July Newsletter
Collaboration Creates Lasting Change
As I reflect on my time with United Way of Greater Charlotte, one truth stands out above all else: lasting change has never been about one person or one organization. It has always been about what we can accomplish together. Every milestone we’ve celebrated and every challenge we’ve worked to overcome has been made possible through partnership. Residents, neighborhood leaders, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, donors, businesses, public agencies, and community advocates have come together with a shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
That collective commitment has strengthened neighborhoods, expanded access to mental health care, supported families through times of crisis, invested in young people, and created opportunities that continue to ripple throughout our region. The impact belongs to all of us. Serving as Chief Impact Officer has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. I have witnessed firsthand the resilience of our communities and the incredible power that emerges when people choose collaboration over competition and hope over barriers.
While this chapter is coming to a close for me personally, I leave knowing that United Way of Greater Charlotte’s work is far from finished. The partnerships are strong. The vision is clear. And the people who make this work possible continue to show what is achievable when we unite around a common purpose.
Thank you to every resident, partner, volunteer, donor, board member, and colleague who has been part of this journey. You are the reason our community is stronger.
As you read this month’s newsletter, I hope you’ll see the many examples of collective impact in action and be reminded that every act of generosity, every partnership, and every person who steps forward helps build a stronger Greater Charlotte. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this remarkable community.
Jamese Ivy
Senior Vice President, Chief Impact Officer
When a Community Comes Together, Hope Flows
When a water crisis left many Anson County residents without reliable access to clean water, our community responded immediately. In just 48 hours, supporters came together to raise more than $6,000, providing safe drinking water for families, older adults, and individuals with critical health needs.
This is what United Way has done for nearly a century. Founded during the Great Depression to provide emergency relief, we’ve never stopped showing up when our communities need us most. For 95 years, United Way of Greater Charlotte has brought people, resources, and organizations together to respond to crises, strengthen local nonprofits, and connect support where it is needed most. Whether responding to an emergency or investing in long-term solutions, we are committed to building stronger, more resilient communities.
Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, shared our message, or checked in on a neighbor. Your generosity showed what is possible when a community comes together. Click here to learn how you can stay involved.
Hygiene Kits Bring Full Circle Moment for U.S. Bank SVP
For 95 years, United Way of Greater Charlotte has brought businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers together to strengthen our community. That legacy continued on July 7 when U.S. Bank employees and interns partnered with us to assemble more than 250 hygiene kits for local families.
For Gary Larson, Senior Vice President and Head of Facilitation at U.S. Bank, the experience was personal. “I grew up poor. I spent time in foster care. Organizations like United Way of Greater Charlotte helped families like mine,” he shared.
Today, Gary is giving back alongside his colleagues. His story is a powerful reminder that when we invest in people, the impact can last for generations.
Through partnerships like U.S. Bank’s, United Way connects companies with meaningful volunteer opportunities that strengthen nonprofits and support local families. Ready to make an impact with your team? Click here to explore corporate volunteer opportunities.
Finding Stability, Building a Brighter Future
For Tiffany, asking for help wasn’t easy. As a single mother of two in Union County, she worked hard to provide for her children, but an unexpected financial setback left her struggling to keep up with everyday expenses. Like many hardworking families, Tiffany (whose name has been changed to maintain her anonymity) found herself in a difficult season and wasn’t sure where to turn.
Through United Way of Greater Charlotte’s partnership with Crisis Assistance Ministry of Union & Anson Counties, Tiffany received emergency financial assistance that helped her regain stability and focus on what mattered most: her family. That support became more than a temporary solution. It gave Tiffany the opportunity to build new financial habits and plan for the future. Today, she’s creating a budget, setting aside money for unexpected expenses, and teaching her children the value of saving and financial responsibility. “That support gave me more than financial relief. It gave me hope, confidence, and the chance to build a better future for my family. Now I’m teaching my children the lessons I’m learning so they can dream even bigger.” – Tiffany
Tiffany’s story is a reminder that when communities come together, families don’t just recover, they build a stronger future. See how your support is helping families like Tiffany’s build lasting stability. Click here to watch her AI-generated story. Because of supporters like you, more families across Greater Charlotte can find stability today while creating opportunities for tomorrow.
Women United Relaunches
United Way of Greater Charlotte officially relaunched Women United in July, bringing together female corporate and nonprofit leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and purpose.Watch our recap video here. Guests learned about the renewed vision for Women United and participated in the Impossible Choices activity, experiencing the difficult decisions many ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families face every day. The interactive exercise offered a powerful reminder that many hardworking individuals and families are forced to make impossible choices simply to get by.
Attendees also stepped into our Gratitude Phone booth to answer the question, “What’s one change you’d love to see in our community, and how can we make it happen together?” Their thoughtful responses reflected the passion and commitment that will continue to drive Women United forward.
As a member of Women United, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Build meaningful connections with women leaders across the Greater Charlotte region.
- Invest in solutions that help individuals and families achieve lasting stability.
- Volunteer, advocate, and create meaningful change alongside a network of changemakers.
- Help shape a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
Ready to join us? Become a member of Women United and be part of a growing network of women committed to creating lasting impact across the Greater Charlotte region.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this exciting relaunch. We look forward to partnering with you as we continue building a stronger community together.
The Power of Working Together
Real change doesn’t happen because of one program or one organization. It happens when neighbors, nonprofits, businesses, schools, donors, volunteers, and community leaders come together around a shared goal. Our impact also extends across every stage of life. From helping children get a strong start through early learning, to supporting students with academic success, to preparing adults for careers that provide stability, we’re investing in brighter futures from cradle to career. When a community comes together, the impact reaches far beyond one person or one family. It creates stronger neighborhoods, greater opportunity, and a brighter future for all. Read more about our Community Well Being Study.
Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month
United Way of Greater Charlotte is proud to celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, joining communities across the country in recognizing the rich tradition of generosity, leadership and collective impact within Black communities.
This year’s theme, “Many Voices. One Movement.” celebrates the powerful impact we create when individuals, organizations and communities come together around a shared purpose.
Join us in honoring the many voices that strengthen our communities and the collective movement working toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Union County Day of Caring | August 29 | 8:00 a.m.
Join volunteers from across Union County as we support local nonprofits through projects like light yard work, planting flowers, raking leaves, cleaning gutters, washing exterior windows, light painting, and fire alarm battery replacement. Serve your community and help make a lasting difference.
9/11 Day of Service | September 11 (save the date)
Join us as we help pack 210,000 meals for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Support Staff Volunteers (18+) are needed from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Revelry North End. Come serve alongside your neighbors and make a meaningful impact. Volunteer spots are available on a first come, first served basis.
Live United Day: ourBRIDGE for KIDS International Festival | October 17 (save the date)
Celebrate the many cultures that make our community unique through global cuisine, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Volunteers will help welcome guests, direct foot traffic, assist with children’s activities, and support event setup and cleanup.
Live United Day: CrossRoads “Health for the Holidays” | December 12 (save the date)
Support a family-friendly drive-through event connecting neighbors with health and wellness resources. Volunteers will help with setup and cleanup, assist vendors, direct traffic, and welcome guests at check-in.
Martin Luther King Jr. “Call to Service” | January 16, 2027 (save the date)
Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by serving our community. Volunteers will assemble kits filled with essential items that will be donated to local nonprofits and schools supporting neighbors experiencing food insecurity across the Charlotte area.