oUR IMPACT
United Way of the Piedmont brings local nonprofits, businesses, and community members together to tackle the biggest challenges facing our region. We go beyond temporary fixes to create lasting change in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties in South Carolina.
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RECENT NEWS
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.”
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 →
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.
