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 →

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 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 .

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 .

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.

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 .

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 .

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.”

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 .