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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.

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 →

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:

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 →