IMPACT REPORT 2022-23

GROW

WOMEN UNITED identifying needs

YP Academy

serving others MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

IMPACTING LIVES

Camp iRock

young philanthropists

INSPIRE

ARMS

HOUSING

philanthropy

INNOVATE

MINORITY

HEALTH

COALITION

UNITED WAY OF ANDERSON COUNTY

WHERE HOPE GROWS

HEALTH

AMERICORPS

family

local

Teamwork collaborate

ADVOCATE

MEETING BASIC NEEDS

COMMUNITY

JOY

neighbors

Weekend SnackPack

PASSIONATE

GIVE

youth

Call 211

VOLUNTEER financial stability

Improving Anderson County uniting people connect Partnership INVESTMENT

FIRST FLIGHT ALLIANCE

ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT | 2022-2023

YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS Creating Opportunities

stronger together

LEAD

LINKING

AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SOCIETY Alexis de Tocqueville seniors

legacy inspiring others

COMMUNITY GARDENS

For more than 75 years, United Way of Anderson County has been cultivating change so that our community can flourish. We're improving education, strengthening financial stability for individuals and families, and making our county healthier – without losing sight of the basic needs of our most vulnerable.

But we don't do it alone. We bring people and organizations together to do more than any of us can do on our own. Together, we tackle some of Anderson County's toughest issues. We're after solutions that create real change. It's not simple, or easy. But we're making progress and seeing results.

Every donation is a seed planted. Every act of volunteerism enriches the soil. Every voice shines a light for those in need. With your help United Way is a place where hope grows.

We bring people and organizations together to solve problems

1 We know our community

2

tackle root causes of 3 We the most pressing issues

4 We drive impact

700

STUDENTS RECEIVED SNACKPACKS EACH WEEKEND

2,117

MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED

300

TAX RETURNS

119,381

MEALS PROVIDED THROUGH PARTNER AGENCIES & INTERNAL PROGRAMS

1,682

STUDENTS IMPACTED BY CAMP iROCK, SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS & YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS

14

COMMUNITY GARDENS PRODUCED FRESH FOOD FOR NEIGHBORHOODS

$1.2 MILLION IN SAVINGS

3,952

REFERRALS MADE THROUGH THE 2-1-1 CALL CENTER

195

PEOPLE SERVED THROUGH FINANCIAL STABILITY COACHING & WORKSHOPS

1,072

FREE TAX RETURNS COMPLETED FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES THROUGH THE V.I.T.A. PROGRAM

IMPACT AREA: HEALTH United for Health is an innovative partnership dedicated to addressing our community’s most pressing health needs.

One of the key collaborations within United for Health is with AnMed. AnMed is known for its compassionate, modern care. By joining forces, United Way and AnMed aim to leverage our combined expertise, resources, and reach to make significant impact on health challenges. So much of the important work that we do around health and the funding of other non-profits with health focuses is funded by AnMed. This partnership is crucial to improving the quality of life for everyone living in Anderson County.

Over the past two decades, the health needs of our community have changed and our initiatives have evolved to answer these unique needs. Beginning with Teen Pregnancy Prevention, United Way led the way in our community to reduce the number of teens impacted by having children they were not emotionally ready to parent or could not financially afford.

Later, when finding out that our obesity rate in adults was over 70%, United Way stepped up to become the Anderson Chapter of Eat Smart Move More (now Wholespire), with an objective to convene conversations among organizations working to promote healthy eating and increased physical activity. We continue our work with community gardens, parks, and Born Learning Trails.

This year, we have expanded our capacity to reach more individuals with a new collaboration with First Flight Alliance/Operation Active Kids. Through this partnership, we are able to offer programming that promotes activity, teach healthy food choices to school age children, and organize whole family events that bring people together to have fun while being active. FFA/OAK also provides us the opportunity to participate in providing merit- based scholarships to children ages 6-17 to participate in extracurricular activities such as gymnastics, dance, tumbling, league sports, horseback riding and other activities that keep them moving and healthy.

Recent Health Assessments report the need for more health initiatives to address mental health, substance misuse, and other behavioral health challenges. To align with this need, United Way is committed to collaborating with key stakeholders and community members to support a comprehensive approach to include prevention, early intervention, education programs, and awareness campaigns. To achieve this, United Way is collaborating with Clemson Youth Learning Institute (CUYLI) to implement a national evidence-based camp model, Camp Mariposa, designed for youth who are at high-risk for substance misuse, mental health issues, and suicide ideation with the purpose of providing educational and mentoring services in a fun weekend camp setting and through service projects. Additionally, United Way will dedicate its AmeriCorps resources for additional outreach and for peer mentoring support to youth and families and will continue to provide Mental Health First Aid classes to the community.

FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH United Way of Anderson County, in collaboration with community partners, has launched a new Mental Health Initiative to align existing mental health resources, identify gaps in the system of care, and create a shared agenda as we work together to improve timely access to appropriate mental health services in our communities.

Already one of the hardest areas to address, mental health needs have worsened throughout COVID-19. Two years into the pandemic, many people are experiencing mental health challenges, and the systems designed to help them are at a breaking point. Effective solutions that address the challenges our mental health system faces, and that ensure individuals can get the care they need, without stigma, are going to require innovation and sustained collaboration. This is exactly what the Mental Health Initiative aims to generate.

United Way has been meeting with mental health service providers, community members with lived experience, and organizations focused on mental health; who all agree the mental health crisis is a complex problem that no single entity can solve alone. Together, we have identified several areas of need: critical labor shortage of mental health providers, responding to the acute rise in youth mental health needs, and breaking the stigma associated with Mental Health. United Way has begun the journey to improvement by providing Mental Health First Aid Training (Adult & Youth), supporting Equine Therapy through Hearts in Harmony, and the new Mental Health Collaborative. This list will expand as we identify the needs and gaps in our community that must be addressed to create change and generate impact.

TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION For nearly 20 years United Way has been working to decrease teen pregnancies in our community. By reducing these numbers we are reducing poverty in our community. Simply put, we are reducing the number of adolescent girls who are having children they are not emotionally or financially prepared to care for at their age. During this time, in partnership with our school districts, we have seen an 81% decrease and we have been recognized nationally for our success.

Currently, we are partnering with Fact Forward (South Carolina’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention organization) to implement a program that provides teenagers access to a video about sexual health, risk-taking, relationships, and making better choices called Plan A. Teens can access Plan A via a landing page located on our website and social media site. It also offers them access to a community health worker if they require mental health services, dealing with alcohol or drug use or if they are suicidal.

CRISIS ASSISTANCE United Way has strong and longstanding relationships with local organizations that are addressing the need for Crisis Assistance here within our community. Like the Mental Health Initiative, we have included our partners in this campaign for change because so often mental health issues stem from some type of trauma.

One of our partners in crisis assistance is Foothills Alliance. The sexual trauma center at Foothills Alliance serves survivors, family members, and others involved in recovery from sexual assault or child abuse in Anderson. Their Child Advocacy Center is a safe place for children; with intervention specialists in counseling, and prosecution, to provide healing for children and their loved ones. Through outreach and education, they host workshops to help youth build healthy relationships and to help adults recognize and prevent sexual assault and child abuse.

Our partner tackling the issue of domestic violence is Safe Harbor. Safe Harbor offers a continuum of services for survivors of domestic violence and their children in Anderson County. Their services include a 24/7 Help Line, safe emergency shelters, counseling for adults and children, case management, assistance with filing for an Order of Protection, transitional housing, domestic violence education, parenting classes, and group support.

FOOD INSECURITY United Way knows that hunger is a substantial health problem across our community. Hunger means more than missing a meal. For 1 in 8 families, it often means having to choose between buying groceries or paying rent. And the effects can be devastating – from poor health and malnourishment to impaired child development and overall poor well-being.

Healthy families mean healthy communities. From mobile food pantries to health education that helps families maximize their food budgets and access to healthy meals, United Way is finding creative partnerships to help our community fill the gap. With our community partners, we're creating opportunities for families to have easy access to food, and to access fresh, healthy foods on a budget. Our partners include Anderson Emergency Kitchen, Community Gardens, Wholespire, and the newly created Hunger Collaborative.

Our friends at the Anderson Emergency Kitchen provide a Monday-Friday food program, serving hot nutritional meals to all in need who come through their doors. This is helping to meet a critical Basic Need in our community. Many of their clients may not be able to get even one meal a day, and others are pressed to be food secure without these meals.

United Way recently received a USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service grant that will allow us to establish 12 community gardens throughout Anderson County. This initiative will help us to bring accessible, fresh, and nutritious food to people across the county, with an emphasis on the underserved populations. This spring our gardens will begin to be planted. They will provide access to safe, nutritious, and secure food, expand outreach to increase awareness regarding healthy eating, and put an emphasis on improving the health and well-being of Anderson County residents.

In 2013 Eat Smart Move More of Anderson County was created. ESMM AC is a local chapter of a statewide movement aimed at coordinating obesity prevention efforts. It was established through the leadership of United Way, the City of Anderson, and Anderson County. ESMM AC is focused on uniting a wide variety of community partners to work together to increase active living, improve healthy eating, and decrease adult and childhood obesity in the community. In 2021 ESMM South Carolina rebranded under the new name of Wholespire.

The mission of Wholespire is to knock down barriers to healthy eating and active living and heal communities that suffer from poor nutrition and physical inactivity due to circumstances beyond their control. They help educate communities about nutrition and the dangers of a poor diet and ultimately provide them with greater access to affordable, fresh, and healthy food. To promote active living, Wholespire's HEAL coalition seeks to increase safe access to physical activities in communities that lack proper facilities, such as sidewalks and crosswalks, and equipment.

Weekend SnackPack and School Markets are United Way's programs that address childhood and youth hunger. Many students who receive free or reduced school meals are left without adequate nutrition when school is not in session.

These programs are designed to fill this gap by providing healthy, easy to prepare foods to students at risk of hunger.

UNITED WAY COMMUNITY GARDEN PARTNERS The LOT Project Artisan Gardens Westside Community Center Anderson Free Clinic The Champions Center Meals on Wheels

South Main Chapel & Mercy Center First Presbyterian Church Cancer Association of Anderson AIM Blessed Hope Temple

First Light Renaissance Academy

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Millions of Americans let their addictions go untreated because of social stigmas, the inability to find the proper support, and intimidation. Addiction is a chronic disease that requires an extensive and personalized treatment plan created by a team of individuals, including medical doctors, family, friends, support groups, and therapists. Our partners provide just that – personalized care in a setting surrounded by a team that’s rooting for their success. Whether they’re in a rehab center or support group, we want them to feel empowered to cut their ties with addiction. 100% of us can help. Be an advocate as we UNITE the community to create awareness of the importance of behavioral health. We are not alone when we stand together. That is why we have partnered with Shalom House Ministries and FAVOR to assist the community in addiction recovery and moving forward in the healing process. Our partnerships will increase as we grow this collaborative effort.

The Shalom House offers women seeking treatment for addiction up to three 90-day programs. The goal of Shalom House is to allow women to complete the recovery process while adapting to daily life again to ensure long-term recovery.

FAVOR is working within our community to put a “face and voice of recovery" and to provide intervention and recovery support services to those seeking recovery. Its work is part of a national recovery advocacy movement whose vision is to provide people affected by substance use disorders with access to the support they need to achieve and maintain longterm recovery.

VETERAN SUPPORT Often those who give the most are the most overlooked. That is not the case with our partner Upstate Warrior Solution.

This group of dedicated individuals meets veterans where they are in life and assists with navigating them through their next steps. Upstate Warrior Solution helps connect warriors and their families to supportive services and community resources in Anderson County. Upstate Warrior Solution offers face-to-face outreach and case coordination to assess areas of need including employment, navigating VA benefits, Mental Health Support or simply meeting other warriors and military families in the area. They are also participating in a Suicide Prevention Study.

ACCESS TO CARE We invest in programs and initiatives that offer preventative and routine healthcare; developmental screenings; promoting healthy behaviors. We’re also working in community partnerships focused on improving health outcomes across our community. Some of our partners are Anderson Free Clinic, The Champions Center, and Rebuild Upstate.

The Free Clinic provides medical, dental, vision, mental health, and pharmacy services to the uninsured whose income does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty guidelines and who have no insurance.

The United Way partnership with DCEC helps to provide funding for an onsite nurse so that students can learn in a safe environment. DCEC provides on-site occupational, physical, and speech therapy; the equipment and facilities needed to provide a stimulating, safe, and appropriate environment for children to gain confidence, self-esteem, and maximize potential.

Rebuild Upstate provides home repair to seniors, disabled people, and those who have medical needs and creates a safe environment for them. Whether that is addressing safe entry and exit by building a new wheelchair ramp or ensuring that a family is healthy and dry under a new roof, their goal with every home repair is to make sure the residents remain comfortably and safely in their homes.

CANCER RESOURCES The Cancer Association of Anderson is a United Way partner that provides resources to those who are battling cancer. Its mission is to help reduce the burden of cancer on Anderson County residents by providing treatmentrelated financial assistance, information and referrals, as well as emotional support.

Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas provides comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are battling cancer to improve their overall quality of life.

SENIOR BOXES We have a growing number of seniors in our community and many of them lack the monetary resources for nutritional food. Thanks to our partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, we will soon have access to monthly food boxes for up to 200 seniors who are 60 years old or older and who meet income eligibility guidelines. Having good nutrition helps to keep our senior citizens healthier.

MINORITY HEALTH COALITION The health gap in the minority community is REAL. Data shows a wide gap in life expectancy, that the numbers are higher related to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer; therefore, the African American Leadership Society of United Way has taken the lead in a Minority Health Coalition in our community. We want to work to provide greater access to healthcare, educate the community on signs of chronic disease, open dialogue about obesity, tobacco use, vaping, and exercise, and the impact they have on health. We also want to help to create an environment where residents feel safe in discussing mental and behavioral health. There is much work to be done but this group of community and health leaders is up to the task.

211 HELP LINE Dial 211 to connect to a network of resources available right here in Anderson County. It helps callers, those who go to the website, and even those who text to find assistance for food, housing, utilities, childcare, financial literacy, senior services, access to healthcare, job training, counseling and support groups for mental health issues and substance use disorder, volunteer opportunities, disaster services and much more. The 211 Call Line is open 24/7!

1,976

PEOPLE CONNECTED TO HELP THROUGH 211

3,952

REFERRALS MADE THROUGH 211

211-211 TEXT "HELP" TO 211-211 FOR ASSISTANCE

FIRST FLIGHT ALLIANCE & OPERATION ACTIVE KIDS (OAK) Through First Flight Alliance and Operation Active Kids we are inspiring first steps toward living a healthier and stronger lifestyle and empowering youth with opportunities for physical fitness and learning about good nutrition. With a shared vision of becoming the healthiest county in South Carolina, we have made a significant impact on the lives of children and adults across our community.

This year we hosted 2 family friendly race events (America’s 5K and Electric City Gobbler 5K) that brought together 1500 community members for the purpose of celebrating health and community. Thanks to Dabo’s All-In Foundation grant, we were able to supply 114 classrooms / 1180 students with recess kits which are full of sports and play equipment.

Every year, First Flight Alliance sends a Charity Partner Fundraising team to run in the New York City Marathon. To earn a bib, participants must raise $3000. Last year, our team of 10 raised, $30,000 for our Operation Active Kids program while running thousands of miles to prepare for this world class race event.

Operation Active Kids (OAK), focuses on providing underserved youth with access to fitness programs and resources by funding extracurricular activities, community sports leagues, fitness camps, and after school programs, providing children with safe spaces to engage in physical activities, develop social skills, and build a sense of community. The program aims to bridge the opportunity gap, ensuring that all children have access to the benefits of physical fitness, team sports and activities and the life-transforming power they hold. Additionally, OAK collaborates with local schools, community organizations, and sponsors to bring educational programs about proper nutrition and physical fitness.

CAMP MARIPOSA United Way has been awarded an opportunity through a partnership with Clemson Youth Learning Institute and Eluna Network to launch South Carolina’s first Camp Mariposa. Camp Mariposa is a nationally recognized transformative program that empowers and supports youth impacted by substance misuse. While Camp Mariposa serves youth from Anderson, SC, the actual camp is located in Sunset, SC. The camp provides a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 9-12 and 13-17, offering them a respite from the challenges they face at home and/or in the community.

Through a combination of therapeutic activities, education, and a sense of community, Camp Mariposa is dedicated to helping these children develop resilience, build healthy relationships, and discover their inner strengths for the purpose of breaking generational cycles related to substance misuse.

Camp Mariposa serves as a vital support network for youth impacted by substance abuse. The camp fosters a sense of community where campers connect with peers who share similar experiences, forming lifelong friendships. Additionally, the program extends beyond the camp weekends, providing ongoing support through local community resources, mentorship, and family engagement.

IMPACT AREA: FINANCIAL STABILITY As many as one-third of working Americans do not earn enough money to meet their basic needs. Wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of housing, healthcare, and education, and, currently, 40 million Americans are working in lowpaying jobs without basic health and retirement benefits. For families walking a financial tightrope, unable to save for college, a home, or retirement, United Way is here to help.

We know that when people earn enough income to be self-sufficient, build savings to weather a personal financial crisis and gain long-term assets like home ownership, our whole community benefits. To address the obstacles that prevent hard working families from getting ahead financially, we launched the United Way Financial Stability Center at AIM, an initiative that promotes community-change strategies to help families meet their basic needs, while gaining the financial capability to plan for, and accomplish, their long-term financial goals. Program offered include the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Financial Stability classes, and the X-Factor.

FINANCIAL STABILITY WORKSHOPS AT AIM The United Way Financial Stability Center at AIM offers at least 12 classes each month that are open to the public and also integrates into other programs at AIM as a measure of prevention and accountability. A few of the classes offered each month include: Homeownership Investing in Your Future Crisis Budgeting Banking Basics Budgeting, Where to begin?

Credit Coaching Renter's Rights & Eviction Prevention Debt Management Small Business Ownership Understanding Employee Benefits The X-Factor is a Diversity and Communication skills training taught through the lens of how different socioeconomic classes communicate and make decisions. This training provides awareness of the value systems of various groups and how both leadership and employees can adapt to these value systems, leading to higher employee success and stability.

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) For more than a decade, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been one of our most impactful financial stability initiatives. We are glad to partner with AIM to provide this service to the community.

The VITA Program is a powerful anti-poverty tool, providing free tax preparation services ensuring that hard-working individuals receive the maximum benefits available without losing hundreds of dollars in paid-preparer fees. The VITA Program hosts tax assistance locations at community and neighborhood centers, churches, and other convenient locations across Anderson County. By offering this service for free in Anderson County, we help more individuals and families achieve greater financial stability.

Sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), VITA provides free income tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a household income of $60,000 a year or less.

1,072

TAX RETURNS

$214,440 IN SAVINGS

$1,300

AVERAGE REFUND

$1.6 MILLION BACK INTO OUR LOCAL ECONOMY

HOMELESSNESS & HOUSING United Way hosted a Housing and Homelessness Summit, where 200 people came together to address the pressing issue of housing and homelessness in our community. As a leading organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in need, we strive to establish strong connections with partner agencies and community members to collectively work towards our vision of a community where everyone has access to safe and stable housing.

Vision At the core of our mission is the belief that every individual deserves a place to call home. We envision a community where homelessness is eradicated, and everyone has access to affordable, safe, and stable housing. Our comprehensive approach seeks not only to address immediate housing needs but also to tackle the root causes of homelessness. By fostering collaboration with partner agencies, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers individuals to regain control of their lives and reintegrate into society.

Connecting with Partner Agencies In the upcoming year, we plan to deepen our engagement with partner agencies to maximize our collective impact on the housing and homelessness problem. We recognize that no single organization can address this complex issue alone, and it is through collaboration that we can achieve lasting change. We will actively seek out and establish partnerships with agencies that share our commitment to creating sustainable housing solutions and promoting social and economic stability for vulnerable populations.

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS Affordable Housing Initiatives Through strategic partnerships, we will actively support the development and preservation of affordable housing options in our community. We will work closely with partner agencies, developers, and local government entities to advocate for policies that encourage the construction of affordable housing units and ensure their long-term viability.

Supportive Services and Wraparound Programs Recognizing that housing stability is closely tied to access to vital services, we will collaborate with partner agencies to provide comprehensive support to individuals experiencing homelessness. By combining housing with access to healthcare, mental health services, employment training, and other necessary resources, we aim to foster self-sufficiency and empower individuals to break the cycle of homelessness.

Prevention and Early Intervention In addition to addressing existing homelessness, we will invest in preventive measures and early intervention programs.

By identifying individuals and families at risk of homelessness and providing them with the necessary resources and support, we can proactively mitigate the likelihood of them experiencing housing instability and its associated challenges.

As we continue on this journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to solving the housing and homelessness problem in our community. By leveraging the collective expertise, resources, and passion of our partner agencies, we are confident in our ability to make a meaningful and lasting impact. Together, we will continue to advocate for policy changes, invest in affordable housing initiatives, and provide comprehensive support to those in need. Together, we can create a community where everyone has a place to call home. Scan the QR code to learn more and get involved.

IMPACT AREA: BASIC NEEDS United Way of Anderson County has created significant impact in our community by funding key partner agencies dedicated to meeting the basic needs of our community. This past year, we have worked to connect with organizations that share our vision for a thriving community where individuals have access to essential services. We are proud to highlight the outstanding contributions made by Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Alston Wilkes Society, the LOT Project, and Anderson Emergency Kitchen.

PARTNER AGENCIES ADDRESSING BASIC NEEDS Meals on Wheels In collaboration with Meals on Wheels, we have tackled the critical issue of food insecurity among vulnerable populations. Their dedicated team of volunteers has diligently delivered nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive not only sustenance but also companionship and care. Through our funding, we have expanded the reach of this vital program, reaching more individuals who would otherwise struggle to meet their basic nutritional needs.

Alston Wilkes Association Our partnership with the Alston Wilkes Association has focused on supporting individuals who are transitioning from the criminal justice system, aiming to break the cycle of recidivism and foster successful reintegration into society. By providing comprehensive services such as counseling, employment training, and housing assistance, we have empowered individuals to regain control of their lives and build a foundation for a brighter future.

The LOT Project The LOT Project has played a crucial role in providing a community space for gathering and loving “the least of these”.

Through our support, they serve a community meal and meet other basic needs for our homeless, transient, and housing-insecure neighbors. They also provide shoes, coats, and blankets to those in need. They have transformed vacant lots into vibrant creative spaces, including a workshop and communal area for artists to have to have access to tools and workspaces to practice their hobbies, trades, and other creative endeavors. They continue their work with community gardens and their Village Homes program that provides transitional housing.

Anderson Emergency Kitchen Our collaboration with the Anderson Emergency Kitchen has addressed the immediate needs of individuals experiencing food insecurity. Their dedicated team has tirelessly worked to provide meals and essential supplies to those in crisis situations. Our funding has enabled them to expand their reach and respond to the growing demand for emergency food assistance, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.

We are immensely grateful for the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment displayed by these partner agencies. Their tireless efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families in Anderson County. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to create lasting change in the years to come.

IMPACT AREA: EDUCATION Education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. We work with schools, local agencies, and families to improve education outcomes for our children. Our goal is that early learning is a priority so children are ready to learn and succeed once they start kindergarten, that all 3rd graders are reading on grade level, and that youth are graduating from school on time and ready to be productive citizens in society.

BORN LEARNING TRAILS The Born Learning Trail is a series of 10 interactive signs that offer fun, active learning activities for young children and their families. It helps parents, caregivers and communities create quality engagement opportunities when out on a stroll or visiting a local playground.

Visit a Born Learning Trail at Watson Park, Westside Community Center, Bea Thompson Park, South Main Chapel and Mercy Center, Anderson Civic Center Kid Venture, Equinox Park, Flat Rock Elementary, Dogwood Park, Dolly Cooper Sports Complex, Elsie Evans Memorial Park, Starr Walking Trail Park, or Mineral Springs Park!

HOMELAND PARK PRIMARY & VARENNES SCHOOL PARNTERSHIPS The Rotary Club of Anderson and United Way have partnered together to adopt Homeland Park Primary School and Varennes Elementary. HPPS is part of the Anderson School District 5 system, but it stands out because it has the 2nd highest poverty rate in the state. The children and families that live in the neighborhood are in great need, and our Rotary Club and United Way want to be a part of “rocking the world” of these children by giving them and their families a handup. This includes incentivizing good behavior with citizenship awards, making books available to them, scholarships for field trips, just to name a few things. Also, we want to reward their teachers and administrators who could be at schools with a more resources and fewer challenges. We provide celebrity readers to every classroom, scholarship funds for field trips, t-shirts for every student to attend field trips, funds for a school play, and KONA Ice for the end-of-year celebration. We love this partnership and love these schools!

WEEKEND SNACKPACK Childhood hunger is a silent epidemic that affects nearly 1 in 4 children. For the poorest school-age children, Friday night begins the Weekend Meal Gap, two days when the school lunch programs are not available and the children have little or nothing to eat. These children come back to school on Mondays, famished and weak, thinking only of the free meal that will come at breakfast and/or lunchtime.

Through the Weekend SnackPack Program, teachers and counselors at elementary schools in Anderson County, Districts 1-5, identify children who are at the greatest risk of falling into the Weekend Meal Gap. Free and reduced breakfasts and lunches are only available during the week, so the program provides needy children with meals to take home on Fridays. Each enrolled child receives a bag of child-friendly, ready-to-eat foods on Friday to take home for the weekend, when school meals are not available. Children return to school on Monday, well-fed and ready to learn. We also provide food pantries, called SnackPack Markets, for our middle and high schools.

CAMP iROCK Camp iRock is an intensive 8-week program that focuses on reading remediation work, character building, and physical activity. The program includes transportation to and from camp; breakfast, lunch, and snacks; high quality reading instructions in small group environments; swim lessons; field trips; and traditional summer camp games and activities. In 2019, a pilot program was put in place in School District 1 with a 100% success rate! All 65 students earned the privilege to advance to the 4th grade. Based on the success of Anderson School District 1, Women United has chosen to expand the Camp iRock program across our county. This camp will be a partnership with United Way, Anderson University, Anderson Area YMCA, and Anderson County School Districts 3, 4, and 5. The camp had its inaugural summer in June of 2022. This project has the potential to make change for generations to come and provide endless possibilities for our Anderson County children to achieve the highest success! According to famous author Dr. Seuss, “The more that you read, the more you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

AMERICORPS SC DISASTER CORPS Our AmeriCorps members come from diverse backgrounds, ages, and experiences, but they all share a common commitment to serving others. Over the past three years, our AmeriCorps SC Disaster Corp, has devoted its time and energy to preparing and educating community members on the importance of emergency and disaster preparedness.

As we come the end of this grant cycle, we are looking forward to shifting our focus to Healthy Futures. AmeriCorps service members will dedicate their time to tackling pressing community health concerns such as youth mental and behavioral health and substance misuse. Through a braided approach, our service members will serve as mentors with our Camp Mariposa mentees and will serve in our schools, churches, and at other community events to provide information and resources.

LEGACY AGENCIES United Way honored the five original agencies that have been our partners over our organization’s 75-year history: Boy Scouts of America, The Salvation Army, Girl Scouts, American Red Cross, and the Anderson Area YMCA. On November 15, 2022 we hosted a dinner in their honor at Anderson University. Our keynote speaker was Minor Shaw and we honored our Communitarian Robert Rainey, whose family has supported these organizations for decades. This was special evening with nearly 200 in attendance and with these five organizations receiving $100,000!

IMAGINE ANDERSON Imagine Anderson started as a visioning process to create a plan to improve Anderson County over twenty years beginning in 2006 in preparation for the County’s Bicentennial in 2026. The vision included goals in five areas of work: Growth Management, Education, Health & Human Services, Leisure & Recreation, Economic Development. Many of the goals have been reached and the work on others is ongoing.

This year, Imagine Anderson, in partnership with Anderson County, obtained a $250,000 planning grant to begin the work on a potential bike and pedestrian trail from Anderson to Belton. Imagine Anderson is also working in partnership with the Rotary Club of Anderson, the Electric City Rotary Club, the Greater Anderson Rotary Club and the Young Philanthropists of United Way to help fund restrooms at the Rocky River Nature Park on the Anderson University campus.

AFFINITY GROUPS AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SOCIETY The African American Leadership Society was created to bring diversity to the governance and work of United Way. It began in 2006 with an annual community service day, Dream Day, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. AALS hosts a Dream Gala in celebration of Juneteenth. It is at this event that awards are presented to honor an Emerging Leader, a Community Trail Blazer and Dr. Beatrice Thompson Legacy Award. This year’s keynote speaker is Angela Williams, Anderson native and CEO of United Way Worldwide.

WOMEN UNITED For United Way, whose unique role is bringing people together to solve community problems, women leaders are essential to accelerating lasting change. Our Women United's focus area is Camp iRock, an innovative summer reading camp for rising 3rd-graders. This project has the potential to make change for generations to come and provide endless possibilities for our Anderson County children to achieve the highest success!

YOUNG PHILANTHROPISTS (YP) YPs represent the next generation of leaders and philanthropists in Anderson County who will use their time, talent, and treasure to change the odds for families in our community. YPs serve our community through volunteer opportunities, connect with peers, and learn about our area’s most pressing needs and the way in which they can help address them through philanthropy and service.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS (YVC) United Way of Anderson County has a special program for teens ages 11-18 called the Youth Volunteer Corps of Anderson County. Currently we have over 200 teens who are volunteers with the Youth Volunteer Corps. The mission of YVC is to create unique community service opportunities across Anderson County that engage youth that are educational, challenging, and rewarding to create a lifelong ethic of service.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP Financial transparency and responsible stewardship of United Way of Anderson County's finances is extremely important to our staff and Board of Directors. An independent accounting firm performs a financial audit annually, which is reviewed by our Board of Directors. Below represents our most recent audited financials, fiscal year 2021-22.

Grants 490,818

INCOME

Other Revenue 7,760

Donations 1,417,597

Fundraising 239,009 Admin 92,727

EXPENSES

Community Programs 1,619,910

BOARD OF DIRECTORS DR. DON PEACE

DR. JACKIE BLAKELY

ELIABETH BOWEN

BECKY CAMPBELL

Board Chair

AALS Chair

Homeland Park Primary Representative

Volunteer Center Chair

DONNIE CAMPBELL

ALA CHAPPELEAR

BROOKE COLE

SEAN CONSTANCE

Volunteer Center Chair

Women United Chair

Elected Member

Elected Member

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

NAKIA DAVIS

MARY GAY DRAKE

CAROLINE GADDIS

Elected Member

2nd Vice Chair

Personnel Chair

City of Anderson Representative

ELEISHA GARLAND

TERI GILSTRAP

LYNN GREGORY

Elected Member

Elected Member

Elected Member

JOEL HEARD

Elected Member

KATHY HIPP

EMILY HOLLAND

LINDA JAMEISON

LUIS MARTINEZ

Elected Member

Elected Member

Elected Member

Campaign Chair

MARLENE MCCLAIN

KRISTIN MOSELEY

SCOTT ROBERTSON

GREG SHORE

Community Impact Chair

Elected Member

Endowment Chair

Past Chair

GRAYSON SMITH

LEO SMITH

CHRIS SULLIVAN

AMIKA THOMAS

YP Chair

Treasurer

Imagine Anderson Chair

Elected Member

MARIA TORRES-GREEN

CECILIA ZAPATA-HARMS

Elected Member

Elected Member

STAFF CAROL BURDETTE

LIZ BROCK

SHAWN COLEMAN

MARTHA KAY DUNSON

President & CEO

VP of Resource Development

Director of Camp Mariposa

Administrative Assistant

MICHELLE GREGORY

RENEE HALL

TONI HICKS

TASSY MANNIS

Director of Healthy Initiatives

Director of Volunteer Engagement & YVC

Chief Operating Officer

Americorps Program Coordinator

APRIL MOORE

ELLIE PHILLIPS

MONICA ROCKWELL

BRITTON RODGERS

Community Health Worker

Director of Marketing & Communications

Director of Finance

Director of Strategic Markets

ALISON YOUNGBLOOD VP of Community Impact

UnitedWayofAnderson.org (864) 226-3438

604 N. Murray Avenue Anderson, SC 29625