Book_UW_Year in Review_2016_Web

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

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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

Helping Children and Youth Achieve Their Potential

Promoting Family Financial Stability and Economic Opportunities and Success

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

Health Improving People’s Health 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

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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

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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

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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

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Gaston County

Eric Clay 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

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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.

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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 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*

$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**

Other revenues

$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

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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 - Joel Long

2015 - William Lawson

Caroline Garrison Award 2010 - Eleanor Beasley

2013 - Barbara Voorhees

2012 - Martha Eddins

2015 - Kaye Gribble

2011 - Emmie Boyer

2014 - Judy Bean

Caroline Garrison

Kaye Gribble 2015 recipient

Edward D. Sadler Jr. Award 2013 - Amanda Fuller, Michele Reese, Kia Thacker

Edward D. Sadler Jr.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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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