News release Archives - Page 23 of 23 - United Way of Greater Greensboro

NEWS RELEASE: United Way of Greater Greensboro Raises Awareness About Earned Income Tax Credit, Offers Free Tax Preparation

Posted on January 31, 2014August 25, 2015 by admin

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

(Greensboro, NC – January 31, 2014) – Working families may get a larger tax refund this year because of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), but to get it, they must claim it. January 31 marks the 8th National EITC Awareness Day, and United Way of Greater Greensboro is reminding taxpayers that free tax preparation services are available in our community if your household earned $58,000 or less in 2013.

In tax year 2012, more than 27 million workers received $67 billion in EITC refunds. Also that year, in Guilford County approximately $750,000 was claimed for EITC out of over $2.8 million that was returned to our taxpayers through free tax preparation services. In recent years, more than 1 in 5 tax returns from North Carolina were able to claim EITC[i]. Nationwide, millions of people miss out on EITC because they do not claim it on their tax return or they are not required to file taxes.

“Our community’s free tax preparation services will help many families get EITC and the maximum refund they’re due,” says Frank McCain, vice president of community investment and impact at United Way of Greater Greensboro. “This is money they can save or use to pay off bills, buy that car to get to work or make a down payment on a home.”

Here’s how to get started:

STEP 1: Find out if you qualify for EITC.
If you worked last year and had income of less than $51,567 you should check out your eligibility for EITC. For more information about EITC, including eligibility details, visit www.irs.gov/Individuals/EITC-Home-Page–It’s-easier-than-ever-to-find-out-if-you-qualify-for-EITC. You can also receive general guidance by calling MyFreeTaxes at 1-855-MY-TX-HELP (1-855-698-9435). On average, EITC adds $2,300 to working families’ refunds. It can mean an additional $487 for people without children up to $6,044 for those with three or more qualifying children.

STEP 2: If you qualify, make sure you get your credit and save on fees by filing for free.
Locations that offer free tax preparation can be found by dialing 2-1-1, United Way’s Information and Referral line. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers are trained by the Internal Revenue Service and can help households that earned $52,000 or less in 2013 prepare their taxes for free and claim the EITC and other tax benefits.

Individuals in households earning up to $58,000 can also file their returns for themselves online throughwww.MyFreeTaxes.com/Greensboro, provided by H&R Block in cooperation with the Walmart Foundation, Goodwill Industries International, National Disability Institute, and United Way Worldwide. Taxpayers filing online have access to tax law experts through online chat or a toll-free phone number.

In addition, many EITC eligible individuals may not receive their full refund because of costly fees from paid tax preparers. For families who are walking a financial tightrope, saving $200 or more can make a big difference in preventing a financial crisis. By helping families make every dollar go farther, United Way is offering solutions that move people towards financial independence and a better quality of life. Call 2-1-1 for details.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2014, United Way will hold a Family Economic Success event featuring free tax preparation services, financial management workshops, and free credit reports in partnership with BB&T Bank. Details coming soon.

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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, visitwww.UnitedWayGSO.org.
[i] http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/the-avenue/posts/2012/11/19-eitc-taxes-kneebone

PRESS RELEASE: United Way of Greater Greensboro Awards $275,000 in Grants to Address Community Needs

Posted on December 12, 2013August 25, 2015 by admin

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

CONTACT

Dana Ziolkowski Carter

United Way of Greater Greensboro

Dana.ziolkowski@unitedwaygso.org

Phone: 336-378-6617

Greensboro, NC – December 12, 2013 – United Way of Greater Greensboro is focused on supporting solutions that improve the quality of life for all in Greater Greensboro. It does this by investing in new, promising community programs and continuing support of programs that have proven successful, to create the greatest community impact possible. United Way of Greater Greensboro is proud to continue its mission with a recent investment of $275,000 into the community.

The $275,000 investment is allocated through two grants, managed by United Way of Greater Greensboro. The Kathleen & Joseph Bryan Community Enrichment and Venture Grant (CEVG) invests in new and innovative programs; whereas, the Joseph M. Bryan Human Services Grant provides stabilization and expansion grants for programs already demonstrating success. Applicants that met the respective grant eligibility requirements participated in an open RFP process in April 2013.

“These investments help us to advance solutions for our community’s greatest needs through both exciting, new programs and programs with a proven track record,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “It’s inspiring to take a chance on a new program and watch it grow into something amazing for our community.”

Grantees were selected because of their work to improve the quality of life of Greater Greensboro residents. Grantees are working to ensure every child enters school healthy, safe and ready to succeed in school and in life. They are supporting families through opportunities to increase income, build savings, and access resources to prevent and minimize crisis. Grantees are also helping residents live healthy lives by providing information and resources, removing barriers to healthcare and connecting them to local available resources.

United Way leverages the expertise and commitment of community volunteers at every level of the grant process. Each grant has a committee of volunteers that reviews applications and makes the investment recommendation for approval by the United Way of Greater Greensboro Board of Directors.

For information about our annual grants and future RFPs, visit www.unitedwaygso.org/nonprofits/.

Grantees supporting children and youth through education include:

Guilford Child Development: Learning Together Family Literacy Project: $15,000

NCCJ of the Piedmont Triad: ANYDAY™ – $15,000

Black Child Development: Freedom School – $10,000

Back Pack Beginnings: Food Back Pack Program – $22,000

Back Pack Beginnings: Comfort Back Pack Program – $7,500

Grantees supporting individuals and families to become financially stable and independent include:

Women’s Resource Center: Women’s Financial Literacy Project – $15,000

Servant Center: Disability Assistance Program Counselor – $25,000

Interactive Resource Center: Direct Client Services – $24,000

Greensboro Urban Ministry: WE! Winter Emergency Shelter – $24,000

One Step Further: Keep it Real for Youth and Parents – $15,000

Barnabas Network: Garage Sale Storefront – $13,100

People & Paws 4 Hope: Second Chance – $15,000

Reading Connections: Detention Center Literacy – $15,000

Grantees supporting all individuals to lead a healthy life include:

North Carolina A&T State University: Aggie Outreach Teen Pregnancy Prevention – $6,400

Guilford County Department of Public Health: Mobile Farmers Market – $15,000

Mental Health Association of Greensboro: Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training – $15,000

Adult Center for Enrichment: Res Fit Club – $12,000

Mary’s House: Integrated Health Care for Homeless Children – $11,000

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: United Way of Greater Greensboro Announces Lorillard Matching Gift to Support Campaign

Posted on December 5, 2013August 25, 2015 by admin

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dana Ziolkowski Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Phone: 336-378-6617
dana.ziolkowski@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC – December 5, 2013) –To inspire the community to support United Way of Greater Greensboro’s work, Lorillard, Inc. has generously committed to stay at 10% of the total campaign in 2014. Last year, the United Way of Greater Greensboro raised $10.2 million. The announcement was made at a recent Thriving at 3 Holiday Celebration with the Center for New North Carolinians.

“We are proud of our legacy of robust community support,” said Lorillard Chairman, President and CEO Murray Kessler. “Over the last few years, our employee contributions have come to make up 10 percent of each annual United Way Campaign. We intend to keep it that way.”

Lorillard is a longtime, significant United Way supporter. Since 2001, Lorillard has raised more than $10 million to support United Way’s work in the community. In their current United Way workplace campaign, they have exceeded $1 million.

“We are incredibly honored that Lorillard has stepped up in this way and publicly say that they believe in the work of United Way and that we as a community can do more,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “When we challenge ourselves in great ways, greatness often results. We’re looking forward to creating the greatest impact possible in Greensboro and increased financial support helps make that happen.”

United Way of Greater Greensboro is committed to creating opportunities for a better quality of life for all residents. The United Way annual campaign directly supports programs and initiatives that work to ensure children and youth succeed in school and in life, that families are financially stable and independent, and every individual has access to opportunities to live a healthy life. A list of the organization’s most recent investments are available at www.unitedwaygso.org/ourfocus/investments/

To give to United Way of Greater Greensboro, visit, www.unitedwaygso.org.

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: Wells Fargo Invests $25,000 of Matching Grants with United Way of Greater Greensboro to Elevate Philanthropy in Small to Mid-Size Businesses

Posted on November 8, 2013August 25, 2015 by admin

CONTACT:
Dana Ziolkowski Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Phone: 336-378-6617
dana.ziolkowski@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC – November 8, 2013) – Wells Fargo has joined with the United Way of Greater Greensboro to help grow philanthropic giving in small- to mid-sized companies throughout Greater Greensboro. The matching grant offers to match the first $1,000 raised for a United Way campaign within each new company, up to 25 companies, hosting a campaign for the very first time.

“Wells Fargo is a strong supporter of strong communities,” says Pete Callahan, regional vice president of Commercial Banking at Wells Fargo. “United Way is at the forefront of solving community issues to create stronger communities, and that’s exactly where our passion lies as well. We’re proud to invest in Greater Greensboro in this way and are looking forward to seeing which businesses step up to make change happen right here at home.”

United Way of Greater Greensboro hopes that the Wells Fargo matching grants will encourage new fundraising campaigns in eligible small to mid-size local businesses. The grants offer businesses an excellent way to increase their philanthropic giving in Greensboro and support the community.

“Small business is at the heart of a thriving, healthy community–right alongside a strong United Way,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “Because of the support of Wells Fargo, and all of our corporate partners, United Way can effectively address the critical needs of the community in a way that leads to solutions, which in return leads to a healthy, promising economic future.”

For companies interested in hosting a fundraising campaign to support the work of United Way of Greater Greensboro, please call United Way’s office at 336-378-6600.

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Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.5 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, and the Internet (wellsfargo.com), and has offices in more than 35 countries to support the bank’s customers who conduct business in the global economy. With more than 270,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 25 on Fortune’s 2013 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at blogs.wellsfargo.com.

PRESS RELEASE: United Way of Greater Greensboro Teams Up with BB&T to Support Emerging Women Philanthropists Partnership launches the Women’s Leadership Council Partnership Grant

Posted on October 16, 2013August 25, 2015 by admin

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dana Ziolkowski Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Phone: 336-378-6617
dana.ziolkowski@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC – October 16, 2013) – To empower emerging women leaders to invest in community impact, United Way of Greater Greensboro has partnered with BB&T to create the Women’s Leadership Council Partnership Grant.

“United Way is founded on the principle of caring people collaborating to identify and solve community issues,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president/CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “This partnership with BB&T is an extraordinary example of collaboration and philanthropy done well. Together, we will grow the number of United Way women’s leadership donors in Greater Greensboro to increase valuable financial resources to make a positive community impact.”

The Women’s Leadership Council Partnership Grant means that women have the opportunity to receive the benefits of leadership giving as they step into leadership with a matching grant from BB&T.

“We are delighted to partner with United Way of Greater Greensboro on this extremely worthwhile and important project,” said BB&T Market President Ford Bowers. “Leadership and leadership training is of the highest priority at BB&T and we are proud to assist in these endeavors in any way possible.”

HOW IT WORKS: When women give $500 in the current campaign, BB&T will match their gift by contributing $500 and the donor will be recognized at the $1,000 leadership level. That leadership donor then steps-up in the second year to give $750, with BB&T matching $250; and in the third year, the donor contributes at the $1,000 leadership level with no additional match. The program allows women to benefit from being a leadership donor at year one.

United Way of Greater Greensboro Leadership Giving benefits include:

• Community impact leader
• Invitation to BB&T and United Way women’s only networking event
• Highlighted as a BB&T Partnership Grant Recipient as a part of United Way’s annual recognition of donors
• Status as United Way Women’s Leadership Council member in year one
• Invitation to United Way events before the general public
• Caring Club Card recipient
• Concierge volunteer coordination
• Engagement group participation to identify relevant causes for investment

To participate in the Women’s Leadership Council Partnership Grant, please call United Way of Greater Greensboro at 336-378-6600.

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About BB&T
BB&T is one of the largest financial services holding companies in the U.S. with $182.7 billion in assets and market capitalization of $23.8 billion, as of June 30, 2013. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company operates 1,851 financial centers in 12 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 J.D. Power and Associates, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Greenwich Associates and others. More information about BB&T and its full line of products and services is available at www.BBT.com. More information about BB&T Corporation is available at www.BBT.com/About.

PRESS RELEASE: United Way of Greater Greensboro and Greensboro Public Library Hosts United For Literacy Event with Special Guest Miss North Carolina 2013

Posted on September 9, 2013September 8, 2015 by admin

NEWS RELEASE

September 9, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dana Ziolkowski Carter
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Phone: 336-378-6617
dana.ziolkowski@unitedwaygso.org

(Greensboro, NC) – According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, more than 850,000 adults in North Carolina experience reading and writing difficulties that seriously affect their daily lives and that of their families. United Way of Greater Greensboro is working to drastically reduce that number.

Just in time for National Literacy Month in September, United Way of Greater Greensboro is partnering with Greensboro Public Library for a literacy awareness and volunteer recruitment fair on September 23, 2013, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair will take place at the Greensboro Public Library, Central Branch, 219 North Church Street, Greensboro.

“By convening philanthropists, volunteers, and community partners on issues like literacy, we can make a real impact,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “Our community is full of people with a servant’s heart. We have a critical need for volunteer readers and tutors. On September 23, we will connect the dots.”

In addition to raising awareness about literacy needs and resources available in Greensboro, community members interested in volunteering will find out how and where they can serve as readers and tutors. Ten local nonprofits will be represented at this event to recruit volunteers and inform citizens on how to be involved. Miss North Carolina 2013 Johna Edmonds will kick off the event at 11 a.m. Edmonds works to promote literacy in America’s youth and will be on hand to talk about the importance of youth literacy, sign autographs and snap photos with participants during the event. Chick-fil-A will provide refreshments for guests. This event is free and open to the public.
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LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro advances the common good by supporting programs, initiatives, member agencies, and partners meeting the critical needs in our community 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 UnitedWayGSO.org.

PRESS RELEASE: United Way of Greater Greensboro Hosts Community Open House, Remembers 9/11

Posted on August 28, 2013September 8, 2015 by admin

NEWS RELEASE
August 28, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Dana Ziolkowski
United Way of Greater Greensboro
Ph: 336-378-6617
dana.ziolkowski@unitedwaygso.org

Greensboro, NC – Join United Way of Greater Greensboro as it celebrates community and philanthropy with an Open House Community Celebration on Wednesday, September 11 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Open House will take place in front of the United Way office at 1500 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro, NC.

The Open House will celebrate and recognize dynamic volunteers and advocates, generous donors, exceptional corporate and community partners, along with United Way’s board members, staff, and new president.

“On this important day in our country’s history, we will celebrate the dedication, generosity and love of mankind it takes to build a thriving Greensboro,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “We work to give every single person access to health services, every child the tools to succeeds in school and in life, and every family resources to gain employment and be self-sustainable. We’re in this for the long haul.”

In recognition of September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, United Way of Greater Greensboro has partnered with the Volunteer Center of Greensboro to provide two service projects at its Open House to benefit active and veteran service men and women.

“The Volunteer Center is excited to be partnering with United Way for the September 11
National Day of Service and Remembrance,” says Carley Swaim, executive director of Volunteer Center of Greensboro. “It is important to give back on a day that impacted many American lives. Dedicating our time and efforts to our veterans and active military perpetuate the sentiment of unity in our community.”

United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Open House Community Celebration is free and open to the public. Lunch will be served beginning at noon on a first come, first served basis. Food trucks will be available with additional items to purchase. A brief presentation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by September 2 to Artis Farrington at 336-378-6610 or Artis.Farrington@UnitedWayGSO.org.

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LIVE UNITED
United Way of Greater Greensboro advances the common good by supporting programs, initiatives, member agencies, and partners meeting the critical needs in our community 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 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.