Women United Gives $4,000 to Local Nonprofits to Support Programs for Women and Children

Safelight check presentation

Women United, United Way of Henderson County’s affinity group for female leadership donors, presented four awards to local initiatives that help women and children succeed and become more self-sufficient. At their annual meeting at Horse Shoe Farm on June 22nd, four checks in the amount of $1,000 each were presented to Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County, Safelight, Smart Start Partnership for Children and YMCA of Hendersonville/Henderson County Public Schools.

“Despite a challenging year, the members of Women United remained passionate about giving back and making a lasting impact in the local community,” said Pam Combs, 2020-21 Women United Chair. “The members of Women United continued to support United Way initiatives like Day of Action and Days of Caring, in addition to our signature program Girls EMpowered (GEM) which we transitioned to a virtual offering this spring,” she added.

GEM is an after-school mentoring program for fifth grade girls at Upward and Hillandale Elementary Schools, and for girls in grades 6-8 at Hendersonville Middle School. A total of 29 elementary school girls and 10 middle school girls completed the spring virtual session which included programs centered on career goals, educational aspirations, yoga and meditation techniques and dream building with most speakers delivering their talks virtually using platforms like Google Meet and Zoom. “It has been exciting to see the impact that our women are creating,” said Denise Cumbee Long, Executive Director of United Way of Henderson County. “They stepped up during a difficult year to make sure that young girls still had the opportunity to learn and grow through Girls Empowered. Their passion for service is truly making a difference throughout our community!”

Women United is a United Way initiative that is designed to connect giving and volunteerism. Women United members contribute $1,000 or more annually to United Way of Henderson County or take advantage of a three year Step Up plan. A percentage of member contributions is used for initiatives that empower children and women.

For more information on joining Women United, please contact Sarah Swartz at sswartz@liveunitedhc.org or call 828.692.1636 ext. 1103.