Washington County, MS – July 16, 2024 – United Way of Washington County is proud to announce and recognize the top five businesses that have made significant contributions to our annual campaign. Their generosity and commitment have been instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of improving lives and strengthening our community.
The top contributors for this year’s campaign are:

1. Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa
2. Dollar General Distribution Warehouse
3. Delta Health Alliance
4. Planter’s Bank & Trust Co.
5. Delta Health System – The Medical Center

These businesses have demonstrated exceptional community leadership through their financial contributions, volunteer efforts, and advocacy for our cause. Their support has enabled us to fund vital programs and services that address critical needs in our community, including education, health, and financial stability.
Nathan Benzing, Executive Director of United Way of Washington County, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from these businesses: “We are incredibly grateful to our top contributors for their dedication and generosity. Their commitment to our community is inspiring and makes a tangible difference in the lives of so many individuals and families in Washington County.”
United Way of Washington County’s annual campaign raises funds to support local non-profit organizations and initiatives that provide essential services to those in need. “The contributions from our top businesses, along with those from countless individuals and other organizations, enable us to create lasting change and build a stronger, more resilient community. Thank you to the Washington County community for their continued support of the 13 United Way of Washington County agencies.  We could not offer the vital services without your generous commitment to the UWWC, said Parker England, UWWC President.
For more information about United Way of Washington County, our programs, and how you can get involved, please visit www.unitedwaywc.com or contact Nathan Benzing, Executive Director 662-332-5371.
About United Way of Washington County:
United Way of Washington County is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives and strengthening our community by mobilizing the caring power of people. Through collaboration, resource development, and advocacy, we work to create lasting change in the areas of education, income, and health.
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For Immediate Release                                                                               May 17, 2024
Contact: Nathan Benzing                                                                            662.332.5371
 
 


​THE UNITED WAY HOUSING INITIATIVE VOLUNTEER MISSION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OTHERS
 
Greenville: The United Way Housing Initiative (UWHI), an agency of the United Way of Washington County, is comprised of an all-volunteer workforce joining together to provide a better quality of life for community members. This Spring, the committee has been working on homes throughout Washington County with the mission of making minor improvements and painting to homes owned by low-income and/or disabled senior citizens.

Pictured is a home completed by the 100 Black Men and Metcalfe team in conjunction with Sullivan & Sons Construction who replaced the roof.  The UWHI teams work was provided financially through a grant from The King’s Daughters & Son’s Circle #2 and the roof was able to be completed through the Planter’s Bank & Trust sponsored our application with Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas’ SNAP Program.

“This house is an example of true teamwork and partnerships with the same goal of providing citizens with home repairs that might not have been able to be completed due to financial or home life situations,” said Nathan Benzing, Executive Director, United Way of Washington County. “Our volunteers get more out of the project than the homeowners.  Thank you to everyone who supports UWHI and the United Way of Washington County.  Your donations are being well spent."

The United Way of Washington County volunteers work throughout the year campaigning, communications, agency assistance, and advocating for the agencies. The United Way of Washington County is located at 800 Main Street, Greenville, MS. 

For more information, contact 662.332.5371, visit our website, or check out our Facebook page.
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For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                   March 27, 2024
Contact: Nathan Benzing                                                                                                                                                      662.332.5371 
UNITED WAY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
ALLOCATIONS COMMITTEE UPDATE

In the wake of the devastating Rolling Fork tornadoes, we witnessed the unwavering dedication of the Red Cross of Mississippi in providing crucial aid and comfort to those affected. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on their incredible work and the vital role that United Way of Washington County Mississippi plays in supporting them.

The Rolling Fork tornado survivor featured in this video will take you on an emotional journey through their experience, shedding light on the hardships they've faced. But more importantly, this story demonstrates how, in times of crisis, it is the kindness, compassion, and generosity of our community that truly makes a difference.
Ty and his family’s story after the tornadoes on Vimeo
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At United Way, we stand as a bridge between compassionate individuals like you and the organizations like the Red Cross, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most. By donating, volunteering, and supporting our local chapters, you are directly impacting the lives of people like the survivor in this video.

Let's continue to make a positive impact together! Please consider donating or volunteering with UWWC to support our ongoing efforts in helping our community rebuild and recover from this disaster.

Learn more and donate: https://www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.com/donate.html
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Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey towards hope and healing. Together, we are truly making a difference. #CommunityStrong #SupportRedCross #UnitedWeStand #UnitedinPurpose

Greenville: The United Way of Washington County Campaign Cabinet initial meeting to officially begin the 2023-2024 campaign. The all-volunteer Campaign Cabinet is led by Cindy Deerman, Guaranty Bank & Trust Company. This year the campaign theme is #unitedtogether which will be displayed throughout the upcoming year.
Representatives from various sectors and businesses in Washington County work together to raise the funds for the United Way of Washington County 11 local agencies:  American Red Cross Northwest Chapter, Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, Community Counseling Center, Delta Health System-The Medical Center Medication Assistance Program, Delta Kidney Foundation, Girl Scouts Heart of The South, Greenville Renaissance Scholars, Hodding Carter Memorial YMCA, Mississippi Delta and Nature Learning Center, The Fuller Center for Housing - Leland, and United Way Housing Initiative.
“I am honored to serve as the Campaign Cabinet Chairperson this year along with the dedicated and professional volunteers that lead the various divisions.  Each year, the campaign is held to raise funding for our vital and life changing agencies who bring much needed services to Washington County.  This year, our goal is $215,000.00 and I am confident that we can raise this amount. Our community proves to be extremely generous and supportive and that does not go unnoticed.  We appreciate all the past, present, and future donors,” said Deerman.  “I also am proud to report that .99 cents of every dollar donated remains in Washington County.  Donors and supporters can see where their money is spent, right here locally.”
During the next few months, the Campaign Cabinet will be contacting businesses, civic groups, schools, churches, sororities, fraternities, and individuals to donate to the campaign. Nathan Benzing, UWWC Executive Director, said, “On behalf of the United Way of Washington County, I want to thank everyone in advance as the campaign moves forward.  Our agencies are extremely appreciative of the work the Campaign Cabinet does to lead the charge and is thankful for all the donors.  If anyone has any questions throughout the campaign or would like to donate, please do not hesitate to contact me.” Benzing adds, “The United Way has always been essential to our community but more than ever our agencies are necessary for our area. There is a real crisis growing amongst working individuals and families and the budget shortfalls they are experiencing with everyday necessities such as rent, food and utilities and we are working diligently to bridge that gap for those here in Washington County.” 
 
The United Way of Washington County is located at 800 Main Street, Greenville, MS.  For more information, contact 662.332.5371, visit our website, or check out our Facebook page.
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Pictured: United Way Campaign Cabinet - Todd McGee, Linette Perry, Everett Chinn, Parker England, Cindy Deerman, Chevy Davis, Docia England, Katherine Shamoon, Nathan Benzing, Marlin Womack

​Greenville, MS - United Way of Washington County (UWWC) is proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of the Top 5 Employee Campaign fundraising businesses in our community. These businesses have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to creating positive change for those in need.

• Dollar General Distribution Center - Indianola, MS 
• Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa - Greenville, MS 
• ​Delta Health Alliance – Stoneville, MS
• Delta Health System - The Medical Center – Greenville, MS
• Planter’s Bank & Trust Co. – Greenville, MS

Each of these companies has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to philanthropy and community support, embodying the core values of United Way. Through their generous contributions and dedicated employee campaigns, they have made a significant impact on the well-being of individuals and families throughout Washington County.

"As an organization dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities, we are immensely grateful to these Top 5 Employee Campaign fundraising businesses. Their commitment to social responsibility and their employees' passion for making a difference inspire us all. Together, we are creating lasting, positive change in our community. On behalf of UWWC and our agency partners, we wish to extend our appreciation to the employees, leadership teams, and supporters of these businesses." said Nathan Benzing, Executive Director, UWWC.

For more information about United Way of Washington County and how you can get involved in our mission to create a better future for all, please visit our website here. 
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Follow us on social media for updates and to join the conversation:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayWashingtonCoMs/  
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/UWWashCoMs  

About United Way of Washington County:
United Way of Washington County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. We work with local partners and donors to address critical issues in education, financial stability, education, and health, creating lasting positive change for individuals and families in Washington County.
For media inquiries, please contact:

Nathan Benzing – Executive Director
United Way of Washington County
[email protected]
662-332-5371

Essential ALICE workers aren’t buying luxury power boats. They’re just trying to afford dinner.  
 
There are dueling storylines about America’s workers in recent headlines, and both are true. Inflation has cooled, unemployment is low, and wages have grown. In contrast, 5 million households are behind on rent and 401K hardship withdrawals rose 36%. 
 
There are two starkly different economic realities in America. There’s one in which middle- and high-wage workers saw savings and wealth increase throughout the pandemic. And there’s another for those working in low-income jobs, whose wages stagnated over 15 years. These essential workers were locked out of the economic booms and are still reeling from another battering sustained during the pandemic. 
 
As we celebrate America’s workers this Labor Day, we at United Way of Washington County ask leaders from the boardroom to the statehouse to join us in using our ALICE data to drive innovative solutions and on-the-ground impact needed to create change for these low-wage workers we call ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
 
Because while ALICE workers were recognized for their heroics during the pandemic, they continue to struggle to afford the basics for their own families. Their storyline hasn’t improved.  
ALICE workers were always living here and delivering for us – as our childcare professionals, home health aides and delivery workers just to name a few. Though they earn above the Federal Poverty Level, their wages are not enough to cover the rising costs of housing, food, childcare, health care, and transportation – the essentials needed in today’s modern economy.    
 
The outdated and incomplete measurements our country uses to document financial hardship have distorted how we understand the challenges facing these hardworking Americans as they strive for financial stability. 
 
The poverty level vastly underestimates how many households are experiencing hardship. Our state’s latest ALICE report, produced with our research partner United For ALICE, demonstrates that in addition to 223,302 households in poverty, another 357,283 families simply weren’t earning enough in 2021 to afford the basics. 
 
And while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a valuable economic tool, it doesn’t tell the full story of the impact of rising costs on ALICE. It measures inflation by tracking the cost of more than 200 goods and services, including luxury items. 
 
But ALICE doesn’t buy luxury power boats or scuba diving equipment. ALICE workers are just trying to feed their families three meals a day, live in a safe neighborhood and access quality, affordable childcare.15, 
 
That’s why United for ALICE recently debuted a companion inflation index, the ALICE Essentials Index, which shows both at the national and state levels how the cost of essentials rose at a far faster rate than the CPI lets on. 
 
Over the course of 15 years, the Index found low-wage jobs couldn’t keep up with the increased cost of essentials, even with some modest wage growth. Workers in retail sales, one of the most common occupations in Mississippi, saw an average $27,000.00 loss of purchasing power — more than a year’s earnings. 
 
Relying solely on the CPI to determine increases in the poverty level, Social Security, Medicaid and nutrition supports such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has had damaging consequences, leaving many without a safety net in the face of an emergency.   
 
Our United Way is showing up for ALICE, filling some resource gaps, but we alone cannot bring ALICE households to financial stability. With these new, comprehensive ALICE tools at our disposal, we invite you to partner with us to help fill this gap in the lives of essential workers right here in Washington County.
 
 If we are united in purpose for our essential workers, together we can write a new storyline that puts financial stability in reach for ALICE, improving life for all in our state.  
 
And there’s no better way to celebrate America’s workers than that.

​For more information, click the button below to see the ALICE datasheet for Mississippi.

 Nathan Benzing - Executive Director United Way of Washington County

Recent economic news is striking a tone we haven’t heard in quite some time: optimism.

Gas prices have dropped, wages for low-income workers have risen and inflation has finally slowed. But while this news is certainly heartening, real progress can’t be measured by national trends alone. It’s critical that we see this growth spread beyond big cities and traditional economic hubs to the small towns and marginalized communities that have been historically left behind. As the CEO of United Way, the largest community-based organization in the world, everything we do is rooted in the belief that our country is only as strong as the individual communities that make it up. And despite the overall progress made, too many communities are still struggling to access the basic services they need — from healthcare and housing to emergency services and disaster response.

Thankfully, Congress has an unprecedented opportunity to change that. The Human-services Emergency Logistics Program (HELP) Act is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would connect vulnerable families and individuals to the local resources they need, ensuring all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. The HELP Act, which was introduced by Sens. Bob Casey (D-Penn.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) in the Senate and Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Brian Higgins (D-NY) in the House, specifically provides capacity-building resources to build out 211, the nation’s leading information and referral system for critical human services, and 988, the national suicide prevention hotline. In 2000, the Federal Communications Commission designated 211 as the official national dialing code for human services, and there are currently over 220 call centers operating 211 systems in all 50 states.

The system works. Last year, 211 connected over 18 million individuals across the country to critical community services for housing, utility assistance, food support, mental health services, emergency and disaster response and more, and in 2021, over 21 million people were served by 211 — the most we have ever seen in one year.

In short, 211 is a lifeline for millions of our neighbors who need help.

The HELP Act has the ability to amplify this impact. The 211 Network currently operates across the country with almost no direct federal resources. Even so, 211s have leveraged philanthropic donations to expand their ability to serve communities, offering services in 180 languages as well as via chat, text and email. They have served as the official helpline for 31 states during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during natural disasters and other emergency events.
With the capacity-building resources included in the HELP Act, 211s would greatly expand their ability to serve even more people, in more ways, while keeping wait times low. Critically, the bill also encourages the diversion of non-emergency calls from 911 to 211 and 988, allowing people to receive the direct help they need when their situations do not call for law enforcement intervention but still require the ease of a three-digit call.
Supporting 211 is also a smart investment that will save money in the long run. Free human services referral systems both take strain away from emergency officials and save federal, state and local dollars by providing human-centered services to individuals and families that are in crisis. That allows folks to get back on their feet more quickly by connecting them not only to available federal social service resources but to state, local and non-governmental programs as well.

The social and mental health supports provided by the HELP Act are the reason why, despite a deeply divided Congress, this bill has earned bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. The HELP Act is an opportunity for Congress to show what we know so well at the United Way: communities are the cornerstone of society.
Our country is strong only when all communities are strong — the HELP ACT is the best way to make that happen.
Angela F. Williams is president and CEO of United Way Worldwide, the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit. A veteran and former federal prosecutor, Williams previously was president and CEO of Easterseals, the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of life-changing disability services, and led as an executive vice president, general counsel, and chief administration officer at the YMCA of the USA.

TAGS 211 988 HELP ACT

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                             June 20, 2023
Contact: Nathan Benzing                                                                                                                                                            662.332.5371
                                                            
Greenville: The United Way of Washington County (UWWC) Allocation Committee held their meeting with the eleven agencies to discuss their plan of actions, budgets, and community needs.  The all-volunteer Allocations Committee is made up of local community members working to ensure that dollars raised for the agencies are spent wisely. 
The following agencies are partially funded by the United Way of Washington County: American Red Cross Northwest Chapter, Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, Community Counseling Center, Delta Health System-The Medical Center Medication Assistance Program, Delta Kidney Foundation, Girl Scouts Heart of The South, Greenville Renaissance Scholars, Hodding Carter Memorial YMCA, Mississippi Delta and Nature Learning Center, The Fuller Center for Housing - Leland, and United Way Housing Initiative.

Nathan Benzing, UWWC Executive Director, said, “The allocation process is extremely important and plays a vital role in the United Way funding process. The process gives the UWWC Allocations Committee the opportunity to ask necessary questions concerning funding, budgets, scope of work, and mission accomplishments of all our agencies. We have a responsibility to our donors and this committee plays an integral role in the UWWC fulfilling that responsibility.  Our community is fortunate to have these eleven agencies and the UWWC volunteers who are committed to the organization’s success. The hearings are what sets the United Way apart from other fundraising organizations. If an individual agency is a UWWC partner, you know they have met a high standard of management and responsibility, not only to the United Way but to their local community as well.”

The United Way of Washington County is located at 800 Main Street, Greenville, MS.  For more information, contact 662.332.5371, visit our website, or check out our Facebook page.
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