Recover, rebuild and reimagine
The last few months have presented new and formidable challenges, the likes of which our nation and our community have never faced before. At Trident United Way we acknowledge and applaud the work of so many who have come together using their time, resources and philanthropy to help recover, rebuild and reimagine an even more resilient community. UNITED we stand in the face of any threat to the security of our health, education and financial stability.
We have continued our work, uninterrupted, throughout the course of the pandemic to maximize our impact by following these UNITED goals:
- Achieve United – providing students educational opportunities they deserve
- Share United – discovering how strong our shoulders can be
- Thrive United – proving health is the greatest wealth
- Give United – investing in better tomorrows
- Lead United – launching an unstoppable force for good
- Live United – placing opportunities into the hands of our neighbors
- Stand United – valuing safe, just and healthy communities
COVID-19 underscores the inextricable linkages between health, education and financial stability. Without health, neither education nor financial stability are possible for people or regions. Together, our three priority areas provide the requisite building blocks that allow all people to embrace opportunities for good lives.
Our dedicated board member and Community Impact Committee Chair, Brad Davis, has some interesting insights on how attending our race and health equity forums deepened his understanding of community issues and motivated him to serve even more. Now is the time to make a meaningful difference as we recover, rebuild and reimagine. When we LIVE UNITED, we weather the unknown and change lives for the better.
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Here's how we can heal and come together
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We all have a role in easing the pain many are feeling.
Minority communities have been ravaged by the COVID-19 virus and the associated economic impact. African Americans make up 27% of
South Carolina’s population, yet account for 33% of COVID-19 cases reported to
DHEC. Six percent of our state population is Hispanic and account for 11% of COVID-19 reported cases. (DHEC stats as of July 17)
Now, new attention to the problem of violence toward minorities has further opened painful wounds.
A lot of people are waking up to the reality that when it comes to healthcare and wellness, vast differences exist based on race and income. I, like a lot of people, was fairly ignorant of these issues until I started attending TUW meetings focused on these inequities.
The Healthy Tri-County initiative has brought together some of the leading partners in the competitive healthcare industry, governmental agencies and other community groups to find ways to improve lives.
Diabetes screening and prevention programs are happening in areas like Hollywood and Moncks Corner to help the most at-risk populations. Our AccessHealth partnership is adding more health coaches to work directly with people to let them know there are healthier ways to eat and live.
I’m proud to be involved with Trident United Way. Through its many partners, we are taking on these important issues and touching lives in the Tri-County. So, what can we as a community do to make a world that is more equitable and healthy for people of color?
Trident United Way is leveraging grant dollars to educate more people and increase access to care strategies that address health disparities in our community such as maternal health.
Did you know that your zip code impacts your health? Health and social equity go hand in hand. Trident United Way leads an annual forum on race and health inequities so we can learn where the needs are and target resources.
Race and health inequities are real, and we’re not ignoring them. I invite you to channel your pain and frustrations in a positive way. Now is the time we can help one another and by becoming involved with a cause and organization of your choosing. Trident United Way is working as the leader in uniting our community to improve lives. I invite you join us as part of the solution.
- Brad Davis is a retired auto retail manager who currently serves on the Trident United Way Executive Committee and chairs the Community Impact Committee
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How you're making a difference
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Trident United Way is now up to funding 24 partner agencies in 10 phases, helping nearly 20,000 people with food, housing, utility assistance and basic needs.
As COVID-19 numbers increase to record highs in South Carolina, the economic pain heightens. If you haven't already, please consider a
donation to Trident United Way so we can continue our work of improving lives one person at a time.
Pictured: Mercedes-Benz Vans employee Christine Winstead and President and CEO
Arnhelm Mittelbach
transport food while volunteering at the Shifa Free Clinic
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Keeping kids reading in summer
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Trident United Way's African American Leadership Council (AALC) is proud to give back to the community, especially helping students. AALC's fifth-annual book drive and giveaway on June 3rd focused on the areas of Ravenel and Hollywood. The book drive is a signature event for the group and puts early childhood learning at the forefront.
AALC members coordinated with business partners, clubs and individuals to donate 650 books for kindergarten to third graders at E.B. Ellington Elementary School in Ravenel. AALC members and parents say with all the hurt that is happening in our world these days, a book is a great way for a child to focus on learning and expanding their horizons.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest across the country, the Trident United Way AALC felt this event was even more meaningful. The drive was an ideal way to serve, showing young people that there are community members who care about their futures.
Click
here
or the window below to watch a video featuring
Trident United Way AALC Chairperson Sonia Hanson from South State Bank and E.B. Ellington Elementary Principal James Dallas.
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Day of Action - volunteers make a difference
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Trident United Way brought together more than 65 volunteers as they helped nearly 600 senior citizens during the annual Day of Action this past June 19.
Day of Action is a global day of service hosted by United Way Worldwide where volunteers from across the globe take part in community service projects.
Volunteers took part in a total of nine projects, ranging from yard work, assembling care kits, letter writing, sidewalk chalk art and poster making. The event spread cheer and brings volunteers into the community to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Special thanks to these companies who supplied volunteers:
- Cummins Turbo Technologies
- Edward Jones
- Palmetto Goodwill
- Publix
- Santee Cooper
Click
here
for a Facebook photo gallery of the day's events!
Pictured: Jeffrey Straight of Santee Cooper trims hedges for a senior homeowner
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Partnering to fight COVID-19
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Trident United Way started the Healthy Tri-County (HTC) initiative in 2017 with the goal of bringing health providers and the community closer together to find solutions for pressing health issues.
Together with partners MUSC Health and Roper St. Francis Healthcare, the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified HTC's efforts to address gaps in healthcare and accessibility.
Recently the Charleston Regional Business Journal hosted a forum on the affects of COVID-19 and what recovery will look like from economic and health perspectives. Click
here
or the picture below to watch the webcast featuring Trident United Way health director Renee Linyard-Gary.
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Hello, goodbye board members
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Trident United Way has worked for more than 75 years to uplift all people in our community thanks to our wonderful volunteer board members and dedicated staff.
We recently did our best Beatles
version
of the song "Hello, Goodbye" to eight new board members who have replaced some longtime friends and volunteer leaders for our organization.
These folks bring a diverse skill set and breadth of knowledge to TUW. We are thankful for their commitment to bettering our community. Please welcome these new board members:
- Ricardo Agnelli, Robert Bosch, LLC
- Ernest Andrade, Charleston Digital Corridor
- P.J. Browning, The Post and Courier
- Dondi Costin, Charleston Southern University
- Anne Forrest, Seacoast Supply
- John Harvey, BP Cooper River Plant
- Todd Lant, Blackbaud
- Ed Woodcock, Ingevity
As the Beatles song goes, we also say "thank you" and "see you soon" to a group who gave significantly of their time and hearts. We know their willingness to serve the Tri-County remains. We are most grateful to the following outgoing board members:
- Frank Bullard, First Reliance Bank
- Pat Cawley, MUSC Health
- Bob Fei, Life Cycle Engineering, Inc.
- Adolph Lanza, Robert Bosch, LLC
- Teresa Vaughn, Johnson & Johnson, Inc
A special thank you goes to the Hall family; Bill, Jeanne, Tommy and Billy, for leading the charge for the Tocqueville Society this year. W
e are excited to welcome Mr. Bill Finn, retired Chairman/CEO of AstenJohnson, who will serve as the 2020-2021 Tocqueville Society Chair.
The changing of the guard
We are incredibly fortunate that Trident United Way consistently attracts an extraordinary group of dedicated individuals who donate their time and talent to our organization. Special thanks to outgoing board chair Fleetwood Hassell of The Bank of South Carolina (left) and incoming chair Steve Polston (right) of AstenJohnson.
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100th Birthday Greetings
Trident United Way has a special relationship with the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston. The group played a key role in starting Trident United Way 76 years ago. We wish them a happy 100th birthday! Click
here
to learn more about this community treasure and view a powerful
video
featuring Trident United Way.
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