Dec 10, 2023 By Melissa Gibs 3 min read

The United Way organization carries a well-known, national name with a mission to connect partners, donors, volunteers and the community to combat world-wide issues.

Locally Greene County United Way (GCUW) serves its coverage area through partnerships and programming.

Like their national counterpart, officials in Greene want to create solutions to county issues such as supporting seniors, health and wellness within the community, emergency assistance and youth education.

In order to accomplish that, they partner with other agencies, support other nonprofits, and create programs of their own.

“In 2022, we created the Greene County Nonprofit Partnership (CGNPP) to bring together nonprofits from across the county to engage and collaborate and learn from each other,” said MaChal Forbes, executive director. “We’ve had more than 30 organizations attend our events and we’re hoping to expand in 2024.”

They also created the Inspire Greene County Community Builder and Leadership Course.

“The 10-week program is based off of the Community Foundation of Greene County’s Community Builders program, but has been expanded to offer not only board governance practices but also practical ways to connect with the community and other participants,” Forbes said.

The community can donate for a variety of needs, supporting the nonprofits that serve county residents every day.

Through the Community Impact Fund, GCUW has granted $40,000 to agencies like Corner Cupboard Food Bank, Greene County CASA, and Eva K. Bowlby and Flenniken libraries.

They host events such as the Stuff the Bus, a school supply drive that provided more than 800 backpacks with school supplies, new athletic shoes and gently used clothing to children this fall.

In addition, they offered free dental and eye exams through Cornerstone Care, free haircuts, and access to various community partner agencies with the goal of preparing youth for the new school year.

Most of all, GCUW wants to spread awareness of the services of local nonprofits, resources offered to the community and their own mission to become a resource center for residents in the area.

“(This year) was a big year for us. We started the Inspire Greene and Greene County Nonprofit Partnership. We had our largest Stuff-the-Bus event in history, and kicked off our biggest fundraiser ever – the 2023 GCUW Truck Giveaway, where we gave away a brand new 2022 Ford F-150 XL SuperCrew,” Forbes said. “In 2024, we plan to build on the foundation of these events and continue to develop awareness, making them as successful as possible.”

Forbes said the organization is always looking for people who wish to serve.

The Stuff-the-Bus event runs all year long, and volunteers are welcome. GCUW needs individuals to serve not only on their own board but also on the various boards they partner with throughout the year and of course, donations can be used to further the mission.

For more information, visit https://www.greenecountyunitedway.org/ or email Forbes at mforbes@greenecountyunitedway.org.