Belmont, Bessemer City, Cherryville, Cramerton, Dallas, Gastonia, High Shoals, Lowell,
McAdenville, Mounty Holly, Ranlo, Spencer Mountain, Stanley
2015 Annual Report
“To unite
our community
to help and care for
one another.”
* Update to Harold T. Sumner awards on Page 10
Contents
Give
Advocate
2-3. U
nited way
worldwide
4-5.
United way
north Carolina
6. 2015 Board Chair
• Message from
David McMahan
7. UWgc President
• Message from
Deborah Ally
8. 2016 Board Chair
• Message from
Barbara Yarbrough
9. Audited Financials
• Statement of
Financial Position
• Statement of Activities
10. Community awards
• Harold T. Sumner (updated 3-31-16)
Volunteer
11. 2015 campaign
12.Car giveaway &
donor choice
13-15. Donor Leadership
• Corporate Donors
• Alexis de Tocqueville
• David R. LaFar Society
16-18.
Community Impact
• Education
• Income
• Health
19-21. Community
Initiatives
22. Community Drives
23. Photo gallery
24. Christmas Wishes
25. 2015 event Sponsors
• Caroline Garrison
• Edward D. Sadler Jr.
United Way 2015
1
United Way Worldwide
Our vision:
United Way envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential
through education, income stability, and healthy lives.
Our mission:
To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the
common good.
Our priority impact areas:
We focus on the building blocks for a good life; Education, Income, and Health.
Education
Income
Health
Helping Children and Youth
Achieve Their Potential
Promoting Family
Financial Stability and
Economic Opportunities and
Success
Improving People’s Health
The quality of an
individual’s education has a
profound and lasting effect on
the person’s ability to succeed
in the world.
United Way provides
leadership in early childhood
learning, quality child care,
school readiness and academic
completion.
United Way focuses on
solutions to increase financial
stability for individuals and
families.
United Way and its
partners help families increase
income, build savings and
gain assets that contribute to a
stable future
United Way works to
improve access to quality
health care and welfare of
individuals.
While communities
determine the priority health
focus for their region, United
Ways work with partners to
improve maternal health and
infant well-being, expand
basic health care and support
healthy lifestyles for youth
and adults.
Our strength and reach:
• United Way is the world’s largest private charitable organization
• 1800 local United Way organizations worldwide
• 45 countries and territories
• $5,110,000,000 (USD) raised by the movement worldwide in 2008-2009
• 2,500,000+ volunteers engaged
• 10,500,0000 donors in the U.S.A.
2
Gaston County
United Way Worldwide
United Way Worldwide
United Way Worldwide (UWW) is the leadership and support organization for a network of
community-based United Ways around the world, including nearly 1,200 United Ways in the United
States. It advances the common good by focusing on Education, Income and Health, the building
blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations in communities who
bring passion, expertise and resources needed to create lasting change.
In 2014, United Way announced an impact growth imperative, recognizing that to achieve our
mission, we must grow our position as the #1 platform for community impact. Five Bold Plays will
drive success of the impact growth imperative by integrating impact and revenue in a single business
model, becoming more donor-centered, and realizing the benefits of the network by acting as a single
enterprise when it is to everyone's benefit. You are encouraged to learn more abut the impact growth
imperative and Five Bold Plays on United Way Online.
United Way 2015
3
United Way North Carolina
United Way of North Carolina
United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) is a State Organization representing all 59 United Way
organizations in the state. The organization works to represent the public policy interests of our
members, provide members with educational opportunities as well as leading regional and statewide
initiatives designed to improve North Carolina communities. Rated as highly efficient and effective by
its membership and partners, United Way of North Carolina is a force in strengthening the United Way
system and improving lives in our state.
What is a State United Way Organization?
United Way State Organizations date back to the 1950’s. They were established in response to the
growing need for local United Way communities to work more closely together, learn from one another
and have a voice in state policy issues. Today, there are 22 staffed State Organizations (STO) representing
70% of all local United Ways in the US. STOs and United Way Worldwide work in partnership to
provide services but differ in reach and scale. State Organizations are certified through the membership
accountability process and licensed by United Way Worldwide to use the United Way brand.
Like local United Ways, each State Organization is unique in its scope and focus. While some provide
advocacy, educational opportunities, networking and best practice exchange, others center their work solely
on public policy. Each STO strives to meet the needs of its membership while providing system support.
What We Do
Our objective is to lead, coordinate and strengthen local United Ways in achieving their goals. UWNC
works in three areas to serve its members and deliver collaborative solutions to local communities
across the state.
• Lead in the development of tools, resources and tactical initiatives
• Coordinate strategic partnerships and networks
• Strengthen United Way capacity
Strengthening the United Way System in NC
United Way of North Carolina provides both leadership and support services to our membership by:
• Leading the Way
• Building statewide partnerships
• Strengthening the brand through consistent marketing
• Driving and expanding NC 211
• Serving as the statewide voice on public policy issues
• Delivering timely and relevant training opportunities
• Recognizing excellence in workplace campaigns at the state level supporting the system
• Offering networking and best practice sharing opportunities
• Consulting and Training UW Boards on-site
4
Gaston County
United Way North Carolina
Advocating for the Common Good
Advocacy is a core community impact strategy that often serves to address the root causes of local,
state and national issues. United Way of North Carolina serves as the statewide voice for our members.
• UWNC advocates for state programs that meet the needs of the populations United Ways serve by:
advocating for a stable, recurring funding source for the NC Housing Trust Fund to ensure safe and
affordable housing for more low to moderate income North Carolinians; advocates to maintain and
expand the NC Earned Income Tax Credit; advocates for adequate investments in early childhood
programming and the PK-12 education system; advocates for policies that provide teachers with the
supports, tools and resources necessary to be successful; and protects the nonprofit sector support
currently in place.
• Develops and delivers annual legislative briefings with the NC Budget and Tax Center to review
state budget implications.
Building Partnerships
Southern Institute Conference:
• Located the 2013 Southern Institute Conference in Asheville in May. This event was attended by
over 150 United Way professionals from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia.
Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and United Way: Partners in Living United
• Brian Gallagher heralded the ACC/United Way partnership, managed by United Way of North
Carolina, as a national model for collegiate engagement.
• The ACC has provided PSA airtime valued at $700,000-900,000 per year for the last 14 years. Public
Service Announcements (PSA) run during both football and basketball seasons. Each ACC game
reaches an average of 607,000 television households. The spots have also been successfully placed as
additional PSA stock in the local TV media increasing local exposure to United Way.
• The ACC/United Way partnership also provided thousands of football schedule cards for
distribution locally, and jumbotron exposure at local games and more.
Unified Marketing to Strengthen the Brand
• The new NC 2-1-1 campaign creative process has been folded into Unified Marketing to both
maximize consistent brand exposure and limit production cost for local United Ways.
• Strengthening the United Way brand through increased message consistency, resulting in greater
media coverage.
• Sharing access to more diverse materials than any United Way could create alone, including
Spanish language materials, t-shirts, photography and coloring books.
• Reducing costs by printing and screen printing in bulk.
United Way 2015
5
2015 Board Chair
David McMahan ~ Board Chair 2015
It has been an honor to serve as board chair for the United Way of Gaston
County for 2015. Deborah and her staff at the United Way do a tremendous job
supporting the community and those in need. The board and the staff of the United
Way work hard on the behalf of our donors and our community to ensure that
donations are put to the best use possible in our community. Thank you for your
continued support of the United Way of Gaston County.
United Way of Gaston County, Inc.
➧
Volunteer Organization Chart
2015
Board of Directors
Chief Volunteer Officer (COV)
David McMahan, Chair
Executive Committee
David McMahan, Chair
Strategic Planning
Chair-Elect
(2016)
Barbara Yarbrough
Finance &
Administration
Anne Comer
Immediate Past Board Chairman
James Allen
Judy Bean
Robyn Hamilton
Jason Shoemaker
6
Gaston County
Eric Clay
Dr. Silvia Patricia Rios-Husain
Monte Monteleone
Campaign &
Communication
Judy Bean
Community Impact &
Investment
Jackie Ammons
Secretary
Deborah Ally
President/Chief Prof. Officer (CPO)
Jay Smith
David Williams
Valerie Yatko
Edward Covington
Rev. Ben Hinton
Danny Jackson
President
Deborah Ally ~ President, United Way of Gaston County
This past year has been an exciting year for United Way of Gaston County. We became more
focused, more visible and more involved. We continued to receive, as we have for the past 63
years, support from donors throughout the county to provide financial support in areas where
they are needed the most. You’ve written checks, held fundraisers, sponsored events and given
your time and for that we are grateful. We owe an enormous amount of gratitude to Gastonia
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for donating a car to the campaign that raised the level of excitement
to new heights.
We are involved in a number of local programs that will surprise and delight you. In this report we have
highlighted these programs from prescription discount cards and early childhood reading programs to regional and
national assistance programs, as well as local community drives. These drives collected clothes, toys, food and school
supplies with the help of committed volunteers. In our priority funding areas we have identified program success by
understanding through defined measurements and outcomes if a program participant’s life has changed for the good. If
you are interested in volunteering, you can be connected with area non profits through our online system. If you know
of someone needing help our enhanced information and referral line (2-1-1) is a one stop resource.
Last but certainly not the least, thank you for all of the support identified above and for helping me wind up my
7th year as President of your United Way of Gaston County with delight. I look forward to continue serving you and
Gaston County in the years to come.
United Way of Gaston County, Inc.
Staff Organizational Chart
2015
➧
President/ Chief
Professional Officer
Deborah Ally
Director of Community
Impact & Investment
James Burgess
Manager Finance
Administration
Jennifer Grant
Director, Resource
Development/Marketing
Ashley Smith
Community Impact Manager
June Jones
Finance Associate
Teresa Jacobs
(Part Time)
Donor Relations Associate
Leigh Spach
(Part Time)
United Way 2015
7
2016 Board Chair
Barbara Yarbrough ~ Board Chair 2016
When I began volunteering with United Way about 15 years ago as a member of an
allocation panel, I never envisioned I would be serving as your board chair. I am very honored
to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading this organization in 2016.
Although many individuals feel that United Way’s primary focus is fundraising, it’s not.
It's really about how we can make a positive impact in our community, something I have
experienced first hand. Over the last few years United Way has put even more emphasis on
supporting programs that measure activities and show positive impacts as a result of the
funds that companies and individuals in our community so generously donate. Under an umbrella organization
like United Way, we can all be assured that our gifts are well-spent, only after full evaluation of how the programs
address needs.
In 2016 we will continue our ongoing journey to assess needs in the community and we will focus our efforts on
those programs which meet stated objectives that improve health, education and financial stability. Our emphasis
is always to improve the quality of life in Gaston County. I hope you will all join us on this path to success and ask
you all to GIVE, VOLUNTEER and ADVOCATE. Live United!
United Way of Gaston County, Inc.
➧
Volunteer Organization Chart
2016
Board of Directors
Chief Volunteer Officer (CVO)
Barbara Yarbrough, Chair
Executive Committee
Barbara Yarbrough, Chair
Finance &
Administration
Anne Comer
Strategic Planning
Chair-Elect
David Williams
Immediate Past Board Chairman
David McMahan
James Allen
Eric Clay
Jenny Holder
Steven Long
8
Gaston County
Campaign & Marketing
Dr. Silvia Patricia Rios-Husain
Community Impact
& Investment
Danny Jackson
Secretary
Deborah Ally
President/Chief Prof. Officer (CPO)
Emmie Bowyer
John Forgan
Bill Steury
Dr. Costa Andreou
Toni Belhu
Jeff Booker
Edward Covington
William Sain
Audited Financials
July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016
Statement of Financial Position
2015
2014
Total assets
$2,437,373 $2,455,193
Total liabilities
$1,283,096 $1,306,912
Total net assets
$1,154,277 $1,148,281
Total liabilities and net assets
$2,437,373 $2,455,193
Statement of Activities
2015
2014
Campaign contributions
$1,848,685 $2,062,835
Net campaign contributions
$1,513,245*$1,593,112*
Other revenues
$76,424 $299,538
Total revenues & other support
$1,589,669 $1,892,650
Total allocations
$1,044,993$1,053,917
Total operating expenses
$536,680**$482,909**
*Net of uncollectibles and designations
**Includes building repairs, depreciation and 2-1-1 program expenses.
Audit firm - McCannon, Rogers, Driscoll & Associates, LLP
Audited financial statements online at http://unitedwaygaston.org/financial-information
United Way 2015
9
Community Awards
These awards recognize outstanding individuals who demonstrate their belief that philanthropy
and service are important to creating a thriving community.
The awards honor the spirit of the leaders by recognizing those who have exhibited compassion,
strength and innovation through their financial resources and volunteer service to United Way of
Gaston County and the greater Gaston area.
* Years Denote Campaign Years
Harold T. Sumner Award (updated 3-31-16)
2002 - Vernon Perry
2009 - Tom Efird
2004 - Tete Pearson
2011 - Jennie Stultz
2003 - Edward D. Sadler Jr.
2005 - Lonnie Waggoner
Harold T. Sumner
2006 - Tom Watson
2007 - Frank Matthews
2008 - Duke Kimbrell
2010 - Senator David Hoyle
2012 - Jim Cookson
2013 - Larry Petty
William Lawson
2015 recipient
2014 - Ron Long
2015 - William Lawson
Caroline Garrison Award
2010 - Eleanor Beasley
2013 - Barbara Voorhees
2012 - Martha Eddins
2015 - Kaye Gribble
2011 - Emmie Bowyer
2014 - Judy Bean
Kaye Gribble
2015 recipient
Caroline Garrison
Edward D. Sadler Jr. Award
2013 - Amanda Fuller, Michele
Reese, Kia Thacker
Edward D. Sadler Jr.
10
Gaston County
2014 - Donyel Barber
2015 - Dr. Johnathan Williams
Dr. Johnathan Williams
2015 recipient
2015 Campaign
Tim & Lewis Efird ~ Campaign Co-chairs
Greetings to you all and we hope for a productive and fulfilling
2016 for everyone. We want to thank you for the privilege of serving
as co-chairmen of the United Way of Gaston County’s annual fundraising campaign. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting new folks, seeing
old friends, and working with all of you during the campaign to
further the mission of the United Way.
Gaston County is a better place to live because of your efforts
and generosity with the United Way. You understand that we are all blessed and that it is our duty
to be a blessing to others. Your support of the United Way helps provide a “hand up” rather than a
handout to our fellow citizens.
Again, we cannot thank you enough for your responsive and generous gifts of your time, talent,
and treasure in support of the United Way. We are grateful to serve with all of you- the people that
make the United Way work for the greater good in this community.
Tim Efird
Standard Distributors, Inc.
Lewis Efird
United Oil of the Carolinas
Employee Campaign Coordinator
The United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator (ECC) is a company employee who volunteers
to oversee a portion of their company’s annual United Way fundraising campaign. It is the Employee
Campaign Coordinator’s responsibility to help plan and monitor the campaign to ensure its success,
often as an additional duty. United Way of Gaston County had 66 campaign coordinators in 2015 and
could not have had a successful campaign without their hard work and dedication.
Pacesetter Companies
Jay B. Smith
United Way 2015
11
Car Giveaway & Donor Choice
United Way Campaign Gets Boost From Car Giveaway
United Way of Gaston County teamed up with Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to give away a
2015 Jeep Renegade as part of the United Ways annual fundraising campaign.
The Car Giveaway shows the commitment of Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to Gaston
County’s nonprofits. The dealership’s
donation helped to provide increased
support to many of Gaston’s nonprofit
organizations supported through
United Way.
Donors who pledged $100 or more
to the United Way of Gaston County
campaign between July 1 and December
18 were eligible to enter into the car
drawing. That was a pledge of less
than $2.00 a week for individuals and
employees who donate to United Way
through a payroll deduction campaign.
Donor Choice
United Way of Gaston County has opened its doors to more nonprofit organizations in Gaston
County.
For the first time, the United Way allowed donor designations to organizations outside of its
traditional Affiliate Agencies. The change to United Way of Gaston County’s model, called Donor
Choice will enable donors to designate their donation to one of three areas: United Way’s Community
Impact Fund, to one of United Way of Gaston County’s traditional 21 Affiliate Agencies, or to a new
Donor Choice Affiliate.
We believe that this change will enable donors to provide support to more local organizations, while
still accomplishing our mission of Community Impact. United Way’s Community Impact Fund is the
first option for donors, and still provides the most impact and oversight for the community.
For donors who have had personal experience with an organization, and want to give to that
organization exclusively, United Way will make those choices available. There are some restrictions.
New applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization with the State of North Carolina, must serve
a health and human service function, and must be located in Gaston County.
United Way is unique among Gaston County nonprofits because it gives donors the opportunity to
donate through Payroll Deduction at their workplace, rather than one-time donations and fundraisers.
12
Gaston County
Donor Leadership
The Top 35 Corporate Donors with Employee Workplace Campaigns
A. B. Carter, Inc.
American & Efird, Inc.
AT&T
Bank of America
Belk
Beverly Knits, Inc.
Carolina Brush Company
CaroMont Health
City of Gastonia
Cross Automation
Daimler Trucks
North America, LLC
Duke Energy Corporation
Firestone Fibers
FMC
Gaston College
Gaston County
Gaston County Schools
Gastonia Sheet Metal
Georgia Pacific
Gray, Layton, Kersh, Solomon,
Furr & Smith
Industrial Distribution Group
McCannon, Rogers & Driscoll
Parkdale
Petty Machine
PNC Bank
Precision Machine Products
PSNC Energy
Röchling Engineering Plastics
Standard Distributors
Tindol Ford Subaru
United Oil
United Parcel Service
Wells Fargo
Watson Insurance Agency, Inc.
Wix
Leadership Listing as of 1/20/16
Alexis de Tocqueville
Only 26 years old when he came to the United States and Canada in 1831, Alexis
Charles-Henri de Tocqueville traveled extensively, recording his observations of
life in the young nations. Though he only spent nine months in North America,
he gleaned an insightful view of American society. His observations, readings and
discussions with eminent Americans formed the basis of Democracy in America,
a detailed study of American society and politics published in two volumes,
in 1835 and 1840. Tocqueville recognized, applauded, and immortalized North
American voluntary action on behalf of the common good. He wrote: “I must
say that I have seen Americans make a great deal of real sacrifices to the public
welfare; and have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed
to lend a faithful support to one another,” eloquently capturing the essence of personal philanthropy
that persists, almost three centuries later.
A national major gifts society, sponsored by United Way Worldwide, with chapters in local United
Ways across the country.
Members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society give annual gifts of at least $10,000.
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Comer
Mrs. Betty Higgins Deitz
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Driscoll
Mr. and Mrs. George F. Henry, III
Mr. and Mrs. Plato Pearson, Jr.
Mr. T.J. Solomon II
Mrs. & Mrs. Anderson Warlick
Mrs. Barbara G Yarbrough
David Belk Cannon Foundation
Charles and Irene Nanney Foundation
Leadership Listing as of 1/20/16
United Way 2015
13
Donor Leadership
David R. LaFar Society
To recognize the late David Robertson LaFar III, whose philanthropy and leadership set a firm foundation for future growth, the United
Way of Gaston County introduced a new level of leadership giving in
1995, the David R. LaFar III Leadership Society. LaFar was a supporter
of many community organizations including United Way of Gaston
County, Gaston County Family YMCA, Piedmont Council Boy Scouts
of America, First Presbyterian Church and the Rotary Club of Gastonia.
He donated the Boy Scouts library and outdoor chapel, and in the early
1990s he stepped in as the interim fundraising director for United Way
of Gaston County as a volunteer. As interim fundraising director he
both met and exceeded United Way’s fundraising goals that year. Mr.
LaFar also served on the board of trustees of Davidson College, where
he graduated in 1929. He was the District Governor of the Afternoon
Rotary Club, known today as the Thursday Rotary Club.
The David R. LaFar III Leadership Society recognizes donors whose gifts range from $1,000- $9,999.
Mrs. Ann Robinson Black
Mr. & Mrs. Tom D. Efird
The Hancock Family Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Martin L Hancock III
Mr. James Allen
Mr. and Mrs. Mo Ally
Mr. Lewis Carter
Mr. Timothy M. Ciurlik
Mr. Richard K. Craig
The A.B. Carter, Inc. Fund
Mr. Gregory Dillman
Mr. Tim L. Ensley
Mr. Ronnie L. Ensley
Mr. Jared Frady
14
Gaston County
Chairman - $5,000 to $9,999
Mr. & Mrs. Fred A. Jackson
The Mr. and Mrs.
Fred A. Jackson Fund
Mr. John L. Miller
President - $2,000 - $4,999
Mr. Walter H. Gray
Mr. George T. Hamrick
Mr. and Mrs. D. Russell Harris
Ms. Catherine Hope
Mr. Steven P. Klueg
Mr. John K. McGill Jr
Dr. and Mrs. Charles J. Meakin III
Mr. Christopher Plemmons
Mr. George B. Ratchford
Dr. Patricia Skinner
Mr. Larry Petty
Mr. Jim Ratchford
Forest W. Rogers Jr.
Mr. Jay Smith
Mr. William Steury
Mr. David E. Sturgis
Mr. Milton S. Swindler
Mr. Thomas C. Watson Jr.
Mr. Scott Wells
Mr. John G. Will
Leadership Listing as of 1/20/16
Executive - $1,000 - $1,999
Dr. and Mrs. William B. Abernethy
Ms. Beverly T. Adkins-Bailey
Mr. Erik Allen
Mrs. Jacqueline Ammons
Dr. Costa Andreou
Mr. Matt Bernhardt
Mr. Benjamin Bishop
Ms. Priscilla Blalock
Mr. Robert H. Blalock Jr.
Ms. Sharon D. Boone
Ms. Marci A. Brier
Mr. Tim Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Bryant Sr.
The Harry and Ruby Bryant Fund
Mr. Troy Bush
Mr. Demetrius Byrd
Mr. Carl Cahill
Mr. Paul Carter
Mr. Steven T. Cherry Jr.
Mr. Joshua Clevenger
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Cookson
Mr. Langdon M. Cooper
Mr. Edward Covington
Mr. Ed Cross
Mr. David J. Deas
Georgia DeBerry
Mr. Tyler Dixon
Mr. and Mrs.
Christopher C. Dobbins
Mr. Brent Duiett
Ms. Amy Dunbar
Ms. Sidney L. Echevarria
Mr. Matthew Farabaugh
Ms. Luanne L. Finch
Ms. Sharon H. Friday
Ms. Missy Froneberger
Mr. Robert Ferguson
Mr. John M. Godsey
Mr. Paul Hardin
Mr. Dale Harris
Mr. and Mrs. William S. Henry
Ms. Leigh Hickman
Mr. Mike Holland
Mr. Amanda Homce
Ms. Kathy L. Jenkins
Mr. and Mrs. John Bowyer
Mr. and Mrs. John S. Lowery
Mr. Michael Johnson
Mr. Steven C. Jones
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Kersh Jr.
Mr. Jeffrey Knox
Mr. Mark A. Lamphiear
Mr. Roland V. Lanier Jr.
Mr. David Laux
Ms. Alma Lindsay
Mrs. Laura Lineberger
Ms. Marilyn Lineberger
Mr. Miriam Lockhart
Mr. Dennis Love
Mr. Phillip Lee Lovelace
Ms. Laurie P. Maultsby
Mr. Chris Mc Guirt
Stephen R. McCarn
Mr. Chris McCorkle
Mr. Ken McCutcheon
Ms. Millard McGee
Mr. Ronald Mitchell
Mr. Andrew W. Moore
Mr. Daniel B. Moser Jr.
Mr. Brian J. Mull
Mr. Edward Munn
Mrs. Johan Newcombe
Mr. James M. Nichols
Mr. Charles Nodine Jr.
Mr. Joseph J. O’Brien
Mr. Cletus O’Dell
Mr. Dennis Ouzts
Ms. Candace A. Paton
Mr. Stephen W. Patrick
Mr. Myron Petruska
Mr. Trent L Phillips
Mr. Scottie Queen
Mr. Eric D. Rankin
Mrs. Shannon Reavis
Mr. Stephen F. Renfrow
Ms. Cheryl J. Rhoades
Ms. Melinda C. Russell
Mrs. Janet Sarn
Mr. Norbert Schuermann
Mr. Lloyd A. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Spach Jr.
Mr. Dennis St. Louis
Mr. Craig Stover
Ms. Connie Street
Ms. Jesse Sylar
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Sytz
Mr. Gary A. Thrower
Mr. Robert F. Turner
Mr. James Tyler
Mr. Alkurumatada Veeraprakash
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Voorhees
Dr. and Mrs. John C. Watts III
Mr. James H. Weant
Mr. Karl Westrick III
Mr. Donald White
Mr. Keith Wilson Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. A Knox Winget III
Ms. Mary F. Woods
Dr. and Mrs. Steven W. Yates
Leadership Listing as of 1/20/16
United Way 2015
15
Community Impact Areas:
Education
Education
In 2015-16 we have committed $614,478 to improve education.
How we define success in improving education in Gaston County:
1. Young children are prepared to enter school.
2. Elementary students read on grade level.
3. Middle and High school students move through grade progression to graduation.
4. Students of all ages continue to learn and acquire marketable job/career skills.
The following programs we help fund comply with United Way of Gaston County’s definitions for improving
education:
United Way administers the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which supplies books each month to enrolled
children in Gaston County from birth to age 5.
Alliance for Children and Youth administers Communities In Schools that works in public schools to
improve reading and math scores and to increase attendance with children at risk. The outcome of the program
helps ensure students progress to the next grade.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston administers the After-school Enrichment Program. This
program includes tutoring, homework time, sports teams, and other enrichment components. They work to
improve reading and math scores and to increase school attendance. The outcome of the program helps ensure
students progress to the next grade.
Gaston Family YMCA works with United Way on The Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program that
helps struggling young readers to increase reading levels over 6 weeks in the summer. The outcome of the
program helps ensure students progress to the next grade and excel in life.
Through United Way, Gaston Literacy Council works on many fronts to encourage students of all ages to
learn to live well in today’s world. The Adult Basic Education Program helps adults improve reading and math
skills to allow them to pass the High School Equivalency test. English as a Second Language Program helps
adults become proficient in English, both oral and written, and enables them to take other education classes.
Citizenship Classes help candidates prepare to take the US citizenship test.
Girl Scouts receives United Way help with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience Program. This program
helps to develop life skills, set challenging goals and establish good study habits with the participants. The
outcome of the program helps ensure students progress to the next grade and excel in life.
16
Gaston County
Community Impact Areas:
Income (Financial Stability)
Financial Stability
In 2015-16 we have committed $315,901 to help families financially.
We define success in improving financial stability for Gaston County citizens in
two ways:
Long Term Stability:
1. Financial self-sufficiency.
2. Prolonged periods of employment.
3. Citizens have money management skills to increase financial stability of their families.
Emergency Assistance:
1. Short term crisis needs are met.
2. Self-sufficiency and a decrease in poverty is experienced by those in financial crisis.
The following programs we help fund comply with United Way of Gaston County’s definitions for improving
financial stability:
Long term Stability:
Gaston County offers the Adult Day Care Program. This program offers a safe, stimulating place for elderly
citizens to spend their days while allowing their families to remain in the workforce. It also keeps these citizens
out of higher cost, assisted living facilities. By helping maintain family income and decreasing expenses, this
program increases financial stability for families with elderly members.
Alternative Community Penalties Program helps women experiencing legal issues though the Women’s
Program at the Restorative Justice Center. The Women’s Program helps them find and maintain employment
with a living wage. The program helps any participants who need assistance to become and stay sober, which
increases financial self-sufficiency.
Emergency Assistance:
United Way supports crisis agencies across the County who offer a safety net to citizens who are
experiencing short-term financial crisis. Each agency differs in the ways they are able to assist, but in general,
they offer assistance with food, utility bills, and rent. All the agencies try to help citizens become more
financially stable. The agencies supported are:
• Bessemer City Crisis Center
• Salvation Army Center of Hope
• Cherryville Area Ministries and Thrift Store
• S
erving Our Community with Kindness in
Springwood (SOCKS)
• Dallas-High Shoals Christian Social Ministry
• Mt. Holly Crisis Relief Organization
United Way 2015
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Community Impact Areas:
Health
Health
In 2015-16 we have committed $299,115 to improve the health of citizens.
How we define success in improving citizens’ health in Gaston County:
1. Citizens are aware of healthcare options available in Gaston County.
2. Citizens use healthcare services available in clinics and doctor’s offices instead of the
emergency room for non-emergency conditions.
3. Education is available in lifestyle choices that influence preventable health conditions and
citizens make choices that improve their overall health.
4. Products and services are available to families living with illness to improve quality of life.
5. Hospital stays are shorter and fewer.
The following programs we help fund comply with United Way of Gaston County’s definitions for improving
citizens’ health:
Cancer Services of Gaston County offers multiple programs. The Direct Assistance Program offers basic
needs to people living with cancer, including nutrition, medical equipment, and transportation to treatment. The
Support and Education Program offers information and support groups to people living with cancer and their
families. The Outreach Program educates people about cancer prevention and early detection. This program
also stresses the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.
Flynn Fellowship Home runs the Substance Abuse Recovery Program. This program is a men’s halfway
house. The program offers support for men with substance use disorders to live sober, healthy lives.
Gaston Family YMCA has Healthy Eating and Physical Activities (HEPA) Programs. These programs teach
the importance of increasing exercise and consumption of fruits and vegetables. All after school and camp staff
are trained in these concepts and teach children the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Heart Society of Gaston County offers the Cardiovascular Health Education Program that increases awareness
of cardiovascular risk factors and encourages heart healthy lifestyle choices, including changes in diet, exercise
and smoking habits. Heart Society also has a Medication Assistance Program that makes prescribed medications
available, regardless of cost, to heart patients. By taking prescriptions as prescribed, conditions such as high
cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes stay under control. Participants reduce the number of visits to physicians
and the hospital.
Hospice of Gaston County runs the Robin Johnson House which offers end of life care to patients who are
unable to have their symptoms managed in other care settings. This program also offers care and education to
family members of patients in Robin Johnson House.
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Gaston County
Community Initiatives:
FamilyWize & 2-1-1
The United Way of Gaston County continues to assist our community with the
following programs:
Since 2008 United Way of Gaston County has provided
prescription drug assistance through the FamilyWize Program.
Cards are made available through local help agencies, as
well as being placed in local pharmacies and throughout the
community. With a copy of a FamilyWize card, individuals can
receive discounts on prescription drugs. Everyone is eligible!
The FamilyWize program saved Gaston County citizens a total
of $1,227,000 to date with more than 10,800 people helped.
By dialing toll-free, 2-1-1, residents are able to access a
statewide database of available assistance. Callers talk with
an operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Resources are
recommended according to the caller’s ZIP code and the type
of help requested.
In 2015, the United Way staff has concentrated on updating
the database by contacting local help organizations to verify
their listings in 2-1-1. In November, the 2-1-1 Call Center
staff contacted the most referred organizations across North
Carolina and verified their listings. These initiatives have made
the entire system much more accurate and reliable for callers.
The United Way staff continued to work to spread the
word about 2-1-1 through the year. At agency meetings and other United Way events, 2-1-1 information cards
were given out and the system explained. Gaston County’s call rate increased and more people received help
information.
In Gaston County during 2015, over 3070 calls were taken by 2-1-1 operators. 37% of the year’s calls
requested help with housing, both for shelters and rent payment assistance. 20% of the calls requested help with
paying utility bills. 10% of calls requested food, 10% were for healthcare information. The balance of calls
included requests for household goods, mental health services, employment services, and legal services.
United Way 2015
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Community Initiative:
Imagination Library
Administered by The United Way of Gaston County
United Way has chosen to support the Imagination Library as a way to help
families prepare their young children for kindergarten.
Imagination Library is a program started in 2000 by Ms. Parton
through her Dollywood Foundation. United Way of Gaston County
is the local affiliate for the Library and makes it available to
families here.
How does it work? A child is registered to participate in the
Imagination Library. Once the registration is accepted the
child remains enrolled until age 5, as long as they reside in
Gaston County. At enrollment, an age appropriate book is
mailed to the child’s home. After that, a new book arrives
every month to spark interest in books and reading! The
family has 12 books a year to add to their home library. It’s a
simple concept that has been studied and has been proven to
help families prepare children for school.
Our Imagination Library has 237 children enrolled, ranging
from newborns to 5 year olds. The local program is funded with
monies raised through the Community Foundation RUN as well as
donations from companies and individuals. We have a waiting list of families
whose children are not yet funded. The cost to enroll a child in the program for one year is $25.00. If you are
interested in sponsoring this program, please contact the United Way administration office.
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Gaston County
Community Initiatives:
Duke Energy, EFSP & Volunteer Center
North Carolina Merger Settlement Funds
In conjunction with the Duke Energy Carolinas merger with Progress Energy,
in 2014 a fund was established to provide assistance for low-income customers.
The program is administered for Duke Energy by The Foundation for the
Carolinas and will be made through June 2016. $204,675 was made available to Gaston County and United
Way was chosen to administer these funds. Using crisis agencies operating in the County and the Department of
Health and Human Services to identify customers in need, we have disbursed $141,857 in 2015. We are on track
to disburse the entire amount before the program ends.
Share The Warmth Program
Duke Energy offers individuals the opportunity to donate funds to help neighbors who are less fortunate.
Duke Energy matches donations up to $500,000 this winter season in North Carolina. The program is
administered for Duke Energy by The Foundation for the Carolinas. Share The Warmth funds are made
available to help residents who have trouble paying heating bills, irrespective of the utility or fuel source. These
funds can be used to pay for electricity and natural gas. This fall, United Way was recommended by the local
crisis agencies to the Foundation for the Carolinas to administrator this program. Because Share The Warmth is
funded by donations, the total amount that will be available to Gaston County during this heating season is not
yet known. The first disbursement took place in January 2016.
EFSP (Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program)
Emergency Food and Shelter Program is a federally funded program that extends the reach of existing programs
providing food and shelter to residents in an emergency situations. The program is administered by the United Way here
in Gaston County and is guided by a Board of Directors made up in compliance with mandates from the National Board.
We know there is a need to connect volunteers with non-profits in
Gaston County. In 2015, we began offering an online matching site
we call the Volunteer Center. The Volunteer Center can be reached by
going to www.volunteergaston.org.
Local agencies and programs are able to post volunteer opportunities, needs to be filled, and events on the
Volunteer Center site. The postings can include time frame, age requirements, and general area of interest
(education, technical, hands-on).
Residents are able to view the postings and respond to items that interest them. If they respond online, the
agency/program gets an email notification with the volunteer’s contact information. Residents can also contact the
agency/program by telephone.
The Volunteer Center is moving forward as non-profits look for new and better ways to engage volunteers.
Volunteers are happy to find a place to discover ways to “help and care for one another.”
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Community Drives
United Way offered several community drives in 2015, giving members of our
community the opportunity to help and care for others.
At the beginning of the year we held a Community Baby Shower and collected items for new mothers who
are paired with the Nurse Family Partnership in Gaston County. At-risk mothers receive help from a registered
nurse with information about proper nutrition, baby care, parenting techniques and maintaining a stable living
environment. The shower gifts gave families much needed baby supplies.
In January, we collected items to give out during
the Point In Time homeless count, including warm
clothes, canned goods, hygiene items, blankets,
and flashlights. In March, United Way put out an
Action Opportunity to help a local agency with
underclothes and personal hygiene items. The
Community stepped up and helped!
CommunityOne Bank held a spring Baby Shower and collected baby
items for new moms in need. United Way distributed the shower gifts to
families involved with Family Promise, working their way to a permanent
home. Shower gifts were also taken to Mira Via at Belmont Abbey
College. Mira Via is alternative housing for single, pregnant and parenting
students. The program enables students to continue their academic careers
and in turn, be more successful in life
United Way assisted Owens Corning in July and August,
to partner with their “neighborhood” school, before Owens
Corning even moved into the neighborhood!! Owens
Corning employees stuffed 600 backpacks with school
supplies to help Costner Elementary School students.
Costner is the closest school to where the Owens Corning
plant is being built. The backpacks were delivered to the
school by Owens Corning employees and the Pink Panther
in August when students returned.
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Gaston County
Photo Gallery:
Community Engagements
Allen Steam Plant Golf
Tournament
Family Fun Day at Stowe Park, Belmont
Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day
PNC Bank Check presentation
FMC Check presentation
UWGC Sleepout
Bill Steury
Purse Power check
presentation
UWGC Sleepout for the Homeless
United Way 2015
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Christmas Wishes:
UNITED WAY CHRISTMAS WISHES PROGRAM
The Gaston Gazette began the Christmas Wishes Program about 30 years ago to match those needing help
during the holidays with community citizens who had the resources to meet those needs. The Gazette has
successfully made thousands of wishes come true over the years with the help of many caring sponsors.
In November, 2015, the Gazette formed a new partnership with United Way of Gaston County (UWGC) to
house and support Christmas Wishes. The Gazette continued to publish the wishes
in print with a link to the United Way web site so those interested in granting wishes
could view them online.
The mission of UWGC is to unite our community to help and care for one another. To
fulfill this mission, UWGC seeks to foster sustainable, collaborative efforts addressing
community conditions. Christmas Wishes fits with our Community Impact model and
our mission. UWGC and The Gazette recognized the opportunity to work together on the
Christmas Wishes Program to better serve the citizens of Gaston County.
Citizens were able to help with this program by:
• Sponsoring a family or older adult.
• Donating new gifts likes toys, coats, or blankets.
• Purchasing a gift card from a store where people can purchase food, clothing, or toys.
• Making a tax-deductible contribution by check or cash, which was used for a specific wish or to fund items for
the families.
Most of those who applied for Christmas help were on fixed incomes, on
short time at work, unemployed, or simply did not have money in their budget
for extras. Many have a hard time even providing the basic necessities like
clothing or food. Winter months are always harder due to heating expenses and
winter clothing needs, like coats. In 2015, we served nearly 350 families and
senior citizens who needed help during the holiday season.
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Gaston County
2015 Event Sponsors
United Way 2015
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