|
|
Great Success:
'Jobs to Careers' up and running
| Women's Leadership's "Jobs to Careers
- Women Helping Women" scholarship program is off to a great start, helping three women on their journeys to better careers.
One of those women is Karis Sutton, a 27-year-old single mother of two and part-time housekeeper. She is looking to create a better life for herself and her children by obtaining a medical assistant degree from Greenville Technical College. Karis started her program April 1 and is on the road to success.
Karis Sutton  | Working with partners
Greenville Technical College and SHARE, and funded by $36,000 in Women's
Leadership contributions, the scholarship program helps women
achieve their long-range goals of moving from a job to a career. Through the program, women
receive assistance for tuition and books, as well as dollars for childcare and
transportation. Women's Leadership members are also donating their time and
expertise to provide priceless mentoring and guidance to women in the program.
By joining us in this unique effort, we can empower women to
achieve their dreams and make Greenville County a better place for us all.
Want to get involved?
Call Holly Manuel at 467-3551, or click here to e-mail, and learn about ways you can help move women from "Jobs to Careers."
|
VITA puts $ back into the community
|
United Way of Greenville County's VITA program experienced a record year in 2010, helping local individuals and families maximize their tax returns with free tax preparation services.
Women's Leadership member Lorna Anders was one of 128 community volunteers who donated their time to the program this year.
"The VITA program is an opportunity to directly benefit people in my community on a one-to-one basis," said Anders. "Income tax returns can be very intimidating to many people. People without a lot of financial resources, or stressed by the current economic conditions need help wherever they can get it. By offering free preparation,
community residents are able to save money that can be better utilized to support their families. Qualifying taxpayers are able to take full advantage of the government programs available to them, which can make a significant difference in the quality of the life they share with their families."
With the help of Anders and nine other Women's Leadership volunteers, VITA processed 2,147 tax returns this year, an increase of 21 percent over 2009. Those returns brought nearly $1.8 million back into the community -- up 29 percent over the previous year.
And those getting their taxes filed for free weren't the only ones to benefit from the program.
"The best thing about volunteering is being able to extend a hand of welcome and make people feel comfortable," said Anders. "I felt honored to do a tax return for a soldier who was starting his civilian life after fighting in Iraq."
|
Your dollars at work: 86 local programs receive UWGC funding
| United Way of Greenville County announced in April it will award more
than $5.82 million in Program Investment grants to fund 86 local
programs each year for the next three years. United Way's volunteer board of trustees unanimously approved the
2010-2013 funding recommendation from its Community Impact Cabinet,
ending a competitive process that began last fall with 130 community
volunteers evaluating 123 program applications. Ultimately, programs and funding amounts were selected based on a
series of factors designed to ensure the greatest return on investment
for the 38,000 donors who support the community through United Way.
These factors include: 1) A program's ability to address United Way's
Community Impact focus areas of nurturing children, guiding youth,
strengthening families, improving community health and assisting people
in crisis; 2) Program/agency finances and sustainability; 3) Program
results measurement and reporting; and 4) Demonstration of community
collaboration, innovation and best practices. "The process was extremely competitive this year," said 2010 United
Way Board Chair Margaret Clark, "but because of the rigorous evaluation
process, we're confident the programs selected will make the best, most
efficient use of the available funds contributed by United Way
supporters." To see a complete list of funded programs and grant totals, click here. |
|
Things to Remember
| Women in Banking Toolbox Lunch
Thursday, Aug. 5 at noon
Greenville First Bank
Women in Banking Celebration
Thursday, Sept. 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Carolina First Bank at ICAR
2010 Campaign Kickoff
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 11:45 a.m.
Carolina First Center
Final Report Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 9, 11:45 a.m.
Carolina First Center
|
What they need to succeed and how you can help
| You can help give Greenville County school children the tools they need to succeed in school -- and in life -- by participating in United Way's School Tools project.
Last year, more than 100 Women's Leadership members and their companies joined the effort, providing
school supplies to 243 students in need.
To join this year's effort, call Holly Manuel at 467-3551, or click here to e-mail.
|
2010 Women's
Leadership Council
|
|
Mary Jeffrey, Chair Michelle Yarbrough, Vice Chair Fritzi Barbour Susan Boyd Kathy S. Brooks Susan E. Cyr Lisa De Bellis Lynn C. Faust Debra McAlister Ham Debra J. Harris Susanne Hite Paula S. King Karen Lambert Barbara B. League Margaret Marcum Kathy Marshall Leigh A. Pagan Sandra P. Rice Angela R. Shapkauski Kimberly Smith Lynn J. Waters Sandra B. Welch Barbara S. Wilson
Advisory Council
Judy P. Alexander
Jo Watson Hackl
Tami M. McKnew
Beth Padgett
Gwen L. Randolph
Ruth Roper
Caroline W. Schroder
|
| Get Involved! |
We know our members are women of action. Did you know United Way's
Hands On  Greenville offers thousands of great ways to get involved in
our community?
Visit the HOG project calendar and discover how you can make a difference!
|
|
|
|
