NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.– Trident United Way has been recognized in the Large Nonprofit Organization category (organizations with operating budgets of $5 million or more) in the inaugural Charleston Business Magazine Excellence in Nonprofit Awards, featured in the publication’s March issue.
Presented by Integrated Media Publishing, the Excellence in Nonprofit Awards honor organizations and leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovative strategies and meaningful community impact through their work.
In addition to the organizational recognition, two members of the Trident United Way community received individual honors:
Cathy Easley, Employee of the Year for a Large Nonprofit Organization
Michael Samuel, Board Member of the Year for a Large Nonprofit Organization
“These recognitions speak to the strength of this community and what is possible when we come together around a shared purpose,” said David “DJ” Hampton, President and CEO of Trident United Way. “Across Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, many families are working hard but still struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. Our role is to walk alongside them and connect them to coaching, resources and opportunities that help move them from crisis toward lasting stability.”’
Nearly four in 10 households in the Tri-County live below the ALICE® Threshold. ALICE® stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households that are working but still cannot afford the basics such as housing, child care, food and transportation.
Trident United Way is working to change that through its bold community goal of uplifting 15,000 families out of poverty by 2035.
Employee of the Year: Cathy Easley
Cathy Easley was recognized as Employee of the Year for her nearly 35 years of leadership and service to Trident United Way.
Easley recently retired as Assistant Vice President of Community Impact, where she led many of Trident United Way’s financial stability initiatives.
Throughout her career, Easley helped build and strengthen several programs and partnerships that continue to support families across the Tri-County, including the SafetyNet Assistance Network, CharityTracker, Free Tax Filing (VITA) and Trident United Way’s Centers for Strong Families (formerly Resource Connection Centers).
Her leadership focused on bringing organizations together to coordinate services, reduce duplication and make it easier for families to access support.
“Cathy’s commitment to this community has shaped Trident United Way’s work for more than three decades,” Hampton said. “Long before conversations around ALICE® families gained national attention, Cathy was leading efforts to strengthen support for hardworking families across the Tri-County. Her leadership and compassion have left a lasting impact on both this organization and the community we serve.”
Board Member of the Year: Michael Samuel
Michael Samuel was recognized as Board Member of the Year for his leadership and dedication to advancing Trident United Way’s bold community goal.
Samuel, a commercial banking relationship manager with SouthState Bank and owner of MikeSam Fitness, first became involved with Trident United Way in 2016 through Young Leaders United and now serves on the Board of Directors, where he works to strengthen fundraising strategies and expand partnerships with corporate and community leaders.
“Michael has been an extraordinary champion for this work,” Hampton said. “As chair of our Resource Development Council, he has helped expand the network of supporters who make our mission possible.”
For more information about Trident United Way visit tuw.org.
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ABOUT TRIDENT UNITED WAY
For more than 80 years, Trident United Way has been a trusted partner in building a stronger future for Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. With a bold goal to uplift 15,000 families out of poverty by 2035, we lead collaborative solutions that increase income, reduce debt and open pathways to opportunity for local families, creating lasting impact for generations to come.