during the day, making it safer for their children.

This year’s event will feature face painting, fall and Halloween themed games, the police and fire departments, and a free book station to promote literacy.

Young Leaders are an affinity group of United Way of Greater Greensboro.