COMMUNITY IMPACT BEHAVIOR & MENTAL WELLNESS SERVICES
In collaboration with Forsyth County Schools, United Way of Forsyth County is investing in our students’ overall health by providing funding for on-site therapeutic services for students when costs are more than the family can afford. In 2019, United Way paid out $29,357 to this program which equates to approximately 500 therapeutic sessions. Additionally, we provide funding to support an in-school program addressing bullying, substance abuse and suicide prevention. Through United Way support, Avita Community Partners held Coping Skills Group Therapy Sessions in 2019 on a weekly basis with an average attendance of 15 clients per session. Avita also provided individual counseling for seniors and caregiver support group therapy through United Way support.
CREDIT RECOVERY PROGRAM United Way of Forsyth County is committed to helping our youth achieve their potential and go on to lead successful lives. In partnership with Forsyth County Schools, United Way assists with tuition for recovery credits for failed classes, transportation for before and after school programs or tutoring, graduation fees and High School Graduation Test review sessions as well as other services to help keep students engaged and on track to graduate. These services are offered to students who are identified as economically disadvantaged, special needs or ELL students to remove any and all barriers they may experience getting in the way of graduation. Since 2008, United Way has funded $725,000 to Credit Recovery programs. Additionally, the graduation rate in Forsyth County has increased from 85.8% in 2008 to 96.14% in 2020.
“Seven years ago, the graduation rate at Forsyth Central was 82%. Each year since then, we have had a steady rise and reached our all-time high of 95% in 2020. A big reason for that has been the opportunities that we have been able to provide through extended instruction, Saturday tutoring, summer school, and APEX learning. All of these have been possible as a result of the United Way of Forsyth County’s generosity!” - Mitch Young, Principal
Forsyth Central High School
FOOD PROGRAMS
Collected peanut butter, jelly and kid-friendly meals and snacks from local businesses, civic organizations and individuals to support MSG Foundation’s Summer and School Break Feeding Program. Over 15,800 lunches were supplied through the program. Partnered with Rotary Club of North Forsyth-400 to support Little Mill Middle School’s morning tutoring program, The Breakfast Club, by supplying Pop-Tarts as incentives. Approximately 184 students were served through this program during the 2018-19 school year. Partnered with Cumming Post Office for the 2019 NALC Food Drive on May 10th and 11th. United Way provided mail carriers with 40,000 flyers to distribute to residents in zip codes 30028, 30040 and 30041 announcing the event. An estimated 5 tons of food was collected and distributed to 7 local food pantries/programs.
TAX PREPARATION
Hosted an AARP Foundation Tax Aide free tax preparation site at the United Way Office. 357 tax returns were prepared, with the total amount refunded of $165,324 in federal returns and $83,382 from state. AARP volunteers logged over 710 volunteer hours during 19 tax preparation sessions.
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