Saying Goodbye to Local AmeriCorps VISTA Members and Welcoming a New Cohort
August 30, 2023
On Monday, August 14, United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) welcomed a new cohort of AmeriCorps VISTA Members into service. That following Friday, on August 18, UWP held a closing ceremony thanking the former year’s VISTAs exiting service, recognizing their incredible efforts to impact poverty issues in the counties where they served.
AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) is a national year of service program that combats poverty in local communities and organizations. AmeriCorps VISTAs serve one-year terms in local non-profits by working directly with the agencies to which they’re assigned to mobilize resources, build capacity, and ensure sustainability within those organizations. United Way is proud to sponsor and support two AmeriCorps programs in our local community, AmeriCorps direct service and AmeriCorps VISTA.
For the 2022-2023 year, UWP supported VISTAs in the following non-profits:
- Elizabeth Taylor, UWP, Resource Development VISTA
- Becca Waldorf, UWP, Economic Mobility VISTA Leader
- Jeanne Sanchez, The BridgeWay, Community Engagement VISTA
- Lilly Simmons, UWP, Health & Education VISTA Leader
- Marcellus Robbs, KNOW(2) VISTA
- Rose Clowney, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Program & Engagement VISTA
- Sarah Peak, Spartanburg Academic Movement, Community Engagement VISTA
For the 2023-2024 year, UWP is excited to support VISTAs in the following organizations:
- Adrienne Forte, UWP, Resource Development VISTA
- Alivia Bodiford, UWP, Event Coordination VISTA
- Amy Garvey, UWP, Marketing & Communications VISTA
- Brittany Wright, Greer Relief, Marketing & Media VISTA
- Chandra Sullivan, Hope Ministries, Program & Media Specialist VISTA
- Corentez Cannady, University of South Carolina Upstate, Community Engagement VISTA
- Demecia Martin, Benjamin E. Mays Family Center, Community Development VISTA
- Dora Rice, UWP Cherokee Partnership Center, Rural Community Relationship VISTA
- Emilie Burt, Operation Hope, Systems Coordinator VISTA
- Frema Mensah, Upstate Warrior Solution, Community & Engagement VISTA
- Hollie Shelton, Hub City Roots, Development Associate VISTA
- Jenna Bright, The BridgeWay, Community Engagement VISTA
- Jessica McMaster, UWP, Community Impact VISTA Leader
- Libby Jensen, UWP, Corporate Volunteerism VISTA
- Lilly Simmons, UWP, Health & Education VISTA Leader
- Marcellus Robbs, KNOW(2), Mission Advancement VISTA
- Marisa Barnhill, AccessHealth, Program & Engagement VISTA
- Samantha "Sam" Reinhardt, University of South Carolina Upstate, Community Engagement VISTA
Hannah Jarrett, UWP’s Vice President of Community and Collective Impact says, “[W]e’ve been very fortunate to have VISTAs serve our community every year since 2006. The efforts they made during this past year of service equates to $620,044.50 in impact, and the effects of their service will be felt for many years to come.”
Learn more about our local AmeriCorps programs at www.uwpiedmont.org/yearofservice.
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 Butler, 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 .
School is back in session, and over 2,000 students across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties were able to get the supplies they need to succeed this year thanks to company and community donations to our Stuff the Bus school supply drive. Each county stepped up to increase their impact from last year’s school supply drive, helping us equip an even bigger number of local students and schools. Thank you to the many local companies and community members for rallying together to collect supplies, donate, and volunteer! In Cherokee County, we partnered with the Sheriff’s Office and received over $9,000 in supply donations to support 240 students. In Spartanburg, donations totaled over $59,000 worth of supplies, which served over 1,690 students and their classrooms. Union County collected $6,133 in supplies to serve 160 students and their classrooms. This year's drive was made possible by our generous sponsors at Owens Corning and Duke Energy .
Despite billions in economic investment over the last decade, Spartanburg ranks in the bottom 10% of counties nationwide for economic mobility. Movement 2030 is an unprecedented community-led initiative in Spartanburg to address this challenge. Designed by over 30 diverse partners, Movement 2030 is an evidence-based plan that seeks to substantially increase the number of Spartanburg County residents with college degrees and help close the academic achievement gap faced by students from low-income families. As one of the Movement 2030 implementation partners, United Way of the Piedmont is focused on supporting post-secondary strategy to ensure students are on their way to economic mobility and ready for careers through the Higher Education Community Resource Coordinator (CRC) cohort. The Higher Education CRCs help students meet critical needs, overcome barriers to financial self-sufficiency, and create pathways to stability. CRCs conduct intensive case management with students, including determining their strengths and needs, providing services, making referrals, assisting in developing self-motivated goals, and regularly following up to make sure students achieve their goals and persist through graduation. “Having a Higher Education Community Resource Coordinator on campus allows us to offer more in-depth services to students most in need of them. We are also able to multiply our resources to students by more efficiently tapping into other community resources to provide greater support for students facing other issues like homelessness, transportation issues, or mental health challenges,” said Courtney Shelton, Vice President for Student & Professional Development at Spartanburg Methodist College. United Way is proud to announce that Erika Pearson transitioned from a United Way Workplace CRC role to the Higher Education role in 2023. Erika now works with Spartanburg Methodist College and USC Upstate and has already made a significant impact on the students she serves. “Our Higher Education Community Resource Coordinator, Erika, helped our students navigate some truly challenging situations this year and put them on a path for success during difficult life events. We’re grateful for our partnership with United Way of the Piedmont and Erika’s commitment to our students and their well-being,” shared Allen Lollis, Dean of Students at Spartanburg Methodist College. Joining Pearson as the second Higher Education CRC is Sommer Means. Sommer works with Spartanburg Community College and Converse University students. “Knowledge is power, and as a Higher Education CRC, I'm happy to be a resource to those seeking knowledge so they can use that as a power tool to navigate their future,” shared Sommer. To learn more about UWP’s work in education, visit www.uwpiedmont.org/education .
On June 11, 2024, United Way of the Piedmont (UWP) held its Annual Awards Luncheon, a reimagined event that replaced our previous Annual Celebration. This luncheon celebrated individuals and organizations that supported UWP’s work over the past year and make a significant impact in our community every day. These award recipients are our supporters who transform lives and inspire change through their dedication. Award Winners We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these remarkable winners, who have gone above and beyond to support and uplift our community. Their contributions of time, energy, and passion are invaluable in helping us reach people in our community who most need help. Advocate of the Year: Scott Neely Presenter: Shauntè Evans Scott Neely has been a vocal advocate for community issues and UWP’s initiatives, carrying the banner of United Way with pride and dedication. AmeriCorps VISTA of the Year: Samantha Reinhardt Presenter: Dr. Bennie Harris Samantha Reinhardt exemplifies the spirit of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, embodying the values of volunteerism and service to America. Community Partner Award: One Spartanburg, Inc. Presenter: Mitch Kennedy One Spartanburg, Inc. has demonstrated exceptional commitment in partnering with United Way, helping to educate others about critical community issues and needs. Tom Barnet Award for Volunteer Service: Al Gauthier Presenter: Sarah Keim Al Gauthier’s dedication to our mission and his extraordinary investment of time have made a significant impact on our volunteer efforts. Tomeka Pierce African American Leadership Award: Marchele Garrett Presenter: Joey Fowler Marchele Garrett has greatly contributed to the success of our African American Leadership Society (AALS) and the mission of United Way of the Piedmont. Women United Award: Carla Benton Presenter: Sky Foster Carla Benton’s efforts have been contributed greatly to the goals of Women United and supporting our mission. Young Leader Award: Mary Kathryn Ward Presenter: Michael Langley Mary Kathryn Ward has been instrumental in the success of Young Leaders, helping to further our mission through her leadership and commitment. Congratulations to these winners! Learn more at www.uwpiedmont.org/annualawards2024 .
Spartanburg, S.C. (May 15, 2024) – On the morning of May 9, over 100 local leaders from Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties convened to celebrate at United Way of the Piedmont (UWP)’s Corporate & Community Leaders Breakfast. This annual gathering serves as a platform to honor partner companies and organizations whose steadfast support catalyzes transformative change within the community through United Way initiatives. Speakers from both local community and partner organizations included: Chris Santoro, Chair Elect of UWP’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Investments at MTM Management; Jaxon Lang, President & CEO of AFL; Reverend Dr. Sheila Elliott Hodge of Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church in Spartanburg; and Parkes Coggins, Vice President Heart/Vascular and Oncology Services at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and UWP’s Resource Development Chair. Paige Stephenson, UWP’s President & CEO, commenced the awards ceremony with heartfelt appreciation for each United Way partner. “By supporting United Way,” Stephenson shared, “you have the power to change lives, break cycles, and uplift our whole community. Today, we celebrate those who have shown exceptional commitment to this cause.” The 2024 Corporate & Community Leaders award winners were then announced: Large Business Partner of the Year : Contec Small Business Partner of the Year : Morrisette Packaging Public Service Partner of the Year : Wofford College New Business Partner of the Year : Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year : Jaculyn Ogle, Timken - Tyger River Chairman’s Award : Jeffery Sather, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation UWP also recognized partners with exemplary campaigns for achieving Circle of Excellence status: Lockhart Power Johnson Development Associates McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture Cate & Brough, P.A. Brown Packing Co., Inc. Spartanburg Housing William Barnet & Son United Community Bank The collective impact of gifts and support from United Way corporate and community partners ensures more local families have the opportunity to thrive. UWP additionally wants to recognize the following companies as our Top 5 employee giving campaigns for the 2023-2024 fiscal year: 1. AFL: $626,607 Includes $465,062 in employee giving and an additional $161,545 in corporate giving 2. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: $319,036 3. Milliken & Company: $280,545 Includes $130,545 in employee giving and an additional $150,000 in corporate giving 4. BMW: $241,885 Includes $161,527 in employee giving and an additional $80,358 in corporate giving 5 . Denny's and Keke's Breakfast Cafe: $229,031 Includes $225,031 in employee giving and an additional $4,000 in corporate giving Amanda Richardson, UWP Vice President of Brand Experience & Resource Development closed the event by stating, “United Way is here with you. We are here to connect employers to their employees and to the community, to connect people who want to make a difference to the needs of our community, and to connect people who need help to the resources they need.” For more information about partnering with UWP, email giving@uwpiedmont.org .