Union Uplifted: A New Chapter for Union County
September 3, 2025
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.
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:
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 →
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.
"You do not need a title to be an advocate."
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.
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.
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 →
You’re not just giving to a cause. You’re building a strategy for your community’s future.
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.
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 .
