Thank you to everyone who attended Trident United Way's 3rd Annual State of Our Families!
The 2025 State of Our Families event was a hands-on experience where attendees learned about the challenges facing local families and how we can unite as a community to support our neighbors.
The event featured local and national leaders and provided an opportunity to participate in interactive, community-focused activities and learn about Trident United Way's Bold Goal and Mission Focus to uplift Tri-County families out of poverty.
Thank you to our generous sponsors
Empowerment Sponsors
Impact Sponsors
Reliance Sponsors
Event Sponsors
2024 State of Our Families
Thank you to everyone who attended the second annual State of our Families on October 23, 2024! We deeply appreciate your continued support of Trident United Way and your participation in this important conversation.
The annual State of Our Families event brings together key community leaders to learn what families in the Tri-County area are currently experiencing. This year, SC Ports Authority President & CEO and TUW Board Chair Barbara Melvin and TUW President & CEO DJ Hampton shared information on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families that make up 39% of our Tri-County community and the 53% of South Carolina children who are living in financial hardship.
Ali Moriarty, Assistant Director of the College of Charleston's Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities, moderated a panel discussion with four leaders from different community sectors:
- Geona Shaw Johnson, Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Charleston
- Dr. Reshma Khan, Founder of the Shifa Clinic
- Bernie Mazyck, CEO of the SC Association for Community and Economic Development
- Johnathon Wideman, Principal of A.C. Corcoran Elementary
Their diverse backgrounds, knowledge and experiences highlighted the many ways financial hardship can have lasting impacts on education, health, housing and other areas.
We also recognized outstanding community leaders for their contributions:
- Shawan Gillans, Santee Cooper, Changemaker Community Advocacy Award
- Michael Samuel, South State Bank, Changemaker Volunteer of the Year Award
- Tanger Charleston, Changemaker Power of Partnership Award
- Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services, Changemaker Part of the Community Award
Thank you to everyone who attended this powerful event! United is the Way to a brighter future for our Tri-County community.
2023 State of Our Families
Over 150 community members attended the inaugural State of Our Families event to discuss the challenges many families in our community are facing and the opportunities we have to come together to lift these families up. Trident United Way President & CEO DJ Hampton began the program by sharing information on ALICE®, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed families that make up almost 40% of our Tri-County community.
The Post & Courier Editor In Chief Autumn Phillips moderated a panel discussion featuring leaders from different community sectors - Rev. Dr. Byron L. Benton, Matt Brady, Shawan Gillians and Melissa Levesque.
The event also recognized those who have gone above and beyond to serve our community.
- Outstanding Volunteer Award Deb Campeau
- Outstanding Nonprofit Partner Award Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach
- Outstanding Corporate Partner Award Santee Cooper
We are grateful to everyone who attended the event and look forward to continuing our efforts alongside our community partners to help friends and neighbors in the Tri-County area.