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.
State of Our Families will bring together key community leaders to learn what families in the Tri-County area are currently experiencing. Trident United Way President & CEO DJ Hampton will present a snapshot of where families in our community are economically, and will be joined by local leaders focused on working together to lift up those struggling to make ends meet.
In our Tri-County area, 39.6% of households (316,378) live on the verge of financial disaster and struggle to make ends meet. Many more have a hard time covering their basic needs as the cost of living has outpaced increases in earnings.
We know these families. You see them every day. They are your neighbors, the childcare worker at your daycare, the cashier at your supermarket, office clerks, waiters and waitresses and many others.
They are essential, yet they struggle to survive. It takes only one unexpected situation, such as a medical bill or car repair, to push their family into a financial crisis.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm
Trident Techincal College Ballroom
Panel Speakers:
Rev. Dr. Byron L. Benton Senior Pastor, Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
Matt Brady Economic Development Manager, Town of Mount Pleasant
B. Shawan Gillians Director of Sustainability and Associate G.C., Santee Cooper
Melissa Levesque SVP and Chief Strategy Officer, Coastal Community Foundation
Moderator:
Autumn Phillips Editor In Chief, The Post & Courier
Thank you to our event sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Impact Sponsor
Table Sponsors
For additional information please contact Mike Gibbons at mgibbons@tuw.org.