новини

Union Uplifted, a cradle-to-career initiative with United Way of the Piedmont serving as the lead partner organization, has named its first Executive Director. Joey Haney, retired Union County Schools Superintendent, will step into the role beginning July 13. Union Uplifted grew from more than two years of deep listening across Union County: 26 community conversations, more than 850 residents who shared their hopes and concerns, and 39 community champions who stepped forward to help shape the work. It is a partnership anchored by Union County School District, United Way of the Piedmont, and Spartanburg Academic Movement, with partners from healthcare, business, higher education, government, faith communities, and the nonprofit sector. Guided by the StriveTogether framework, Union Uplifted is designed to ensure that every child in Union County has the support they need from prenatal through career. 

When United Way of the Piedmont established the Spartanburg Youth Philanthropy Board in 2014, the idea was straightforward: give high school students a seat at the table, let them learn how community investment works, and trust them to lead. More than a decade later, the 2025-2026 Board showed what that idea looks like in action. This year's Board brought together 26 members from seven high schools across six school districts, logging more than 215 hours of service across our community through the Fall Food Drive, MLK Day of Service, the OneSpartanburg Internship Fair, and the Spring Breakout, held in partnership with the City of Spartanburg and Spartanburg Academic Movement. Along the way, they invested $5,000 into six local youth-serving programs through a grant process they helped run, including conducting the interviews themselves. Fifteen seniors graduate this year, most of whom gave two years to this work. Their commitment reflects something broader about what YPB has always been built on: that young people need roles and space to lead in our community.

On May 19, we honored the volunteers who make our work possible during our annual Volunteer Celebration. Presented by the Timken Company, the event recognized individuals and teams whose service continues a 90‑year legacy of impact across the region. “At United Way of the Piedmont, our vision is a community where everyone thrives. For 90 years, that vision has held because people chose to show up for one another.” shared Angela Halstead, Board of Directors Chair-Elect. “That commitment shows up in bold ways and quiet ones: through volunteers who lead with heart, partners who collaborate for greater impact, and investments that help families build financial security.” United Way extends our deepest gratitude to the incredible people who have united in service with us, and we congratulate each of this year’s outstanding award recipients. 2026 Volunteer Celebration Award Winners  Women United Award: Lucy Woodhouse Tomeka Pierce African American Leadership Society Award: Pierre Brewton Walter S. Montgomery Young Leader Award: Amanda Champion Advocate of the Year: Joey Haney Tom Barnet Award for Volunteer Service: Carey Rothschild Community Partner Award: A Place to Call Home & The Faith Initiative to End Child Poverty We also recognized the following groups that gave their time to our programs and investments this past year: Board of Directors AmeriCorps Members Community Investment Process Volunteers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Volunteers Together, these volunteers, donors, and partners made a true difference for our community. Explore volunteer opportunities →

Shay Smith, Community Resource Coordinator Supervisor and Lead Coordinator for United Way of the Piedmont’s work in Cherokee County, is passionate about building relationships that help families move forward. Through her role, she works closely with local partners, organizations, and residents to strengthen community connections and expand access to critical resources. Her work reflects our commitment to collaboration, ensuring that families across Cherokee County have the support they need to thrive. As a Lead Coordinator in Cherokee County, Shay helps bring community partners together to address local needs and move collaborative solutions forward. From supporting families with budgeting guidance and connecting them to resources, to training and leading a team of Community Resource Coordinators, her work helps advance our focus on Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Health, and Community Resiliency. Living and working in Cherokee County has made the impact even more meaningful for her. She gets to see firsthand partners providing food, parenting resources, shelter, and financial support . “When we can help families connect to resources or stabilize an urgent need, it gives them the opportunity to take a breath and begin planning for their future. Sometimes just one connection can make a family’s journey a little easier.”