Forever United - 77 years of improving lives

Honoring our past and envisioning our future came to life at our Forever United luncheon. After two postponements due to the pandemic, we gathered longtime supporters to celebrate four Inaugural Life Directors.

Nella Barkley, Hugh Lane, Jr., Charles Patrick, Jr. and Anita Zucker were honored as inaugural Life Directors of the organization. The four Life Directors bring more than 100 years of combined community service and thought leadership to many sectors in the region. Each has held leadership positions at Trident United Way, along with many other local causes.

“We honor those who have carried forward with zeal, the work of Trident United Way — an American experiment in philanthropy that worked — and is still working today,” said Chloe Knight Tonney, Trident United Way President and CEO. “Nella, Hugh, Charles and Anita have answered the highest calling to serve others – and in doing so, have changed the lives of generations of our neighbors.”
 
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared March 16 as Trident United Way Day across the state. In one of the many statements on the official proclamation, the Governor stated, “Trident United Way has distinguished itself for 77 years by lifting people from poverty, enlightening young minds, and protecting and promoting the health of South Carolinians in the Tri-County in wartime, peacetime, and public emergencies.”
Enjoy a special video presented at the celebration by visiting this page.
Check back soon - more photos and videos will be posted in the coming days!
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Impact Report: learn how your support makes a difference
More than a year into the pandemic, 2021 served as a year of challenges, change and opportunities for Trident United Way and its partners.

Trident United Way and its partners improved the lives of more than 252,000 people last year. With rising prices for rent, food and other necessities, we expect to have a steady flow of clients in 2022.

Click here to read the entire Impact Report and learn how your support is making a positive difference throughout the Tri-County region.
Happening now: Free tax filing assistance

Trident United Way and partner SC Thrive are proud to partner for another year of free tax filing assistance.

Last year, the program assisted with nearly 2,000 tax returns which brought more than $1.3 million in refunds and saved filing fees – or $273 on average per filer. Statewide, SC Thrive helped with more than 5,500 tax returns and put more than $5 million into people’s pockets through saved filing/prep fees and returns. 

Trident United Way’s Resource Connection Centers in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties also offer free tax filing assistance. This year, our Tax Counselors and staff have helped two single mothers receive tax refunds of $10,000, thanks in part to the earned income credit and child tax credits. While these examples may not be typical, it’s proof of how this free service can make a huge impact.
5th annual Read Across America Day brightens lives

Trident United Way's 5th Annual Read Across America Day made a difference for students across the Tri-County. More than 40 volunteers read to an estimated 900 elementary school students during the fifth-annual event.

Volunteers visited classrooms at eight local elementary schools to read books to students in Child Development to 3rd grade. Reading aloud to students can help them develop literacy skills.

Unlike last year’s virtual event, this year, volunteers could visit classrooms in person or virtually. Some volunteers got creative, using fun props, costumes, backdrops and more!

Pictured below: Volunteer Sonia Hanson reading a cowboy book, complete with hat!
Health




Trident United Way & League of Women Voters: Partnering to build awareness
Recently, the League of Women Voters of the Charleston Area, Trident United Way and other local organizations co-sponsored the Expanding Healthcare Access in South Carolina event.

The virtual event focused on the economic incentives of federal policies to increase healthcare access in South Carolina. More than 50 people attended and learned about the history of health insurance access in the Palmetto state as well as shared public opinion on increasing access to healthcare.

Presenters shared robust information and statistics demonstrating the positive impact Medicaid expansion can have for residents in states that move forward with adoption.

Darrin Goss, President and CEO of the Coastal Community Foundation of SC shared a key stat from the National Bureau of Economic Research regarding the possibility of reducing household medical debt. The Bureau found that Medicaid expansion reduced households' medical debt in the collection by $3.4 billion in its first two years.

There will be a second session on March 23 to take a deeper dive into the misinformation surrounding public health insurance. The speakers will share perspectives on why better healthcare access can fortify our SC economy. This event is free to the public. Please Register here for the link to the virtual event.
Let's get back to normal - now is the time to volunteer

By: Amanda Sito
Trident United Way Director of Strategic Volunteer Engagement

The world has sure changed in Trident United Way's 77-year history. Getting involved in 1944 looks a bit different than it does today. The concept of "virtual" volunteering probably wasn't a thought back then.

A passionate and giving community has fueled our efforts over the years and I am so grateful to work with all of the dedicated people who give of their time to serve where help is needed most.

The pandemic also brought a new reality to volunteering: due to health concerns, some volunteers are reluctant to be around others, especially in our retired communities. As our Read Across America Day event shows, we're pivoting to offer more virtual and remote options to allow volunteers to serve while also meeting the needs of our community.

However, we also know it doesn't replace team building that comes from volunteering together in person. As the poster from the time of our founding says: "We Want You." Now is the time to come together to consider one of our many volunteer opportunities. Email me at [email protected] or visit this webpage to learn more about volunteering.
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