2024-2025 Impact Update

2024-2025 Impact Update

UNITED IS THE WAY for Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union Counties

FROM OUR

President

Dear Friends, At United Way of the Piedmont, we rely on the power of unity. Every day, we see how coming together creates real change–whether it’s helping a neighbor access life-saving medical care, guiding a student through a tough time, or supporting families through crises.

This is the spirit behind United is the Way. While we’re funding and providing programs, we’re also advocating for policies that will help us build stronger local communities. We’re committed to influencing policy that tackles bipartisan issues like childcare, basic needs support, and national service.

Your voice and generosity bring all levels of this work to life.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Let’s keep moving forward together.

Paige Stephenson President & CEO United Way of the Piedmont

SUPPORTING WORKING FAMILIES

ALICE IN OUR COMMUNITY ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are individuals and families who work hard—often in essential roles like healthcare, education, and service industries—but still struggle to make ends meet.

They earn above the federal poverty level, yet not enough to afford their basic needs like housing, food, childcare, and healthcare in our communities. Many are ineligible for public assistance due to their income, leaving them in a precarious position where every day involves tough trade-offs.

In Union County, 5.6 out of 10 households are ALICE.

Poverty

ALICE

Above ALICE Source: 2025 State of ALICE in South Carolina

The 2025 State of ALICE Report reveals that 42% of households in South Carolina live below the ALICE threshold, including 28% who are classified as ALICE and 14% who live in poverty.

In our region, the numbers are even more telling: 44% of households in Spartanburg County are ALICE, and 51% in Cherokee and 56% in Union Counties struggle to afford basic living expenses.

Over the past decade, the number of people facing financial hardship in our area has grown. From 2010 to 2023, the number of households in our state increased by 23%, but the number of ALICE households grew by a greater 36%. This growing gap requires community-wide, collaborative solutions.

At United Way, we support ALICE families because when ALICE families thrive, our entire community benefits. By focusing on efforts to help our neighbors reach financial security, we can foster a stronger local economy, healthier families, and a more resilient community for all.

UNITED FOR

HEALTHY COMMUNITY

By opening access to quality coverage and care, United Way advances health and well-being for all. Our investment in the Free Medical Clinic of Cherokee County program helps our uninsured neighbors receive the health services they need.

One of the Free Medical Clinic patients shared: "For years, I struggled with high blood pressure and chronic pain, but without insurance, seeing a doctor felt impossible. When I walked into the clinic, I was met with kindness, respect, and the medical attention I so desperately needed...I’m now on the right medication, feeling stronger, and able to care for my family without constant worry. This clinic truly saved my life."

This clinic truly saved my life.

Patient served by United Way-funded program

21,700+

children served by our 2024 funded programs

UNITED FOR

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY At United Way, we create pathways for young people to reach their goals, from early childhood education to college and career success.

Together, we are helping young people realize their full potential.

Our Higher Education Community Resource Coordinators (CRCs) are one of the ways we help youth find pathways to thrive in our community.

Last year, a local college student was struggling with grief and pressure, facing barriers to finding help and putting her health and education at risk. After connecting with one of our Higher Education CRCs, the student was able to quickly secure an appointment for the services she needed and get back on track.

Your contributions enable not only programs but also dedicated people who provide tailored solutions to help youth succeed.

Our United Way Higher Education CRC impact is powered by Movement 2030.

UNITED FOR

COMMUNITY RESILIENCY

From crisis support to disaster relief, United Way engages local leaders and neighbors to build a stronger community that can face any challenge.

When Hurricane Helene struck, we mobilized quickly to deliver immediate relief to 960 households, distributing over $450,000 in financial assistance. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and we remain committed to supporting families through ongoing home repairs and cleanup efforts in partnership with local organizations.

Throughout it all, our 211 information and referral helpline has been vital, connecting individuals and families to local resources. In 2024 alone, our regional 211 made more than 21,600 referrals, guiding people through crisis and toward stability.

UNITED FOR

40%

of regional 211 calls in 2024 were for Rent or Electric Assistance

FINANCIAL SECURITY

United Way equips people with financial resources and guidance today, so they can plan for a thriving tomorrow.

Each year through our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, volunteers assist thousands with free tax preparation, saving on fees and maximizing refunds for stronger household stability.

In 2024, our VITA team and volunteers prepared 2,321 returns, bringing over $2.4M in refunds back to households in our community.

“When I was a single parent and had my first kid, I would go to United Way and get my taxes done. Then, United Way asked me to volunteer. Now I get to do taxes for other single parents with kids, so they can have more money for what they need.”

Annetta Lipscomb, Peds Tech at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

UNITED IS THE WAY WE FUND THE FUTURE

Our community is powered by passionate nonprofits creating meaningful, on-the-ground change every day. At United Way of the Piedmont, we play a unique role in this ecosystem through our Community Investment Process: bringing together donors, volunteers, and partners to ensure that this vital work is resourced strategically and sustainably.

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, last year United Way of of the Piedmont funded a total of $1,450,356 million in local programs through our Community Investment Process.

Financial Security 48%

Healthy Community 26.5% Youth Opportunity 25.5%

2024 Community Investments

by Funding Area

Our funded programs tackle food insecurity, career readiness, wellness, and more. These challenges are big, but we fund them together.

In 2025, with over $4.8 million in funding requests from 138 local programs, we are making decisions for the next three years of funding.

Right now, you can help determine how much impact gets funded.

Your gift becomes part of a multi-million dollar investment in your own community. It supports vetted programs aligned with local values and helps shape a brighter future for all.

Ready to fund the future? United is the Way.

Join us at www.uwpiedmont.org/give