Category: Organization

Greensboro, NC (March 2, 2020) – Residents of greater Greensboro are invited to provide critical input about local social issues through a community survey being conducted by United Way of Greater Greensboro. 

Beginning today and ending Friday, March 13, an online community survey is open to the public. Visit www.unitedwaygso.org/survey and click on the link to complete the short survey about needs and issues facing local residents, as well as how United Way of Greater Greensboro can better address these needs and issues. 

“For 98 years, United Way has depended on the voice of our community to guide our work. We are once again seeking that collective voice with this survey. Our goal of ending local poverty requires input from all walks in life. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and pass the link along to ask friends and family members to take the survey,” said Michelle Gethers-Clark, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro.

To ensure confidentiality, Perspectives Consulting Group will be collecting and tabulating all results and we want your honest feedback.

Greensboro, NC (February 21, 2020) – Three local United Way of Greater Greensboro partners, Vandalia Elementary School, M.G. Newell Corporation, and Guilford County Schools were honored with Spirit of North Carolina Awards at United Way of North Carolina’s annual award luncheon on February 19.

“This year’s winners made their campaigns fun and engaging while focusing on communicating United Way’s goal of ending poverty. These companies and employees truly understand how their support makes an impact in our community. We are grateful for their partnership and all they do for greater Greensboro,” said Julia Thomas, Campaign Director, United Way of Greater Greensboro.

United Way of North Carolina also recognized BB&T now TRUIST for “Building a Better Future” and championing United Way’s efforts across multiple communities for many years. Guilford County Schools was additionally honored with a Best Practice Showcase award.

Leading beyond the traditional fundraising campaign, these winners created opportunities to educate employees on community needs, led by those at the top of the organizational chart; motivated campaign participants to give by exposing them to real stories of need; and provided volunteer opportunities so that donors could offer their knowledge and their hands to serve their community.

On a yearly basis, United Way of North Carolina recognizes organizations who have succeeded in raising funds to support their community and have dedicated themselves to being part of the long-term solution to build stronger communities. A panel of 25 judges representing United Way organizations across North Carolina reviewed more than 40 nominations to select this year’s winners.

Greensboro, NC (January 17, 2020) –  United Way of Greater Greensboro Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Brian Graham was named one of Black Business Ink magazine’s “40 Under 40 Most Influential African Americans in the Piedmont,” which honors individuals from Forsyth and Guilford counties.

According to Black Business Ink, this inaugural list of the 40 Under 40 Most Influential African Americans in the Piedmont is comprised of outstanding leaders who are confident, ambitious and achievement oriented. They help build their community, seek new challenges at work and are not afraid to question authority. Each awardee was nominated and considered by two selection committees, one in Guilford County and one in Forsyth County.

Graham joined United Way of Greater Greensboro in his role as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer in March 2019. Graham leads United Way’s finance team and oversees all of financial and operational areas with a focus on strategic management of the organization’s resources to maximize return on investment. He is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and the University of Virginia. Graham has over 15 years of financial leadership in nonprofit organizations as well as 5 years of public accounting experience.

A gala honoring the award recipients will be held on February 22, 2020.

When Marcello discovered United Way’s Mentoring Matters initiative, it didn’t take him long to decide he wanted to be a mentor.

“I know helping others through mentoring is where I’m supposed to be. Mentoring has given me the opportunity to help youth succeed in the classroom and in life,” said Marcello.

United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Mentoring Matters initiative works to increase the number of local men and women mentors and improve the effectiveness of mentoring programs in the greater Greensboro area.

Marcello was paired with Jeremiah, a student at Lincoln Academy, through SHEILD Mentor Program, a member of United Way’s Mentoring Matters initiative. When Marcello visits Jeremiah they play games, journal and learn about each other.

“My favorite thing about having a mentor is that it gives me someone to talk to. I got to meet Mr. Marcello and learn how to be open to new people and ideas,” said 11-year-old Jeremiah.

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, 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
• And 130% more likely to hold leadership positions.

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
• And enhance their relationships with their own children.

As a father of three Marcello says, “While I know Jeremiah gains a lot from our relationship, I gain a lot too. It’s taught me new skills to engage with my own children and I take those skills and techniques home,” said Marcello.

Why should you be a mentor? Jeremiah says, “It’s fun! You get to learn new things and be open minded.”

Jeremiah and Marcello are just 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.

Be sure to attend the 100 Males Mentoring event in partnership with the City of Greensboro on January 16, 2020. Click here here to learn more and RSVP.

Greensboro, NC (January 7, 2020) – January is National Mentoring Month. The City of Greensboro and United Way of Greater Greensboro are introducing a new mentoring initiative aimed at men and boys, called 100 Males Mentoring.  

This is an opportunity for City Manager David Parrish to rally 100 men to mentor 100 boys throughout Greensboro. “If we mentor our younger generation and simply be present and have influence, it could make a difference. If this works, it could change a life, change a generation, and possibly change our community,” said City Manager David Parrish.

The City is partnering with United Way’s Mentoring Matters initiative to increase the number of mentors and improve the lives of young men most impacted by violent crime.

A breakfast will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2020, from 7:30am – 9am at The Terrace at Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Several agencies will be on hand to showcase their mentoring opportunities. To attend the 100 Males Mentoring breakfast, click here to register: Event Registration

“Each of us has the power to truly impact the future for our youth by simply being a caring adult in their life as a friend and mentor,” said Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. 

Research shows mentors can play a powerful role in providing youngsters with the tools to make responsible choices, attend and excel in school, and reduce or avoid risky behavior, such as gang activity or drug use. In turn, young people who are mentored are:

• 55 percent more likely to be enrolled in college
• 81 percent more likely to participate regularly in sports or extracurricular activities
• 78 percent more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities
• More than twice as likely to say they held a leadership position in a club or sports team.

Yet, the same research shows nine million young people in our country will grow up without a mentor. National Mentoring Month, each January, allows for unique engagement from community members interested in becoming a mentor. This year, with the support of the mentoring community, we are encouraging the public to go beyond just digital engagement – and become involved in making a real-life impact.

Mentoring relationships are at their best when connections are made between a caring adult and a young person who knows someone is there to help guide them through those real-life decisions. Pledge to be a mentor today, by contacting the United Way of Greater Greensboro or visit unitedwaygso.org/mentoring-matters.

Other activities taking place during National Mentoring Month include:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
A day to share in the inspirational words of MLK, Jr., and elevate the spirit of service through volunteerism.

International Mentoring Day
A day of international conversations on social media where photos, video and messages share powerful mentoring stories.

Thank Your Mentor Day
A day for all who have real life mentoring experiences to thank those who helped them on their path to adulthood and beyond when we encourage anyone who has had a mentor to say thank you by sending a note, a card or sharing a story on social media using #MentorIRL.

About National Mentoring Month
National Mentoring Month is led by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, with support from the Highland Street Foundation. Each year since its launch in 2002, National Mentoring Month has benefited from the strong support of the US President and the United States Congress.

Greensboro, NC (January 2, 2020) – United Way of Greater Greensboro is seeking college students to participate in a free, local Alternative Spring Break, March 2 – 6, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m daily.

Interested students must complete a short application by February 7, by visiting www.UnitedWayGSO.org/SpringBreak. In its third year, this program is again offered at no cost to students.

“Participating in United Way’s Alternative Spring Break was a formative experience for me. Through the program, I saw parts of Greensboro that I had never seen before, made new friends, and learned a lot while having fun and making a difference. I definitely encourage students to apply!” said Alexis Wray, 2018 Alternative Spring Break participant and current senior at North Carolina A&T State University.

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 exclusive “behind the scenes” visits to awesome Greensboro businesses.

The five volunteer sites include United Way’s Family Success Centers, Greensboro Urban Ministry and others.

The five behind the scenes locations include Cone Health, City of Greensboro, Center for Creative Leadership and others.

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.

Greensboro, NC (November 11, 2019) – On December 3, 7:00-9:30 a.m. at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church over 250 people are expected to attend United Way of Greater Greensboro’s 12th annual Breakfast with Community Leaders hosted by United Way’s African American Leadership affinity group. The free event is open to the public and will feature a panel discussion focused on addressing local housing challenges. Attendees will be empowered to create collaborative solutions.

Presenters include:

• Brian Hahne, Executive Director, Partners Ending Homelessness
• Tina Akers Brown, Executive Director, Greensboro Housing Authority
• Stan Wilson, Director, Neighborhood Development for City of Greensboro

Attendees are encouraged to bring new, or gently used, coats, socks, gloves and warm hats that will be donated to local children and youth.

Doors open and free breakfast buffet will be available at 7 a.m. The program will begin at 7:45 a.m.

This event is generously sponsored by Cone Health Foundation, Cone Health System, Lincoln Financial Group, American National Foundation and Greensboro Housing Authority.

To RSVP, click here.