GREENSBORO, NC (July 3, 2024) – United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) convened its annual meeting, welcoming 11 new and returning board members and unveiling strategic investments exceeding $5 million. This funding bolsters investments supporting 52 transformative programs, including nationally recognized Family Success Centers (FSC) and the innovative Guilford Success Network Pilot (GSN).
“United Way of Greater Greensboro is committed to harnessing the power of diverse community leaders on our board to drive meaningful change,” said Frank McCain, president and CEO. “By investing in programs that address critical community issues, we’re not only providing immediate support but also laying foundations for long-term solutions to end poverty in our region.”
Board member elections
The annual meeting saw the election of 11 distinguished board members with new or renewed terms. Among them are:
- Dr. Mandy Eaton, Chief Operating Officer, Cone Health
- Manuel Dudley, Vice President, Workforce & Continuing Education, GTCC
- Anthony Boyd, Business Development Officer, First Bank
- Tabitha Allen-Draft, Founder, CODA Connections
- Debra Bingham, Assistant Professor, Business Law, Elon University
- Wai-Fung Thompson, SVP, People & Culture, ITG Brands
- Bryan McNeill, VP, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer, VF Corporation
- Iris Austin, Director, Human Resources, Volvo Group
- Kathleen Kelly, Managing Partner, Compass Financial Partners
- Steve Swetoha, President, Greensboro Swarm
- Lori Edwards, Head of IT, North American Syngenta Crop Protection
Board officers were also elected and include:
- Scott Baker, President at TowneBank, Chair
- Tom Glaser, Tapestry, Inc., Vice Chair
- Bryan Starrett, Partner at Brooks Pierce, Secretary & Legal Counsel
- José Sandoval, Vice President/Financial Sales Manager, First Citizens Bank, Treasurer
- Steve Swetoha, President of Greensboro Swarm, Campaign Chair
For a full list of board members, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org/Board.
United Way’s commitment and grant application process
United Way of Greater Greensboro remains steadfast in its mission to forge community partnerships that equip and empower people to leave poverty. Each year, local nonprofits undergo an application and review process for United Way grants. A committee of local volunteers review the applications and select programs that align with the United Way’s mission in one of two poverty-related categories:
- Poverty Relieving Grants: Open to programs or collaboratives providing services that help people find and stay on pathways out of poverty through cradle-to-career support, services for basic needs, access to healthcare and financial stability.
- Poverty Ending Grants: Open to programs or collaboratives providing services that offer clear pathways for people to leave poverty by increasing and maintaining their annual household income above the federal poverty threshold.
Strategic investments
This year’s strategic investments reflect UWGG’s commitment to addressing community needs through targeted support of nonprofit-led programs. Funded programs are designed to guide individuals towards sustained economic independence. Detailed 2024-2025 investment information, including the new HEARTH Beyond program by Youth Focus, Inc. can be found at www.UnitedWayGSO.org/Investments.
Community-wide impact
UWGG also offers health, financial, social and workforce support to residents through Family Success Centers and the Guilford Success Network, two initiatives that coordinate personalized services and provide coaching in group and individualized formats to eliminate barriers to self-sufficiency.
Other impactful community-wide initiatives led and funded by UWGG include:
- Thriving at 3: Focuses on early childhood development through Thriving at 3, ensuring children are prepared for school success and reading proficiency by age 8. This initiative offers parenting and child development education with a strong emphasis on early literacy, supported by partners like UNCG: Center for New North Carolinians and local NC PreK programs.
- Mentoring Matters: Fosters supportive relationships between mentors and local youth, including the African American Male Initiative at Wiley Elementary, Jackson Middle and Smith High Schools.
For more information on the United Way of Greater Greensboro’s initiatives and partnerships, visit http://www.UnitedWayGSO.org.