Strategizing an approach to one of Horry County's most critical issues!
UWHC is taking a proactive approach to Kindergarten readiness by developing a unique plan focusing on the success of young children entering Kindergarten. With the support of an AmeriCorps Planning Grant, UWHC has created the Birth to 5 Initiative to address this critical issue and prioritize strategies involving AmeriCorps members.

The goal of this program is to make sure that every child entering Kindergarten has the tools they need to be successful. This undertaking is especially significant in Horry County, where nearly 75.2% of students are not ready to begin Kindergarten. UWHC's Birth to 5 Initiative is designed with these facts in mind and will take steps to ensure that Kindergarteners have access to developmental activities, educational resources, and community support before they even step foot into Kindergarten. These interventions have been demonstrated as effective in increasing Kindergarten readiness and can help reduce achievement gaps between socioeconomic groups.

Through this initiative, UWHC plans to create a network of resources for families with young children, including parent workshops, community saturation, and developmentally appropriate activities for infants and toddlers. UWHC also hopes to utilize AmeriCorps members in childcare centers in one-on-one and group tutoring sessions using a research-based curriculum that builds the early foundations of literacy.

By developing this program, UWHC seeks not only to improve Kindergarten Readiness rates but also to increase parent involvement in their child's education throughout their entire K-12 experience; something which research shows can significantly decrease dropout rates later on down the line. Better preparing children at an early age gives them the foundation needed for a lifetime of success, which United Way of Horry County believes should be available for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. With a strategic plan now developed, UWHC can apply for larger grants from AmeriCorps, enabling them to expand the work on Kindergarten Readiness in Horry County—giving more kids a better start and a brighter future! 
VITA Free Tax Preparation Appointments Available!
In partnership with United Way of Greenville County, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) provides free income tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a household income of $60,000 a year or less. IRS-trained and certified volunteers serve 4 locations in Horry County.

To make an appointment, please call 211 or 864.382.3326.

VITA site locations:
Conway
Conway Library: 801 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526
Every Saturday from 1/28/2023 – 4/1/2023, from 10 am – 2pm

Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Colored School: 900 Dunbar Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Every Wednesday from 1/24/2023 – 4/4/2023, from 12:30 pm - 5pm

North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach Library: 910 1st Ave S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Every Friday from 1/27/2023 – 3/31/2023, from 12 – 4 pm

Surfside Beach
Surfside Library: 410 Surfside Drive, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
Every Monday from 1/30/2023 – 4/3/2023, Friday, February 17, and Friday, March 10, from 10 am -3 pm
Information Meeting for Childcare Directors
Childcare center directors are invited to attend an information meeting to learn about hosting AmeriCorps members who will serve in childcare centers providing one-on-one and group early learning activities to help prepare children for kindergarten.

In this 1-hour meeting, you will learn about the program details, the benefits of participating, and how to apply. Take advantage of this opportunity to get resources to help your center and the children you serve succeed! Two meeting options are available - virtual or in person.

Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 1 pm

In-person Meeting: Tuesday, February 16, 2023, at 6:30 pm - United Way of Horry County; 761 Century Circle, Conway, SC 29526.

For questions, contact Freda Funnye at 843.347.1179 or freda@unitedwayhorry.org.
Golden Anniversary Celebration
We hope you will join us on Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 6 – 9 pm at The Historic Peanut Warehouse in Downtown Conway, SC, for an evening of celebration to honor United Way of Horry County! Entertainment will be provided by the Andrew Thielen Big Band. Catering by Buttercream Cakes and Catering. Cocktail attire is requested.

A big thank you to all of our current event sponsors!

Ruby - Buttercream Cakes & Catering | Elliott Beach Rentals | Lighthouse Behavioral Health Hospital

Emerald - Grand Strand Health | Santee Cooper | South Atlantic Bank | Spann Roofing & Sheet Metal | The Jackson Companies

Wine Wall - Heyd & Co.

Sapphire - Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Garnet - Dennis & Marie Wade

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please visit our website or contact Tina Christensen at Tina@unitedwayhorry.org.
Official Charity Partner of the Myrtle Beach
Marathon - Join Team UWHC!
Join Team United Way of Horry County for the 5K on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
For every registered runner/walker on our team, the Myrtle Beach Marathon will donate $5! Kickstart 2023 the right way and help us get Horry County out and active!
Support UWHC at Tidal Creek Brewhouse!
Tidal Creek Brewhouse has selected United Way of Horry County as the beneficiary of its monthly roundup program for February 2023.

All month long, you can round up your tab at the brewery located at 3421 Knoles Street, in Myrtle Beach, with proceeds supporting UWHC.
Tina's Campaign Corner
Way to Go, Santee Cooper!
We couldn’t do it without partners like Santee Cooper

We want to give a giant thank you to Santee Cooper for their incredible support of United Way of Horry County’s campaign. Santee Cooper offers the opportunity for their employees to contribute directly to community solutions that improve life for everyone in Horry County. Through employee pledges, Santee Cooper raised over $125,000 for the Horry County community. And in a year when our community needs it most- is a 6% increase from last year.
 
And their heart doesn’t stop there- Santee Cooper supports community service on the part of its employees, who log hundreds of service hours annually. UWHC is just one- through our Day of Caring- going above and beyond with the hard work to prep our sites and assure the projects get the site work done so volunteers can create a big change the day of the event.

We thank you, Santee Cooper. You exemplify innovation in engaging your employees and consumers and leveraging corporate social responsibility to help everyone in Horry County. 
2-1-1 Get Connected. Get Help
United Way's 211 is the country's most comprehensive source of human and social services information. Our teams of compassionate, highly trained specialists are available 24/7 to connect you with the best services available in Horry County.