Trident United Way Announces Community Garden Initiative in Partnership with Clemson Extension and the USDA
In partnership with Clemson Extension and the USDA, Trident United Way has selected three applicant groups to build gardens in their communities. These groups were chosen by a volunteer selection committee comprised of representatives from three Trident United Way partner organizations and three volunteers from the community.
An important aspect of Trident United Way’s mission in supporting community health in the Tri-County is to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in community spaces. We also work to increase education about where healthy foods come from and the health benefits of eating and preparing meals with fresh produce. To further this mission, technical assistance, infrastructure and supplies will be provided to the three community groups in partnership with Clemson Extension and the USDA. The three groups selected were:
Trident United Way Women United Recognizes
Tri-County Leaders in Philanthropy
Over 100 members of Trident United Way’s Women United and their guests gathered at the Crown Plaza Hotel to honor three local leaders in philanthropy at the 2023 Women United Awards Luncheon. This annual event celebrates the Nonprofit Leader of the Year, the Hands-On Hero of the Year and the Role Model of the Year, who were all nominated by members of the community.

2023 Nonprofit Leader of the Year

2023 Hands-On Hero of the Year
Danielle Hardee-Richardson, We Are Sharing Hope SC

2023 Role Model of the Year
Theresa Prioleau, community leader, advocate and educator

“As members of Women United, we support the work of Trident United Way, and we also come together to support one another,” said Trident United Way Board Chair Wendy Kopp. “The fellowship, mentorship and camaraderie formed within this group is remarkable. To that end, it’s essential to not only support each other in doing the work; we need to empower and magnify the voices of the women in our community who are out front leading the charge, those doing the difficult and often unseen work behind the scenes and those who are organizing community support systems in our local nonprofits.”

Pictured above from left to right: Theresa Prioleau, Danielle Hardee-Richardson and Stephanie M. Kelley
Trident United Way African American Leadership Council Annual Book Drive Delivers Over 1,800 Books to Tri-County Title 1 Schools
Trident United Way’s African American Leadership Council (AALC) marked their 8th Annual Book Drive benefitting Title I schools by delivering over 1,800 books to local elementary students at three Tri-County elementary schools. The books were given to K-3rd grade students at E.B. Ellington Elementary, Harleyville Elementary and St. Stephens Elementary in an effort to help prevent the “summer slide” and ensure students can continue on their path to literacy during summer break. 

“It's so important for students to continue reading throughout the summer so that they don’t fall behind and can be prepared for the new school year in August,” said AALC Chair Monifa Ellington. “The Trident United Way African American Leadership Council is a group of philanthropists who are passionate about making bold, positive change in the Tri-County in the areas of education, financial stability and health. We are so grateful for the community’s support in our 8th year leading this book drive and honored for the opportunity to provide reading materials to our local Title I schools.”

Books were collected through community donations via drop-off points at Trident United Way and Ingevity, and through an Amazon Wishlist.


Trident United Way
Support Stories:

COMMUNITY MEMBERS LOOKING OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER
Recently, a manager at a local retail store had concern for a long-time employee, Paula, and contacted our Dorchester Resource Connection Center in search of help. Paula had suddenly taken custody of her teenage grandchild who was struggling with health issues and could not be left alone. As a result, Paula had to scale back to part-time work so that she could be home before and after school. Additionally, when the child’s mother left, she took the SNAP and Medicaid cards with her. Now, not only was additional care needed for the child, but the financial supports that were in place were unavailable. Paula could no longer make ends meet.

More than four in ten households in the United States with one or more working adults are unable to stretch their income to meet their household needs. Often, it only takes one unexpected expense to deplete a family's resources.

Thankfully, Paula’s manager knew about Trident United Way’s Resource Connections Centers and reached out. Our team was able to get Paula assistance for rent, food and utilities so that she could be there for her grandchild.

We are always thrilled when we can help a neighbor in need, and the impact is even greater when caring community members step in to offer support as well.
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