Category: News release

United Way Welcomes New Board Members

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

On June 8, at its annual meeting, United Way of Greater Greensboro donors voted unanimously to welcome five new members to its board of directors. Constituents also voted to accept term renewals for twelve existing board members.

The United Way of Greater Greensboro board of directors provides direction, support, guidance, and governance to the organization by engaging business leaders as committed volunteers and leveraging expertise to advance the work of United Way.

New board members at United Way of Greater Greensboro include:

  • Chuck Burns, corporate development officer, First Citizens Bank
  • Jacquelean Gilliam, philanthropic management consultant, UNC-G
  • Antonia Monk Reaves, vice president and senior program officer, Cone Health Foundation
  • Robert Scheppegrell, senior vice president, customer solutions, Lincoln Financial Group
  • Gina Sorrells, market executive of the Carolina commonwealth market, Merrill Lynch

The 2016-2017 United Way of Greater Greensboro Board of Directors: 

  • Jason Bohrer, president and partner, Newbold Advisors
  • Tina Akers Brown, executive director, Greensboro Housing Authority
  • Dan Burdett, head of customer marketing & services, Syngenta
  • Chuck Burns, corporate development officer, First Citizens Bank
  • Pete Callahan, regional vice-president, Piedmont Triad Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo
  • Sue Cole, founder and managing partner, SAGE Leadership & Strategy, LLC
  • Mike Diamond, senior vice-president, BB&T
  • Mae Douglas, community volunteer
  • Angela Fox, NC district court judge, 18th judicial district, Guilford County Courthouse
  • Kim Gatling, partner, Smith Moore Leatherwood LLC
  • Jeff Gauger, community volunteer
  • Jacquelean Gilliam, philanthropic management consultant, UNC-G
  • Robin Hager, chief administrative officer, Yadkin Bank
  • John Houghtby, senior vice president and general manager, global quick-serve, Ecolab-Kay Chemical
  • Jeff Johnson, service operations and strategic workforce development, Cigna Healthcare
  • Mark Kiel, community volunteer
  • Dr. Paul Leslie, vice president, academic affairs and dean of faculty professor of sociology, Greensboro College
  • Dr. Samantha Magill, academic affairs and diversity and inclusion, Honda Aircraft Company
  • Dan McGinn, partner, Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard
  • Ron Milstein, executive vice president, external affairs, ITG Brands, LLC
  • Rich Newman, president/community leader, Pennybyrn at Maryfield
  • Brian Pierce, partner, Deep River Partners, LLC
  • Dr. Antonia Monk Reaves, vice president and senior program officer, Cone Health Foundation
  • Dr. Edward Robinson, principal scientist, ITG Brands, LLC
  • Judy Schanel, chief operating officer, Cone Health
  • Robert Scheppegrell, senior vice president, customer solutions, Lincoln Financial Group
  • Martin Schneider, global chief information officer, VF Corporation
  • Gina Sorrells, market executive of the Carolina commonwealth market, Merrill Lynch
  • Lee Stokes, founder and senior pastor, Destiny Christian Center
  • Gregg Strader, executive vice president, chief banking officer, American National Bank & Trust
  • Jason Strange, senior manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
  • Aaron Strasser, owner, Lucky’s Pet Resort & Day Spa
  • Jane Trevey, community volunteer
  • Jim Westmoreland, city manager, City of Greensboro
  • Sue White, president, Donathan Properties, Inc.
  • Dr. Terrence Young, chief information officer, Guilford County Schools
  • Ben Zuraw, community volunteer

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.

 

​New United Way Community ​Impact Model Attracts Supporters Contributing $10.4 Million

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

United Way of Greater Greensboro is proud to announce over 13,000 caring people contributed a total of $10,400,000 to advance United Way’s new approach for leading local solutions addressing poverty.

“Poverty can devastate a community not focused on local solutions. It not only impacts the poor and those in need, but also negatively impacts business development and growth, crime rates and our education and health systems. Our community cannot thrive if poverty rates continue to increase,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro.

United Way solutions bring together dynamic and caring professionals who teach, coach, inspire and care about the 57,000 people in greater Greensboro struggling to obtain basic needs. Results from this new model are proving people are achieving financial independence, becoming part of the local workforce, families are healthier and children are in quality child development centers and learning in school.

“The message is clear, people want to solve complex issues like poverty with strategies that are local, logical and measurable. Our new model is attractive because it is both efficient and effective,” says Gethers-Clark.

For every dollar invested, United Way of Greater Greensboro generates $1.82 in value that empowers children, adults and families to overcome and avoid barriers.

Community contributions exceeded last year. United Way is continuing its focused effort on large strategic grants much like the $750,000 one time gift received in 2014, from the Phillips Foundation. While a strategic grant was not obtained during the 2015 campaign, overall giving was up in several areas including Tocqueville Society, Corporate employee giving and Leadership segments.

“This year’s takeaway is that our community remains full of people who choose to support innovative and collaborative solutions, and that’s what United Way does best – we pull people together to create solutions that have the most sustainable impact,” says Jason Bohrer, 2015-16 Campaign Chair.

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

6th Annual Handbags for Hope Raises Nearly $50,000

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

Greensboro, NC (November 20, 2015) – Final totals are in and United Way of Greater Greensboro’s (UWGG) 6th Annual Handbags for Hope, hosted by Women’s Leadership Council, raised $48,967. Proceeds benefit UWGG’s goal to break the cycle of poverty for individuals and families in the greater Greensboro community.

Around 275 people attended the event held at the Greensboro Country Club. Handbags for Hope features a silent auction and a live auction where models walk a runway displaying the handbags during the bidding process. Attendees place bids on new and vintage women’s handbags, which are donated by sponsors, local organizations and individuals.

For the fourth year in a row, Global Brands Group was a presenting sponsor and this year donated over 300 items. Other top sponsors included VF Corporation and Tanger Outlets.​

8th Annual Leadership Breakfast Will Identify Local Solutions to Break Cycle of Poverty

Posted on by Shelby Newsome

Greensboro, NC (November 20, 2015) – On December 1, 7:15 – 9:30 a.m. at Bennett College’s Global Learning Center, approximately 150 – 200 people are expected to attend United Way of Greater Greensboro’s (UWGG) 8th annual African American Leadership (AAL) Breakfast featuring a panel discussion focused on finding ways to break the cycle of poverty.

Hugh Holston, AAL Chair, will moderate the panel and panelists will:

  • Share personal stories and life experiences (or those of others) which led to poverty
  • Highlight local resources which can be relied upon to help people break out of poverty
  • Provide insight on their agency’s impacts and accomplishments in helping break the cycle of poverty.

Panelists will include:

  •  James Speight, Executive Director Malachi House
  •  Michelle Kennedy, Executive Director Interactive Resource Center
  •  Darryl Kosciak, Executive Director Partners Ending Homelessness
  •  Steven Still, Director of Maintenance & Facilities, Salvation Army/Co-Founder and Team Lead NightWatch.

Admission is free, however an RSVP is required by November 23. People may RSVP by visiting www.unitedwaygso.org and clicking on the AAL Breakfast scrolling banner.

Attendees are encouraged to bring and donate new youth-sized winter coats and socks. Coat sizes can range from youth medium to adult XL. Donations will be given to AAL’s African American Male Initiative (AAMI). AAMI is a mentoring program that empowers students as they progress through Wiley Elementary, Jackson Middle and Smith High Schools.

​

 

United Way of Greater Greensboro to Welcome Spike Lee for Speaker Series May 15, Honor James “Smitty” Smith with Lifetime Achievement Award

Posted on by admin

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Dana Carter, United Way of Greater Greensboro
Ph: 336-378-6617
dana.carter@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC – April 27, 2015) – On Friday, May 15, United Way of Greater Greensboro will welcome celebrated American filmmaker Spike Lee as keynote speaker for its 2015 African American Leadership (AAL) Speaker Series luncheon. All are welcome to attend this gathering of community leaders and caring citizens to explore issues related to income and financial stability, support the work of United Way, be inspired, and give back.

United Way’s AAL Speaker Series with Keynote Speaker Spike Lee
Presented by Bank of America and VF Corporation

Friday, May 15, 2015. 11am-1pm.

Koury Convention Center, Greensboro, NC

 

SPIKE LEE is a writer-director, actor, producer, author and educator who has helped revolutionize Modern Black cinema. Lee is a forerunner in the ‘Do It Yourself’ school of independent film. Lee has recently finished his Kickstarter funded Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014).  Lee began teaching a course on filmmaking at Harvard in 1991 and in 1993 he became a Professor at New York University’s Graduate Film Program, Tisch School of the Arts where he received his Master of Fine Arts in Film Production. In 2002, he was appointed the Artistic Director of the Graduate Film Program. Spike Lee has also combined his extensive creative experience into yet another venture: partnering with DDB Needham, he created Spike/DDB, a full-service advertising agency.

Individual tickets are $95. Event sponsorships are available starting at $1,500. Proceeds benefit the work of United Way of Greater Greensboro to break the cycle of poverty in our community.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org or call 336-378-6600. 

2015 Gwendolyn & Dr. Alvin V. Blount, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award

At the AAL Speaker Series luncheon, United Way will present the 2015 Gwendolyn & Dr. Alvin V. Blount, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated superior commitment to the Greater Greensboro community through generosity, service and leadership in the areas of self-sufficiency, income and entrepreneurship. The 2015 recipient of the award will be Greensboro business leader James “Smitty” Smith.

James “Smitty” Smith, CEO of DeJas Management/dba McDonald’s, owns 10 McDonald’s franchises in the Piedmont Triad area. He is a business and community leader in Greater Greensboro who has generously given of his time, talent and resources to strengthen the community. Mr. Smith views his mission as providing a business vehicle to employ members of the community, to help youth learn the proper work ethic needed to succeed in the business world, and to reinforce the importance of education.

Mr. Smith’s community involvement has included serving on the Southeast Economic Development (SEEDS) Board, United Way Board of Directors, Sickle Cell of the Triad Board, Eastern Music Festival Board of Directors, Hayes-Taylor YMCA Board of Management, The International Civil Rights Center and Museum Board, as President of Greensboro Men’s Club, and the Board of Trustees-UNCG. He is also an active lay leader at the Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro, is a member of the Forward Greensboro Board, is a Thirty-Third Degree Mason (G.I.G.) and Past Master of C.W. Lawrence Lodge #837 Free and Accepted Masons. He serves on the Board for the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association, and is Past President of the N.C. Black McDonald’s Operators Assoc. He has also been honored to receive the NAACP Corporate Humanitarian Award.

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LIVE UNITED

United Way of Greater Greensboro makes investments in our community to serve those in need so that all individuals and families can succeed. 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.

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/

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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.​