United Way of the Piedmont and Milliken Partner for Associate Impact

March 22, 2023

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. 

Union Uplifted Welcomes First Executive Director

June 11, 2026
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. 

High School Students Help Shape Spartanburg Philanthropy

June 9, 2026
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.

United in Service: United Way Celebrates Community Volunteers

May 21, 2026
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 →

Leading with Heart in Cherokee County

May 13, 2026
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.”

United Way of the Piedmont Welcomes Five New Board Members

April 29, 2026
Five new members are joining United Way of the Piedmont’s Board of Directors. Representing our region across multiple sectors, counties, and backgrounds, each Board Member uniquely strengthens the United Way reach and mission. Welcome to the new members of the Board: Dr. Lacresha Byrd, Union County Schools Chunsta Miller, Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina Al Swanson, AFL Cal Wicker, Pinnacle Financial Partners Francisca Yanez, Contec, Inc. United Way also thanks all departing Board Members for their years of dedicated service: Donda Bishop, AFL Jennifer Cash, Synovus Bank Shaunté Evans, Spartanburg Housing Mitch Kennedy, City of Spartanburg Beth Lancaster, Spartanburg District 7 Angela Halstead of Coldwell Banker Caine has served on the Board for 4 years and will serve as the new Board Chair. She shares, "As a Board Member, I have loved seeing the impact United Way makes across all ages and every walk of life, whether it's providing critical assistance to those who need it or offering donors and volunteers a chance to be part of something truly collaborative. Very few organizations are able to touch so many lives, and I’m honored to serve as Board Chair and continue my part in this mission.” View United Way’s full Board of Directors →

What Volunteerism Means to Me and Why It Matters for Today’s Youth

By Anna Grace Kellam • April 20, 2026
Written by Anna Grace Kellam, United Way of the Piedmont intern and student at Oakbrook Preparatory School in Spartanburg If you had asked me before I started volunteering what it really meant, I probably would’ve said something simple—helping others or giving back. But through my experiences, especially interning with the United Way of the Piedmont, I’ve come to realize it’s much more personal than that. Volunteerism isn’t just about completing service hours or checking a box. For me, it’s been about finding where I fit in my community and realizing that even small actions can make a real difference. It’s easy to think that one person can’t do much, but volunteering showed me that change actually starts with individuals who are willing to show up. One of the biggest things I’ve taken away is how much you grow through serving others. Yes, you’re helping your community; but, you’re also building confidence, learning how to communicate, and developing leadership skills without even realizing it at first.

Power of the Purse Raises Over $6,000 for Women Facing Housing Insecurity

April 13, 2026
On March 26, 78 women from across our region gathered at Dillard's Spartanburg for a night of fashionable fun and lasting change. Women United's Power of the Purse event had it all: elegance, purpose, and many moments of connection. Over $6,000 was raised in a single evening to support local women facing housing insecurity right here in our tri-county footprint. Every purse bid, raffle ticket, and ticket purchased added up to resources, stability, and hope for neighbors who need it most. "Evenings like this remind us why we do this work," said Taylor Miller, United Way of the Piedmont. "When I looked around that space and saw those incredible women raising money, laughing, and giving — all for a neighbor they may never meet — that's the power of this community." Power of the Purse is one night, but the work of Women United goes on. Women United is a strong local community of women who use their strength to lift others up through year-round philanthropy and engagement . In addition to their hard work, this event was a success because of our amazing sponsors, purse donors, and every single woman who bought a ticket, brought a friend, and showed up ready to give. This year’s Power of the Purse was just the beginning, and we’re excited to see what we do together next. Special thanks to our 2026 Power of the Purse sponsors: Prada: Dillard’s Spartanburg Kate Spade: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Coco Chanel: Jeter Hrubula Wealth Strategies

United Since 1936: Celebrating 90 Years

March 25, 2026
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.

File with Confidence: Free Tax Preparation Services Available

February 20, 2026
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

January 26, 2026
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.