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United Since 1936: Celebrating 90 Years

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:56:31 GMT

The Foundation

On November 15, 1936, a group of community members and local agencies gathered in Spartanburg with a shared question: What if we started working together to meet local needs?

Out of that gathering, the United Campaign in Spartanburg was born, which was a collective effort to fill gaps in services and raise funds for the good of all.

By 1937, that spark had grown into something bold: "The Drive to End All Drives." The campaign ignited a movement that would grow into what we know as Community Chest, United Fund, and ultimately, United Way.

Ninety years later, that founding spirit still lives in everything we do. We still bring local nonprofits, businesses, and community members around a shared table to listen, respond, and tackle the toughest challenges together.

The Future

Guided by our vision of a united community where everyone thrives, we're stepping into the future with hope, clarity, and deep resolve.

Across all three counties, we continue to mobilize people, partners, and resources. We are a leader, convener, implementer, and funder–our roles shifting based on where we can do the most good.

Our 2026 Strategic Plan sharpens our focus on three priorities that reflect both our legacy and our responsibility to what comes next:

Financial Security for Every Household : driving economic mobility and stability through data-driven investments and programs that open doors for individuals and families.
Powering Collective Strength : strengthening nonprofits, reducing duplication. and aligning systems, so our community’s resources go further.
Presence with Purpose: showing up intentionally and equitably in every county we serve.

This unified approach honors our 90-year legacy of trust. We look back with pride and move forward with intentional purpose. View our 2026 Strategic Plan.

We can't wait to bring you along on this journey. Throughout our 90th anniversary year, we'll be sharing stories from our past, celebrating the people who made us who we are, and building together toward a future that's brighter for everyone in our region. Thanks for being here with us.

File with Confidence: Free Tax Preparation Services Available

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:55:17 GMT

Tax season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you or someone you serve needs help filing taxes this year, there are trusted, free resources available for people right here in our community.

In-Person Tax Help Through VITA

Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinics are open through mid-April and ready to help. Through the IRS-supported VITA program, households earning $67,000 or less per year can receive free, in-person tax preparation assistance from IRS-certified staff and volunteers. This service helps ensure returns are filed accurately and that families receive the credits and refunds they’re eligible for. Appointments are available for eligible individuals and families living in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties. To schedule an appointment, call 2-1-1 or 1-866-892-9211.

Prefer to File From Home?

For households earning under $89,000 annually, free online filing is available through MyFreeTaxes.com. This secure, easy-to-use platform allows individuals and families to file both federal and state taxes at no cost from the comfort of home.

Last-Minute Tax Clinic: Walk-Ins Welcome

Need help close to the deadline? Our team and volunteers will provide a Last-Minute Tax Clinic in April for anyone who needs support before Tax Day. No appointment necessary—just come by during clinic hours for assistance. Find the details below:

CC Woodson
April 14 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Walk-ins accepted all day

Learn More & Share

Accurate tax filing can mean larger refunds, access to valuable tax credits, and greater financial security for local families. Please share this information widely with clients, neighbors, and community members who may benefit. Additional information can be found here →

Over 400 Volunteers Rallied Together for United Way of the Piedmont’s Annual MLK Day of Service

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:17:13 GMT

On January 19, over 400 volunteers across Spartanburg County came together for United Way of the Piedmont’s annual MLK Day of Service, collectively contributing 933 hours of service.

Hosting this event for over a decade, United Way of the Piedmont has been able to provide support to over 16 non-profit and community partners. Hands-on projects ranging from trail cleanups to period kit packing provided volunteers with the opportunity to come together and support the organizations strengthening our community.

Amanda Richardson, Vice President of Brand Experience at United Way of the Piedmont, volunteered alongside her children to create artwork for women and children preparing to move into Bridgeway Village. Reflecting on the importance of serving on MLK Day, Richardson shared, “Giving back—especially on MLK Day—matters deeply to me. It’s a powerful opportunity to show my children that showing up for our neighbors can take many different forms.”

United Way of the Piedmont extends a heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers who showed up, served, and made an impact this MLK Day. Your dedication and compassion showed our community that United Is the Way. We can’t wait to come together again for next year’s Day of Service on Monday, January 18, 2027.

United Way of the Piedmont Announces $1.14 Million Annual Investment in Local Programs for 2026–2028

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:35:34 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (January 13, 2026) –United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) is proud to announce an annual investment of $1,140,000 in 47 nonprofit organizations across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union Counties for the 2026–2028 funding cycle. These investments mark another step forward in advancing UWP’s long-term Community Impact Agenda and commitment to addressing the root causes of local challenges through strategic, results-driven funding.

For the upcoming cycle, UWP will make the following annual investments in the region:

$111,842 in 16 programs in Cherokee County
$922,070 in 37 programs in Spartanburg County
$106,088 in 16 programs in Union County

This investment follows a highly competitive community review process. 85 agencies submitted 138 Letters of Intent, requesting nearly $4.85 million in annual funding.

To guide investment decisions, UWP convened one Community Investment Review Committee, representing the entire tri-county area. This group applied a structured assessment process to evaluate program effectiveness, fiscal soundness, and alignment with UWP’s strategic framework.

“Our investment process is an intentional, data-driven effort that takes about a year to complete,” said Sarah Daniel, Senior Director of Partnerships & Investments. “We don’t just fund programs—we invest in impact. Every dollar is directed where it can create the most measurable change for our community.”

The review process began in early 2025 with information sessions and letters of intent, followed by full applications, site visits, and extensive Q&A sessions before final funding decisions in December. New funding will begin in January 2026.

As outlined in its Community Impact Agenda, UWP focuses on investing deep rather than wide—prioritizing proven programs with clear outcomes over spreading limited resources thinly across numerous initiatives. This approach ensures that each investment drives transformative change for the region’s most pressing needs. UWP upholds a commitment to county-level equity, measurable outcomes, fiscal stewardship, and sustainability.

In addition to the core investment cycle, UWP continues to lead and support collaborative initiatives aligned with its impact goals, including:

A Place to Call Home (Spartanburg County)
Spartanburg Long Term Recovery Group
Movement 2030
Union Uplifted
Collective Community-Wide Mental & Behavioral Health Plan for Spartanburg County
Live Healthy Spartanburg
Strategic Spartanburg, Inc.
Spartanburg Shared Futures Collaborative
United for ALICE

Through these strategic investments and partnerships, United Way of the Piedmont continues to strengthen the community and drive sustainable impact across the region. View a full list of 2026-2028 Community Investment funded programs here.

United Way of the Piedmont Seeks Volunteers for MLK Day of Service

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:32:37 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (January 1, 2026) –Following a powerful showing of community service last year, United Way of the Piedmont is once again calling on residents across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties to come together for its annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Part of the nationwide initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s legacy of giving back, MLK Day of Service has been led locally by United Way of the Piedmont for more than a decade, connecting volunteers with meaningful projects that strengthen nonprofit partners and neighborhoods.

“Dr. King believed deeply in collective action and shared responsibility,” said Marissa Human, Director of Events & Projects. “This day is about honoring his legacy by showing up for our neighbors and turning service into impact.” This year’s event will again honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision by showing that United is the Way to make a difference.

In 2025, more than 450 volunteers united to serve their community by cleaning trails, building playgrounds, packing period kits, and supporting nonprofits with other hands-on projects. United Way of the Piedmont expects hundreds of volunteers to once again answer the call to serve in 2026.

“When our community comes together like this, the impact reaches far beyond a single day,” said Sarah Daniel, Senior Director of Partnerships and Investments. “It strengthens nonprofits, supports families, and reminds us that change happens when we choose to serve—together.”

Volunteer registration is now open, and individuals, families, student groups, faith-based organizations, and corporate teams are encouraged to participate.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit uwpiedmont.org/mlkday .

Our 2026 MLK Day of Service is generously sponsored by AFL.

Reflections from the One Young World Summit in Munich

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:08:46 GMT

In early November, I had the incredible opportunity to join 2,200 delegates representing 190 countries at the One Young World Summit in Munich, Germany.

The annual One Young World Summit brings together young leaders from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact. Over four transformative days, we participated in speeches, panels, networking sessions, mentorships, and workshops designed to equip us with tools and connections to drive meaningful change.

I attended the Summit as part of a 20-delegate United Way cohort led by United Way Worldwide President & CEO Angela F. Williams. While we learned from speakers and peers across the globe, we also connected deeply with each other as young local United Way leaders, strengthening our network and shared mission.

A Vision of Hope and Innovation

The Summit filled me with hope for the social impact sector and our world. Being surrounded by passionate young leaders and experienced changemakers—all focused on making our communities stronger for everyone—was truly inspiring.

We heard from community and global experts on challenges and solutions spanning education, climate, technology, and more. I was struck by the innovative approaches to tackling complex issues around the world and by how deeply intertwined our experiences are, regardless of where we come from.

Whether a global CEO or young entrepreneur, everyone who attended shared a common desire: to enact positive change and work toward lasting stability and peace throughout the world. As Angela Williams powerfully stated in her keynote address, "Peace begins and is carried through in human hearts–in the choices that each of us make–when we connect with each other."

Carrying the Experience Forward

The One Young World Summit has shaped me into a more understanding, connected person and professional. I am deeply grateful to have been part of this experience and will carry the lessons I learned forward into the work I do every day for our community.

As I wrap up my time as a Summit Delegate, I am proud to join 18,000+ other leaders as a One Young World Ambassador in our continued efforts to build a better future for our world.

Abby Good is United Way of the Piedmont's Director of Communications.

Local Community Unites to Feed Families This Holiday Season

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:47:16 GMT

This fall, our community showed what it really means to show up for one another. With the recent disruption in SNAP benefits, more families than ever have been turning to local food pantries for help. It’s been a stressful time for many of our neighbors, and together, United Way of the Piedmont and our partners stepped in to make sure no one feels alone.

Our Fall Food Drive is always a big effort, but this year it took on new meaning. People and companies from across our region came together: donating online, packing boxes in person, and rallying coworkers and friends. Through the Roonga virtual donation platform and in-person collections, donors gave over $56,000 in food, which funded over 1,200 complete food boxes to our neighbors in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties. All donations went straight to our community partners like The Bridge at Green Street, TOTAL Ministries, and Iron City Ministries to provide immediate support.

When families are trying to stretch every dollar, a full box of food can make a huge difference. And this year, those 1,200+ boxes will help carry families through the months ahead. That’s the power of coming together.

When asked why this project is so special, Libby Jensen, our Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “Our community always shows up in a big way. Thanks to the generosity of our partners and neighbors, many local families have a little more comfort and a lot less stress this holiday season. This kind of care makes a real difference, not just for today, but for the months ahead.”

Our 2025 Fall Food Drive reminded us of something important: when our community comes together, we really can make sure more families have what they need—not just to get by, but to move forward with hope.

Empowering Young Leaders to Shape Community Change: Spartanburg’s Youth Philanthropy Board

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:04:19 GMT

The 2025–2026 Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB), a partnership between United Way of the Piedmont and Spartanburg Academic Movement, is made up of an inspiring group of 30 juniors and seniors from seven Spartanburg County high schools. This year’s Board Members are using their voices, insights, and strengths to make a lasting difference for youth across the community.

Already, this group of YPB members have participated in a series of learning experiences such as Board Basics, Advocacy 101, Data Walk, and a Spartanburg Joint Funders Panel. Each of these experiences are designed to deepen their understanding of how philanthropy, collaboration, and data-driven decisions fuel positive community impact.

Spartanburg’s Joint Funders include the Chapman Cultural Center, Mary Black Foundation, Spartanburg Academic Movement, Spartanburg County Foundation, Spartanburg Regional Foundation, and United Way of the Piedmont. The panel discussion gave students firsthand insight into how Spartanburg’s funders intentionally collaborate to strengthen shared outcomes and how each organization serves as both a grantmaker and a community leader.

Also this fall, the Board has put their strengths into action by participating in United Way’s Fall Food Drive. Together, they rallied their schools and youth groups to fill over 40 boxes of food for families in need, demonstrating the power of youth collaboration and compassion in action.

In addition to community service, students are learning about their personal strengths–whether in academic planning, leadership roles, community service, or team collaboration–to lead with purpose.

Now, Board Members are putting their learning into practice by investing in local organizations. The Board is currently accepting grant applications ($500–$1,000) to support programs that improve outcomes for youth. Priority will be given to programs that focus on:

Mental & Physical Health
Academic Advising
Career Readiness
Financial Literacy & Security
Improving Relationships
Substance Use Prevention
Texting While Driving

Special consideration will also be given to programs that include meaningful youth involvement in design or implementation. Learn more and apply for a grant →

Through this work, Spartanburg’s Youth Philanthropy Board continues to model what it means to lead with empathy, collaborate for impact, and use their strengths to build a stronger community.

The Price of Eggs: ALICE Families Impacted by Everyday Costs

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:48:06 GMT

For many of us, there's a breakfast spot we remember from our childhood: a favorite diner, a familiar chain, or even a fast-food stop. Mine is Sugar & Spice in Spartanburg, but my family had a few places on our list of regulars. For us, eating out was a way to save time and stay connected amidst busy work schedules. We weren’t going for fancy meals–just affordable, comforting staples we could count on.

So when I saw the news in recent months about some restaurants charging extra per egg due to the national egg shortage, it brought back those childhood memories. And I thought about how something as small as an egg could quickly become trouble for families with little financial cushion.

It turns out, the bird flu has devastated the poultry industry, with over 145 million chickens culled since 2022 to stop its spread. The result? Egg prices have soared, hitting $4.94 per dozen this past spring with continued predictions of higher prices. For many, that’s just another inconvenience. But for the 42 % of households in South Carolina that can’t make ends meet , it’s yet another hit to a fragile budget.

The rising price of everyday food items is just another hurdle for ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families with income above the Federal Poverty Level but less than the cost of essentials. ALICE works hard, often at more than one job, and still falls short. In fact, in South Carolina, a family of four with two adults working as a full-time personal care aide and stock worker/order filler, which are two common jobs, earns about $12,144 less than what’s needed just to cover basics like groceries.

And it’s not just certain jobs. Across our state, more than one third of workers in the 20 most common jobs–cashiers, cooks, personal care aides, stock workers–live in households that can’t afford the basics and are forced to make sacrifices just to get breakfast and other meals on the table.

That’s why we do what we do at United Way of the Piedmont. Our mission helps ALICE families gain financial security and keep them from slipping into poverty over something as simple as a rising grocery bill. Because for too many families, it’s not just an extra few cents per egg. It’s another crack in the fragile foundation they’re trying to stand on.

When I think back to those Sugar & Spice outings with my family, I remember more than the food. I remember the warmth of the restaurant, the kindness of the wait staff who always seemed to know our orders, and the sense of normalcy it gave us in often uncertain times.

That’s what stability feels like. That’s what we’re fighting for. Together, we can make it happen.

Start by exploring the data at UnitedForALICE.org/SouthCarolina to learn more about ALICE families in our community. Then, join our efforts at United Way to help build a brighter, more stable future for ALICE and all families.

Nicole Collins is a former AmeriCorps VISTA Member and serves on United Way of the Piedmont's Brand Experience Committee.

Reed Brown Receives the 2025 Morgan Award

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:22:24 GMT

Each year, United Way of the Piedmont presents the Morgan Award to a donor who exemplifies the spirit of its inscription: “One Who Cares.” This year, United Way is proud to honor Board Member Reed Brown whose quiet strength and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on our local community.

Reed is not one to seek the spotlight, but his actions speak louder than words. Whether through his professional work or personal generosity, Reed consistently demonstrates what it means to lead with heart. His dedication to Cherokee County is evident in many ways, from helping establish the Benjamin E. Mays Family Resource Center to opening the doors of Brown Packing for supply drives and encouraging his employees to engage with United Way.

Together with his wife Suzanne, Reed leads by example as a United Way of the Piedmont Tocqueville Society donor. When Hurricane Helene struck, Reed was among the first to respond, ensuring immediate needs were met. His service extends across many organizations, including KNOW(2)’s Education Taskforce, Girl Scouts,, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Gaffney Rotary Club.

Reed embodies the spirit of community stewardship. He believes in the power of his workplace to make a difference and continually finds meaningful ways to give back. Leaders like Reed ensure more families have the resources they need to thrive and help our community grow stronger every day.

United Way presented Reed with the award at their annual Leadership Reception on October 2. After receiving the award, Reed shared, “As I look around at all of you...who care so much about what is good and honorable and just and right, me being described one who cares among this group is an honor beyond measure. All of you make it easy to care, because I want to be like you.”

United Way extends its congratulations to Reed Brown. His leadership reminds our community of the profound impact one person can have when they truly care.

One Year After Hurricane Helene

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:17:04 GMT

When Hurricane Helene struck our region on September 27, 2024, the devastation was swift and widespread. But so was the response.

United Way of the Piedmont, in partnership with local organizations, sprang into action to meet urgent needs. We launched the United for All Disaster Relief Fund, organized a community-wide supply drive, and mobilized volunteers to assist with cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the tireless work of our team, we provided direct support to 690 local households, totaling more than $421,000 to help families find housing and regain stability.

Long-Term Recovery: Rebuilding Stronger

Disaster recovery doesn’t end when the skies clear. It’s a long journey, and United Way is committed to walking it alongside our community.

That’s why we’re a core partner in the Spartanburg Long-Term Recovery Group, a coalition focused on sustained recovery and future resilience. United Way will support the group’s new Mitigation & Recovery Specialist, who will lead coordination efforts to rebuild homes and strengthen our community’s preparedness for future disasters.

So far, 159 home repair applications have been approved, and we’re working diligently to move these projects forward.

A Neighbor’s Story of Hope

We have neighbors who are still on the path to rebuilding after the storm. One powerful example is an 82-year-old widow who was forced to evacuate her flooded home. For months, she lived in uncertainty, displaced and unsure of what the future held.

Through the support of the Long-Term Recovery Group and United Way, she is now on track to have her home repaired and her life restored.

Her story is just one of many that reflect the heart of this partnership: helping our neighbors recover, rebuild, and thrive. Together, we’re ensuring that no one is left behind.

Support ongoing disaster recovery efforts in our community →

Impacted by Hurricane Helene and need resources? Learn more →

United is the Way: See How You Powered Changed in 2024-2025

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:39:53 GMT

We’re excited to share United Way of the Piedmont’s 2024–2025 Impact Update: a powerful look at how neighbors in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union Counties are driving change together. This Impact Update is far more than numbers on a page. It’s living proof of neighbors helping neighbors, our region rising stronger, and a shared belief that United is the Way to lasting change.

Over the past year, we launched a bold new brand identity with fresh visuals and a messaging framework that reflect our renewed commitment to building a community where everyone can thrive.

In this Impact Update, we lean into that new identity, and you’ll see how local support is fueling meaningful breakthroughs across our four impact areas:

Healthy Community : Enhancing health and well-being for all
Youth Opportunity : Supporting young people to reach their potential
Community Resilienc y : Tackling immediate needs and crises
Financial Security : Building a stronger financial future

You’ll also find new data about Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) households and see how our Community Investment Process funds critical programs throughout our community.

We invite you to dive into the full update, celebrate what you’ve made possible, and join us as we shape the future of our community together.

Explore the impact:

Union Uplifted: A New Chapter for Union County

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:19:42 GMT

Big things are happening in Union County, and they’re being led by the people who live here.

Union Uplifted is a bold, community-driven initiative working to ensure every child in Union County has the chance to thrive, from early childhood through to a strong career. Launched in 2024, it’s built on one simple belief: when you listen deeply, work together, and center the voices of the community, transformational change becomes possible.

A Plan Built by the Community

Union Uplifted is not a top-down program. It’s a collaborative effort grounded in the experiences and insights of Union County residents. Over the past year, local leaders have facilitated 30 community conversations, engaging over 700 people from students to seniors, church members to school staff, small business owners to public officials.

These conversations are shaping a comprehensive “cradle-to-career” roadmap that reflects Union’s needs and aspirations.

Why Now?

When new employers like MycoWorks moved to Union, it became clear that economic growth would require more than just jobs. Workforce development is deeply connected to education, childcare, transportation, and other social supports. And Union didn’t have a strong infrastructure in place to make these connections.

That’s where this work began.

Thanks to a major investment from the BlackRock Foundation and leadership from organizations like Union County Schools, United Way of the Piedmont, Spartanburg Academic Movement, and Partners for Rural Impact, Union Uplifted is building the infrastructure that supports real opportunity for kids, families, and the community as a whole.

Listening First, Acting Next

The first phase of Union Uplifted was all about listening. Those conversations revealed:

Barriers to basic resources like housing, mental health support, and safe places for kids
A lack of access to enrichment programs and career prepartion for youth
Community-wide calls for dignity, trust, and respect in service delivery
The ongoing impact of historical inequities
A deep sense of pride, resilience, and readiness for change

The next phase is already underway. Local partners are working with community members to turn those insights into specific goals and actions, from kindergarten readiness to career pathways. A new steering committee will guide this process, and local champions are stepping up to lead.

What Comes Next

Over the next year, Union Uplifted will develop a full community plan with clear strategies, shared results, and a long-term structure to carry the work forward. This isn’t just about a one-time project, it’s about building a system that lasts.

That means new partnerships and more opportunities. Above all, it means a commitment to making Union County a place where every child and family can succeed.

This is just the beginning. Union Uplifted is a story still being written, by the people of Union, for the future of Union.

Learn more here →

Youth Voices in Service: Youth Philanthropy Board

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:11:24 GMT

The Youth Philanthropy Board, made up of 11th and 12th grade Spartanburg County high school students, demonstrates the power of youth voice in service. The Board makes decisions and provides funding to youth programs in Spartanburg while gaining invaluable experience as they work in partnership to lead and support change. This program ignites a future where youth are not just participants, but true change-makers.

This past year, the Board reviewed 9 different programs and awarded a total of $5,000 in grants to six programs focused on youth mental health, education, and environmental sustainability.

Board Members also participated in the planning, along with the data collection and analysis, of the 2025 Spring Breakout initiative, which brings Spring Break activities to local middle and high schoolers.

These young people showed how their insights can shape meaningful change in their schools, communities, and futures. From expressing a desire to learn more about history, life lessons, and financial literacy, to highlighting the importance of safe spaces where music and creativity bring comfort, youth shared a vision rooted in both hope and honesty. Their reflections highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental health, physical activity, and opportunities for developing real-world skills.

When youth were invited to lead Spring Breakout through feedback, activities, and even shaping program design, the result was overwhelming engagement, joy, and the creation of spaces where they felt seen and heard. These accomplishments remind us that when philanthropy elevates youth voice, it does more than support programs—it ignites the next generation of leaders, proving that hope lives strongest in their ideas and actions.

“The pleasure of serving on the Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB) has gifted me a part of my purpose,” shared Shelby Clayton, class of 2026 at Boiling Springs High School and University of South Carolina Upstate Scholars Academy. “Being part of the 2025 YPB, I have learned what it means to show up for what you stand for. With the help of YPB, I have achieved my mission to be a part of a group bigger than myself. Now, I hope to build my own initiative to uplift the youth in our community.”

Youth Philanthropy Board is an initiative of United Way of the Piedmont and Spartanburg Academic Movement. We're currently accepting applications from rising high school juniors and seniors in Spartanburg County for the 2025-2026 school year. The application deadline is  August 29, 2025 .

Learn more and apply here →

United Way of the Piedmont Unites Community to Support 2,890 Local Students

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:13:02 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (August 15, 2025) – As a new school year begins, it's a time of fresh starts and new possibilities for students across our region. Yet, many families face challenges in ensuring their children have the tools they need to thrive in the classroom. The 2025 State of ALICE Report shows that 44% of families in Spartanburg County—and even more in Cherokee and Union counties—struggle to afford basic living expenses. But there is hope. United Way is committed to helping families overcome these barriers, so no parent has to choose between essential needs and school supplies.

United Way of the Piedmont rallied the community through its annual United for Students School Supply Drive, ensuring that students across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union Counties started the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

Thanks to the generosity of our corporate partners and community members, over 2,800 students received essential school supplies this year. Each county increased its impact from last year, helping us equip even more students and classrooms:

Cherokee County: In partnership with the Sheriff’s Office, over $12,574 in supplies were collected to support 320 students.
Spartanburg County: Donations totaled over $71,000 in supplies, supporting over 2,300 students and their classrooms.
Union County: The community came together to collect $9,439 in supplies, benefitting 240 students and their classrooms.

United Way’s United for Students drive mobilizes local businesses, organizations, and individuals to collect and donate supplies like notebooks, pens, pencils, and backpacks. Our goal is simple: to relieve the financial burden on families and help every child thrive academically.

"For students in Union County Schools, the United for Students School Supply Drive is a powerful reminder that they are seen, supported, and valued," said Stacy Farr, Director of Elementary Education at Union County Schools. "This support helps students stay engaged, builds their confidence, and helps create a more equitable learning environment. The impact of this drive goes far beyond school supplies—it uplifts our schools, encourages our educators, and brings our entire community together."

United Way is deeply grateful to the many local companies, volunteers, and community members who stepped up to make this year’s drive a success.

United for Stronger Policy: Taking Local Priorities to Washington

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:51:48 GMT

"You do not need a title to be an advocate."

As the Senior Director of Partnerships & Investments at United Way of the Piedmont, I had the opportunity to represent our region at the 2025 United Way Public Policy Forum and Hill Day in Washington, D.C. This annual event is more than a gathering. It is a powerful reminder that the decisions made on Capitol Hill have real consequences for the families and communities we serve every day in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties.

During our time in D.C., our delegation met with staff from the offices of Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Tim Scott, Representative Ralph Norman, and Representative William Timmons. Each meeting was an opportunity to elevate local priorities, advocate for effective policy, and center the voices of those who are too often left out of the conversation.

We focused our advocacy on three critical, bipartisan priorities:

1. Support for AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps members strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, expand access to services, and play a key role in boosting educational and economic outcomes in our region. We urged continued bipartisan support for this essential national service program that benefits communities in every congressional district.

2. Funding for 211 through the Human-services Emergency Logistic Program (HELP) Act

The 211 system is a trusted, accessible entry point for people in crisis, connecting them to housing, food, behavioral health services, disaster assistance, and more. We advocated for federal support to sustain and expand 211 through the HELP Act, ensuring that no matter the emergency, help is only a call away.

3. Investment in Early Childhood Education and Care

We emphasized the urgent need for affordable, high-quality early learning and childcare options. This not only supports working parents in today’s labor force but also lays the groundwork for future generations to thrive.

"Every one of us has a role to play in shaping the policies that affect our lives."

At United Way of the Piedmont, advocacy is an extension of our mission. We don’t just fund and provide programs. We work to influence policies that shape opportunity, remove barriers, and build a foundation for long-term community success.

We also believe that progress should not be partisan. We are committed to finding common ground, building bridges, and coming together to solve the challenges facing our communities. That is why we focus on bipartisan solutions and encourage others to do the same.

Whether it's national service, early childhood education, or access to basic needs, these are not red or blue issues. These are community issues. And every one of us has a role to play in shaping the policies that affect our lives.

If there is one takeaway from our time in Washington, it is this: you do not need a title to be an advocate. You should reach out to your local, state, and federal representatives not just when you agree with their decisions, but especially when you do not. Constructive civic engagement matters all the time. Our democracy only works when we all participate, and when we do, we make it stronger.

Our communities are resilient, but they need more than grit. They need investment, infrastructure, and policies rooted in real-world understanding. I am proud to be part of a network committed to making that happen.

Because now more than ever, United is the Way.

Thank you for uniting with us.

Sarah J. Daniel, Senior Director of Partnerships & Investments

Want to advocate alongside United Way? Learn how you can raise your voice →

Her Pea Green House, Her New Beginning

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 20:21:14 GMT

Sometimes, all it takes is one helping hand to change a life.

That was certainly true for one remarkable student who recently found herself facing more than her fair share of challenges. While attending college full-time, she was also working two jobs just to stay afloat. Then came a life-altering diagnosis—a serious illness that threatened to derail everything she had worked so hard for.

But she didn’t give up. And thanks to your support, neither did we.

Through United Way of the Piedmont’s Higher Education Community Resource Coordinators, we were able to step in and walk alongside her. Together, we built a plan. With financial assistance from United Way and her own savings, she secured safe, stable housing.

"I am presently in the PEA GREEN HOUSE OF MY DREAMS... I appreciate your understanding and all that you have done for me; you truly are my angel."

Today, she’s thriving in what she lovingly calls the “pea green house of her dreams.” It’s more than just a roof over her head. It’s a symbol of stability, independence, and hope. She now has the tools and support she needs to stay on track and continue building the future she’s always dreamed of.

This is the power of your generosity through United Way. This is what you make possible.

Your support helps students, families, and neighbors overcome obstacles and build brighter futures.

Get involved, and be the helping hand someone needs →

Our United Way Higher Education CRC impact is powered by Movement 2030.

Movement 2030 is a county-wide initiative in Spartanburg, South Carolina driven by one guiding belief: everyone can thrive here. With the goal of improving school readiness, post-secondary attainment, and neighborhood outcomes, Movement 2030 coordinates resources among over 30 local organizations. To learn more, visit www.movement2030.org .

What Really Shapes Our Health?

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:57:21 GMT

Where Health Starts

When we think about health, most of us picture a doctor’s office. Maybe a hospital. Maybe even a medication or a diagnosis.

But here’s the truth: health starts long before someone walks through a clinic door.

It starts in our neighborhoods, our paychecks, our transportation systems, and our daily decisions about whether we can afford groceries this week. It starts with whether we feel safe at home, supported at work, and seen when we ask for help.

These factors are the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). They’re not new. But they’re finally getting the attention they deserve.

The World Health Organization defines SDOH as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.” In other words, it’s the full life around you that shapes your well-being physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Research shows that up to 80 percent of a person’s health outcomes are determined by these social and environmental factors , not just access to clinical care.

What does that look like here in our community?

At United Way of the Piedmont, we see how addressing SDOH support our neighbors and their health every day:

A student like Sam, struggling with trauma and grief, finally gets connected to a therapist and a dentist after years without care.
A family in Union County gets help with rental assistance, avoiding eviction during a tough month.
A senior in Cherokee County receives weekly wellness checks and grocery delivery from a local partner agency.
A single mom in Spartanburg learns how to file her taxes through our VITA free tax preparation program and then uses her refund to catch up on bills and secure reliable transportation.

These moments may seem small, but they change everything. Because when people have access to housing, food, mental health support, transportation, and income stability, they don’t just survive. They begin to thrive.

Our community deserves that chance.

Over the past three years, United Way of the Piedmont donors have helped fund 75 local programs focused on these critical needs, an investment of nearly $4.5 million in the building blocks of health.

And this spring, 138 programs have applied for funding. They’re ready to do more. But what gets funded depends on what we raise right now.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t charity. This is strategy. We fund the future by investing in what actually creates health, not just treating its absence. And we do it together.

Because United is the Way we make systems stronger.

United is the Way we connect neighbors to care.

United is the Way we build healthier communities.

Fund our community's future

You can help fund what matters most. Your gift doesn’t just support one agency or one program. It fuels a coordinated, community-wide investment strategy to remove barriers, expand access, and support long-term health.

Donate now →

Help shape what gets funded through 2028—and what happens next for the people who call this place home.

United in Service: United Way Celebrates 2025 Volunteer Award Winners

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 15:11:50 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (June 25, 2025) – Each year, United Way of the Piedmont proudly honors the community members and partners whose dedication makes our mission possible and amplifies our impact. Their efforts, rooted in partnership and fueled by collaboration, reflect a shared commitment to creating a stronger community.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers and organizations who have united in service with us, and we congratulate all of this year’s outstanding award recipients!

2025 Volunteer Celebration Award Winners

AmeriCorps VISTA of the Year: Demecia Martin
AmeriCorps Direct Service Member of the Year: Maggie Crawford
Women United Award: Carolyn MacIntosh
Tomeka Pierce African American Leadership Society Award: Jessica Holcomb
Walter S. Montgomery Young Leader Award: Sarah Keim Stallard
Advocate of the Year: Brian Earnest
Tom Barnet Award for Volunteer Service: Chris Steed
Community Partner Award: Live Healthy Spartanburg

Honoring Our Hurricane Heroes

This year, United Way also recognized the exceptional partners who went above and beyond to help our community recover after Hurricane Helene. Congratulations to each of our Hurricane Heroes awardees:

City of Spartanburg
Spartanburg County Emergency Management
Spartanburg County Foundation
Spartanburg Regional Foundation

As United Way President & CEO Paige Stephenson shared in her remarks, “United is the way we work because we know change doesn’t happen alone. It happens when people come together, with open hearts and a common purpose, to close gaps and open opportunities for all.”

Thank you to everyone who continues to make a difference. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community!

Get involved with our mission →

What is a Community Investment?

Wed, 14 May 2025 18:52:21 GMT

You’re not just giving to a cause.

You’re building a strategy for your community’s future.

Our community is filled with dedicated nonprofits driving powerful, on-the-ground impact every day. At United Way of the Piedmont, our role is to bring donors, volunteers, and partners together to ensure this work is resourced strategically and sustainably. Because when we invest wisely, we strengthen the entire ecosystem of care.

We call it community investment , and it’s at the heart of everything we do.

So, what is a community investment?

It’s more than a donation. It’s a process we’ve built to make giving smarter, more effective, and more equitable. Here’s how it works:

We identify the most pressing needs in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties through data, local partnerships, and direct community input.
We invite trusted local nonprofits to apply for multi-year funding to address those needs. This year, 138 programs across 85 agencies applied.
We bring in trained community volunteers to review every application and recommend what to fund based on alignment, effectiveness, and impact.
We pool individual gifts, from $5 to $50,000, so we can fund programs fairly and consistently over time.
We track results and adjust as we go. Our goal is progress, not perfection.

This year, we received $4.854 million in funding requests for programs addressing everything from food insecurity to maternal health to youth mental wellness. These are the big challenges of our time, and we don’t fund them alone.

We fund them together.

Why it matters more now than ever

In a world that feels more fractured by the day, community investment is a way to say: We’re still in this together. It’s a way to push back on the idea that your $20 doesn’t matter. Each gift matters when it’s part of something bigger.

When you give, here’s what happens:

You become part of a multi-million dollar investment in your own backyard.
Your gift goes toward programs that are vetted, evaluated, and aligned with the values of this community.
You help decide what gets funded through your belief in a shared future.

Ready to fund the future?

We’re reviewing funding decisions now. The next three years of community investment will be shaped by what we can raise this year.

United is the Way. Join the community investment →

United Way of the Piedmont Honors Outstanding Corporate and Community Partners at 2025 Leadership Awards

Mon, 05 May 2025 18:11:06 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (May 5, 2025) – Local leaders from across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties gathered with United of the Piedmont on April 30, 2025 for an inspiring morning honoring the incredible companies and organizations that have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the community.

This exclusive event featured powerful stories of impact, an awards ceremony to celebrate outstanding partners, and a room full of passionate changemakers.

Speakers from both local community and partner organizations included: Chris Santoro, Board Chair of United Way’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Investments at MTM Management; Bryan Stone, President of Lockhart Power; Reverend Eliza Smith DeBevoise of Converse University; and Parkes Coggins, Vice President Heart/Vascular and Oncology Services at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and United Way’s Resource Development Chair.

During the ceremony, United Way announced the 2025 Corporate & Community Leaders award winners:

New Partner of the Year: Cherokee County School District
Small Business Partner of the Year: William Barnet & Son, LLC
Large Business Partner of the Year: BMW Manufacturing
Public Service Partner of the Year: Spartanburg School District 5
Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Angie Myers, AFL
Chairman’s Award: Chuck Hall, William & Barnet, LLC

Additionally, United Way recognized partners that achieved Circle of Excellence status, an honor reserved for partners who model best practices in their United Way workplace campaigns:

Cate & Brough, P.A.
Morrisette Packaging
Lockhart Power
Johnson Development Associates
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
William Barnet & Son, LLC

The collective impact of gifts and support from United Way corporate and community partners ensures more local families have the opportunity to thrive. United Way additionally thanks the top 5 companies in giving totals for the 2024-2025 fiscal year:

AFL: Employee Giving of $554,787 + Corporate Giving of $180,491 = $735,278
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: Employee Giving = $321,995
BMW: Employee Giving of $186,928 + Corporate Giving of $93,248 = $280,176
Denny's and Keke's Breakfast Cafe: Employee Giving = $244,075
Milliken & Company: Employee Giving of $107,473 + Corporate Giving of $100,000 = $207,473

This year, United Way is reviewing 138 program requests representing nearly $5 million in need across our community. Funding decisions will shape the region’s opportunities through 2028.

Amanda Richardson, United Way Vice President of Brand Experience & Resource Development, shared during the event: “Right now, local programs need support. These are the programs that create the community resiliency, financial security, healthy community, and youth opportunity that we all want here.” She continued, “Whether it is launching or strengthening a campaign, finding volunteer opportunities for yourself or your employees, or building an annual strategy that reflects and executes your commitment to community, we are poised to partner with you.”

For more information about partnering with United Way of the Piedmont, email giving@uwpiedmont.org.

Local AmeriCorps Grants Terminated

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:23:12 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (April 30, 2025) – AmeriCorps announced late on April 25, 2025 that our United Way of the Piedmont AmeriCorps grants have been terminated.

The termination of United Way’s local grants is part of widespread cuts to more than $400 million in grant funding to AmeriCorps services across the United States. Tens of thousands of service members nationwide have suddenly lost their living allowances, benefits, and workforce development opportunities.

Locally, AmeriCorps cuts impact 25 service members, 14 organizations, and four public schools across Spartanburg and Cherokee counties. AmeriCorps State & National Members and Volunteers In Service to America (VISTA) Members play a critical role in advancing education, housing stability, financial security, and health access in our region. United Way’s AmeriCorps programs also rely on the leadership of community partners who host and mentor AmeriCorps Members throughout their service year. The loss of these service members is deeply felt across our community.

Impact on Local Community

25 total service members terminated , including 18 full-time VISTAs and 7 part-time direct service members
14 organizations impacted , including:
A Place to Call Home
Benjamin E. Mays Family Center
Converse University
Greer Relief
KNOW(2)Cherokee
PAL
ReGenesis Health Care
Spartanburg Academic Movement
St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic
Strategic Spartanburg
The Bridge at Green Street
The Bethlehem Center
USC Upstate
United Way of the Piedmont
4 public schools affected by direct service loss, including:
Cleveland Academy of Leadership
Jesse S. Bobo Elementary
Lone Oak Elementary
Mary H. Wright Elementary
Disaster relief teams demobilized : Two AmeriCorps NCCC teams, which provided over 1,100 hours of disaster relief and prepared nearly 400 tax returns for local families, were also terminated early.

In 2024 alone, our AmeriCorps VISTA program generated over $2 million in economic impact locally. Since 2008, the program has contributed more than $26 million to our region’s economy. In the first semester of our AmeriCorps Teacher Support Specialist direct service program, we saw an average of 55% of students with improved academic performance in classrooms where members served. The loss of these resources will significantly reduce our community’s capacity to address pressing issues.

“We’re disheartened by the sudden loss of critical services that AmeriCorps Members have brought to local organization partners and the greater community,” says Paige Stephenson, United Way of the Piedmont President & CEO. “Many of these members were dedicating their years of service in full-time capacities, carrying out the AmeriCorps mission to bring out the best in our community and America. We are working to support our members as they navigate an early exit to service and find the best path forward to address the gap left by the termination of our AmeriCorps grants.”

You can take action to protect AmeriCorps by contacting your Congress members in the following ways:

Email your Members of Congress in less than two minutes using an easy Contact Congress email tool .
Call your lawmakers using a simple call script and instructions . This is an important way to share more about your personal experience with AmeriCorps as an alumni, supporter, or program partner.

For any media inquiries, please reach out to Paige Stephenson at pstephenson@uwpiedmont.org .

Eight New Leaders Join United Way of the Piedmont Board of Directors

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 19:23:02 GMT

United Way of the Piedmont is thrilled to announce the addition of eight new members to its Board of Directors. These new Board Members bring valuable community knowledge and connections to the organization and will work alongside the current Board to advance United Way’s mission.

The eight new members joining United Way’s Board are:

Pierre Brewton, City of Spartanburg
Horace Butler, BMW Manufacturing
Keith Burton, Lone Oak Elementary School
Luke Feisal, Hub City Spartanburgers
William Marcus, United Community Bank
Michael McAbee, Fifth Third Bank
Michael Roach, Gibbs International
Bethany Smith, Milliken & Company

United Way also extends its heartfelt gratitude to the departing Board Members for their years of dedicated service:

Marquice Clark, 2019-2025, Community Impact Committee
Kurt Dallas, 2019-2025, Advocacy Committee
Sky Foster, 2022-2025, Resource Development Committee
Bennie Harris, 2022-2025, Finance Committee

Chris Santoro of MTM Investment Management will serve as the new Board Chair. Reflecting on his tenure with United Way, Chris shares: “Serving on the Board of Directors for the United Way of the Piedmont over the past five years has been a tremendous privilege. It has allowed me to connect with and collaborate alongside passionate individuals who share a vision for a stronger, more vibrant community for all. I am truly honored to step into the role of Board Chair and look forward to continuing to support the incredible efforts of those who dedicate their time and resources to advancing the many impactful initiatives of United Way of the Piedmont."

For more information, view United Way’s full Board of Directors at www.uwpiedmont.org/boardofdirectors .

Over 450 volunteers serve 816 Hours at United Way of the Piedmont’s annual MLK Day of Service

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:17:47 GMT

On January 20, over 450 volunteers across Cherokee and Spartanburg counties came together for United Way of the Piedmont’s annual MLK Day of Service, collectively contributing 816 hours of service.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of the nationwide AmeriCorps MLK Day of Service, a day when Americans across the country volunteer to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For over a decade, United Way of the Piedmont has hosted this day of service in our community, bringing people together to make a lasting impact.

The day kicked off with a free community breakfast, generously provided by the City of Spartanburg, at the Dr. T.K. Gregg Center. After breakfast, volunteers convened at 20 local service projects, ranging from trail cleanups and playground construction to period kit packing and marketing support for local nonprofits.

Sherea Cross, representing the Gamma Mu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated., volunteered alongside her sorority sisters at the Spartanburg Period Project, helping to pack kits for those in need. Reflecting on the significance of volunteering on MLK Day, Sherea shared, “I think it's very important to give back, especially on MLK Day because Dr. King wanted unity. And today it's very diversified because of different sororities and different organizations here, but we all came together for [this] project.”

United Way of the Piedmont extends its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who contributed their time and effort this MLK Day. We encourage everyone to mark their calendars for next year’s Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Renee Klein Honored with United Way Morgan Award for Community Leadership

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:18:38 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (January 15, 2025) – On January 9, United Way of the Piedmont gathered top donors their General Daniel Morgan and Tocqueville leadership giving societies to celebrate their collective impact in the community.

A special highlight of the evening was honoring Renee Klein with The Morgan Award. This award, presented annually, recognizes a leadership donor who truly embodies the spirit of its inscription: "One Who Cares."

Renee has been a powerful advocate for the United Way mission for many years. She served on and chaired the Young Leaders Advisory Board, guiding and inspiring the next generation of leaders to give back and support the work of United Way. Her commitment has continued as a member of the Tocqueville Advisory Board, where she is a driving force behind inspiring others to make significant investments in the community.

Because of Renee, more families in our community have hope. More children, parents, and individuals are overcoming challenges and accessing new opportunities to thrive. Renee embodies the spirit of “One Who Cares” in every sense.

United Way congratulates Renee on this well-deserved honor and thanks all its leadership donors for their important support of its mission in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties.

Learn more about United Way donor networks at www.uwpiedmont.org/donornetworks .

$75K Matching Gift Fuels Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in Upstate SC

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:32:52 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (October 3, 2024) – With severe impact from Hurricane Helene in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties, United Way of the Piedmont launched the United for All Fund earlier this week to respond. This fund provides immediate relief to families most affected by the hurricane, leveraging individual and foundation gifts to rapidly meet needs.

Thanks in part to three significant gifts from the BlackRock Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, and the Mary Black Foundation, the United for All Fund is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of local families. These foundation gifts ensure that we can offer essential services such as shelter, food, and financial assistance during this urgent time.

The BlackRock Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, and Mary Black Foundation have each contributed $25,000, creating a $75,000 matching gift for the United for All Fund. This means every dollar donated will be doubled to help families affected by Hurricane Helene.

Claire Chamberlain, President of the BlackRock Foundation, said, “Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The BlackRock Foundation is committed to joining efforts with the United Way of Piedmont and the United for All fund to support residents of Spartanburg and surrounding communities in this time of immense need.”

United for All support is making these efforts possible:

Safe Places: Helping families, like a local couple whose home was damaged, secure temporary housing through Airbnb.
Access to Resources: Responding to requests for assistance
Clearing Debris: Coordinating chainsaw crews to clear private properties, making them safe for families to begin repairs.
Providing Essentials: Launching drives to get food, water, and other essential supplies into the hands of those who need them.

For information on how to donate to or find hurricane relief resources, visit www.uwpiedmont.org/unitedforall .

United Way of the Piedmont Activates United for All Fund for Hurricane Helene Relief

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:00:39 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (October 1, 2024) – In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties, United Way of the Piedmont has activated the United for All Fund to provide immediate relief to affected families. With early donations totaling over $86,000 thanks to individual and organizational gifts, the fund will support local families in need of shelter, food, and financial assistance during this critical time.

The United for All Fund will address the most urgent needs facing our community in the aftermath of the hurricane by:

Giving immediate aid where it is needed most
Supporting local partners in disaster relief efforts
Ensuring families have the resources to rebuild their lives

United Way of the Piedmont will coordinate with local partners and their Community Resource Coordinators (CRCs) to identify families most in need and allocate funds effectively, ensuring relief efforts are both targeted and impactful.

How To Help

Donate: Every dollar donated to the United for All Fund will go directly toward providing shelter, food, and financial assistance to families in need. Donations can be made at www.uwpiedmont.org/unitedforall
Spread the Word: Share information about the United for All Fund and available resources to ensure those in need receive support.

Get Help

For non-emergency assistance, call 864-860-1644 or text "HELP" or "AYUDA" to 211-211.
Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union County households that meet income requirements can request United for All assistance at www.uwpiedmont.org/unitedforall

“We are committed to helping our community recover from this disaster,” said Paige Stephenson, President & CEO of United Way of the Piedmont. “Families who were already struggling before the storm now face even more uncertainty, and the United for All Fund will provide the resources needed to help them rebuild.”

Local AmeriCorps VISTA program has over $2 million in annual impact

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:58:48 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (September 5, 2024) – On Friday, August 9, UWP celebrated the graduation of 13 AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members. The 2023-2024 VISTA cohort had an economic impact of $2,070,622.81 and served a total of 34,156 individuals.

AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program dedicated to fighting poverty in local communities and organizations. VISTA members commit to a year of service with local non-profits, collaborating closely with these agencies to mobilize resources, enhance their capabilities, and promote long-term sustainability. United Way is honored to sponsor and support two AmeriCorps programs in our community: AmeriCorps direct service and AmeriCorps VISTA.

During the August 9th program, graduating VISTAs shared about their impact, and program leadership awarded VISTA Supervisor of the Year to Jerry Rice at Benjamin E. Mays Family Resource Center. This year’s VISTA of the Year Sam Reinhardt was recognized at United Way’s Annual Awards Luncheon in June.

Becca Waldorf, a former VISTA and the new AmeriCorps Program Coordinator for United Way of the Piedmont, shared, “This cohort made a tremendous impact in our service footprint with many of them moving on to pursue further educational opportunities or permanent employment. They have all shown a huge level of commitment to service and to their own personal and professional growth.”

United Way is also excited to announce the following VISTAs for the 2024-2025 cohort and their respective service sites:

Chelsea Cash, Corporate Volunteerism VISTA, United Way of the Piedmont
Dora Rice**, Community Impact VISTA, United Way of the Piedmont
Jaylin Madison, Marketing & Events VISTA, United Way of the Piedmont
Sarah Blakely, Resource Development VISTA, United Way of the Piedmont
Demecia Martin**, Community Development Associate VISTA, Benjamin E. Mays Family Resource Center
Desirae Chitishvili, Community Engagement VISTA, PAL
Horace McCollin, Community Engagement VISTA, University of South Carolina Upstate
Jordan Fortune, Internal Strategy & Program Developer VISTA, The Bethlehem Center
Julia Anhalt, Marketing Coordinator VISTA, ReGenesis Health Care
Marlen Ramirez-Alvarado, Development Associate VISTA, St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic
Matt Hagen, Community Impact Data Coordinator VISTA, University of South Carolina Upstate
Nicole Collins, Community Development Associate VISTA, The Bridge At Green Street
Rachel Davidson, Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator VISTA, The BridgeWay Village
Rebecca Nelson, Resource Development & Engagement VISTA, Greer Relief
Sam Prescott**, Community Engagement VISTA, Converse College
Samm White, Community Engagement VISTA, Converse University
Tenille Black, Community Impact Coordinator VISTA, Strategic Spartanburg
Tiraney Powe, Community Engagement VISTA, Spartanburg Academic Movement
Tra Mills, Mission Advancement VISTA, KNOW(2)

**Returning VISTA

Check out more information about both United Way’s AmeriCorps programs at www.uwpiedmont.org/yearofservice .

Over 2,000 local students supported by school supply drive

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 15:39:45 GMT

School is back in session, and over 2,000 students across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties were able to get the supplies they need to succeed this year thanks to company and community donations to our Stuff the Bus school supply drive.

Each county stepped up to increase their impact from last year’s school supply drive, helping us equip an even bigger number of local students and schools. Thank you to the many local companies and community members for rallying together to collect supplies, donate, and volunteer!

In Cherokee County, we partnered with the Sheriff’s Office and received over $9,000 in supply donations to support 240 students. In Spartanburg, donations totaled over $59,000 worth of supplies, which served over 1,690 students and their classrooms. Union County collected $6,133 in supplies to serve 160 students and their classrooms.

This year's drive was made possible by our generous sponsors at Owens Corning and Duke Energy .

Supported by Movement 2030 investment, United Way of the Piedmont announces two Higher Education Community Resource Coordinators

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:02:26 GMT

Despite billions in economic investment over the last decade, Spartanburg ranks in the bottom 10% of counties nationwide for economic mobility. Movement 2030 is an unprecedented community-led initiative in Spartanburg to address this challenge.

Designed by over 30 diverse partners, Movement 2030 is an evidence-based plan that seeks to substantially increase the number of Spartanburg County residents with college degrees and help close the academic achievement gap faced by students from low-income families. As one of the Movement 2030 implementation partners, United Way of the Piedmont is focused on supporting post-secondary strategy to ensure students are on their way to economic mobility and ready for careers through the Higher Education Community Resource Coordinator (CRC) cohort.

The Higher Education CRCs help students meet critical needs, overcome barriers to financial self-sufficiency, and create pathways to stability. CRCs conduct intensive case management with students, including determining their strengths and needs, providing services, making referrals, assisting in developing self-motivated goals, and regularly following up to make sure students achieve their goals and persist through graduation.

“Having a Higher Education Community Resource Coordinator on campus allows us to offer more in-depth services to students most in need of them. We are also able to multiply our resources to students by more efficiently tapping into other community resources to provide greater support for students facing other issues like homelessness, transportation issues, or mental health challenges,” said Courtney Shelton, Vice President for Student & Professional Development at Spartanburg Methodist College.

United Way is proud to announce that Erika Pearson transitioned from a United Way Workplace CRC role to the Higher Education role in 2023. Erika now works with Spartanburg Methodist College and USC Upstate and has already made a significant impact on the students she serves.

“Our Higher Education Community Resource Coordinator, Erika, helped our students navigate some truly challenging situations this year and put them on a path for success during difficult life events. We’re grateful for our partnership with United Way of the Piedmont and Erika’s commitment to our students and their well-being,” shared Allen Lollis, Dean of Students at Spartanburg Methodist College.

Joining Pearson as the second Higher Education CRC is Sommer Means. Sommer works with Spartanburg Community College and Converse University students.

“Knowledge is power, and as a Higher Education CRC, I'm happy to be a resource to those seeking knowledge so they can use that as a power tool to navigate their future,” shared Sommer.

To learn more about UWP’s work in education, visit www.uwpiedmont.org/education .

2024 Annual Awards Luncheon: United for Impact

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:53:43 GMT

On June 11, 2024, United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) held its Annual Awards Luncheon, a reimagined event that replaced our previous Annual Celebration. This luncheon celebrated individuals and organizations that supported UWP’s work over the past year and make a significant impact in our community every day. These award recipients are our supporters who transform lives and inspire change through their dedication.

Award Winners

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these remarkable winners, who have gone above and beyond to support and uplift our community. Their contributions of time, energy, and passion are invaluable in helping us reach people in our community who most need help.

Advocate of the Year: Scott Neely

Presenter: Shauntè Evans

Scott Neely has been a vocal advocate for community issues and UWP’s initiatives, carrying the banner of United Way with pride and dedication.

AmeriCorps VISTA of the Year: Samantha Reinhardt

Presenter: Dr. Bennie Harris

Samantha Reinhardt exemplifies the spirit of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, embodying the values of volunteerism and service to America.

Community Partner Award: One Spartanburg, Inc.

Presenter: Mitch Kennedy

One Spartanburg, Inc. has demonstrated exceptional commitment in partnering with United Way, helping to educate others about critical community issues and needs.

Tom Barnet Award for Volunteer Service: Al Gauthier

Presenter: Sarah Keim

Al Gauthier’s dedication to our mission and his extraordinary investment of time have made a significant impact on our volunteer efforts.

Tomeka Pierce African American Leadership Award: Marchele Garrett

Presenter: Joey Fowler

Marchele Garrett has greatly contributed to the success of our African American Leadership Society (AALS) and the mission of United Way of the Piedmont.

Women United Award: Carla Benton

Presenter: Sky Foster

Carla Benton’s efforts have been contributed greatly to the goals of Women United and supporting our mission.

Young Leader Award: Mary Kathryn Ward

Presenter: Michael Langley

Mary Kathryn Ward has been instrumental in the success of Young Leaders, helping to further our mission through her leadership and commitment.

Congratulations to these winners! Learn more at www.uwpiedmont.org/annualawards2024 .

United Way of the Piedmont honors local partners and companies at annual Leaders Breakfast

aharwell@uwpiedmont.org (Abby Harwell) — Thu, 16 May 2024 13:58:15 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (May 15, 2024) – On the morning of May 9, over 100 local leaders from Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties convened to celebrate at United Way of the Piedmont (UWP)’s Corporate & Community Leaders Breakfast.

This annual gathering serves as a platform to honor partner companies and organizations whose steadfast support catalyzes transformative change within the community through United Way initiatives.

Speakers from both local community and partner organizations included: Chris Santoro, Chair Elect of UWP’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Investments at MTM Management; Jaxon Lang, President & CEO of AFL; Reverend Dr. Sheila Elliott Hodge of Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church in Spartanburg; and Parkes Coggins, Vice President Heart/Vascular and Oncology Services at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and UWP’s Resource Development Chair.

Paige Stephenson, UWP’s President & CEO, commenced the awards ceremony with heartfelt appreciation for each United Way partner. “By supporting United Way,” Stephenson shared, “you have the power to change lives, break cycles, and uplift our whole community. Today, we celebrate those who have shown exceptional commitment to this cause.”

The 2024 Corporate & Community Leaders award winners were then announced:

Large Business Partner of the Year : Contec
Small Business Partner of the Year : Morrisette Packaging
Public Service Partner of the Year : Wofford College
New Business Partner of the Year : Toray Composite Materials America, Inc.
Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year : Jaculyn Ogle, Timken - Tyger River
Chairman’s Award : Jeffery Sather, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation

UWP also recognized partners with exemplary campaigns for achieving Circle of Excellence status:

Lockhart Power
Johnson Development Associates
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
Cate & Brough, P.A.
Brown Packing Co., Inc.
Spartanburg Housing
William Barnet & Son
United Community Bank

The collective impact of gifts and support from United Way corporate and community partners ensures more local families have the opportunity to thrive. UWP additionally wants to recognize the following companies as our Top 5 employee giving campaigns for the 2023-2024 fiscal year:

1. AFL: $626,607

Includes $465,062 in employee giving and an additional $161,545 in corporate giving

2. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: $319,036

3. Milliken & Company: $280,545

Includes $130,545 in employee giving and an additional $150,000 in corporate giving

4. BMW: $241,885

Includes $161,527 in employee giving and an additional $80,358 in corporate giving

5 . Denny's and Keke's Breakfast Cafe: $229,031

Includes $225,031 in employee giving and an additional $4,000 in corporate giving

Amanda Richardson, UWP Vice President of Brand Experience & Resource Development closed the event by stating, “United Way is here with you. We are here to connect employers to their employees and to the community, to connect people who want to make a difference to the needs of our community, and to connect people who need help to the resources they need.”

For more information about partnering with UWP, email giving@uwpiedmont.org .

United Way of the Piedmont Awarded Grant from Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation

Tue, 07 May 2024 13:24:15 GMT

United Way of The Piedmont is proud to announce it has received a generous grant from the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation. This contribution will benefit United Way’s Community Impact Fund, which focuses on the key areas of education, economic mobility, and health to support families in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties.

"We consider ourselves 'gap fillers' in the community," said Hannah Jarrett, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of the Piedmont. "This contribution from the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation is the most powerful support we could receive, allowing us to be responsive to community needs while investing in programs that address the most critical issues."

United Way of the Piedmont’s Bold Goal is to reduce the number of individuals living below self-sufficiency by 11,000 by the year 2030. The organization employs a Results-Based Accountability model to measure the success of their impact and programs, taking targeted action on complex social issues through a data-driven approach.

“We are immensely grateful for the support of the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation,” said Paige Stephenson, “This grant will enable us to expand our impact and strengthen our role in fostering positive change within our community. Together, we will work toward building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

The Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation is dedicated to positively impacting communities where Milliken associates live and work through strategic financial gifts that align with the company's purpose, values, and vision. By providing grants to various community initiatives, the foundation upholds Milliken's values of integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability, and people. For more information, contact millikengives@milliken.com .

United Way of the Piedmont Welcomes Eight New Board Members, Honors Departing Members

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:11:44 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (April 1, 2024) – United Way of the Piedmont is pleased to announce the appointment of eight new board members who bring a breadth of experience and insight to the organization. United Way welcomes this new group to service, thanks continuing board members, and honor those who are departing after years of outstanding service.

Welcome to the new members to the Board of Directors:

Tony Acevedo, Smith Drug Company
Brian Earnest, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
Julie Fowler, Spartanburg School District 3
Greyson Furnas, Colliers
Kate Konopasek, Toray
Michael Langley, Cannon Roofing
Josh Thompson, Boulier Thompson & Barnes, LLC
Nicole Caldwell, Nestlé

Thank you to all the departing members:

Rob Barrett, JM Smith Corporation : Governance Chair, 2018-2024
Jay Beeson, Mark III Properties : 2021-2024
Dawn Bingham, USC Columbia School of Medicine : Advocacy Chair, 2018-2024
Kathleen Brady, Community Research Group : Immediate Past Chair, 2018-2024
Todd Horne, Clayton Construction Company : Brand Experience Chair, 2018-2024
Lance Radford, Spartanburg School District 2: 2021-2024

Chris Santoro with MTM Investment Management will serve as the Board’s Chair Elect.

United Way of the Piedmont thanks all departing board members for their commitment and contributions during their tenure. Their leadership and dedication have been instrumental in United Way’s mission to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform the community.

"We extend our warmest welcome to our new board members and heartfelt appreciation to everyone continuing or leaving board service. This new group’s collective expertise and commitment will undoubtedly guide United Way of the Piedmont toward continued positive impact on Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties," said Paige Stephenson, United Way of the Piedmont President & CEO.

View the full list of board members at www.uwpiedmont.org/boardofdirectors .

Donor Networks Welcome New Advisory Board Members

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:12:40 GMT

We are thrilled to announce our new Donor Network Advisory Board members for the 2024-2025 term. These individuals' diverse backgrounds, expertise, and passion for making a difference will help propel United Way of the Piedmont to new heights of success and impact.

African American Leadership Society (AALS) is a donor group for those who give $500 or more annually and wish to connect with their peers and engage more deeply in the work of United Way. The AALS Advisory Board are leaders who want to elevate and empower the Black community.

AALS New Advisory Board Members:

Kensley Aiken – City of Spartanburg
Wendy Bennett – American Credit Acceptance
Natalie Hurd – Milliken & Company
Kevin Rountree – BMW
Selena Smith – United Way of the Piedmont & Live Healthy Spartanburg
Vanessa Thompson - S partanburg Regional Healthcare System (Retired)

Women United is a United Way donor group for donors who give $1,000 or more annually and wish to connect with their peers and engage more deeply in the work of United Way. Members have access to exclusive networking events, volunteer experiences, and educational opportunities.

Women United New Advisory Board Members:

Janet Cann - Spartanburg Water (Retired)
Chandis Digby - Milliken & Company
Sara Herring - Milliken & Company
Ginger Shuler - Second Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg
Hope Talley - Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
Lucy Woodhouse - Wofford College

Y oung Leaders is a United Way donor group for donors under the age of 40 or younger who give $100 or more annually. Young Leaders learn about community issues, participate in unique volunteer experiences, and join exciting networking events with fellow young philanthropists.

Young Leaders New Advisory Board Members

Heath Flood - Loop Recruiting
Kara Mason - Johnson Development Associates
Bryan Stallard - OTO Development

Congratulations to our new advisory board members! Together, we'll continue to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community for the next generation of leaders. Learn more about all our donor networks at www.uwpiedmont.org/donornetworks .

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Moves the Needle on Poverty in the Upstate

agarvey@uwpiedmont.org (Amy Garvey) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:20:34 GMT

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit designed to help low- to moderate-income working families, and it’s a powerful tool in the fight against poverty. The credit reduces the tax burden for eligible families and often results in a refund, which can help struggling families make ends meet, afford necessities, and even build savings.

Many are still unaware of the benefits of the EITC, but it can make a big difference for millions of people every year, including those right here in the Upstate. That’s why we’re asking you to join us on Awareness Day on Friday, January 26, 2024.

To qualify for EITC, a taxpayer must work and have earned income below a certain threshold, based on their filing status and the number of qualifying children they have. The amount of the credit decreases as income rises.

The EITC is known for its anti-poverty effects. It can help working families with expenses such as housing, childcare, transportation, and medical bills. In addition, the refund received through the EITC can be used to create a savings cushion to help them deal with unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Additionally, the EITC has been shown to improve the total well-being of eligible families. The credit has been linked to overall better health, especially among mothers and children. Having more money from the credit can mean access to better food, housing, and healthcare, which can lead to better health outcomes.

The EITC isn’t just about helping families—it also helps the local economy. The EITC generates economic activity and supports jobs. When working families receive the credit, they often spend it immediately, creating demand for goods and services that support local businesses and create jobs.

This awareness campaign is essential to ensure that those who qualify receive the credit. There are a variety of local organizations that offer free tax preparation services to low and moderate-income taxpayers, like our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at United Way of the Piedmont. Learn how you may qualify to file for free and get help with your taxes at: www.uwpiedmont.org/freetaxpreparation .

The EITC is a valuable tool for combating poverty, improving health outcomes, and strengthening the local economy. By understanding EITC guidelines and eligibility, we can better support working families and help them access valuable tax credits. Let’s work together to increase EITC awareness and support the hardworking taxpayers in our community.

Over 500 Volunteers Participate in United Way's MLK Day of Service

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:07:15 GMT

On Monday, January 15, 2024, more than 540 volunteers came together in Spartanburg to serve over 1,000 total hours at local non-profits in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spearheaded by the City of Spartanburg and United Way of the Piedmont (UWP), the day began with a free community breakfast provided by Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner at the Dr. TK Gregg Community Center.

During breakfast, several prominent community members spoke of Dr. King’s legacy. Said Alex Williams, Denny’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, “As a company whose mission is to feed people, mind, body and soul, we find inspiration in the servant leader model Dr. King represented through his civil rights work. Participating in the Day of Service as volunteers and with Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner is one meaningful way we prioritize giving back to the Spartanburg community. I’m grateful for the relationship we have with United Way and the city that allows us to do work in the community that aligns with how we strive to treat our guests every day.”

Mitch Kennedy, Deputy City Manager with the City of Spartanburg, shared of Dr. T.K. Gregg’s legacy in Spartanburg and spoke of his commitment to the health and safety of his fellow community members. Chunsta Miller, Chair for the UWP African American Leadership Society, highlighted the importance of volunteering and how it bridges a gap, thus contributing to Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community. She encouraged everyone in attendance to “go forth and do some good.”

Following the breakfast, volunteers from all walks of life spread throughout the city and county of Spartanburg to work with non-profit organizations providing a wide range of services. From “period packing parties” to trail cleanup in Duncan Park to organizing spaces, community members went to work helping provide for those in need by assisting 18 individual organizations.

Joseph Walker, manager of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore noted that, “Organizing this space just isn’t something we can do during normal business hours, but with the help of the volunteers today, we’ve made it nicer and much more efficient.” He further commented that, “it’s the attitude of those serving that makes all the difference,” and that same attitude spurs volunteers to take action – to make this day off work for many a “day on” to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service. As Dr. King said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”

United Way of the Piedmont Invites the Community to Sign Up for 2024 MLK Day of Service

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:50:59 GMT

On Monday, January 15, 2024, people across Spartanburg County will join together to serve their community in celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the federal Day of Service named in his honor. MLK day celebrates the birthday of Dr. King by providing for a federal holiday that many people choose to make a “day on” rather than a day off from work. Once again, United Way is bringing our community opportunities to serve.

A Day of Service kickoff complimentary community breakfast will be provided by Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner at Dr. TK Gregg Community Center, located at 650 Howard Street at 8 a.m. on Monday morning. From there, participants will move to their various volunteer sites to begin their service to our community. To learn more about the full Unity Week Celebration, visit the City of Spartanburg’s website here .

Last year alone, nearly 300 area residents came together to provide over 1,000 hours of community service in honor of Dr. King. His vision of a truly Beloved Community, in which all people work as one to build bridges and create lasting change, becomes more of a reality when we all give our time and serve with our neighbors to transform Spartanburg.

Service projects ranging from litter cleanup to “period packing parties” bring together people from all walks of life on the third Monday of January each year. This year, join United Way of the Piedmont and your neighbors in your choice of service projects listed here .

However you choose to be a part, as Dr. King said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Each and every effort makes a difference. Sign up today at https://www.uwpiedmont.org/mlkday !

Fall Food Drive Feeds the Community Through Collaboration

agarvey@uwpiedmont.org (Amy Garvey) — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:46:24 GMT

This fall, United Way of the Piedmont and our partners collaborated to ensure that greater food security becomes a reality for more local individuals and families. This year’s Fall Food Drive stands as a testament to our collective efforts to help meet our community’s most pressing needs.

Companies and individuals were encouraged to participate in the annual Fall Food Drive virtually and in person with all items or complete boxes being distributed to The Bridge at Green Street and Total Ministries in Spartanburg. This year alone, $3,545.88 was donated through the Roonga virtual giving platform, providing for nearly 100 full boxes. Complete boxes donated by local businesses and individuals totaled 980, with an additional 543 loose items donated.

The impact of this kind of giving will last for months to come, as the staff at the Bridge and Total Ministries will attest. More than 1,000 full boxes of food will go a long way to helping ensure that our neighbors, who are often forced to make decisions whether to buy groceries or pay the bills, can have extra support during the months ahead.

Also, in Union County, many meals will be provided to those in need. Donations from Union Medical Center and the Union Career Center were particularly impressive and helped push the total number of items donated to 2,383! In Cherokee County, with substantial donations from Cherokee Medical Center and Plygem, a total of 1,332 items will go to our neighbors there.

Marissa Human, Director of Events and Projects at UWP notes that, “Thanks to the generous support of our workplace partners and wider community, many of our neighbors now have less stress and extra food this holiday season. We’re proud to help meet this immediate need so more families can thrive long-term“.

Record Numbers Come Together to Discuss Homelessness

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 19:49:18 GMT

With 135 people in attendance, a record number of community members, civic leaders, and nonprofit leaders came together to hear from Forrest Alton, Co-Founder & President at 1,000 Feathers, and Hannah Jarrett, Vice President of Community & Collective Impact at United Way of the Piedmont, about homelessness in our community during the United Way of the Piedmont Coffee & Conversations event at the T.K. Gregg Community Center.

1,000 Feathers is a consulting firm grounded in identifying and addressing head-on the struggles within specific communities and finding ways to overcome seemingly impossible odds. They believe in a future where all communities and the people who live in them have the strength, resiliency, and ability to reach their full potential.

1,000 Feathers has been working with organizations involved in our Spartanburg Homeless Task Force over the last year to identify strategies to prevent and end homelessness more effectively in our community. Their findings resulted in the Place to Call Home Report, which was shared at the event. The report findings are summarized below:

The Vision: a Spartanburg where homelessness is recognized as a solvable problem and where everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.

This will be accomplished by concentrating on four primary long-term focus areas:

Prevent:

1. Reduce environmental and systemic barriers to employment with a strategic emphasis on quality, affordable childcare and transportation that connects people to jobs.

2. Implement a homeless prevention strategy to qualify and assist at-risk households that allows them to stay housed and sets them up for long-term success.

Serve:

3. Invest in and coordinate the activities of organizations serving the homeless in our community, specifically those: • providing emergency assistance, and/or • offering behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse case management services.

4. Meet the needs of a diverse group of residents by building and operating more emergency shelter, temporary shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing, along with offering supportive residential programs for those transitioning out of chronic homelessness.

House:

5. Reduce housing cost burden by developing collaborative strategies to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, and safe housing in our community.

Leadership:

6. The effort needs a permanent governance structure and backbone organization to provide leadership and stability.

During this hour-long conversation, Forrest and Hannah clearly outlined the results of the study and the approaches they recommend to make homelessness brief and rare in Spartanburg. The audience also participated in the conversation by completing polls and asking questions.

Hannah Jarrett, VP of Community and Collective Impact of United Way of the Piedmont noted that, “While we still have a long way to go toward ending homelessness in Spartanburg, this report and its priorities promise transformation in the way we approach this complex issue.”

To support housing and homelessness work in our community, you can donate to our Home for the Holidays campaign at www.uwpiedmont.org/home4theholidays .

New Behavioral and Mental Health Guide for Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties Released

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:18:42 GMT

United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) announces the release of an updated guide to behavioral health services in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties.

This is a project of the United Way’s Behavioral Health Task Force (BHTF). The BHTF is a task force of agencies and community leaders who meet to determine the best practices and means of reaching and serving mental and behavioral health needs in our community.

Listing support and rehabilitation services and therapy options, as well as crisis numbers and links for 2-1-1 and other resources, the Behavioral Health Resource Guide is accessible online and available as a PDF.

Through our collective impact model, we share data with our partners while working to improve access to care for those living with mental health and addiction challenges. In addition to the Resource Guide, the BHTF also helped bring to fruition the Eubanks Peer-Support Living Room in the fall of 2018 – a safe space for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues to find peer-led support and guidance as they work to live with hope and healing.

Hannah Jarrett, VP of Community and Collective Impact at UWP remarks that, “It’s been several years since an updated version of the Behavioral Health Guide was made available to the public. We’re pleased to present this resource to our community and to have a part in shaping the future of behavioral health services in the Upstate.”

Download a copy of the Behavioral Health Guide and help spread the word! Together we can help more people access resources and thrive.

United Way of the Piedmont Celebrates Community Gathering

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 16:05:44 GMT

At this year’s annual gathering at Drayton Mills Catering, United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) was pleased to bring together members of our community, from donors and volunteers to community partners and advocates. Several awards were presented to deserving members of our community, and a “pin wall” helped attendees visualize the important issues UWP addresses and how they go about addressing them.

Following a warm welcome by Alex Moore, VP of Brand Experience and Paige Stephenson, President and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont came the well-deserved awards. Paige also made special mention of the AmeriCorps and VISTA members of the year, LerKeshia Littlejohn and Elizabeth Taylor, who received their awards in a separate ceremony.

A board member herself, representing Women United, Andrea Moore was proud to present the Women United Award to Marsha Moore for her unwavering support and dedication to getting all members of this special donor group involved to deepen the impact this group of outstanding ladies can make.

Joey Fowler, a board member and member of the African American Leadership Society (AALS) was excited to present the Tomeka Pierce African American Leadership Society Award to Nessa Logan. Both as a volunteer and as a donor, Nessa always jumps right in to help and lift up others in their times of need.

Parkes Coggins, United Way board member and Chair of the Resource Development Committee gladly presented the Walter S. Montgomery Young Leader Award to Maggi Whiston. Despite having to travel from Columbia, where she resides, Maggi attended every event held by the Young Leaders donor group, and encouraged participation by leading by example, volunteering for many United Way signature projects.

Laura Barbas-Rhoden, also a United Way board member, was honored to present the award for Advocate of the year to Gia Quinones. The BIPOC and Latinx Outreach Director at the Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center, Gia uses social media to connect with bilingual audiences and dance and movement to share uplifting messages and mental health resources.

Todd Horne, a United Way board member and chair of the Brand Experience Committee was excited to present the Tom Barnet Award for Volunteer Service. Always willing to jump in and help, Beth Rutherford is one of the longest-running volunteers for United Way poverty simulations, where UWP demonstrates to different cohorts the difficulties faced when living life below the poverty line.

Kathleen Brady, former Chair of the United Way board of directors was pleased to present the Community Partner Award to Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. As a long-time partner of United Way, Regional has many touch points on service projects throughout the community, as well as always being responsive, collaborative, and eager to help wherever needed.

Each award recipient embodies what it means to be involved with your United Way. Their volunteerism, advocacy, donations, and general support enable UWP to continue striving toward its bold goal of reducing the number of individuals living below self-sufficiency by 11,000 by the year 2030.

Also introduced at the Community Gathering was the Transformers initiative. A new monthly giving option, the Transformers program allows individuals to give by credit or debit card, ensuring sustainable impact and local transformation. Learn more here . By connecting, engaging, and inspiring others, UWP will help build a community where more families have the opportunity to thrive.

United Way of the Piedmont presents Morgan Award to Ginger Shuler

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 20:41:38 GMT

United Way of the Piedmont is pleased to announce Reverend Ginger Shuler as the recipient of this year’s Morgan Award. The award is given annually to a United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) leadership donor who exemplifies the award’s inscription, “One Who Cares.”

Rev. Ginger Shuler is a longtime supporter of United Way of the Piedmont and is passionate about the issues facing families in our community. Ginger served as the chair of the United Way Financial Stability Task Force in 2019 and currently chairs the Economic Mobility Vision Council for Spartanburg County, where she helps guide and facilitate United Way’s Community Investment Process.

As Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, Ginger combines her passion for community work and ending childhood poverty with responsiveness to volunteer needs and community education endeavors. Because of her tireless efforts, more families in our community have hope and options.

Thanks to supporters like Ginger and her husband, Beau, United Way of the Piedmont can continue its work to pave the way towards a brighter, more inclusive future where everyone in our community has the opportunity to truly thrive.

Kurt Dallas, Chair of the Tocqueville Society, said “Because of Ginger, more families in our community have hope and more families have the opportunity to thrive.”

Spartanburg Recognizes Its First Litter Hero of the Year

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 19:50:54 GMT

On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, Eva Worthy became the first female to graduate from the Litter Heroes program in Spartanburg County and the first person to complete the program this year. Program agencies, supporters, family, and past clients gathered at Cleveland Park to celebrate Eva’s accomplishments.

A roadmap out of homelessness or housing instability, the Litter Heroes program is a joint initiative with United Way of the Piedmont, the City of Spartanburg, Environmental Enforcement for Spartanburg County, H.O.P.E. Ministries, Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful, and SC Works. Through these agencies, participants in the program are offered a pathway to reliable income and housing, higher education, improved health outcomes, better life skills, and more.

The program participants aren’t just picking up litter to make Spartanburg a better place to live, they’re also participating in case management with United Way of the Piedmont. Litter Hero participants meet weekly with their United Way case manager and cover everything from life skills to budgeting to housing.

Following an intensive 3-month schedule, Eva picked up 11.3 tons of trash from over 51 miles of Spartanburg roadways. With the help of case management, she also secured her own apartment and is now working towards completing her GED.

Kidada Dawkins, United Way Community Resource Coordinator, shared at Eva’s Litter Hero graduation: “It has been an honor and a privilege to have been Eva’s case manager during the duration of this Litter Hero cohort. I admire her hard work, dedication, and determination to do better and be better. Eva has successfully completed all the goals she set for herself, and I am very proud of her.”

The Litter Hero initiative has two graduating classes each year, and the second cohort should graduate later this year.

Catch the News Channel 7 story at https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/first-woman-graduates-from-spartanburgs-litter-heroesprogram/ .

Saying Goodbye to Local AmeriCorps VISTA Members and Welcoming a New Cohort

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:48:18 GMT

On Monday, August 14, United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) welcomed a new cohort of AmeriCorps VISTA Members into service. That following Friday, on August 18, UWP held a closing ceremony thanking the former year’s VISTAs exiting service, recognizing their incredible efforts to impact poverty issues in the counties where they served.

AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) is a national year of service program that combats poverty in local communities and organizations. AmeriCorps VISTAs serve one-year terms in local non-profits by working directly with the agencies to which they’re assigned to mobilize resources, build capacity, and ensure sustainability within those organizations. United Way is proud to sponsor and support two AmeriCorps programs in our local community, AmeriCorps direct service and AmeriCorps VISTA.

For the 2022-2023 year, UWP supported VISTAs in the following non-profits:

Elizabeth Taylor, UWP, Resource Development VISTA
Becca Waldorf, UWP, Economic Mobility VISTA Leader
Jeanne Sanchez, The BridgeWay, Community Engagement VISTA
Lilly Simmons, UWP, Health & Education VISTA Leader
Marcellus Robbs, KNOW(2) VISTA
Rose Clowney, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Program & Engagement VISTA
Sarah Peak, Spartanburg Academic Movement, Community Engagement VISTA

For the 2023-2024 year, UWP is excited to support VISTAs in the following organizations:

Adrienne Forte, UWP, Resource Development VISTA
Alivia Bodiford, UWP, Event Coordination VISTA
Amy Garvey, UWP, Marketing & Communications VISTA
Brittany Wright, Greer Relief, Marketing & Media VISTA
Chandra Sullivan, Hope Ministries, Program & Media Specialist VISTA
Corentez Cannady, University of South Carolina Upstate, Community Engagement VISTA
Demecia Martin, Benjamin E. Mays Family Center, Community Development VISTA
Dora Rice, UWP Cherokee Partnership Center, Rural Community Relationship VISTA
Emilie Burt, Operation Hope, Systems Coordinator VISTA
Frema Mensah, Upstate Warrior Solution, Community & Engagement VISTA
Hollie Shelton, Hub City Roots, Development Associate VISTA
Jenna Bright, The BridgeWay, Community Engagement VISTA
Jessica McMaster, UWP, Community Impact VISTA Leader
Libby Jensen, UWP, Corporate Volunteerism VISTA
Lilly Simmons, UWP, Health & Education VISTA Leader
Marcellus Robbs, KNOW(2), Mission Advancement VISTA
Marisa Barnhill, AccessHealth, Program & Engagement VISTA
Samantha "Sam" Reinhardt, University of South Carolina Upstate, Community Engagement VISTA

Hannah Jarrett, UWP’s Vice President of Community and Collective Impact says, “[W]e’ve been very fortunate to have VISTAs serve our community every year since 2006. The efforts they made during this past year of service equates to $620,044.50 in impact, and the effects of their service will be felt for many years to come.”

Learn more about our local AmeriCorps programs at www.uwpiedmont.org/yearofservice .

Why are the homeless homeless?

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:38:39 GMT

Find the original article here .

Gaffney, S.C. (The Gaffney Ledger) - Skyrocketing rent prices, lack of affordable housing and an increase in mental and behavioral issues are pushing more and more individuals onto Cherokee County streets.

It’s a growing issue that a newly-formed Housing Instability Task Force is hoping to tackle. The task force began meeting two months ago after the topic surrounding homelessness was discussed more and more in community organizations. Those involved with the task force include the United Way of the Piedmont, Cherokee County Mental Health, KNOW(2), law enforcement, Miracle Hill, SC Legal, and others.

“We are gaining so much momentum so fast,” said Libbie Cheek, Cherokee County Community Resource Coordinator for the United Way. “There are more homeless people visible in our area, but why? That’s why we created this subgroup for the sole purpose of looking at what’s needed and how to address housing affordability, rent, mortgages, and transitional housing.”

According to Cheek, a 2-bedroom apartment in a lower-end accommodation averages $875 a month, but she knows of one woman renting a poorly maintained 3-bedroom home in a not-so-great area for $1,500 a month.

“Property owners continue to increase the rent, and while we know their costs have gone up as well, the rent prices are certainly not affordable,” she explained.

The United Way considers households that are spending more than 30% of their income on rent as “cost-burdened,” which affects long-term economic mobility. A 2023 Palmetto State Housing Study found 45.6% of Cherokee County residents who are renting are part of the cost-burdened group, while 28.4% of residents with mortgages are cost-burdened due to home expenses.

Cherokee County residents seeking help from the United Way of the Piedmont from January-June of this year is up 26% (350) from the same time last year, while referrals are up 15% (663). The top needs are electric service payment assistance, rent payment assistance, affordable housing, and help to locate a shelter.

Sarah Daniel, director of economic mobility programs for the UWP, recently helped a 69-year-old woman find new housing after her rent increased an extra $500 a month. The woman had been living in her car for weeks until the United Way was able to assist her in finding a new place to live.

“Rent prices have really, really exploded and especially in Cherokee County,” said Daniel. “The median income here is not sustaining the expense of rising home costs either. Even townhomes are not in an affordable range.”

It’s not only an increase in rent, but others who qualify for affordable housing often find themselves on a waitlist for months — or years. With less than a dozen affordable apartment complexes in Cherokee County, waitlists vary from as little as 25 people for a 3- or 4-bedroom to more than 200 for a one-bedroom apartment, according to Cheek.

Some individuals are finding themselves on the streets as the community works to clean up abandoned and dilapidated properties, according to Cheek.

“A lot of burned down properties are safe havens for the homeless, and while they need to be cleaned up and taken care of when they are torn down, the people living there are pushed back out onto the streets,” she said.

Others facing homelessness have been kicked out or burned bridges with family members due to substance abuse and behavioral health issues. That’s why even with ample housing options, the issue of homelessness will never fully disappear, United Way of the Piedmont’s Vice President of Brand Experience Alex Moore explained.

“It’s not just about affordable housing and the lack of it. We would still have challenges because of behavioral and mental health and substance abuse,” she said. “Having partners like mental health be a part of this task force is huge.”

Moore also explained how it’s often “one thing” that pushes families living paycheck to paycheck into tough situations.

“Right now with back to school, a lot of families are having to choose between buying the school supply list or food,” she said. “For families with multiple children, those lists can get quite expensive. This isn’t new information but more and more people are continuing to live on limited funds and there’s that ‘one thing’ that can really bust a budget.”

Since their first meeting, the task force has created and tweaked a community resource guide for individuals facing homelessness or struggling to afford rent and groceries. The guide has numbers for shelters, healthcare and other resources such as veterans services and the soup kitchen. They will be distributed throughout the organizations and to law enforcement officers who can provide it to individuals they come in contact with.

While there is no easy answer to solve the issues surrounding homelessness and affordable housing, the task force hopes to secure grants and community partners who may be willing to donate land if the money is found.

“I’m a pie-in-the-sky thinker so I would love to see an abundance of affordable housing options,” Cheek said. “We have current income-based senior housing that has land availability connected to existing properties. It’s a matter of how to go about funding.”

For more information on resources in Cherokee County, call 2-1-1 or visit SC211.org .

Part 2 of this series coming soon.

Stuff the Bus - School Supply Drive hosted by United Way of the Piedmont supports over 2,600 students in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 18:42:54 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (August 2, 2023) – Twenty percent of school-age children in the Spartanburg County community live in poverty. For these students and their families, a back-to-school supply list can be a large purchase, causing parents to decide between putting food on the table and sending their child to school without those supplies.

United Way of the Piedmont, in partnership with Duke Energy , held its annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive to provide needed supplies to all seven Spartanburg County School Districts along with school districts in Cherokee and Union Counties.

Local businesses and community members collected over $55,000 in supplies that will help over 2,600 students in our community. Additionally, over 50 volunteers from the community spent multiple days sorting the school supplies and stuffing backpacks so that the schools can easily give a child a fully stuffed backpack with everything they need. Extra loose supplies were also made available to teachers to help supply their classrooms.

Thank you especially to our partners at Contec for collecting over 1,100 backpacks along with loose supplies to equip Spartanburg County students.

Donations and school supplies given to United Way of the Piedmont help students show up ready to learn and succeed, while supporting families who are struggling to make ends meet. Through projects like Stuff the Bus, United Way of the Piedmont and their partners are helping more families reach self-sufficiency so that everyone in the community has the opportunity to thrive.

United Way’s next community project will be its Fall Food Drive in October. If interested in corporate sponsorship or starting an employee giving program at your workplace, contact Alex Moore at: amoore@uwpiedmont.org for more information.

Corporate and Community Leadership Awards presented by United Way of the Piedmont

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 21:50:16 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (June 5, 2023) – On Wednesday, May 24, United Way of the Piedmont hosted its annual Corporate & Community Leaders Breakfast to celebrate corporate philanthropy and to honor those who go above and beyond to raise funds for the work of United Way.

The event is attended by local corporate and community leaders, including elected officials, C-Suite executives, United Way volunteers, and key stakeholders in the United Way annual fundraising campaign.

Paige Stephenson, President and CEO of United Way remarks that, “United Way is often called ‘the convener’ because we bring people together. We do this because we know that’s the only way to make a real difference. United Way is more than just a charitable organization; we are a platform for collaboration, innovation, and collective action.”

As part of the event, the annual Corporate & Community Leadership Awards are presented. Below are the categories, finalists, and winners of this year’s awards:

Small Business Partner of the Year (for companies with 100 employees or less)
WINNER: Broad River Electric Co-Op, who provides a dollar-for-dollar match to their employees’ giving, and who had an unprecedented 110% increase in their overall campaign. Employees of Broad River Electric Co-Op also show their commitment to philanthropy by participating in United Way Signature volunteer projects.
Finalists: Brown Packing, Lockhart Power, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, Morrisette Packaging, United Community Bank, and William Barnet and Son.

Large Business Partner of the Year (for companies with 100 employees or more)
WINNER: American Credit Acceptance (ACA). ACA continues to increase their fundraising campaign year after year. They also make the campaign fun for their associates through themes like “Race to Giving” in which leadership donors won entries to win a Daytona 500 vacation package. ACA employees also actively engage in volunteerism year-round.
Finalists: AFL, Auriga Polymers, Denny’s, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Spartanburg Water, Tietex, and Timken Duncan.
Public Service Partners (for those entities that may not fit into the traditional corporate category)
WINNER: The City of Spartanburg, who saw an increase in their average gift, per capita gift, participation rate, and their overall giving. They support events through sponsorship, and their employees participate in our Signature projects and committees and task forces. Finalists : One Spartanburg, Spartanburg School District 1, Spartanburg School District 5, and Wofford College.

Employee Campaign Coordinator (for the employees within a company who plan, organize, and facilitate United Way workplace campaigns)
WINNER: Elizabeth Fletcher and the 2022 Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Campaign Committee. This committee is spearheaded by a new chair every year, every year they try new and innovative ideas to increase participation at the hospital system.
Finalists : Ingrid Crawford at The City of Spartanburg, Elizabeth Fletcher of the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Campaign Committee, Ashley Ford at First Citizens Bank, Debbie Green at McMillan Pazdan Smith, and Laurel Hurt and Crystal Jackson at Spartanburg School District 5.

Circle of Excellence: (Campaigns with at least a 70% participation rate, at least 70% undesignated gifts, and a per capita gift of at least $100) This year's Circle of Excellence members: Brown Packing, Cate & Brough, Johnson Development Associates, Lockhart Power, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, and William Barnet & Son.

Chairman’s Award: This award goes to the Corporate or Community Leader who has gone above and beyond in their support for United Way and our mission.
WINNER: Bryan Stone. As the President of Lockhart Power, he has implemented campaign best practices, including a matching corporate gift to United Way, and as a result, their campaign has seen growth year after year.

Amanda Richardson, Vice President for Resource Development at United Way of the Piedmont, concluded the event saying, “We all have tremendous power to make an impact, not just within our networks, but also within our broader community. Supporting United Way is an opportunity to unleash the full potential of our community, empowering each individual to become a catalyst for positive change.”

If interested in corporate sponsorship or starting an employee giving program at your workplace, contact Alex Moore at: amoore@uwpiedmont.org for more information.

United Way of the Piedmont Announces Newest Board Members

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 18:49:44 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C., April 2023 – As their 2022-2023 fiscal year comes to a close, United Way of the Piedmont is pleased to announce the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors.

In an effort to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, UWP made a conscientious effort to ensure that the board continues to reflect the diversity of our communities. Board chair Mitch Kennedy notes that, “We’ve come a long way in my tenure on the board here at United Way of the Piedmont. It’s no longer a group of similar faces and names – we have variety in the mix of individuals now, and that can only bode well for UWP and the community as a whole.”

New board members include:

· Donda Bishop hails from AFL where she currently works as General Manager of the ACS Business Unit with oversight of AFL’s European cable business. With a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Clemson University and an M.S. in Business Administration from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, Donda likes to joke that she’s a house divided unto herself.

· Reed Brown currently serves as Vice President of Brown Packing Co., Inc., a fourth-generation family business in Gaffney. No stranger to community service, Reed has served on the boards of the Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands and the North American Meat Institute, and has served as a deacon in his church, among many councils and foundations.

· Katie Henderson knows a thing or two about management and compassion. As Chief Nursing Officer at Spartanburg Regional Hospital, Katie ensures that each and every patient receives safe, high-quality care and an excellent experience. She enjoys time with her husband Mitch and their four children. She also serves as Chair of the Union County Behavioral Health Taskforce, just one of her many exceptional roles.

· Sarah Keim is a Regional Director of Revenue Management for OTO Development, part of the Johnson Group, a hotel development and hospitality management company. A Spartanburg native and graduate of Wofford College, Sarah is a dedicated mentor who enjoys lunches with her mentee at Meeting Street Academy. She likes walking the Mary Black Trail and exercising at Pure Barre in Spartanburg.

· Gianella “Gia” Quinones is originally from Lima, Peru. Her family migrated to the U.S. in 2020, and Gia grew up in Mississippi, where her brother and mother currently live. With her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, Gia has a passion for community service and enjoys spending time with her two spirited boys.

Paige Stephenson, CEO of United Way of the Piedmont says, “We’re excited to welcome our most diverse Board of Directors to date. The diversity of our board is critically important to enhancing our inclusiveness and connectedness to our communities. We’re excited to have these voices to speak to what matters.”

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that fights for the education, financial stability, and health of every member of our community. Our mission is to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community. We are more than fundraisers. We forge unique partnerships, find new solutions to old problems, and mobilize the best resources by inspiring others to join the fight. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive. Learn more at www.uwpiedmont.org .

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United Way of the Piedmont and Milliken Partner for Associate Impact

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 19:12:49 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (March 22, 2023) – In a boardroom at Milliken’s Spartanburg Headquarters, a group of dedicated individuals from the IS (Information Services) team gather to share in a Reality Check poverty simulation. United Way of the Piedmont offers this expedited experience to teams and individuals to help them understand what it is like for the thousands of families in our community who struggle to make ends meet.

As part of the simulation, associates are divided into “families” who must go through the monthly experiences of a family living in poverty including going to work, grocery shopping, paying bills, finding transportation, and dealing with family dynamics. They are given play cash to trade for goods and services and then forced to make tough decisions when the money runs out. Some turn to the “pawn shop” while others go to the “quick cash” payday loan department to supplement their income, similar to what many families have to do in real life.

The decisions are theirs, and in this simulation, the consequences are imagined. However, for those living in poverty, the decisions and their consequences are very real. This is what United Way of the Piedmont helps members of our community to understand, as we strive to decrease the number of those living below self-sufficiency by 11,000, by the year 2030.

A native Spartanburg Corporation, Milliken has been a strong partner of United Way for decades, supporting their work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. While financial support is a big part of Milliken’s support, they also provide opportunities, such as the Reality Check, to their employees to better understand the issues facing their communities. Milliken also empowers their associates to volunteer and get involved by providing dedicated volunteering hours. Their associates are involved in the Young Leaders Advisory Board, Community Investment Processes, and their own Milliken Women’s Alliance, to name but a few ways Milliken associates engage.

In one fundraising drive, Halsey Cook, Milliken’s President and CEO and avid tennis (and table tennis) player, offered a donation for every shot scored against him in a ping pong tournament, demonstrating his own personal commitment to giving back. “Volunteerism broadens our global perspective and deepens our connection with the communities where our teams live, work, and play. Service opportunities through organizations like United Way of the Piedmont make it easy for us to roll up our sleeves and make a positive impact.” – Halsey Cook, president and CEO.

Craig Haydamack, CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer), commented on another Milliken initiative in partnership with United Way, saying, “One program I’m especially proud to be a part of is the Commute with Enterprise initiative. Thanks to a collaboration led by United Way of the Piedmont, we now are able to offer vanpools to Milliken team members working in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties who may not have reliable transportation to work. It’s inspiring to see projects like this come together in a way that truly embodies our company’s values and furthers the mission of United Way of the Piedmont.”

This initiative, Commute with Enterprise, was established in 2022 to support those who may have a difficult time making it into work because of transportation issues. Economic Mobility becomes more challenging when 3 out of 4 employees require a car to get to work. With the cost of gas, insurance, and upkeep, many are only one big repair bill from losing that transportation and potentially their job. Commute with Enterprise represents United Way’s innovative and collaborative approach to solving community challenges like transportation.

Paige Stephenson, President and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont remarks that, “Milliken’s involvement in volunteer opportunities, board service, and fundraising serves as a beacon of light to Upstate corporations big and small. They not only show up, they also truly engage, wanting to know more about the community in which they live and what they can do to support it. They’re a true corporate leader in philanthropy.”

About Milliken

Perhaps the best way to sum up what volunteerism means here at Milliken is in our global community service commitment. As part of our 2025 Sustainability Goals, Milliken has committed to completing 100,000 service hours by 2025 . Volunteerism, which has long been a part of who we are as a company, provides a unique opportunity to positively impact our communities in a way that unites three of Milliken’s core values:

sustainability , in creating that healthy future;
people , in engaging our global team to serve our communities; and
integrity , in encouraging ourselves to always do the right thing.

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that fights for the education, economic mobility, and health of every member of our community. Our mission is to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community. We are more than fundraisers. We forge unique partnerships, find new solutions to old problems, and mobilize the best resources by inspiring others to join the fight. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive . Learn more at www.uwpiedmont.org .

United Way of the Piedmont Releases Latest Impact Report Highlighting Community Investment Process

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:00:36 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (February 2023) – United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) Vision Councils recently completed the Community Investment Process, a nearly year-long operation whereby Council members receive applications for funding from local community programs. Those that receive this United Way funding demonstrate measurable impact in the community as well as the organizational strength to accomplish their mission. These programs will receive United Way funding for the next three years as a result of the Vision Councils’ recommendations.

In its latest report to the community, UWP breaks down this process and how the Vision Councils work. The Vision Councils are comprised of members who are local issue experts and/or community leaders. They meet regularly to tackle some of the area’s biggest issues like economic mobility, education, and health.

There are five Vision Councils – groups of trained community volunteers who also conduct site visits and interviews for proposed funding locations. They are: Union County, Cherokee County, Spartanburg – Education, Spartanburg – Health & Safe Environments, and Spartanburg – Economic Mobility & Basic Needs. Final funding decisions are then submitted to UWP’s board of directors for approval.

See the full report here .

About United Way of the Piedmont

AALS Inaugural Legacy Gala Lights Up A Winter's Night

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 18:46:52 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. February 3, 2023, United Way of the Piedmont’s African American Leadership Society (AALS) hosted its first-ever Legacy Gala. This evening was a showstopper, with dinner, dancing, live music, and a small business showcase.

Held at USC Upstate’s campus in Spartanburg, the Legacy Gala was a night to celebrate philanthropy and the work of AALS. AALS is a Donor Network of United Way of the Piedmont that works to increase awareness of United Way’s work and raise money to support their priority projects like the housing initiative.

For many families, one unexpected expense or one missed income check can totally disrupt a budget. When meeting basic needs is already a struggle, just one major blow can force a family to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent. United Way helps families before things spiral out of control by connecting families to community resources and/or providing rental assistance and the monies raised by AALS will go a long way to help families in need in our area.

Speakers at this inaugural gala included former chair Joey Fowler and the incoming chair of AALS, Chunsta Miller. Amanda Richardson of United Way of the Piedmont said, “The inaugural Legacy Gala put on by the African American Leadership Society (AALS) was a night that celebrated both volunteerism and philanthropy in the Black community. Over $4,500 was raised for United Way of the Piedmont’s housing initiatives, and MLK Day of Service volunteers were recognized for over 550 hours of service. This party with a purpose was a huge success, and we can’t wait to see what AALS does next for our community!”

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way Mobilizes Volunteers to Honor Dr. King’s Legacy on MLK Day of Service

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 18:55:43 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. January 23, 2023– Hundreds of local residents stepped up to serve as volunteers on the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday held on January 16, 2023. Joining thousands of volunteers across the country, individuals and groups teamed up with United Way of the Piedmont to work on such projects as clearing trails in local parks, and picking up litter in a beautification effort of a beloved community.

MLK Day, held on the third Monday of January each year, is a federal holiday – for many employees, a day off work. But Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. calls us all to action on this day. To use it as a “day on,” during which we can put our many talents to use to aid nonprofits and those doing good in their communities. To honor Dr. King this year, nearly 300 Spartanburg residents spent over 1,000 hours to make it a “day on, not a day off” by volunteering and getting involved in their communities.

Whether virtually by learning online about Advocacy, or more hands-on, clearing ivy from trees in Duncan Park, everyone’s efforts combined to make this “day on” one that would make Dr. King proud. Thank you, Spartanburg!

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way launches Giving Tuesday campaign with $5,000 matching gift

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 20:51:18 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (November 16, 2022) – This year for Homelessness Awareness month and Giving Tuesday, United Way of the Piedmont is launching a fundraising campaign to raise $20,000 for its Homeless Prevention Fund. The fund is unique in that it helps families before they become homeless, creating stability and safety for families in need.

The fundraising campaign has already kicked off with a $5,000 match gift from TC Transcontinental . The Spartanburg branch of the company, based in Canada, was looking to make a local impact in the lives of children and families and was thrilled to learn about the Homeless Prevention Fund. The $5,000 donation will serve as a matching gift to donations from other community members this Giving Tuesday, November 29th, and will help United Way reach the $20,000 goal.

When families get to the point of eviction or service cut-off, the compounded expenses are much higher than the family can pay, and they have an increased risk of becoming homeless.The Homeless Prevention Fund helps families move out of crisis and toward longterm stability through immediate assistance and intensive case management. Approximately $700-1,000 can help one family pay for utilities, rent, and late fees and keep them from ending up on the streets.

Since the fund's inception, United Way has distributed over $225,000 to 315 individuals or families. In the past year alone, 118 families have been stabilized, actively preventing homelessness for 92% of the clients served.

United Way of the Piedmont is asking the community to participate in Homelessness Awareness Month in one of the following ways:

Donate on, or before, Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29) to United Way's Homeless Prevention Fund: donate.uwpiedmont.org/givingtuesday
Attend the community-wide Giving Tuesday event on November 29th at Fr8yard in downtown Spartanburg. More info at SpartanburgGives.org
Learn more about the issue of homelessness in our community and find ways to get involved through Challenge for Change: www.uwpiedmont.org/challengeforchange

About United Way of the Piedmont

SC Superintendent of Education Candidates Respond to Critical Education Policy Questions

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:55:26 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (November 1, 2022) – United Way of the Piedmont and Spartanburg Academic Movement crafted questions for the three candidates running for SC Superintendent of Education: Lisa Ellis (Democratic Party), Patricia Mickel (Green Party), and Ellen Weaver (Republican Party). The candidates were invited to respond in 150 words or less. We have responses below, in full, from Lisa Ellis and Ellen Weaver listed in alphabetical order by last name. Patricia Mickel did not submit a response.

United Way of the Piedmont and Spartanburg Academic Movement are non-partisan, 501(c)(3) organizations that do not endorse or oppose any candidates running for elected office.

The second week of early voting in Spartanburg County is open and operates from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. through Saturday, November 5, 2022. The general election takes place on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Learn more about your county's voting information: Spartanburg County , Cherokee County , and Union County . We encourage you to confirm your voter registration, polling location, and sample ballot at scvotes.gov .

Q&A

Question 1

For our students and families who may not be familiar with the role of State Superintendent of Education, can you summarize what the role will entail and how you plan to improve education for all students?

Candidate Responses

Ellis: The role of the Superintendent of Education is to oversee all the public schools in South Carolina and to make sure that they are providing a quality education for students. The Superintendent oversees the budget and policies and implements those policies into school districts to be carried out. Every student deserves a high-quality education, not just a “minimally adequate education.” This starts with the recruitment and retention of high-quality teachers. Until we get highly qualified teachers in every single classroom the other issues are secondary.

Weaver: The State Superintendent of Education is an executive leadership role responsible for directly managing a multi-billion-dollar state agency and over 1,000 staff. The key duties of the job include serving as the secretary/administrative officer for the State Board of Education and administering policies and procedures adopted by the Board, overseeing public school funds, running the State Department of Education, communicating with the public about the needs of public schools, certification and professional development for teachers, and many other responsibilities delegated by law or the State Board. As State Superintendent of Education, I will serve as the “quarterback” in Columbia, visiting regularly with students, teachers, parents, and community leaders across the state and putting my strong relationships, leadership, and management skills to work every day to turn their feedback into action and advance the ball for education in our state!

Question 2

We know that most of a child’s brain development happens by age 5, what is your vision for preparing kindergarteners for success in reading and learning?

Candidate Responses

Ellis: I believe in universal pre-K where our children have access to high-quality pre-K and kindergarten programs that are licensed and fully funded. I also believe that learning should be developmentally appropriate for that age, where students are focused on exploration through play and exposure to different opportunities. This will help students to be more prepared as they move through their elementary education. When students can begin learning and exploring with other children at a young age it bodes well for their success later in their educational careers.

Weaver: Reading is the foundational skill of all other learning. Despite making important progress in expanding early childhood education, South Carolina students have struggled to maintain early learning gains over time. Sustaining our early childhood investment requires the same laser-focus in K-3 ^rd literacy that we have seen move the needle in Florida, Mississippi, and other states. This means early identification and intervention for students with reading challenges, as well as a universal emphasis on phonics and knowledge-building, the proven science of reading.

Question 3

Even with in-person learning, our students need access to the internet to complete homework, access learning resources, and connect to opportunities. What role does access to broadband play in education and how can we prepare our students for success in the digital world?

Candidate Responses

Ellis: Access to broadband is a state-wide infrastructure issue, however, the Superintendent of Education can play a role in pushing it as a priority for all areas of South Carolina. This will help so that when students must deal with inclement weather or other issues that prevent the school building from being open, they are not losing their access to learning. We know that there is a gap between rural and urban schools when it comes to access to broadband and educational opportunities. Ensuring that all students have internet access regardless of their zip code is the best way to begin bridging this gap.

Weaver: With enormous recent federal and state investments, and the great work of SC Broadband Office under the direction of Jim Stritzinger, South Carolina is making tremendous strides towards closing the digital divide in every corner of our state. As Superintendent, I will collaborate closely with Director Stritzinger, Governor McMaster, and the General Assembly to ensure we completely close our broadband access gap. While technology plays a vital role in a 21 ^st century education, we must not pretend that technology is a silver bullet to all our education challenges, nor can we ignore the dangers of technology addiction, online predators, and cyberbullying. South Carolina students deserve a safe, balanced approach that harnesses the power of technology while not losing a focus on the vital importance of highly-qualified teachers and the need to develop important skills such as interpersonal communication, refining motor skills developed by things like cursive writing, and more.

Question 4

Mental health is a pressing concern for students, parents, and teachers alike. What will you do as Superintendent to improve access to school-based mental health services?

Candidate Responses

Ellis: Mental health is an incredibly important issue for our children and should be addressed in schools. However, with the underfunding of schools most districts and schools are not able to fully fund those programs and personnel. While a lack of mental health programs and staff is an issue throughout the state, schools in rural or low-income areas are especially impacted by this matter. As Superintendent, I will work with the General Assembly to push for total funding of public schools and push those mental health services into the schools and classrooms for our students.

Weaver: A recent audit requested by Governor McMaster found that mental health services are currently available to fewer than half of public schools, with a ratio of one counselor to approximately 1,300 students. As Superintendent, I will work with Governor McMaster, Department of Health and Human Services Director Kerr, and the General Assembly to address barriers to access (such as existing pay disparities identified by the audit) in order to close this gap. We must support and expand access for students and teachers by harnessing the services of DHHS, private, and telehealth counselors. I want to also stress that we must create meaningful resources to engage, equip, and partner with parents to support their children’s mental health needs: the school can never replace the family in this critical arena.

Question 5

What policies and programs in the K-12 setting can best prepare students for college and career readiness and future success?

Candidate Responses

Ellis: A highly qualified teacher is the best resource for preparing students for college and career readiness. When you have a highly qualified teacher in the classroom, they are able to understand the needs of their students and utilize multiple different programs to reach their students and help meet those needs. These teachers facilitate college and career readiness by providing options and opportunities for students to explore the different avenues available to them at the end of their high school careers. Giving students age-appropriate work-study opportunities and internships can be just as important in helping a student figure out what they don’t want to do in life as it is in helping them figure out what they do want to do in life. Both scenarios give students the chance to make more informed decisions as to their post-high school path.

Weaver: College and career readiness always begins with a laser focus on the fundamentals: literacy and math. From there, expanding access to AP and other advanced offerings to students in every community in our state by expanding VirtualSC into a full Online Course Access program like we see working in many states is one exciting way to increase college readiness. Apprenticeship Carolina, readySC, and other CTE initiatives such as the Anderson Institute of Technology have also distinguished South Carolina as a national leader in providing students with opportunities to engage in hands on application of learning: we must support and expand these opportunities, especially in our rural communities. From partnering with industry leaders to creating in-school
opportunities, we must elevate, celebrate, and expand multiple educational pathways—whether that means college, career, or the military—in order to equip every student to pursue their individual talents and goals with excellence.

Question 6

From your perspective, what are the biggest daily challenges facing teachers in public education?

Candidate Responses

Ellis: The biggest daily challenges facing teachers in public education include underfunding, low teacher salary, tough working conditions, and having to be mental health outlets for both children and adults. What many people don’t realize is that the second a teacher walks through the door at the beginning of the day until they leave the building at the end of the day they are performing. That can take both a physical and mental toll on the teacher’s wellbeing. And when they are not given supportive working conditions and a salary that allows them to rest and recuperate that really makes it a challenge to do the job effectively.

Weaver: In my many listening sessions with educators throughout the years (including teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school staff) several key themes have emerged: laborious red tape and paperwork that eat into planning time and distract from teaching students; an avalanche of changing standards and technology trends; the feeling of lack of support in matters of discipline in the classroom; the desire for meaningful, high-quality professional development (not just box checking that wastes time); and the need for more parents to be engaged in their child’s learning journey. We all know salary matters, but working conditions are just as important. As Superintendent, I will fight to immediately cut red tape, review discipline policies to give teachers a safe place to share what is happening in their classrooms, as well as simplify and prioritize our standards. I will also work with teachers and principals to identify top professional development needs and high-quality resources.

Question 7

Childhood poverty is a reality for many families in South Carolina and the stressors of living in poverty can adversely impact learning outcomes. How would you advise the South Carolina Department of Education to meet the needs children experiencing poverty while at school?

Candidate Responses

Ellis: I believe that the Department of Education is already meeting the needs at a minimal level. But without proper funding we are not able to meet the needs of these students to the extent that we could. I will push for the General Assembly to better fund programs that assist students experiencing poverty. I believe we also need to look at what is developmentally appropriate for students at different ages and how we can best support all the issues that come with students experiencing poverty, not just issues that are academic in nature.

Weaver: In addition to effectively managing the many state and federal programs already in place to support the mental and physical needs of children living in poverty, we must build on existing partnerships such as First 5 South Carolina to break down educational silos and increase collaboration across agencies and age groups. But schools and teachers can’t do this work alone, so as Superintendent, I will work hard to forge new and deeper partnerships between schools and our local businesses, faith communities and non-profits, such as SAM and the United Way. We must harness the time and talents of concerned citizens across this state to create an army of mentors and tutors who go into schools to support our teachers and provide real-world role models for our students!

Find out more about these candidates and this election at scvotes.gov .

About United Way of the Piedmont

About Spartanburg Academic Movement

Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) is a nonprofit organization and a community movement adopted in 2013 as an all-in partnership of education, business, government, foundation, community and faith leaders across Spartanburg county, all working together in pursuit of high levels of academic success for ALL of our children. Learn more at www.learnwithsam.org .

Local United Ways partner with SC Housing to allocate $11 Million to housing stability services across the State, with $400,000 designated for Cherokee and Union Counties

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 19:59:35 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (August 9, 2022) –Affordable housing is one of the most critical resources for economically successful communities. Local United Ways and their partners stand ready to provide support and assistance that will help families find stable housing. This work is supported by a public-private partnership with SC Housing in allocating $11M to organizations providing housing stability services including case management, housing navigation, landlord tenant mediation, and eviction related legal services.

Naomi Lett, President and CEO of the United Way Association of SC, says, “Local United Ways and their partners serve as trusted community voices in supporting local families navigate a complicated housing market. Family stability is critical to the health of our communities and our economy. We are proud to partner with SC Housing to deploy these resources into our local communities.”

Thirty-nine counties in South Carolina are eligible for the funds that are being distributed by Local United Ways. In United Way of the Piedmont’s tri-county footprint, Cherokee and Union Counties are eligible. The organization is working to commit and deploy $400,000 to its partners in those communities to help build the capacity of organizations to provide housing stability services. Community partners include AccessHealth, C4 Services, Cherokee County Senior Centers, Miracle Hill, Project REST, Salvation Army of Spartanburg and Union, Trinity Baptist Church, Union County Library System, and Cherokee County Meals on Wheels.

“United Way of the Piedmont is honored to be a partner in this work. These funds will allow organizations to work deeper and more closely with families in Gaffney and Blacksburg to recover from the pandemic and address housing-related challenges,” shares Libbie Cheek, Community Resource Coordinator for Cherokee County at United Way of the Piedmont.

Jennifer Robbins, Volunteer Coordinator and Assistant Director of Cherokee County Meals On Wheels, says, "At Cherokee County Meals On Wheels, we see housing conditions that are often deplorable, and we feel helpless as to what we can do for our neighbors. We are thrilled to be able to use this funding to better serve Cherokee County citizens. We have seen such a need and we have never been in a position to help our community like this before. We are extremely grateful for this opportunity."

Stephanie Goodale, Executive Director of C4 Ministries in Union County, says, “C4 is thankful to partner with United Way of the Piedmont to provide counseling for Union County residents who find themselves in a housing crisis. Thank you for this opportunity, and we look forward to working with you and making a difference in our community.”

About SC Stay Plus

The SC Stay Plus program is a rental and utility assistance program, funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury, that launched in May 2021 to assist those who are experiencing financial hardships and housing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 global health emergency that has disrupted the lives of so many. Learn more about SC Stay Plus and other ways to find rental assistance at https://www.schousing.com/home/sc-stay-plus .

About United Way of the Piedmont

Letter from the CEO: New transportation to work program helps employers and employees!

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Wed, 18 May 2022 19:37:35 GMT

Letter from the CEO

Friends,

Which comes first: transportation to get to work or work to pay for transportation? This complex “chicken or egg” situation is one that many families find themselves in because they lack access to reliable transportation, severely limiting their employment options. In fact, lack of transportation is one of the top barriers to financial stability in our community.

For this reason, I’m especially excited about a new Transportation to Work initiative we are implementing through a partnership with Commute with Enterprise. Here’s how it works:

Employers in Spartanburg, Cherokee, or Union Counties can sign up to provide a vanpool for their employees to get to work. Employees at these companies pay an affordable weekly rate to receive transportation to work together. When companies sign up to participate, United Way of the Piedmont subsidizes a portion of the cost of the vanpool. (And if the vanpool starts or ends in Spartanburg County, the City of Spartanburg helps with the cost too!)

This vanpool program is not only a benefit to employees needing transportation; it increases local companies’ ability to recruit and retain employees. It also addresses one of our Bold Goals to decrease the number of individuals living in poverty who are unemployed by 75%.

As we increase affordable transportation options for unemployed individuals, we increase the economic mobility of our community. It’s a win-win in my book.

Find out more about this program by clicking here .

Sincerely,

Paige Stephenson

President & CEO, United Way of the Piedmont

United Way of the Piedmont presents Morgan Award to Contec Inc.’s Jack McBride

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Fri, 06 May 2022 18:07:47 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (May 4, 2022) – United Way of the Piedmont is pleased to announce Jack McBride as the recipient of this year’s Morgan Award. The award is given annually to a United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) leadership donor who exemplifies the award’s inscription, “One Who Cares.” As Co-Founder and CEO of Contec, Inc., McBride is not only the leader of one of the fastest-growing companies in our state, but he is also building a charitable culture within it, starting from the top.

United Way presented the award at the General Daniel Morgan and Alexis de Tocqueville Leadership Event on Thursday, April 28 at the AC Hotel in Spartanburg. This event recognizes and appreciates leadership donors who invest in United Way’s mission to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform their community.

Paige Stephenson, President & CEO of United Way of the Piedmont, said “It is an honor to recognize leaders like Jack McBride for their impact on our community. Jack demonstrates what it means to be a servant leader in addition to a business leader.”

McBride has served on United Way of the Piedmont’s Board of Directors and chaired the Resource Development Committee. As a loyal Alexis de Tocqueville leadership donor, McBride exemplifies what it means to serve others through generous contributions of his time, talents and treasure. Additionally, Contec has one of UWP’s strongest workplace campaigns and is an exemplary corporate partner in support of many facets of the work of United Way.

Upon receiving the award, McBride said, "Giving back to our community through United Way is not just the right thing to do, it helps all of us. Supporting United Way creates a better community not just for those that are struggling, but for our neighbors, our teachers, our coworkers, and our families. We're all in this together and we all need to be part of the solution."

United Way Welcomes New Board Members

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:24:46 GMT

On April 1, 2022, United Way of the Piedmont welcomed seven new members to its Board of Directors. These corporate and community leaders from Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties join 27 other diverse members of United Way's volunteer board.

United Way of the Piedmont welcomes the following new members to the 2022-2023 Board of Directors:

Parkes B. Coggins, MHA

Vice President Cardiac Services and Operations

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Parkes is currently the vice president of cardiac services and operations at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and has served in that role since June of 2020. Prior to this role, he was the vice president of hospital integration, responsible for integration activities related to the acquisition of Mary Black Health System by Spartanburg Regional, on January 1st, 2019. Prior to the acquisition, Parkes was the chief executive officer of Mary Black Health System Spartanburg and held the same position at Carolinas Hospital System Marion (now Marion Medical Center) between 2015 and 2018. Parkes held other positions including chief operating officer and assistant chief executive officer at other CHS and HMA affiliated hospitals since 2007.

Parkes received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Newberry College and a Master of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. Parkes resides in Spartanburg with his wife, Meredith, and three children, Hannah (6), Browning (4), and Grady (8 months).

Kurt Dallas

President Product Solutions

AFL

Kurt Dallas, President of AFL Product Solutions, leads global product-based businesses and is responsible for driving strategies for growth and delivering an enhanced customer experience. Kurt began his career with AFL in 1991 as senior applications engineer and advanced into technical management, project management and product development. In 2007, he assumed responsibility for AFL’s cable business and by 2015 started managing AFL’s connectivity business. By 2017, Kurt was named executive vice president of AFL’s cable, connectivity, and equipment businesses, managing a large portfolio of products. During his career with AFL, he has led multiple U.S. and international manufacturing operations and sales in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico plus the equipment businesses in North America. Kurt also serves on AFL’s Board of Directors. Kurt is a graduate of Memphis State where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Tennessee. He is active with SWITCH and Set Free, plus organizations focused on cancer research and prevention, and he volunteers with Hands on Greenville, Habitat for Humanity and the International Justice Mission. Kurt has been married for 33 years and has two children plus one grandchild. He attends Fellowship Greenville and in his spare time, he enjoys golfing, boating, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Dana Gottman

Chief Human Resource Officer

AFL

Dana graduated from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, with an emphasis on Public Relations. Her first job, post-college, was at JP Morgan Chase Bank in their Springfield, MO call center. Eventually life led her to Spartanburg, where she began working for American Credit Acceptance (ACA) as a Talent Acquisition Manager in 2011. Over the course of almost 12 years, she had the opportunity to work in other parts of HR and is now the Chief Human Resource Officer for ACA. Dana met her husband, Maxwell, while attending Missouri State University. His work brought them to Spartanburg in late 2010 where they worked together for several years at ACA before starting a family in 2013. They have two children, Elliott (8) and Zoey (5).

Angela Halstead

Vice President and Broker in Charge

Coldwell Banker Caine

As Vice President and Broker in Charge of Coldwell Banker Caine in Spartanburg and Broker in Charge of the Caine Referral Company, Angela considers it a privilege to hep agents reach their full potential in real estate and in life. In her previous 22-year career at Milliken & Co., she held a variety of positions including roles in sales and marketing, which eventually led to her position as the Global Sales Process Leader for her division. Her experience in training and guidance for sales teams around the world directly translates into her role as a broker today. As a support system for the agents, she challenges them to find innovative ways to grow their business. Beginning her real estate career as a commercial sales agent, she has now found her calling as a residential broker in charge at Caine. Angela is married to her husband, Clifford, and enjoys being a mother to their two beautiful children. She also volunteers in the community. Currently, she serves as the President of the Board of Trustees for Ballet Spartanburg, and the immediate past President of the MLS Board of Directors for the Spartanburg Association of Realtors. She also serves on the CHEAC committee for Spartanburg District 7 Schools and is an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent.

Bennie Harris

Chancellor

USC Upstate

Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D., serves as USC Upstate’s seventh chancellor, where he fulfills his purpose to inspire and develop young people to change the world. He believes higher education offers opportunities for people to experience possibilities and achieve their greatest aspirations. Before his appointment at USC Upstate, Dr. Harris served as senior vice president for Institutional Advancement at the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in Atlanta, Georgia, beginning in 2014. At MSM, Dr. Harris co-chaired the institution’s five-year strategic plan and served as a critical member in developing the school’s Leadership Academy, a program designed to promote leadership among faculty and staff. He dramatically impacted the school’s fundraising outcomes, launching a $225 million comprehensive campaign and growing fundraising income to $235 million over seven years. In addition, MSM has received $177,309,691 in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2015. Dr. Harris previously served in leadership positions at Lipscomb University, DePaul University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Washington State University. Since moving to the Upstate of South Carolina, Dr. Harris has been appointed to serve on the boards of several civic organizations, including the Spartanburg Academic Movement, Ten at the Top, OneSpartanburg, The Charles Lea Center Administrative Board, United Way of the Piedmont, the Franklin School, NCAA Big South Conference. He is also a member of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Accelerate Steering Committee. A native of Rosedale, Mississippi, Dr. Harris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Mississippi State University, a Master of Business Administration from Washington State University, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is married to his college sweetheart, Frankie A. Harris, and together they have three adult children, Bria, Bennie II, and Branden.

Frannie Stockwell

Executive Director

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce

Frannie is the Executive Director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. She is involved in the community and participates as a board member for United Way of Piedmont, Ten at the Top, Crimestoppers, Rise Against Drugs and Alcohol, Institute of Innovation Advisory Board, the Clemson Extension, and is a member of Rotary International. Frannie is married to Greg Stockwell and has three children, Emily, Erica, and Dylan.

Timika Wilson

Co-Lead

Union County Community Remembrance Project

LTC (Ret) Timika M. Wilson was born in Frankfurt, Germany. A 1992 graduate of Union High School, she was commissioned into the United States Army in August 1997 from the Clemson University Army ROTC program. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Engineering. She is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Engineer Captain’s Career Course, United States Army Recruiters School, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Combined Armed Services and Staff College. She has a Master's in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science & Technology.

Timika has served in a multitude of leadership positions at every echelon from tactical to strategic in various Army Major Commands from FORSCOM to TRADOC. This service includes four combat tour deployments in support of Iraq and Afghanistan as an Engineer Planner and Construction Management Action Officer providing oversight and administrative support for military construction projects to help rebuild Afghanistan infrastructure, facilitate housing for troops across Afghanistan, and master plan entire basecamps in a contingency environment. As Deputy Commander at the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District, she provided emergency support operations expertise at the Florida State Emergency Operations Center coordinating USACE resources, funding, and personnel response for three Hurricanes including Blue Roof missions for temporary roof replacement and mobile unit support for on ground USACE assets. With this diverse experience, Timika has developed the managerial, leadership, and training skills required of an adaptive and dynamic individual ready and able to support the mission in any situation. She retired in 2018 and committed to continuing her service. She is the Union County Democratic Party Chair focused on “Voter Registration, Education & Participation” growing the party from 81 to 391 active members, the Equal Justice Initiative endorsed Union County Community Remembrance Project Co-Lead that facilitated the UCCRP JUNETEENTH Remembrance & Celebration in 2021 on the day of the holiday’s Federal recognition, Union County Vision Council, Board Member and Special Projects Committee Chair for the L.W. Long Community Resource Center raising over $40K for the historic Union Community Hospital renovation and rehabilitation, Spartanburg Community College Union Campus Advisory Committee, Union County Chamber of Commerce – Individual member, and WeGoJA Foundation Board of Director. She is an active member of Eta Sigma Sigma Greenville Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (Divine 9) serving as the National Programs & Local Community Service Committee Chair that facilitated Operation Big Bookbag at the Upstate Circle of Friends providing over one hundred bookbags, new books, builder kits and pencil sets to young students. She is the Undergraduate Chapter Advisor for Mu Psi Chapter at Clemson University and the 81st Southeastern Region Conference Undergraduate Advisor of the Year 2021 while serving as UCA for both Mu Psi and Nu Chi Chapters at Clemson University and Lander University, respectively. She is a Union, It's Time We Talk Podcast Panelist responsible for programming and booking guests with an audience of over 1,100. She also volunteers as a leader or member for several other local organizations to assist and inform residents of Union County, SC for a better Union. Timika M. Wilson resides in Santuc, SC with her parents, Sergeant First Class Retired, Leon and Peggy Wilson who were born in Santuc and Carlisle, respectively. Timika learned her servant leader principles from her parents and is committed to continuing that tradition.

For more information about United Way's Board of Directors, please visit: uwpiedmont.org/boardofdirectors .

United Way’s Youth Philanthropy Board offers funding to local youth programs

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:30:50 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (March 29, 2022) - United Way of the Piedmont is excited to announce the allocation of funding by the Youth Philanthropy Board.

United Way’s Youth Philanthropy Board is comprised of local high school students who serve on the board for one year and learn about community issues and connect with community leaders. They also go through a micro-grant making process to better understand how organizations can apply for and receive funding. This year the group reviewed and approved funding requests for six local youth programs:

Ball4Good – Celebrity Basketball Games

Ball4Good is a youth run organization that raises funds and supports communities and nonprofits through sports, volunteering, fun activities, and grant-making. Ball4Good is hosting a Celebrity Basketball game, and funds raised will help promote opportunities to support youth who have been impacted by cancer, build a library for blind students, provide a sensory room for children impacted by autism, support afterschool programming, invest in mental health support, and provide mentorship opportunities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate – Big Appreciation Party

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) creates and supports meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and potential of youth. To thank their current volunteer mentors and foster engagement and recruitment, BBBS Upstate would like to host a “Big” Appreciation party.

Brown Girls Read – After School Program for Girls of Color

Brown Girls Read (BGR) is designed to assist young girls of color from 4th grade through 12th grade with reading, writing, and public speaking skills. Their After School Program will enable 100 at-risk and underprivileged girls of color to participate in the program at no cost to them or to their families.

Hub City Farmer’s Market –Youth Farm

Youth Farm is a program for high school students ages 14-18 to work on the Urban Farm eight weeks during the summer. During this time, youth are exposed to workshops focusing on sustainability agriculture, health and wellness, mindfulness, college and career readiness, diversity & inclusion, financial literacy, and more.

Junior Achievement of Greater SC – Inspiring and preparing the future workforce in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties

Junior Achievement’s (JA) mission is "to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy" through experiential, real-world, volunteer-led programs focused on teaching workforce readiness, soft skills, achieving financial literacy, and developing entrepreneurship. Funding from the Board will support two middle or high school classes in receiving JA programs.

Uplift Outreach Center – Enhancing Communication Between LGBTQ+ Youth and Their Parents

The Uplift Outreach Center provides a safe, open, and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies ages 10-22 in the Spartanburg and surrounding areas. Funds will support a program that will address poor communication between adults and teens. Uplift is planning to work with a local counselor that specializes in working with LGBTQ+ youth.

Savannah Ray, Director of UWP’s Education Engagement and Partnerships, spearheads the Youth Philanthropy Board program. She said, “Working with the members on the Youth Philanthropy Board has been an amazing experience, because they’re all passionate about helping the youth in our community,” Savannah said. “I’m proud of how far they’ve come and I’m excited to see how they’ll continue to move forward.”

The Youth Philanthropy Board accepts applications from rising high school juniors and seniors in the late summer every year. To learn more about the Youth Philanthropy Board, visit United Way’s website, www.uwpiedmont.org/youthphilanthropyboard.

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way Accepting Letters of Intent

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 23:24:58 GMT

Spartanburg, SC (April 5, 2022) - United Way of the Piedmont is now accepting Letters of Intent as part of their Community Investment Process for 2023-2025.

Earlier this year, United Way launched their new Community Impact Agenda , announcing their goals and focus areas for the next ten years. Within the agenda, United Way outlines their strategies for improving our community within the areas of Education, Economic Mobility, and Health through their internal programs, collective impact work, and community investments.

While United Way has funded local nonprofit programs as part of their work for over 85 years, their newest investments will be based on their alignment with their Bold Goals :

Decrease the number of families living below self-sufficiency by 11,000 (10%).
Decrease the number of individuals living in poverty who are unemployed by 3,700 (75%).
Decrease the number of cost-burdened low-income households by 6,000 (10%).

Bringing all their work into alignment with these goals enables United Way to have a deeper impact in the community, creating long-lasting change for thousands of families.

Programs operated in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties that align with the impact agenda are welcome to submit Letters of Intent by April 29, 2022. Letters of Intent may be submitted via the United Way grant portal , creating/logging into an agency account on the portal and clicking “2022 CIP Letter of Intent” from the menu on the left.

Information about United Way’s Community Impact Agenda, funding timeline, and frequently asked questions can be found at uwpiedmont.org/funding . Please reach out to Hannah Jarrett (hjarrett@uwpiedmont.org) with any questions or concerns.

4 Skills Kids Learn When They Read

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:35:52 GMT

How important is it for kids to learn to read and build strong literacy skills? Most experts agree it’s essential.

Research shows:

An introduction to books early on is the single most significant factor influencing a child’s educational success. 1
Kids who read proficiently by third grade are four times as likely to graduate on time. 2
Earning a high school diploma helps kids avoid incarceration 3 , find a job that pays a sustainable wage 4 , and live a healthier life 5 .

Literacy skills are vital because opening a book leads to so much more than reading. Books help kids develop new skills and abilities that help them in school and after graduation. Here are the four skills kids learn when they read:

Skill #1: Empathy

Books provide an opportunity for kids to learn about people, places, cultures, activities and other things different from what they’re experiencing in their current environment. Reading stories of how others handle situations allows them to gain a new perspective. It’s an idea that is supported by research. According to research from The New School in New York City 6 , reading fiction improves a reader’s capacity to understand what others are thinking and feeling.

Skill #2: Self-confidence

Kids become what they see. When a character looks like or has similar characteristics to the child reading the book, the story can show them new possibilities. That could be a new career idea, place they can travel, food they can eat or even different ways to react to things that are happening in their lives.

Additionally, activities like choosing their own book, reading aloud and problem-solving while reading can help children develop agency which leads to self-confidence. Encourage their development while reading by asking questions about characters in the book, like “what should she do next?” or “why do you think he did that?”

Skill #3: Expanded Vocabulary

The more words kids read and hear the more opportunities they have to expand their vocabulary. Knowing more words fosters better written and verbal communication – an essential skill for school and the workplace.

When reading out loud with kids, identify one new vocabulary word and talk about it. If the story has the word “ spectacular,” ask them what they think it means, then share the definition as you know it: “Spectacular means very good.” Emphasize the pronunciation of new words to help kids connect the phonics to the letters within the words.

Skill #4: Pattern Recognition

Every story has a beginning, middle and end. The logical sequence of events in each story helps a reader understand what is happening. This story pattern can help kids start to recognize the order and sequence of effective communication. It can also help build pattern recognition that translates into other school subjects such as math and science.

Building literacy skills is critical to the success children can achieve. Having access to books and reading support is vital, and right now, too many children don’t have either. In the U.S., one in four kids grow up not knowing how to read at a basic level 7 . The statistics are even grimmer for children who come from under-resourced neighborhoods. Three in five families who struggle to make ends meet have no books in their homes for their children 8 .

United Way of the Piedmont promotes literacy through our Prepared to Thrive initiative to give more kids the opportunity to build the skills they need. Programs like these are possible because of generous supporters in our community. If you want more kids in our community to get access to the books they need, please consider donating today .

Sources

1 National Commission on Reading

2 Donald J. Hernandez, Double Jeopardy: How Third-Grade Reading Skills and Poverty Influence High School Graduation. The Annie E. Casey Foundation; Center

3 U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics

4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5 Center for Disease Control and Prevention

6 The New School in New York City via Scientific American

7 National Assessment of Educational Progress

8 Reading Literacy in the United States: Findings from the IEA Reading Literacy Study

Campaign Best Practices

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 19:04:07 GMT

CAMPAIGN BEST PRACTICES: CONTEC, Inc.

At United Way of the Piedmont, we partner with companies of every size and sector across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties. United Way Workplace Campaigns are about bringing companies together to tackle our community's most challenging issues. Every workplace campaign is different and is customized to each organization's culture.

We wanted to hear from one of our corporate partners about what makes their campaign so successful. In this Q&A, Emily Phalen from Contec, Inc. shares about their campaign best practices.

What makes your giving campaign successful each year?

Our campaign is only successful each year because of our employees. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t meet our annual goals. They are proud supporters of the United Way and we have many who have been giving every year since they have been with Contec. Contec has built a culture of giving back to the community in multiple ways (volunteer hours, supporting various charities through events, donations) and it shows. It starts at the top with our CEO, Jack McBride, and it flows down to every employee in the company. The executive support the campaign has each year really emphasizes the importance the campaign has to Contec and the employees see that.

How have you adapted your campaign because of the pandemic?

We have turned our campaign into a virtual one. Some events have been postponed until its safe to do them in-person again. Some events still take place but with variations. The donor meetings are no longer in person for the time being. We have started a virtual page with the United Way to allow donors to see their level giving and raffle options as well as make their donation. It also allows us to make a video each year with our CEO so employees can view the video from the website. The website has been very helpful to get information out to the employees. The virtual campaign has pros and cons, just like the in-person campaign has pros and cons. I think the virtual campaign will remain beyond the pandemic since it has created a lot less paperwork and allows employees to view the campaign materials through a computer, smartphone, or tablet at their convenience. I think the campaign, beyond the pandemic, will be a combination of the virtual and in-person.

How do you motivate your colleagues to give each year?

Some employees don’t need to be motivated. They give each year and they are proud supporters annually to the Contec campaign. They would donate regardless of any outside motivations. Some colleagues do like to be motivated. We once only did raffles for various types of giving (such as first-time donors and donations at different giving levels) but it didn’t guarantee anything for donating. We decided to add in level giving as well. The motivation is “if you give this, you get this”. It started with a guaranteed campaign t-shirt. Since then, the level giving tiers guarantee employees will receive items from a t-shirt to PTO days depending on their donation for the year. It has been a big motivator to encourage those not giving to start giving and for those already giving to increase their giving.

How would you encourage a workplace that is considering running a campaign?

I think a workplace considering running a campaign should start small and set realistic goals. It takes a few campaigns to figure out how many employees are natural givers versus those who may need some motivation to give. Meeting the small goals will motivate employees moving forward. Look for fun events the employees will enjoy to keep United Way in the forefront during the campaign year (like Stuff the Bus, Bags of Love, MLK Day, Overflow Thanksgiving) and be sure the executive team is onboard. Not just onboard but enthusiastically supporting the campaign. Adding a few of the executives to the committee is also helpful to share ideas and find out what the company can offer in support of the goal. Adding employees from all over the company to the committee helps to hear feedback from different departments, disseminate information to all groups and creates diverse ideas for the campaign.

What are some of the top campaign materials or tools that you use each year?

The website has been a huge help during the pandemic. We had used it one campaign prior to the pandemic but it was vital to Contec being able to continue with the United Way campaign uninterrupted. The platform is helpful and multiple things can be added to the site which are specific to your company and your campaign. Our United Way contacts are an amazing tool we use frequently. They are a wealth of information and very responsive to things like changing the website, offering advice, sharing what other companies are doing, delivering campaign supplies, and offering upcoming events which need volunteers or donations. Networking events have also been a great tool to share ideas and to hear what others are doing which we could implement or do differently. I look forward to more networking events when the pandemic slows enough to make it safe to do so. The ideas shared at these events is a key part of how our campaign has continued to be successful.

Thank you, Emily!

Is your company interested in running a United Way campaign? Visit our Partnership page to learn more.

Already running a campaign and want to learn more best practices? Visit our Campaign Resources page.

If you have questions, please contact us .

Requesting a $100 million designation to SC nonprofits from American Rescue Plan Act

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 17:37:59 GMT

By Paige Stephenson and Troy Hanna. Read the original post on GoUpstate here .

Where federal and state social programs fall short, nonprofits fill the gaps with services to keep people healthy, housed, employed, and educated. South Carolina’s historic budget surplus and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds provide a landmark opportunity to designate grant funding to stabilize and support the essential services that non-profits provide to our state.

Together SC, the state’s nonprofit member association, along with hundreds of other nonprofits, requested a $100 million designation from ARPA funds or the budget surplus to issue competitive grant programs to invest in the collective capacity of nonprofits. United Way of the Piedmont joins the Spartanburg County Foundation in encouraging the designation of crucial funds to direct dollars straight to the organizations who are most well positioned to respond to changing community needs over time.

As we face a statewide labor shortage and educational attainment gaps, this funding will drive the capacity of nonprofits to implement programs that reduce employment barriers, including, but not limited to transportation, childcare, and skill training while enhancing the overall quality of life. Nonprofits provide crucial access to health care, transitional housing, shelter, childcare, and early childhood education. Our direct services and grants make Spartanburg residents more financially stable, resilient, and able to work.

We’ve seen first-hand the impact that a coordinated response can have on recovery efforts and the sustainability of a community. The process of applying for state assistance as an individual in poverty is long and arduous. Nonprofits have the infrastructure to coordinate resources for the most urgent community needs. Since April 2021, United Way of the Piedmont distributed $70,366 to 156 families through the Homeless Prevention Fund, preventing 108 families from becoming homeless. In fact, since April 2020, United Way of the Piedmont distributed $2.4 million in direct Covid Relief to 802 families in our tri-county footprint.

Since May 2020, the Spartanburg County Foundation has supported 52 nonprofit organizations with over $845,000 in grants and launched the Spartanburg County Disaster Relief Fund to enable the continuation of direct services including, food distribution, aid to special needs children and their parents, and transitional housing for people in need. With nonprofits in the state employing 9% of the workforce, further support and a long term sustainable investment is necessary to expand critical services for basic needs and mental health, keep nonprofit staff employed, and develop new resources for rural areas of the community.

Nonprofits have always been at the forefront of advancing our communities and we encourage our state leaders to recognize how these organizations can shape the future of statewide economic recovery.

We call on the state decision makers to designate $100 million in funding to nonprofits to expedite economic recovery, access to health, and financial stability. Our neighbors, our economy, and our families can’t afford to lose this historic funding opportunity.

Paige Stephenson is President and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont. Troy Hanna, President and CEO, Spartanburg County Foundation, also contributed to this op-ed.

United Way offers Tax assistance through volunteer program

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 19:49:05 GMT

United Way of the Piedmont is offering free tax assistance to Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union County residents through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Any family making $60,000 per year or less qualifies for this free service.

United Way’s VITA volunteers help families in our community keep more of what they've earned by getting their tax returns without paying unnecessary predatory tax service fees . Because the VITA program provides all the tools and training needed for volunteers to become IRS-certified tax specialists, volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Abby Harwell, who has been a VITA volunteer for two years, shared her experience of working with the program.

“I always ask myself ‘If I had an hour to leave someone better off than when I met them, how would I do it?’” she said.

As a VITA volunteer, Abby interacts with different people every week. From teenagers with their first jobs, to retirees and self-employed business owners. Not only did she help with taxes, but she also heard their stories.

“Many people weren’t able to pay for basic things like rent and utilities because of the pandemic,” Harwell said. “They were going to use their tax returns to pay off debt from past due bills and late fees.”

Harwell realized that many families were wrongly advised about how to fill out W-2 forms, which led to some residents facing large amounts of debt owed to the IRS. During the hour that she spent with these families, she recognized the opportunity she had to help them become prepared for future years.

“I walked each family through the best ways for them to maximize their withholdings and refunds so they wouldn’t face financial crises,” Abby said. “For some families, this knowledge was the difference between being able to keep the lights on and losing their homes.”

For Abby, this was the highlight of becoming a VITA volunteer.

“For me, VITA is about more than taxes,” she said. “It’s about making financial stability accessible to all families.”

For more information about VITA, visit uwpiedmont.org/freetaxpreparation .

Spartanburg County uniquely poised to benefit from Workforce Scholarships

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 15:42:50 GMT

In November, Governor Henry McMaster announced an innovative program and bold investment in college access and career development.

McMaster's "Workforce Scholarships for the Future" program aims to boost the qualifications of the workforce in high demand fields like manufacturing, health care, science and information technology, construction, and transportation logistics. The program will cover tuition for certain degrees and industry credentials at the 16 technical colleges in the state.

Spartanburg County is uniquely poised to benefit from Workforce Scholarships with initiatives already underway to address Spartanburg’s lag in educational attainment compared to state and national averages.

Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) convenes partners, resources, and data on high school graduation, college enrollment, and completion rates. In May, Spartanburg Community College worked with SAM, OneSpartanburg, Inc. and other partners to go virtually tuition free for the 2021-2022 academic year.

SCC’s initiative has proved to be a success. Enrollment has increased 32 percent compared to Fall 2019, marking the highest total enrollment in the college’s history with 6,097 students enrolled across five campuses.

Associate degrees and industry credentials serves as an access point to future four-year degrees. OneSpartanburg, Inc. knows it is critical to economic prosperity to support pathways to degree completion at both the associate and baccalaureate levels.

Allen Smith, OneSpartanburg, Inc. President and CEO says, “Our partnership with SCC has proven that removing real financial barriers leads to a significant spike in enrollment" said Smith. "Our capacity to produce an educated workforce impacts Spartanburg’s ability to attract and retain employers offering high paying knowledge-based jobs. Aligning scholarship opportunities with current and future job trends sets up Spartanburg’s people and businesses for success," Smith said.

SCC will extend its free tuition initiative through the 2022-2023 academic year to continue to help students create a tangible path to career development. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, and show proof of employment, complete 100 service hours, or take a financial literacy class.

For more information, visit www.sccsc.edu.

United Way of the Piedmont Hires new Director of Advocacy

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 22:48:31 GMT

United Way of the Piedmont announced today its first Director of Advocacy, Emilee O'Brien.

The new position was made possible by the ‘StriveTogether’ grant that pushed for the advancement of local and statewide policy. O’Brien’s role will also serve as a joint position with its partner Spartanburg Academic Movement.

“I chose United Way and SAM for their shared commitment to closing opportunity gaps relating to educational attainment, economic mobility, and community health outcomes,” O’Brien said. As new Director of advocacy, O’Brien says she's ‘excited to plant roots in the Spartanburg community.’

United Way and SAM plan to strengthen their commitments to advocacy. Together, with similar agendas, solid strategies, and a new director, they hope their efforts will bring policy change that amplifies success for the community.

President & CEO of United Way of the Piedmont, Paige Stephenson, says the new position was a natural partnership for United Way and SAM.

“When we’re looking at the overlap between us and SAM, everything we’re about from a policy-advocacy perspective is dealing with economic mobility, education and health. For SAM, they’re leading with the education piece and trying to create statewide public policy efforts," Stephenson said. "Whenever you’re doing that, you’re taking into account things that deal with the economic mobility of the family and the stability of that families’ housing and income, so as we look at expanding our commitment to advocacy it was a natural partnership for us to create," said Stephenson.

Head of Spartanburg Academic Movement, Russell Booker, said O’Brien’s enthusiasm and unique skill set will drive community action

“Above all, she has a passion for education and will work to help our organizations champion a policy agenda aimed towards the betterment of our children and communities,” Booker said. “This position will accelerate our advocacy efforts, amplify the voice of public education, and shepherd equitable policies on behalf of Spartanburg’s children.”

Emilee is a Political Science and Poverty studies graduate of Furman University. She received her master’s degree in Educational Transformation with a concentration in advocacy and policy from Georgetown University. She interned at Riley Institute’s Center for Education Policy and Leadership where she participated in research and intergroup dialogue. She was also a Post-Baccalaureate Fellow for Social Justice and Community-Engaged Learning.

Bank of America awards $15,000 grant to Homeless Prevention Fund

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 20:11:04 GMT

Bank of America has awarded United Way of the Piedmont a $15,000 grant for its Homeless Prevention Fund. The grant will help improve economic mobility for residents within Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties.

The Homeless Prevention Fund is one of several interventions of United Way’s Bold Goals. By 2030, the organization wants to decrease the number of individuals below self-sufficiency by 11,000, decrease the number of cost-burdened low-income households by 6,000, and decrease the number of unemployed individuals living in poverty by 75 percent.

The fund represents an upstream approach to help families escape homelessness and avoid financial crises. Bank of America’s grant will help expand United Way's assistance through interventions like transitional housing, opportunity housing, Community Resource Coordinators, and transportation to work.

Stacy Brandon, President of Bank of America Upstate, said the grant for United Way illustrates something significant for the three Upstate counties.

“Supporting the United Way of the Piedmont Homeless Prevention Fund is part of Bank of America’s longstanding commitment to advancing economic mobility in the Upstate,” said Brandon. “In partnering with organizations like United Way, we seek to help our neighbors address critical needs and provide resources that create long-term paths for their success.”

United Way of the Piedmont and Bank of America share over 25 years of partnership aimed at increasing and improving financial stability for individuals and families in the Upstate.

Since September 2020, 234 households received assistance through the Homeless Prevention Fund. After connecting with United Way’s Community Resource Coordinators, the fund helped to prevent 212 of those families from becoming homeless and helped 22 families escape homelessness.

For more information, visit www.uwpiedmont.org/boldgoals.

United Way of the Piedmont nominated as "Community Service" finalist for 2021 InnoVision Award

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 18:59:36 GMT

United Way of the Piedmont has been selected as a finalist for the 2021 InnoVision award. The organization has been recognized for its Community Resource Coordinator program. The award honors individuals and organizations for impactful innovations under development in South Carolina.

United Way’s CRC program is the signature economic mobility intervention for Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties. Resource Coordinators provide case management to clients, helping families move from a place of crisis to self-sufficiency. As part of United Way’s Bold Goals for 2030, the organization plans to expand the program to increase the impact of financially stability.

President and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont, Paige Stephenson, said being nominated for the award helps to spread awareness about the work being done at United Way.

"Our Community Resource Coordinators work hard to help those in our community, so getting that recognition lets them know that we’re here for them at United Way,” Stephenson said. "So, we are truly thankful to be nominated as a finalist for the award.”

This isn't the first time United Way has been recognized by InnoVision for its hard work. The organization also received the InnoVision COVID-19 Community Service Award last year for its United for All COVID-19 Relief Fund. United Way’s Community Resource Coordinators and the United for All Fund helped families through pandemic-related challenges, such as employment loss and reduced work hours.

With the expansion of the CRC Program and success of the United for All Relief Fund, United Way hopes to continue making an impact in its community.

InnoVision will host an Annual Awards Celebration on November 9th to showcase each finalist’s innovation and announce winners for each award category. The Ibrahim Janajreh Young Innovator Award and the Dr. Charles Townes Individual Achievement Award will be presented. To register for the event and to receive more information, visit www.innovisionawards.org.

USC Upstate, United Way of the Piedmont Team Up to Help Students in Need

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 21:35:05 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (August 18, 2021) – The University of South Carolina Upstate and United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) have joined forces to ensure USC Upstate students who encounter financial hardship can continue their educational pursuits. Beginning this fall, USC Upstate will pilot a new version of UWP’s Community Resource Coordinator (CRC) program.

CRC, started in 2017, helps businesses and charitable organizations in the Upstate provide individuals and families with not only emergency assistance but with longer-term solutions for stability, such as affordable housing, reliable transportation, professional development and financial literacy.

Under the program, a highly trained Community Resource Coordinator is “embedded,” or housed within an organization to serve as a case manager, providing close support to individuals in need of financial coaching and access to additional resources.

“We are laser-focused on providing rigorous, career-relevant, accessible education for all citizens of the Upstate and beyond,” said USC Upstate Chancellor Bennie Harris, Ph.D.

“We are delighted with this new partnership with United Way of the Piedmont because of its potential to help USC Upstate students accomplish their educational goals, thus increasing their opportunities to attain prosperous careers, financial stability and a higher quality of life.”

“We are actively seeking ways to help our students succeed and to address the challenges they face, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kim Jolley, interim vice chancellor for University Advancement at USC Upstate and interim executive director for USC Upstate Foundations. “CRC will provide resources that will help them remain in the classroom and on the path to earning a college degree.”

Selena Smith will serve as the CRC operating on USC Upstate’s main Spartanburg campus. From August 25 through the end of September, Smith’s office will be in Enrollment Services at the Health Education Complex (HEC). Her on-campus hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.

In October, Smith will transition to the Olin B. Sansbury, Jr. Campus Life Center (CLC), where she will be located in Student Affairs through the end of the semester.

For the spring semester, Smith’s office will again be at the HEC from January through mid-February. She will then move to the CLC for the remainder of the semester.

“Community Resource Coordinators can help individuals connect to resources but also work on their long-term financial goals,” said Paige Stephenson, president and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont. “We are so excited to partner with USC Upstate to bring the CRC program to students working toward a brighter future.”

About United Way of the Piedmont

About USC Upstate

The University of South Carolina Upstate is a regional comprehensive university offering more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business administration, nursing, and education. Located along the I-85 corridor in Spartanburg between Greenville and Charlotte, USC Upstate is ranked by U.S. News & World Report at No. 1 among Top Public Schools in the South. It serves as a major talent producer for the region, with more than 6,000 students, approximately 1,300 new graduates a year, and nearly 30,000 alumni, many of whom live and work in the state. The USC Upstate Spartans compete in 15 NCAA Division 1 sports as a member of the Big South Conference. For more information, visit www.uscupstate.edu.

Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:26:54 GMT

Here at United Way of the Piedmont, we are big fans of our volunteers. They give thousands of hours of their time every year to make our community a better place to live. However, volunteering isn’t just good for the community—there is no shortage of benefits for the volunteer too.

If you are considering a connecting to your community through volunteering and you need an extra push to sign up, check out the list below to find the “why” that best fits you:

Volunteering makes a meaningful difference and has impressive economic value for the organization. Independent Sector releases data each year about the value of volunteer time . For each hour of a volunteer’s time in the United States (2020), the organization received an estimated $28.54 of value. Talk about return on investment!
Volunteering is proven to boost your mental health and life satisfaction. According to this article about a 2020 study , volunteering supports mental health because it is “intrinsically rewarding,” helps “boost our sense of social connection,” and keeps us connected.
Volunteering allows you to learn more about your community and the challenges and opportunities it holds. You get to meet new people and grow your understanding of your community, which helps you become a more informed and caring community member.
Volunteering allows you to gain new skills or further develop existing ones. Find an organization that’s aligned with a field or cause of your interest and start building your skills—you never know how you can use what you’ve learned down the road.
Volunteering can strengthen bonds with a group and the wider community. If your company, church, or other organization decides to take on a volunteer opportunity together, you can use it as a chance to deepen your bond and grow closer together. Additionally, your group will strengthen its ties with the local community, so everyone wins!

We hope this list encourages you to get involved in your community and volunteer. If you’re in Spartanburg, Cherokee, or Union counties, we offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at different local organizations through our GetConnected platform . Find your volunteer opportunity today, and help our community become a place where everyone can thrive.

Learn more about our year-round volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups here .

Hit hard by COVID pandemic, Spartanburg County nonprofits say they need $5 million now

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Thu, 27 May 2021 15:54:47 GMT

Find the original post here .

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Herald-Journal) -- Federal rescue funds that kept many Spartanburg area nonprofits afloat last year have nearly run out, and another $5 million is needed now, backers of a COVID-19 impact survey say.

Paige Stephenson, president and CEO of the United Way of the Piedmont, recently announced the findings of a March survey conducted by Together SC, which represents more than 800 organizations statewide.

Stephenson said she's hoping that some of the $78.4 million the city and county received from the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress can be directed to nonprofits.

Not just nonprofits: Spartanburg's arts sector suffers $2M hit during pandemic, mental health service needs rise

Stephenson warned city and county leaders that without $5 million in new funds, 2% of the nonprofits already out of cash may have to close, 19% will run out of cash in one to three months, and 35% will run out within four to six months.

Stephenson said survey respondents remained anonymous, thus the identities of those in financial trouble are not known.

"You can't 'Bring Back the Burg' without bringing back your nonprofits," Stephenson said. "Nonprofits are small businesses for the most part. Just like any business on Main Street, there needs to be support of the nonprofit sector."

Mary Leven, executive director of the Spartanburg Science Center, works at the center at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg, Tuesday morning, May 25, 2021. Many nonprofits are running out of money to operate because of funding cuts and donations being down.

The United Way and the Spartanburg County Foundation, Spartanburg Regional Foundation and Mary Black Foundation underwrote the March survey. Statewide, 927 out of 3,700 nonprofits participated, and in Spartanburg County, 51 responded.

Silver lining: The Spartanburg picture is improving

There is a silver lining, Stephenson said. The overall picture in Spartanburg has improved since last fall when 15% of 35 Together SC survey respondents said they were out of cash and 61% said they could only survive another six months without further funding.

"Considering the extreme economic disruption caused by the pandemic, the Spartanburg nonprofit organizations responding in 2021 are in reasonably good financial health," according to survey authors Bob Kahle from Kahle Strategic Insights and Madeleine McGee of Together SC.

Both the city and county councils are developing their 2021-22 budgets right now, and officials are combing through a 150-page U.S. Treasury Department document to see how the most recent federal windfall can be used.

Spartanburg County, city of Spartanburg have $78.4 million combined in federal COVID relief funds

Spartanburg County has received $62 million and the city of Spartanburg $16.4 million in federal COVID relief funds.

Both governments must demonstrate by August how funds will be used.

County Administrator Cole Alverson said in general, the funds can be used for infrastructure projects, expenses related to the public health emergency and costs related to the financial impact on COVID-19 on small businesses and residents.

"ARP funds are intended broadly to support recovery from COVID and its effects," Alverson said. "Based on our early understanding of the guidelines, if nonprofits are supporting recovery from COVID and there are direct costs attributable to this that have not otherwise been reimbursed from other sources, they would likely be eligible, given our current understanding.

"The bigger question would be whether a reduction in revenue, reduced private support for nonprofits would be reimbursed. Given the early stages of this process and depth of federal regulations on the ARP funds, I do not think I could confidently answer that question yet."

Most nonprofits are small

The March survey said more than half of Spartanburg's respondents are operating with annual budgets of less than $500,000 and have staffs of five or fewer full-time employees.

Those most at risk are nonprofits that provide food, utility and child care costs; education, mental health needs and rental assistance. In addition, the Chapman Cultural Center needs an estimated $2 million more in funds to continue its programs without interruption, she said.

"If we're not providing those services, government is who's going to be stepping in, and it's usually at a much higher social cost and financial cost," she said.

Kathryn Harvey of Neue South Collective, a Spartanburg-based marketing firm that worked with Together SC, said many companies were forced to cut costs during the pandemic, and many people were laid off.

"Corporate dollars and individual giving have waned, and many grants have restricted funding -- they aren't covering the areas in need," she said. "Poverty has shifted during the pandemic. (Nonprofits) are now seeing middle-class folks."

"Overall, we're seeing that organizations need a significant cash injection just to make it to the end of June," Harvey said. "And while federal funding has helped bridge a gap, it's already running out."

COVID impact survey findings

Among the survey's findings for Spartanburg nonprofits:

► Mental health services saw the greatest increase in demand among 44% of respondents, compared to 21% statewide. Other areas in the state reported food and shelter assistance needs increased the most.

► 62% said they intentionally serve communities of Black, indigenous and people of color. That compares to 59% statewide.

► 89% that applied received federal Paycheck Protection Program funds, and 74% received CARES Act funds.

"This governmental support is likely a reason for the relative financial health of nonprofits in Spartanburg," the survey states.

► 36% said the fund application process was too complicated.

► 75% said they witnessed a silver lining, or positive impact, from managing through the pandemic. That is an increase from 68% from the fall survey.

Upstate organizations tackle school, work transportation challenges

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Thu, 27 May 2021 15:32:10 GMT

Find the original post here .

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – The United Way of the Piedmont is aiming to fix a major barrier for some people in the community: finding affordable and reliable transportation to get to school or work. They’re working with a handful of other organizations to help.

The bus wheels and where they go are a big part of Bill Bailey’s daily routine.

“You have to plan everything around the bus schedule, that’s the way you live your life,” Spartanburg Resident Bill Bailey said.

He doesn’t own a car. Sometimes that means walking the extra mile. And he hears a lot of similar stories from other riders on the city bus.

“She had to catch the bus 30 minutes early because she didn’t want to be late for her job, since there’s a lot of competition for a job right now,” Bailey explained.

It’s a roadblock leaders with the United Way of the Piedmont told us is nothing new.

“It’s a barrier for folks in our community who are trying to get to work or school. We are a community that is very dependent on having individual transportation,” said Alex Moore with the United Way of the Piedmont.

Moore said they’ve noticed getting to a job or classes is especially hard when it’s located in a rural part of town, where public transportation doesn’t typically go.

That’s why they, along with places like Spartanburg Community College, are on a mission to help.

“This grant gives us the opportunity to get people work-based learning experiences, increase education and really get them into high-need jobs,” said Director of Grants with Spartanburg Community College, Caroline Sexton.

Thanks to a grant, a $350 Lyft pass will be given to those who are eligible. It will be used specifically for getting to work or school.

Bailey said he can see this helping a lot of people, and in some cases, cut down on those miles walked.

Individuals who live in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties and have no other means to get to work or school, may be eligible for the program.

Here are the other qualifications and a link to apply:

Must live or work/attend school in Spartanburg or Cherokee County
Must have no other means to get to/from work or school/training
Must comply with the requirements of the program outlined in the Lyft Pass Client Training Support
Guide and the Rider Agreement included in the application
Must have a smart device with the Lyft app and a Lyft account to receive and use the Lyft Pass.
Copy of 3 most recent paystubs (less if you haven’t received 3 paychecks yet)
Copy of offer letter if job is pending
Proof of enrollment in school/training program

How to apply: www.uwpiedmont.org/rideunited

United Way of the Piedmont board welcomes new members and commits to equity

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 14:24:07 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (April 5, 2021) –  United Way of the Piedmont announces the addition of eight new members to its Board of Directors. These members join 26 existing members to serve as the governing board of the organization.

From across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties, leaders serving on the Board help guide the organization's decision making to create lasting change. The Board’s collaboration, alongside the work of United Way staff, strengthens the organization’s ability to build a community where everyone thrives.

United Way of the Piedmont remains committed to prioritizing equity within its organization and across its work in the community. Diversity in recruitment of the Board of Directors, to reflect the three counties served, is one component of that larger commitment. The 2021-2022’s Board is comprised of the most racially diverse group of board members yet. United Way of the Piedmont continues to look for areas to improve equity as it strives for a better community for all.

Kathleen Brady, serving as the new Board Chair, says, “We are so proud of the growing diversity of the board. It is a manifestation of our commitment to be reflective of the community we serve. And the ease of the board recruitment process this year, even as we have all struggled with the pandemic, underscores the quality of our local leadership.”

United Way of the Piedmont welcomes the following new members to the 2021-2022 Board of Directors:

Laura Barbas-Rhoden, Professor of Spanish, Wofford College
Denise Beers-Kiepper, Vice President of Human Resources, OTO Development
Jay Beeson, President, Mark III Properties
Reggie Browning, Vice President of Finance, Limestone University
Joey Monique Fowler, IT Director - Technical Services, Denny’s Corporation
Andrea Moore, Founder, Village Legal Hub, LLC
Lance Radford, Superintendent, Spartanburg School District 2
Jim Shank, Facility Personnel Manager, Michelin

To see the full Board of Directors list, visit www.uwpiedmont.org/boardofdirectors .

Spartanburg leaders issue community-wide Kindness Challenge

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 13:56:31 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (February 5, 2021) – Following the City’s annual Unity Week, community partners have come together to issue a community-wide Kindness Challenge kicking off February 8th with a press conference in downtown Spartanburg (see below for press conference details).

Each year, the City of Spartanburg’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Week events offer an opportunity to reflect and consider how far we have truly come as a nation and as a community and how far we have yet to go in our pursuit of a world that is more kind, more just, and more fair.

This year, inspired by Dr. King’s notion of a “beloved community” and in understanding the power of kindness to foster the understanding and dialog essential for genuine systemic change, the City along with its partners Mary Black Foundation, Spartanburg County Foundation, and United Way of the Piedmont are issuing a “21 Days of Kindness” challenge to all Spartanburg residents beginning on February 8th.

The group of community organizations are launching the effort with the belief that being kind does not mean simply sitting back and allowing old systems to continue to divide us as a nation, but it is kindness that helps us to consider our neighbor’s perspective with empathy and respect instead of malice and resentment. Kindness alone cannot dismantle the barriers between communities, but a shared, reciprocal kindness can become a vehicle to help each of us recognize our shared humanity in the face of a coarsening civil discourse and disunity in our nation.

To promote this campaign, the City will begin sharing ideas and featuring examples of everyday kindness in our community through social media channels using the #KindSpartanburg tag as well as the City’s website. Beginning February 8th, please visit: cityofspartanburg.org/kindness for more information and updates about the initiative.

The city and its partners challenge you to join us in this effort to demonstrate the power of kindness and to live out the vision and aspirations of Dr. King’s “beloved community.” Please join us!

See other news about 21 Days of Kindness here .

Tax season delay may cause financial burden for families in the Upstate

amoore@uwpiedmont.org (Alex Moore) — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:38:05 GMT

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that this year’s tax season start, which usually occurs in January, is delayed to February 12. Following a year of increased financial hardship for families, United Way of the Piedmont recognizes the tough reality of waiting for the extra financial help tax refunds provide. United Way urges eligible individuals and families to use available free tax filing services and ultimately save money in the filing process.

Many people rely on tax refunds as an additional financial support and expect to receive that support quickly. With the delays in filing and refunds likely to also experience delays, families are at risk of being more susceptible to predatory tax services that offer up-front, early payments but charge high fees in the later repayment period. By filing with a free service and waiting for the refund, individuals and families can save more money and receive their full refund.

The IRS will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax returns on February 12. With greater filing and processing challenges due to the pandemic and to increase the speed of your refund, the IRS encourages people to file electronically. Though the tax season start is delayed, many online tax filing options are accepting returns now, which will be transmitted to the IRS on February 12.

United Way strongly encourages people to take advantage of free tax filing options through its VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. VITA has an easy online self-filing option through MyFreeTaxes for individuals and families who earn $66,000 or less. Visit myfreetaxes.com for more information. Another option is to use United Way’s VITA program virtually through getyourrefund.org/Piedmont. GetYourRefund allows you to submit your tax documents securely and a VITA team member will follow up via phone to confirm your information and submit your return.

This tax season, United Way is also offering limited in-person free filing services through VITA. People with household incomes of $60,000 or less are eligible for in-person VITA services. To see if you qualify or to schedule an appointment to have your taxes completed free of charge by one of the IRS Certified Tax Preparers, call 864-582-2975.

United Way of the Piedmont’s Cherokee Nonprofit Partnership Center moves services to new location

admin@devobal.com (DevObal Admin) — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:25:37 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (December 8, 2020) – United Way of the Piedmont’s Cherokee Nonprofit Partnership Center has made an exciting move into a new location. Previously housed at 403 and 405 North Logan Street in Gaffney, the center is now located at 1612 North Limestone Street in Gaffney.

The Partnership Center provides shared office space to multiple nonprofit agencies in Cherokee County, providing increased access to families in need. The nonprofit agencies that provide services from this location are the Children’s Advocacy Center, Hope Center for Children, Piedmont Care, SAFE Homes Rape Crisis Coalition, and United Way of the Piedmont.

The Partnership Center continues to provide an array of services to the local Cherokee County community. The Partnership Center allows for one-stop shop access to critical services and resources. Services include child abuse advocacy assistance, HIV/AIDS assistance, crisis counseling and case management for domestic violence victims, financial coaching, and more.

United Way thanks the Milliken-Magnolia Finishing Plant and Keystone Constructors, Inc. for providing paint, lighting, and labor for the new space. United Way also thanks all the volunteers, with over 200 dedicated volunteer hours, who helped make the move possible!

For more information about the Cherokee Partnership Center, contact Libbie Cheek at 864-415-0374 or lcheek@uwpiedmont.org.

Tax season may provide needed relief for local families struggling as a result of COVID-19

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 13:58:12 GMT

Tax preparation programs like United Way of the Piedmont’s Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program could help prevent financial collapse for many who suffered economic losses and hardship during the COVID 19 pandemic. With 10 sites across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties help families make ends meet during hard times.

For thousands of working-class families the rent is past due, the lights are about to be out at home, and this year’s tax season and available tax credits could be the only thing keeping them in their homes and preventing complete financial collapse. Individual stimulus money and eviction moratoriums temporarily staved off eviction for thousands in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union. But as the pandemic and its affects linger far longer than anyone imagined, so too do the economic hardships.

Utility companies report hundreds of thousands in arears as shut off notices began rolling out in October. Though all major energy companies in the state are working to assist with payment plans, many are still deeply concerned about their ability to pay. Spartanburg County has more that 5,000 families behind on utilities and with bills that exceed $2.5 million dollars.

NBC News recently reported “In South Carolina alone, 52% of renter households can’t pay their rent and are at risk of eviction, according to an analysis of census data by the consulting firm Stout Risius Ross. About 185,000 evictions could be filed in the state over the next four months.”

Though the impending and current peril looms large, tax season may hold the solution for many through tax credits intended to incentivize employment, and making sure people know about them is the key.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was a republican-led effort, put in place during the Reagan administration to increase participation in the workforce and incentivize workers into jobs that would otherwise be lost to what is commonly known as the “fiscal cliff” of the public benefit structure. It significantly increased and stabilized mid-to-low wage workforce participation by providing a tax credit.

In United Way of the Piedmont’s three county footprint, more than 41,000 families received an average of $2,586 – with nearly $79 million in Spartanburg County alone. Total amounts in Cherokee, Union, and Spartanburg exceeded $105 million brought back into local economies and helping working families make ends meet. According to the Department of Commerce labor profile, for tens of thousands of workers in retail, food service, and entry-level manufacturing in the Upstate, the average credit is more than 1.5 months wages. Moreover, according to the 2020 Self-Sufficiency Standard, the average credit would cover between 3 and 4 months rent for those staring down the barrel of eviction.

The Child Tax Credit is another key to stabilizing thousands of families through economic hardships across the state. In 2020, the credit increased from $1,000 to $2,000 and is refundable up to $1,400.

Expanding the refundable portion to reflect the total credit could mean months of food, emergency savings, or rent. The additional $2,400 expanding the credit to fully refundable would equal more than a month’s salary for many families in our community.

This year, it matters more than ever that key tax credits for working families are in place and that those families have access to safe, affordable tax preparation services. For more information on finding and IRS-certified tax preparation location near you, visit https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/

United Way of the Piedmont launches new Financial Opportunity Center

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 18:10:53 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (November 18, 2020) – United Way of the Piedmont, in partnership with the City of Spartanburg, is excited to announce the opening of its Financial Opportunity Center (FOC). The FOC is a one-stop-shop for community members to access critical financial stability services.

Almost 1 in 3 individuals in Spartanburg are struggling or unable to afford basic needs including food, housing, clothing, transportation, health care, and childcare. Over 70% of these individuals are likely employed but do not have the income to cover their expenses and do not qualify for assistance.

Lack of access to services is a significant barrier to individuals seeking to overcome financial instability. The FOC will provide a variety of services and resources in one easy-to-access location.

The addition of the Financial Opportunity Center will help United Way achieve its financial stability Bold Goal for the next ten years: decreasing the number of individuals below self-sufficiency by 11,000. With greater access to services through the FOC, United Way hopes that individuals will be further empowered on their paths to self-sufficiency.

“United Way is the leader in financial stability in Spartanburg County, and we fight for the stability of every member of our community,” commented Paige Stephenson, President and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont. “As part of our Bold Goals, the Financial Opportunity Center will play a crucial role in giving the community access to financial stability services.”

Located in the previous Northwest Community Center, the FOC neighbors the Spartanburg Opportunity Center (SOC), which serves clients experiencing or at risk of homelessness. By sharing space, the FOC and SOC will be able to work as close partners to provide services to the Spartanburg community.

“Spartanburg is a special place and we are fortunate to collaborate with so many partners to make [the center] available,” said Mitch Kennedy, Assistant City Manager for the City of Spartanburg.

Among the FOC’s services are intensive case management from United Way’s Community Resource Coordinators along with financial literacy services and assistance applying for benefits. Also provided through the center will be United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation assistance, and space for community partners to provide trainings, workshops, and services for community members to increase their financial stability.

The FOC is located at 701 Saxon Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29301 and will initially be open by appointment only. To make an appointment with a Community Resource Coordinator at the FOC, you can call United Way at 864-582-7556.

Bank of America supports United Way of the Piedmont COVID-19 relief efforts

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:10:53 GMT

SPARTANBURG (July 28, 2020) – For Kenya Dawkins and her family, a partnership between United Way of the Piedmont and Bank of America offered the timely resources needed to regain financial stability as a result of challenges faced during the coronavirus pandemic.

United Way of the Piedmont has supported over 720 households in the Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union region with financial assistance for rent and mortgage payments along with utilities, lodging and other expenses such as transportation, as part of ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts. Bank of America’s contribution of $30,000 assisted 21 families.

Dawkins, a breast cancer survivor and mother of five, has two biological children and three of her younger cousins that she’s taken into her home. Before the pandemic, she felt secure but as time went on, it was clear she needed to find a new place for her family to live.

With schools closed because of the virus and no childcare, Dawkins found herself unable to work. When forced to move, she and her children first took refuge in her car. United Way helped them find a new home, covering the initial expenses to move in and assisting with furniture and other supplies.

“I’m so grateful and I cannot thank United Way enough.” said Dawkins. “My children are so happy and excited – they still can’t believe it. They can enjoy being themselves. Where we live now is so much better than where we lived before.”

Nearly 89 percent of households helped with COVID-19 related challenges by United Way of the Piedmont have either never received financial assistance before or had not received assistance in over a year.

“Many families felt ashamed of their need for assistance, as most were employed and working full–time before the start of the pandemic. Several even asked how they could pay back the assistance or if they could pay it forward in some way.” said Libbie Cheek, United Way of the Piedmont Community Resource Coordinator, who worked with Dawkins and her family.

Bank of America shares over 25 years of partnership with United Way of the Piedmont and includes support for the United Way’s Opportunity Center. Addressing the needs of local families being furloughed or losing their jobs entirely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, aligns with Bank of America’s commitment to economic mobility.

“Bank of America has a clear purpose to help make financial lives better. As we navigate these times of increased need, we recognize the private sector can play a pivotal role to help our communities,” said Stacy Brandon, Upstate Market President for Bank of America. “We are committed to partnering with United Way of the Piedmont to help individuals find long-term paths to success.”

United Way of the Piedmont continues to directly assist community members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic across their three-county footprint and is also helping to support local and small business in the area through a partnership with the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

About United Way

United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that fights for the education, financial stability, and health of every member of our community. Our mission is to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community. We are more than fundraisers. We forge unique partnerships, find new solutions to old problems, and mobilize the best resources by inspiring others to join the fight. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive. For more information on United Way of the Piedmont, please visit our website: uwpiedmont.org.

About Bank of America

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at  about.bankofamerica.com , and connect with us on Twitter ( @BofA_News ).

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the  Bank of America newsroom  and  register for news email alerts .

www.bankofamerica.com

Free family mental health resources available through locally developed app

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 17:10:53 GMT

By: Christine Scarpelli, originally posted here .

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – The Sharpen Family app, which was developed in the Upstate, will be offering free resources for families during the coronavirus pandemic.

The United Way of Piedmont and more than 15 child development groups are teaming up with the Sharpen Family App to help families as they prepare school and the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

The mobile app offers resources to helps families to cope with anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. Developers said the app can also be effective for helping foster parents and young children.

The app features guidance and self help in a discrete environment.

For more information or to download the app, click here .

United Way and Sharpen Partner to Unveil FREE Family Mental Health Management Mobile App in Response to COVID-19

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:10:01 GMT

Created in collaboration with the United Way of the Piedmont and more than 15 agencies specializing in child advocacy and childhood development, Sharpen unveiled a mobile app of resources for South Carolina families today. The FREE app helps individuals and families cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, and is especially effective for foster parents and parents of young children.

Immediately available by visiting the United Way website or this link , Sharpen Family provides a vast library of more than 400 educational modules on mental health topics and supports families through COVID-19 and beyond. Unique to Sharpen, the content is offered in the voices and perspectives of real families. The app offers self-help information, techniques, and guidance in a safe and discreet environment.

“We initially began working with our community partners to provide foster care resources to our families through the Sharpen Family branded app,” said Paige Stephenson, President & CEO of United Way of the Piedmont. “This app is a game-changer for any parent interested in improving their own mental health or the mental health and wellbeing of their children.”

It is especially important during these trying times for communities to assist families dealing with stress and uncertainly. In addition to the mental health and stress management resources available on the app, the team at United Way of the Piedmont has also worked with Sharpen to build resources to improve a family’s financial health as well as lots of helpful parenting tips. While Sharpen Family does not replace the importance of a counselor, the app can educate and assist individuals in connecting to treatment providers in their area.

“As mental health continues to be at the forefront of conversation, the team at Sharpen wanted to provide something families can rely on for daily mental health maintenance,” said Robyn Hussa Farrell, CEO & Co-Founder of Sharpen. “The Sharpen Family app is a valuable toolkit to discreetly help parents and their, not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but throughout their lives.”

For more information about this program, please visit www.uwpiedmont.org/sharpen-family/.

About Sharpen

Sharpen is a cloud service that improves behavioral health outcomes for communities. Our turn-key solution includes inexpensive, branded mobile apps that can be quickly deployed at state, county and municipal levels, evidence-based screening tools and over 400 educational modules created in collaboration with national experts. Our service offers private social networking, information sharing, and patient self-help techniques in a discreet and safe environment. Unique to Sharpen, the content is offered in the voices and perspectives of the audience being served.

About United Way of the Piedmont

Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug Agencies Launch Statewide Support Line

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 14:14:13 GMT

New Toll-Free Number Provides Hope for South Carolinians

Columbia, SC — The South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH), in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS), has today launched a statewide support line for individuals in need of mental health or substance use services in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The support line, which can be reached 24/7, statewide, toll-free, at 1 (844) SC-HOPES (724-6737), will connect callers to trained clinicians who can address their specific needs.

Click here to read full story.

Indorama Ventures Donation Supports Communities in Spartanburg, SC & Charlotte, NC

Wed, 13 May 2020 14:19:26 GMT

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global chemical producer, has been supporting its companies operating in 33 countries across the world to act as a helping hand for surrounding communities during the COVID-19 crisis. Indorama Ventures has set aside 2.5 million dollars to fund projects in local communities around the world that are suffering due to COVID-19. As part of this funding, Auriga Polymers, a subsidiary of Indorama Ventures, recently donated US$40,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund of United Way of the Piedmont, a non–profit organization aimed at supporting those charities and communities that are most in need. This fund is expected to help thousands relying on the organization’s Community Resource Coordinators who provide direct assistance and support during these difficult times. In addition, Employees from Auriga Polymers & Huvis Indorama Advanced Materials in Spartanburg and Charlotte have committed to donate $75,000 over the next year to the United Way.

Mr. Avnish Madan, VP Operations at Auriga Polymers, a subsidiary of Indorama Ventures, said, “Everyone has been impacted in some way by this pandemic. At Indorama Ventures, we’re thankful to be in a position to be able to help our neighbors who have been impacted the most. As a global company with a presence in the heart of the Carolinas, helping our local communities is a priority. We believe the United Way is in a good position to evaluate and determine the greatest needs of the community. They provide critical non-profit organizations with funding, support, opportunity, and hope. We are doubly blessed to work for Indorama Ventures, which supports us in helping to care for our communities and also to work with employees that care about their community and neighbors as well.”

About United Way of the Piedmont

About Indorama Ventures

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, listed in Thailand (Bloomberg ticker IVL.TB), is one of the world’s leading petrochemicals producers, with a global manufacturing footprint across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and Americas. The company’s portfolio comprises Combined PET, Integrated Oxides and Derivatives, and Fibers. Indorama Ventures products serve major FMCG and automotive sectors, i.e. beverages, hygiene, personal care, tire and safety segments. Indorama Ventures has approx. 24,000 employees worldwide and consolidated revenue of US$ 11.4 billion in 2019. The Company is listed in the Dow Jones Emerging Markets and World Sustainability Indices (DJSI).

Indorama Ventures is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand with global operating sites in:

EMEA: The Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, France, UK, Italy, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey, Nigeria, Ghana, Portugal, Israel, Egypt, Russia, Slovakia, Austria, Bulgaria; Americas: USA, Mexico, Canada, Brazil; and Asia Pacific: Thailand, Indonesia, China, India, the Philippines, Myanmar , Australia.

Contacts:

Richard Jones

Tel: +662.661.6661 ext. 680

richard.j@indorama.net

Naweensuda Krabuanrat

Tel: +662.661.6661 ext. 247

naweensuda.k@indorama.net

Lockhart Power donates $25,000 to United Way of the Piedmont for COVID-19 Response

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:22:44 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (May 7, 2020) – United Way of the Piedmont is thrilled to announce that it has received $25,000 from Lockhart Power to support its United for All Fund for local COVID-19 relief.

The United for All Fund is a disaster relief fund that has been activated in response to COVID-19. The fund directly supports individuals and families in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties through United Way’s Community Resource Coordinator program. Funds can also be used to support other community partners who are significantly involved in relief efforts. Funds are primarily used to support families who have lost wages due to COVID-19 with expenses like rent/mortgage, utilities, and food.

“While Lockhart Power usually takes a low-key approach regarding publicizing the variety of local events and charitable organizations in which it invests, this time is different,” said Bryan Stone, President of Lockhart Power Company. “The economic damage being done by the pandemic to our local community is far too widespread for any one or even several of our local companies to offset. Our families, friends and favorite businesses are at risk, so we need every financially solid company and resident to play a part in stabilizing and restoring our local economy. Therefore, this announcement is also a call for action to all of you: please join us and others who have announced significant support with your own!”

Through its United for All Fund, United Way of the Piedmont has already assisted more than 125 households with assistance related to COVID-19. 52% of these families have never received assistance before. Paige Stephenson, United Way of the Piedmont President & CEO, says “We are so grateful for companies like Lockhart Power who understand the unique challenges our community is facing right now. By coming together with companies and individuals who are in a financial position to donate, we can beat COVID-19 and help our neighbors recover.”

To learn more about United Way of the Piedmont’s COVID-19 response efforts or to make a donation and help reach the online fundraising goal of $50,000, please visit United Way’s website: https://www.uwpiedmont.org/covid19

About United Way of the Piedmont

About Lockhart Power Company

Lockhart Power Company is an investor-owned public utility servicing five counties in the Upstate of South Carolina, with 99 percent of its power generated from renewable sources. Lockhart Power provides reliable and cost-effective electric service to its retail and wholesale customers, while also providing renewable energy to Duke Energy Carolinas. For more information, please visit www.lockhartpower.com .

Contec Partners with United Way of the Piedmont for COVID-19 Response

Mon, 04 May 2020 14:25:06 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (May 4, 2020) – United Way of the Piedmont is thrilled to announce that it has received $25,000 from Contec Inc. into the United for All Fund supporting local COVID-19 relief. The donation will serve as a dollar for dollar match to donations made by individuals, allowing United Way to help more families in need.

Contec’s CEO, Jack McBride shared, “We are proud to extend our partnership with United Way of the Piedmont. This crisis has magnified how much we all need one another and the fact that the only way through this pandemic is together.”

Contec Inc.’s donation will allow donors to double their impact. For every dollar that an individual donor gives, Contec will match that gift, up to $25,000. In addition, to Contec’s contribution, Mary Black Foundation has also provided a matching grant, bring the total funds available for match up to $50,000. Therefore, United Way of the Piedmont is encouraging those who can, to donate to the United for All Fund in order to double their donation. Paige Stephenson, United Way of the Piedmont President & CEO, says “We are so grateful for companies like Contec who are stepping up and challenging others to do the same with these matching dollars. At United Way we are all about doing the most good for the most people, and with these matching funds we will be able to help more families recover from the effects of COVID-19.”

About United Way of the Piedmont

About Contec, Inc.

For more than 30 years, Contec, Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of contamination control products for critical manufacturing environments in the Pharmaceutical, Life Sciences, Medical Device, Healthcare, Automotive, Aerospace and Recreation/Outdoors industries worldwide. For inquiries regarding this or other critical cleaning matters, you may contact: info@contecinc.com or call 1-800-289-5762.

Upstate families seeking help for first time

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:46:12 GMT

About United Way of the Piedmont

Mary Black Foundation and United Way of the Piedmont partner for COVID-19 Response

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 14:48:53 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (April 16, 2020) –Mary Black Foundation and United Way of the Piedmont are excited to announce a new partnership to raise funds for United Way’s COVID-19 relief efforts. Mary Black Foundation has committed $25,000 as a matching grant to United Way’s United for All Fund.

“The health and wellness of individuals, families, and our community are at risk due to COVID-19 and we are honored to partner with the United Way of the Piedmont to offer immediate support to people who are suffering the most right now. Helping our community through the United for All Fund is one way that we and others can make a difference,” said Molly Talbot-Metz, President & CEO of the Mary Black Foundation.

Mary Black Foundation’s matching grant will allow donors to double their impact. For every dollar that an individual donor gives, Mary Black Foundation will match that gift, up to $25,000. Paige Stephenson, United Way of the Piedmont President & CEO, says “We are so excited about this opportunity with Mary Black Foundation to not only support United Way’s fundraising efforts, but to raise awareness for the needs we are seeing every day in our community. We know this is just the beginning of the effects of COVID-19, and we are grateful for partners like Mary Black Foundation who, with us, are united in helping families recover.”

To learn more about United Way of the Piedmont’s COVID-19 response efforts or to make a donation and help reach the online fundraising goal of $25,000, please visit United Way’s website: https://www.uwpiedmont.org/covid19

About Mary Black Foundation

The Mary Black Foundation is an independent grantmaking organization focused on improving the health and wellness of the people and communities of Spartanburg County, SC. The Foundation works to achieve its mission through a focus on two priority areas: Early Childhood Development and Healthy Eating | Active Living. Since 1996, it has granted nearly $58 million to improve the health and wellness of the people and communities of Spartanburg County.

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way of the Piedmont first VIRTUAL Coffee & Conversations

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:52:16 GMT

United Way of the Piedmont is launching its first ever VIRTUAL Coffee & Conversations Thursday, April 16th at 10:00 AM. We will be hosting this event via a ZOOM webinar, and it will also be streaming live on our Facebook page. During this webinar, we will be sharing our current response efforts and community needs as a result of COVID-19.

Session Topics:

Coordinated efforts – highlights from weekly calls in Spartanburg, Cherokee, & Union Counties
Community Resource Coordinators – what our boots on the ground team is seeing
State-wide and local relief funds
Volunteer Opportunities – what you can do to help

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way of the Piedmont launches United for All Fund as part of COVID-19 response

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 14:54:53 GMT

Spartanburg, S.C. (March 24, 2020) – United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) is proud to launch its first ever United for All Fund for emergency and disaster relief. The United for All Fund will be a new, separate fund designed to be activated in times of crisis, starting first and foremost with the local COVID-19 response. The fund will be used to help individuals and families in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties directly through UWP’s Community Resource Coordinator program, as well as to support other local organizations’ response efforts.

During times of disaster or crisis, nonprofit services become even more critical to helping individuals get back on their feet. The United for All Fund will be a permanent pool of funding, managed by United Way of the Piedmont to directly assist local community members. Funds will support United Way’s Community Resource Coordinators who work one-on-one with families struggling to make ends meet after an emergency. Funds can also be used to support other community partners who are significantly involved in recovery efforts.

President & CEO of United Way of the Piedmont, Paige Stephenson says, “After the tornado relief efforts in February and now the response to COVID-19, we felt we had to create a long-lasting resource for emergency relief. Obviously, we hope this fund will not have to be activated often, but we want the community to know that when things like this happen, United Way of the Piedmont is there.”

Currently, United Way is convening partners in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties, via community calls, to address local needs and identify resources. As these needs continue to grow as more and more families are affected by COVID-19, United Way of the Piedmont will continue to bring together community partners and ensure a coordinated response. Already, United Way is working with partners to support homeless individuals affected by the virus, provide resources for behavioral health to those in isolation, and coordinate volunteer opportunities for those who wish to help.

How to Donate to the United for All Fund

Those wishing to contribute to the United for All Fund can do so in the following ways:

► Online: Visit uwpiedmont.org/unitedforall/ to make a donation with your credit card

► Mail: Send a check made payable to United Way of the Piedmont to: United Way of the Piedmont, PO Box 5624, Spartanburg, SC 29304

United Way responds to COVID-19

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 14:58:36 GMT

4 Things You Can Do to Fight COVID-19

When you feel the most helpless, you actually have the power to do the most good.

As we move into social distancing and self-quarantine, it’s natural to feel isolated. Staying away from other people, though necessary, doesn’t fulfill our need to take action, to do something in the face of this crisis.

Fortunately, even in isolation, you can help the most vulnerable among us. Because we are never truly alone in our human community.

Here are four things you can do to fight in the face of COVID-19:

Direct people to 211. South Carolina’s 211 network is working on the front lines of the pandemic. Expert 211 specialists provide real-time information on social services and other resources to those in need. If you know someone who is struggling, or just looking for a source of reliable information, tell them to call 2-1-1 or visit SC211.org .
Spare something for the food pantries. As stores run out of bulk food and toilet paper, food pantries are struggling to fill their shelves, even as more people are coming in for help. Consider donating what you can spare, especially non-perishable food and toiletry items. Insert information about how to find out about local food pantries, such as calling 211 to find out what our local food pantries need most and where to drop off donations.
Call your friends and family. Loneliness is as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Even during isolation, modern technology allows us to stay connected. Checking in on friends and family is more than polite right now, it’s essential. And don’t forget elderly neighbors or others living alone.
Take care of your mental health . If you’re stuck at home, keep busy with hobbies, try out arts and crafts, pick up an old musical instrument, organize family game nights, and step outside for fresh air and exercise. You can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself.

Even in these uncertain times, no one is powerless to make a difference. Small acts, taken together across the country, can change the course of the pandemic, bolster those facing economic challenges, and protect the most vulnerable.

United Way of the Piedmont Cancels Annual Celebration

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:00:28 GMT

As the situation with COVID-19 continues to develop and in response to recommendations of public health officials, United Way of the Piedmont is cancelling its Annual Celebration scheduled for March 26th. With consideration of our corporate and community partners and the measures they have taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19, United Way feels it is important we too take every action necessary to protect our community’s health and safety.

The event will not be rescheduled, however we will be sharing information and key elements from the event digitally. We will send more detailed information about those plans soon. So please stay tuned and keep an eye out for our emails as well as check back on our website and social media!

United Way of the Piedmont will continue to closely monitor the situation with COVID-19, and as always, we will be here to respond to our community’s needs.

Sincerely,

Paige Stephenson

President & CEO

United Way of the Piedmont

After storm displaces Spartanburg woman, U-Haul and United Way provide support through transition

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 16:05:00 GMT

Relying on once-a-month disability checks and a part-time job as her only source of income, Dateria Jackson has always shied away from the extra cost of renters insurance.

Without that safety net − one most renters in America don’t have − the woman found herself in a bind when the Feb. 6 tornado flung a tree through the home she leases in Spartanburg on Briarcliff Road.

Suddenly displaced, the woman needed some support to get back on her feet. A national business and a local nonprofit reached down and picked her up.

When Jackson called the moving company U-Haul to inquire about options for stowing away her belongings while she stayed with an aunt, Jackson expected to have to fork over a monthly fee for a storage unit.

Instead, she learned that the national chain provides free storage space for 30 days to victims of natural disasters, such as flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes.

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation Promotes Innovation in Health Through Catalyst Grants

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 16:08:21 GMT

Staff Report From South Carolina CEO

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Each year, the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation works with organizations to promote and support healthier South Carolinians, particularly the economically vulnerable. In 2019, the Foundation awarded 13 Catalyst Grants to organizations for projects that foster innovation to improve the health and well-being of those throughout the state.

Catalyst Grants awarded to statewide initiatives include:

Children’s Trust of South Carolina — Through its Race Equity and Inclusion Partnership project, the Children’s Trust of South Carolina will develop and promote a list of informed policies and practices to advance race equity and inclusion. Race equity and inclusion is a growing area of interest in public health, with the idea that breaking down barriers from institutional racism will allow individuals opportunities to reach their full potential.

Fact Forward — Will aim to bridge the gap between pediatrics and reproductive health by assembling an expert panel and then convert learning to a work plan to produce professional development opportunities for pediatric providers on adolescent reproductive health, preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

SC Alliance of YMCAs — The purpose of this project is to identify the YMCA as an extension of health care services by building partnerships with medical providers as YMCAs expand their delivery system of evidence-based practices for individuals with chronic health conditions.

SC Thrive — The Veteran Coalition Development Grant will develop an action plan to focus and coordinate efforts among veteran-serving organizations (VSOs) across South Carolina through convening VSOs and gathering data to create an action plan for coordinated veteran resources.

United Way Association of South Carolina Inc. — This grant supports the SC Counts Collaborative, a collective effort to increase the number of South Carolina’s “Hard-to-Count” individuals participating in the 2020 Census.

Upstate projects include:

United Way of the Piedmont — The Thriving Families Project will equip six local nonprofit organizations with tools and techniques to introduce, implement and evaluate a new approach of working with clients using behavioral change techniques. This will enable case managers to shift their approach to support clients to reach health and financial goals by recognizing what individual, community and environmental factors influence client behavior, with the aim to shift from rewarding “crisis” behavior to rewarding choices that can help clients progress to better stability for their families.

United Way of Greenwood and Abbeville Counties — Will create a web-based platform that provides easy-to-understand health and quality-of-life indicators for Greenwood County. This system will equip local leaders, including government and hospital officials, to create a coordinated, prevention-based community plan to improve health outcomes while addressing social determinants of health.

South Carolina Office of Rural Health — Through this project, SCORH will engage rural libraries to serve as pilot sites for integration of social work services leading to improved health outcomes for individuals served. This project implements recommendations from the SC Rural Health Action Plan that rural libraries can serve as an access point for health and services.

Faces and Voices of Recovery Greenville — FAVOR Greenville will expand its Emergency Department Overdose Program to include inpatient cases caused by substance use. This program connects economically vulnerable patients to peer recovery coaching during hospitalization rather than as a referral after discharge.

Pee Dee region award recipient:

Healthy Learners — Healthy Learners will conduct one of the first mass health screenings of children in a school district (K-12) in Dillon County. Four types of screenings will be provided at the beginning of the school year: vision, dental, asthma and hearing. Data from this pilot will be used to determine how many children have unmet health care needs that would not be identified without this screening approach, and the replicability of districtwide health screenings in other school districts.

Midlands area award recipients:

American Heart Association Mid-Atlantic Region — Feed SC-Foodscape Exploration in Aiken and Lexington counties will interview food stamp recipients in rural communities to understand their food shopping behaviors and their use of “dollar stores” and other non-traditional food outlets.

Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (MIRCI) — MIRCI will conduct a pilot project with Richland Northeast High School to evaluate the impact of sending clinicians to a high school campus — which is not geographically close to the downtown Youth Drop-In Center or other homeless shelter services — and the impact of this approach in reducing the number of high school dropouts and cases of homelessness. Activities will include providing outreach, behavioral health screenings and connection to treatment for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Midlands Housing Alliance — This pilot project will allow Transitions to begin housing medically fragile residents immediately while arranging for them to receive short-term help with their activities of daily living until they are enrolled in Medicaid/Medicare and permanently housed.

“Assisting organizations in developing innovative ideas to improve the health and well-being of the people of South Carolina is important to the Foundation and our core values,” said Erika Kirby, executive director of the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation. “Implementing these pioneering projects in our communities is critical to combating the health issues and disparities that affect our state.”

To learn more about the Foundation and other grant opportunities and initiatives, visit the website.

The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

United Way of the Piedmont and WSPA raise over $51,000 for disaster recovery

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 16:06:37 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC, February 19, 2020 – United Way of the Piedmont is thrilled to announce that in partnership with WSPA 7 News and the support of corporate partners, over $51,000 has been raised to help families in need following the tornadoes and severe storms in early February.

WSPA hosted a phone bank on Monday where United Way volunteers accepted calls from viewers wishing to donate. The phone bank lasted two and a half hours, and with the support of WSPA viewers, raised over $14,000. Additionally, BMW Manufacturing Co., Carolina Alliance Bank, Contec, Duke Energy, Michelin and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System contributed $37,000 collectively.

Funds will be distributed to help individuals and families who have been displaced or are at risk of being displaced by the storms. Financial assistance is needed to help cover expenses such as tree or debris removal, relocation expenses, temporary hotel stays, hot meals, or replacement of furniture lost in the storm. Many families hit hardest are uninsured or underinsured and these expenses are enough to threaten their financial stability.

One such individual affected had been renting a home in the Highland community for over 20 years when the storms caused a tree to fall on her home. The home sustained such damage that the property owner decided to have the home demolished, leaving the woman with no home and few resources.

United Way of the Piedmont President & CEO, Paige Stephenson says, “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of viewers of WSPA and corporate partners! The commitment of this community to making sure that the impact of this event is just temporary for their neighbors is truly inspiring.”

Those in need of assistance should call 2-1-1 (or 866-892-9211) or visit SC211.org to be connected to resources in their area. United Way of the Piedmont will be monitoring these calls and distributing funds to the areas of greatest need.

United Way of the Piedmont will also be recruiting volunteers to assist in the recovery. Volunteer opportunities such as debris removal and cleanup are an immediate need and anyone interested in volunteering should contact Team Rubicon or Samaritan’s Purse who are coordinating those efforts.

To donate to relief efforts, please visit United Way’s website: https://uwpiedmont.org/AftertheStorm .

City of Spartanburg looks to make changes to bus system

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 16:11:44 GMT

Spartanburg, SC (WSPA) – A growing workforce seeking to fill jobs, could find that unreliable transportation is a barrier.

In downtown Spartanburg there is a central place where all of the city buses converge, people get on and go to their perspective destinations.

A recent study done by the city shows that ridership has decreased by 6% every year over the past few years.

Finding a way to keep transportation in step with growth can be challenging it’s an issue Spartanburg is facing.

“A lot of people live more in the city center who have transportation barriers And a lot of the job opportunities are out in the county,” United Way of the Piedmont, Director of Financial Stability, Hannah Jarrett said.

According to Jarrett people who face obstacles with jobs, transportation or living accommodations come to them.

“The majority of the people who we transported during that 10 month period they went from a status of unemployed to employed and so that just told us that the main barrier to their employment was not having transportation.” Jarrett said.

Many of the people we spoke with at the bus statoin did not want to go on camera, but a new study completed by the city of Spartanburg shows that limited routes and limited hours have a big impact on ridership.

“In light of this study we would certainly welcome any chance to have conversations with partners about ways we can increase our efficiency and actually meet people’s needs better.” City of Spartanburg, Christopher George said.

Recommendations from the study include, more bus shelters, efficient bus routes and longer bus hours.

“60% of the bus riders who took the surveys are employed and the question for them is whether or not it serves their needs in getting transportation to work.” George Said.

Many of those jobs are in the county away from most bus routes. The city is looking into possibly talking to county officials and even some major companies about a partnership.

” One thing that was mentioned in the study is the idea of vanpooling, which is something you work with your major employers to do if they have a lot of employees.” George said.

One thing the United Way of the Piedmont is trying to address is the stigma of riding public transportation. In bigger cities people from all economic backgrounds take public transportation because of the convenience. Spartanburg has opportunities to grow its transportation system to make it just as common as any other city.

Through a grant from the department of labor, the United way of the Piedmont, S.C. Works and Spartanburg Community College will run a 3 year program focused on providing transportation for people to get to work.

Michelin donates $30,000 to United Way of the Piedmont’s Cliff Effects Fund

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 16:10:15 GMT

United Way of the Piedmont is extremely grateful to Michelin for their recent donation of $30,000 to the Cliff Effects Fund. This fund, created by the Financial Stability Task Force, aids single mothers in Spartanburg County who are at risk of losing assistance for food, housing, childcare, and other benefits due to an increase in their wages.

In Spartanburg County, 42% of households headed by single mothers are living at less than 125% of the Federal Poverty Level, with a median income of $24,069. The Financial Stability Task Force hopes to decrease these statistics. Although public assistance is intended to be temporary, families often find themselves relying on these resources just to make ends meet. The Cliff Effect describes the precarious situation these families find themselves in when an increase in wages does not make up for the subsequent loss of benefits, thereby disincentivizing individuals to take higher paying jobs. United Way’s Director of Financial Stability Strategy, Hannah Jarrett, says, “the goal of the Cliff Effects Fund is to make the ‘cliff’ feel more like a ‘gentle slope,’ so that taking a promotion or a higher paying job doesn’t create a hardship.”

Through this program, families are given assistance and guidance via Community Resource Coordinators at United Way. Community Resource Coordinators help clients meet critical needs while creating a path toward financial stability. To do this, a client’s strengths and needs are assessed through intensive case management. The Community Resource Coordinator then provides services such as budget planning and developing self-motivated goals upon working with the client on a regular basis.

“At Michelin, one of our core values is to live in harmony with our communities where we live and work,” says Luc Debaty, plant manager at Michelin’s Spartanburg facility. “Our team is proud to partner with United Way of the Piedmont to support a better way forward for our neighbors in need. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact the Cliff Effects Fund will have on the lives of single mothers here in our local community.”

As a result of Michelin’s support, families in our community will have a buffer to prevent them from falling off the cliff. An increase in wages should not decrease a family’s standard of living. Through the Cliff Effect Fund, United Way is walking alongside families to support them and help break the cycle in order to make self-sufficiency a reality for those living on the edge.

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