Community Celebration and NEW United Way Announcement

"Greensboro, NC, August 26 – The community is invited to join United Way of Greater Greensboro on August 31, 5 to 7 p.m., at Belk, Friendly Center in Greensboro, for a celebration like they have never seen before. 

The celebration, which kicks off United Way’s 2016 campaign, will include free food, drinks, giveaways, a DJ and more and will feature a special announcement outlining the “NEW” United Way at 6 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food, gently used handbags or school supplies.

Gregg Strader, Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer at American National Bank & Trust and United Way Board member is chairing the 2016 campaign. 

Strader says, “I am honored and thrilled to serve as this year’s campaign chair. Our focus on reducing poverty is brave and bold and we are achieving positive results. We are grateful to all of our supporters including volunteers, community partners, corporations, foundations and citizens who want to make a difference in our community.” 

Additionally during the celebration, results from this year’s Pacesetter Campaign that began in July will be announced. The Pacesetter Campaign is made of 16 companies that decided to conduct their United Way campaigns early to pave the way for a successful community-wide campaign.

2016 Pacesetter Campaigns:

·       Allen Tate Realtors

·       American National Bank & Trust

·       Carruthers & Roth, P.A.

·       City of Greensboro

·       Duke Energy

·       First Citizens Bank & Trust

·       Guilford County

·       Mylan Pharmaceuticals

·       Piedmont Natural Gas

·       Procter & Gamble Manufacturing

·       Senn Dunn Insurance, A Marsh & McLennan Agency

·       Sharrard, McGee & Co., P.A.

·       Target Corporation

·       Volunteer Center of Greensboro

·       United Way of Greater Greensboro

·       UPS

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The NEW United Way is creating partnerships to reduce poverty in greater Greensboro. We bring together dynamic and caring professionals and volunteers who teach, coach and inspire the 57,000 people in our community, struggling to obtain basic needs. The federal government defines poverty as family of four earning $24,300 per year. With so many of our neighbors struggling to meet basic needs, United Way believes poverty must be addressed so that our community can thrive. www.unitedwaygso.org "

- A Press Release

Natty Greene's Brewing Co. Launches "Good Works Wednesday"

"GREENSBORO, NC - This April, Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. kicks off “Good Works Wednesday” at its brewpub in downtown Greensboro. The charitable program will donate 10% of ALL restaurant sales to a local non-profit each Wednesday.

“We receive dozens of donation requests daily and unfortunately, aren’t able to fill them all. As a local, family owned business it’s important to us to continue to uplift our community and those in need by supporting local non-profit organizations. Our hopes are that Good Works Wednesday will allow us to open our doors to every non-profit and help the community in more ways than one.” remarked Director of Pub Operations, Doug Boxley. “So come in, grab a beer or bite to eat, and help us raise money for local non-profits!”
 
Good Works Wednesday will kick off on April 6th with United Way of Greater Greensboro whose strategic objective is to break the cycle of poverty. Currently, 1 in 5 Greensboro residents and 25% of Greensboro children live in poverty. 

“Good Works Wednesday continues to prove Natty’s commitment to the community and we are thrilled to be selected to kick off such a great program. All proceeds will be invested into local solutions that are helping us break the cycle of poverty in the greater Greensboro area,” says Michael Cottingham, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Natty Greene’s Brewing Co.’s downtown brewpub is open from 11:00 AM to midnight Monday – Sunday.  Currently, Natty Greene’s is partnered with the Humane Society of the Piedmont for their Annual Barks & Brews, the NC Coastal Federation for Natty Greene’s Annual Oyster Roast, and with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC for Natty Greene’s Annual Pig Fest.
 
To be considered as a featured non-profit organization please reach out to Natty Greene’s Director of Pub Operations, Doug Boxley, atdouglasboxley@nattygreenes.com."

- A Press Release

United Way of Greater Greensboro, Guilford Child Development Partner To Break Cycle of Poverty, Pilot Family Success Center For Neighborhoods in 27406

"Greensboro, NC – United Way of Greater Greensboro, with its lead partner Guilford Child Development, is driving the effort to implement Greensboro’s first Family Success Center to provide solutions that reduce poverty in Greensboro neighborhoods.

“Job placement and achieving family financial stability for low income families, the major objectives of the Family Success Center, may represent the two most difficult challenges in the field of health and human services,” says Robin Britt, Executive Director of Guilford Child Development.  “Our goal is to achieve ‘systems change’ by collaborating with a broad array of agencies to align services, by removing barriers, and by empowering families to make progress toward self sufficiency”.

The Family Success Center pilot follows United Way of Greater Greensboro’s announcement that it will focus its work on breaking the cycle of poverty for the next decade and more. Guilford Child Development was chosen as the lead partner for Family Success Center for its expertise in helping children and families reach their full potential. Guilford Child Development operates Head Start programs that serve children ages zero to five and enhance early child development while assisting families create the strong educational foundation necessary to be successful in school and in life. By federal definition Head Start participants fall at or under 100% of the family federal poverty line ($24,250 for a family of four). Greensboro currently struggles with a 20% poverty rate, a number that has seen steady increase since 2008.

“Greensboro has great human service organizations currently addressing issues related to poverty,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro. “Our intention is to create a new system of collaboration between nonprofit, government and businesses that works together to provide solutions for all members of a family. The system will deliver wrap around services that embrace new ideas for/from clients and implement known human service techniques that work.  Members of the neighborhood pilot will be accountable for their success that leads to financial independence.  When people feel successful, the community is successful.”

Family Success Center will begin as an 18-month pilot in zip code 27406 that will offer integrated, place-based services to help meet the needs of the entire family with the goal that each family enters the path toward self-sufficiency.  The new system views the family as a unit and plans to serve every member of the household. The primary features of the system include family engagement, client input, testing and learning, and increasing flexible access to services. The ultimate goals are to increase per capita income for low-income neighborhoods, improve community health, and enhance school readiness (which will help ensure children graduate from high school). During the next 36 months, United Way of Greater Greensboro will develop additional Family Success Centers in at least three other zip codes in Greensboro.

Families currently enrolled in Guilford Child Development programs in zip code 27406 are being given the opportunity to opt-in to the pilot. Up to 100 families will work through the 18-month pilot to develop their own self-sufficiency plan which will be supported through workshops, trainings, and individual coaching sessions. 

“Integrated servicing is not a new concept, but it’s new to Greensboro in this form,” says Frank McCain, vice president of community investment and impact at United Way of Greater Greensboro. “After benchmarking similar programs from San Francisco to Chicago and even neighboring Winston-Salem, we know this type of deep collaboration is a monumental change to how we have previously addressed poverty in Greensboro; a change in the right direction.”

The Family Success Center will officially kick-off on Thursday, March 26 where more than a dozen additional community partners will be announced. 

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United Way of Greater Greensboro makes investments in our community to serve those in need so that all individuals and families can succeed. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org.:

- A Press Release

United Way of Greater Greensboro, Community Partners Offer Free Tax Preparation in Greater Greensboro

"It’s tax season and there is a lot to know. United Way of Greater Greensboro is helping individuals and families access free tax preparation services available in our community to keep and grow their money. 

“Our community’s free tax preparation services will help many families get Earned Income Tax Credit and the maximum refund they’re due,” says Frank McCain, vice president of community investment and impact at United Way of Greater Greensboro. “This is money they can save or use to pay off bills, help buy that car to get to work or contribute to a down payment on a home." 

FREE TAX ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE IN GREENSBORO

If your household earned $60,000 or less in 2014, you qualify for free tax preparation. United Way has partnered with many local organizations to provide free tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income households in the Greater Greensboro area.  

There are TWO KINDS of free tax assistance. 

1. In-person Tax Preparation and Filing:  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers IRS-trained volunteers to prepare taxes for people with a household income of $53,000 or less in 2014. 

See the list of VITA locations and times in Greater Greensboro. 

Taxpayers should bring to their appointment:

     a. Any tax documents such as forms W-2, 1099, or 1098.

     b. Social Security cards or ITIN letters for ALL persons on your tax return. If you don’t have the original Social Security card available, a photocopy of the card is acceptable, or an official government letter with proof of the Social Security number for the individual. The volunteer must see the document. You cannot just tell them the number from memory–no exceptions.

     c. Picture ID (such as valid driver’s license) for you and, if you are filing jointly with your spouse, a photo ID for your spouse as well.

     d. For direct deposit of your refund, you must have proof of financial institution information (like a blank check).

     e. Not required but a good idea is to have a copy of your previous year tax return.

2. Online Tax Preparation:  Individuals in households earning up to $60,000 can file their returns for themselves online at www.MyFreeTaxes.com, provided by H&R Block in cooperation with the Walmart Foundation, Goodwill Industries International, National Disability Institute, and United Way Worldwide.  Taxpayers filing online have access to tax law experts through online chat or a toll-free phone number. This is a good option for people who have relatively simple returns, confidence in using the Internet, and a desire to be able to file their own taxes independently.  

UNITED WAY'S FAMILY ECONOMIC SUCCESS DAY – Friday, February 27

United Way and BB&T have teamed up to offer free in-person tax preparation services, financial management workshops, and free credit reports. Learn more at www.unitedwaygso.org. Appointments preferred by calling SeniorLine at 336-333-6981.

EITC COULD MEAN MORE MONEY IN THE BANK.

The IRS estimates that one in five eligible workers do not get the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) they have earned. United Way wants everyone who is eligible for the credit to receive it. If you earned less than $52,427 from wages or running a business or farm, see if you qualify for EITC.

EITC is designed to “make work pay,” by supplementing eligible workers' earnings with additional income. The amount of the credit varies depending on filing status, the number of qualifying children, if any, and the amount of earnings. This money not only helps workers and their families, but the communities in which they live. On average, EITC adds $2,400 to working families’ refunds. Receive general guidance about EITC by calling MyFreeTaxes at 1-855-MY-TX-HELP (1-855-698-9435). 

The 2015 Greater Greensboro Free Tax Prep Coalition includes: BB&T Bank, City of Greensboro, Greensboro Housing Authority, Guilford Child Development, Housing Consultants Group, Internal Revenue Service – Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC), Jamestown Public Library, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, North Carolina A&T State University, Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency, Senior Resources of Guilford, Shepherd’s Center, The Arc of Greensboro, The Volunteer Center of Greensboro, True Salvation Outreach Ministry, United Way of Greater Greensboro, and YWCA of Greensboro.

# # #

United Way of Greater Greensboro makes investments in our community to serve those in need so that all individuals and families can succeed. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org."

- A Press Release

UNITED WAY OF GREATER GREENSBORO WELCOMES FIVE NEW STAFF MEMBERS

"United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) welcomes new staff members within its resource development and finance departments. The new staff members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. 

“Our staff truly embodies the mission of our work; they are at the core of our community impact,” says Michelle Gethers-Clark, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro,  

New employees at United Way of Greater Greensboro include:

Mike Singer, vice president of resource development

Mike leads the annual campaign process.  His prior experience includes serving as President and CEO of Lupus Foundation of America- Mid South Chapter, Ronald McDonald house, as well as United Ways in Alabama, Tennessee, and Maryland.

Elizabeth Green, director of major gifts

Elizabeth leads Tocqueville Society major gifts donor engagement and appreciation.  Elizabeth joins us from UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center as a development officer.  Prior to that, she was Executive Director for Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central NC Chapter where she spent 22 years of her career.

Gavin Sands, campaign director

Gavin creates the annual campaign master plan and logistics for more than 500 corporate partners.   Gavin joins us from the Macy’s Merchandising Group in New York City and Elon University as Assistant Director of Admissions and Assistant Director of Annual Giving.

Tamarind Stewart, senior campaign manager

Tamarind manages a diverse portfolio of UWGG corporate and individual donors as well as grant management. Tamarind joins United Way from Lakeview Academy and Boys & Girls Clubs where she had a variety of roles that include Executive Director.  

Samantha Lyons-Kittrell, accounts receivable specialist

Samantha plays a key role in our pledge receivable process.  She comes to us from Children’s Home Society of North Carolina where she managed account receivables for the growing agency for 8 years. 

# # #

LIVE UNITED

United Way of Greater Greensboro pools resources, time and talent to support programs, initiatives, and partner agencies meeting the critical needs of our community and offer a high quality of life for all. United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. To give, advocate and volunteer, visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org."

A Press Release

UNITED WAY OF GREATER GREENSBORO KICKS OFF ANNUAL CAROLINA PANTHERS SEASON TICKET RAFFLE

"Imagine watching a fantastic football season in the luxury of club-level seats on the 50-yard-line. That could be you!

Give back and get a chance at a pair of Carolina Panthers season tickets. For the second year in a row, United Way of Greater Greensboro is raffling off of a pair of Carolina Panthers season tickets. All proceeds benefit United Way of Greater Greensboro. 

Raffle tickets are $100 each and available to purchase online at www.UnitedWayGSO.org/panthers

The lucky winner will enjoy two club-level seats on the 50-yard-line to all 2014 regular season Carolina Panthers home games, including preseason and parking. The winner will enjoy all features and benefits of club level seating including climate controlled lounges, club food and beverage options, complimentary game day programs and roster cards, discounts at the Team Store and Pro Shop and opportunities to be selected for pre-game field visits. The approximate value of the prize is $6,800.

To keep odds favorable, the organization is selling a limited number of tickets now through June 30, 2014. Read terms and conditions at www.UnitedWayGSO.org/panthers

Catch United Way of Greater Greensboro as it joins the Carolina Panthers at its upcoming Carolina Panthers Road Show at Center City Park in Greensboro Friday, June 13. 

Across the country, NFL (National Football League) clubs and players are working with United Ways to advance health and education for America’s young people through national and local initiatives. Learn more at www.unitedway.org/partners/national-football-league/"

A Press Release