October marks the start of our United Way Employee Giving Campaign!

At GCPS, we want to make a lasting impact in our community, and together, we have the opportunity to empower meaningful change. For those new to our employee giving campaign, it is a chance for each of us to learn more about the challenges people are facing in our community and make an active difference in their lives. The goal of United Way, “to help every child unlock their full potential,” aligns perfectly with our strategic work in GCPS.

According to the most recent data from United Way Atlanta, more than 500,000 of Greater Atlanta’s 1.2 million children and youth live in areas of high need, where measures of child well-being are significantly lower than their neighbors’.

Your neighborhood is likely within a few miles of children, youth, and families who need our support. United Way’s latest Child Well-Being Index shows that 79 neighborhoods across the Greater Atlanta region are among the most in need and are also in a state of declining child well-being compared to just a few years ago. As a result, 77,000 children in these circumstances will either be at risk or lifted up to achieve their full potential through equitable access to health care, education, housing, and healthy food.

How your donation helps

• More children can go to school focused on learning instead of hunger.
• Someone who overcame chronic homelessness can receive counseling.
• A child can receive quality after-school programming.
• An infant can attend a high-quality daycare, so their parent can work.
• More youth are improving their school attendance and engagement.

You can give through the employee portal and participate in your local school or ISC events from October 1-November 30. Last year, your generosity was on full display as we collectively raised over $300,000 through our campaign, including special events. While I am incredibly proud of those numbers, I believe we can do even more for our community this year! Our 2023 United Way campaign goal is to increase participation across the district and raise $500,000. Will you give $5 per month in 2024 to United Way?

We hope you can connect with the work being done at United Way and contribute your time, talents, and resources toward a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community for all of Gwinnett. Thank you in advance to our campaign leaders for their volunteer efforts, and thank you, Team GCPS, for your donations and participation in local events between now and November 30!

If you have any questions about the campaign, United Way, or how to get more involved, please do not hesitate to reach out to your United Way Team lead at your school or your division. Each of us has the power to do something; take action today!