September 29, 2021
By Julie Capaldi,President, United Way of Pickens County
PICKENS COUNTY —A few years ago, United Way of Pickens County was asked to teach basic life skills to high school students.
It was shocking how little they knew about navigating the real world … especially about managing their money. Honestly, we worried “how would they even survive after high school?”
July 15, 2021
By Julie Capaldi,President, United Way of Pickens County
PICKENS COUNTY — In a normal year, I would have written at least four articles about Camp iRock, United Way of Pickens County’s answer to addressing “summer reading loss.” United Way’s partnership with the School District of Pickens County and the Easley, Pickens, Powdersville YMCA is epic and my most favorite thing … ever. Watching those lightbulb moments go off when a child who is struggling with reading finally “gets it” is addictively wonderful. I can’t get enough!
March 9, 2021
By Julie Capaldi, President, United Way of Pickens County
This Saturday, I ran into Ingle’s in Pickens. Of course, most everyone wore masks. I saw someone who looked familiar. Since all of this COVID craziness, I have become even more assertive and called out her name. I was sporting my cute flower mask and dark sunglasses. She didn’t have a clue who I was. I announced myself. “Hey, it’s Julie Capaldi!”
February 8, 2021
Now those in Pickens County with a household income of $60,000.00 or less in 2020 can file their taxes for free from the comforts of their own home. All you need to do is visit GetYourRefund.org/Pickens.
February 3, 2021
By Julie Capaldi, President, United Way of Pickens County
I am so tired of COVID-19 and the misery and sadness that it has brought to people I love. OVER IT. February is Valentine’s Day month and I vow to be a huge bundle of sweetness and love, starting with this article!
We all need a happy ending…especially right this minute. Do you ever read stories and wonder, “What happened to this person?”
Here’s your very own happy ending!
January 12, 2021
By Julie Capaldi,President, United Way of Pickens County
PICKENS COUNTY — At the heart of United Way of Pickens County’s Volunteer Income Tax Program, nicknamed VITA, is a corps of dedicated volunteers who donate their time and expertise, year after year, to make sure hard working low to moderate income tax payers submit their tax returns correctly and on time. United Way of Pickens County has provided this free service for years.
December 16, 2020
By Julie Capaldi, President, United Way of Pickens County
As I watch the COVID-19 Recovery Fund shrink and the requests for assistance explode, it scares the heck out of me.
After nine months dealing with the aftermath of the coronavirus, I have discovered a clear pattern of requests for assistance. The first need is food. When someone is hungry, they will humble themselves and ask for help, especially when there are children involved. Then the requests for rent and utility assistance come especially now that the weather is cold.
November 25, 2020
By Julie Capaldi, President, United Way of Pickens County
COVID fatigue, COVID cranky, Coronacation, (which is another term for NO vacation). I am all of those things but mostly, I am just plain scared. For nine months, United Way and our front line friends have been dealing with the decimation of people’s lives by the coronavirus.
October 19-25 is National Estate Awareness Week.
Adopted in 2008 by U.S. House of Representatives, National Estate Planning Awareness Week was established to assist Americans in preserving their assets built over their lifetime for the benefit of family, heirs and charities.
DID YOU KNOW... More than half of all Americans die without a will. When this happens, assets are distributed according to state laws where the deceased lived at the time of their death.
September 16, 2020
By Julie Capaldi, President, United Way of Pickens County
COVID-19. I am just SO over it. The coronavirus propelled so many hard working families into poverty. It’s just shocking how quickly it happened. The children may be suffering the most… ripped away from school and their friends for months. Now they are back in school but it’s a completely different experience…masks, protective workstations, social distancing. UGH!
