United Way of Forsyth County is making sustained, positive changes in people's lives. The success stories you can view here are the result of such changes, made possible by your contribution and United Way partner agencies.

Christopher

Christopher is a good student in the 5th grade at Sedge Garden Elementary School. He wasn't always. Growing up under difficult circumstances, Christopher had a bad attitude toward authority, made a lot of wrong choices, and showed little academic promise. Even when he and his two sisters were placed in the custody of his grandmother several years ago, he continued to act out.

Christopher's grandmother enrolled him in The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club just one year ago. The changes in him have been profound. Christopher now has a safe place to go after school where he receives one-on-one tutoring and adult mentoring. He's now willing to listen to adults, communicates effectively and reacts appropriately when confronted with a potential conflict. And he's not just a good student - he's on the honor roll!

The many positive changes in Christopher since he was enrolled in the Boy's and Girl's Club are most apparent to his grandmother. She says, "Thank you for giving my grandson a great future."

Last year, more than 600 youth received the help they needed to become productive adults through the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs.

Deborah

Deborah is a young woman who could no longer tolerate a violent, dangerous domestic situation. She found refuge - and much more -at Family Services' Battered Women's Shelter, a United Way-funded facility.

To protect her from her husband, Deborah was able to get a restraining order through the Legal Aid Society, a United Way-funded agency. She received case management assistance from the Bethesda Center and employment training as a housekeeper from Goodwill Industries, both United Way-funded agencies. And, because she was so highly motivated, she was referred to an intensive United Way-funded self-sufficiency program at the Experiment in Self-Reliance.

Deborah is now well on her way to a self-sufficient and secure future. She says "Thank you" for helping her through United Way.

Last year, 305 women and children found a safe refuge from domestic violence through the Battered Women's Shelter. The counseling, education and legal assistance they subsequently received will help break the cycle of violence and rebuild their lives.

Helen and Libby

Helen is a 90-year old retired homemaker and secretary who lives in Old Town. Her 65-year old daughter Libby, a retired salesperson, lives with her. In addition to sharing their home, they both have the same doctor.

When Libby was recovering from a kidney transplant in 2001, their doctor prescribed the YWCA's Health and Rehabilitation program for both of them. The program, funded by United Way, provides individualized exercise programs for Helen and Libby, including workouts in a heated pool and a Nautilus-equipped gym. They receive nutritional counseling and group support, and enjoy the socialization.

Despite her years, Helen maintains an independent lifestyle, driving and doing her own shopping. Libby has fully rehabilitated from her surgery. Both of them say, "Thank you" for changing their lives through United Way.

Last year, 251 elderly men and women were able to maintain their independence through individualized exercise, therapy and diet programs at the YWCA.

Click on the icon below to view Helen and Libby's video.

Marcie
Marcie's reaching her full potential through The Enrichment Center.

Click on the icon below to view Marcie's video.

Marie

Marie's smile and laugh light up a room, but it wasn't always that way. Over a 5 -year period, she, her sister and her mother were all diagnosed with cancer. Marie's family was truly in crisis.

Marie's sister received medication, counseling and group support from Cancer Services, a United Way partner agency. But it was only after volunteering for a while and benefiting from Cancer Services' Pink Broomstick program and Wellness support groups that Marie felt comfortable asking for assistance with her medications and finances.

She received medications that helped her survive at a time when her strong family was stretched to its limits because of three cancer diagnoses. And Consumer Credit Counseling, another United Way partner agency, helped Marie get a handle on her finances while she was unemployed during her treatment.

"These people are here to help," said Marie, referring to the partner agency staff who assisted her. "I couldn't have made it without them."

Marie's sister has passed away, but she and her mother continue to volunteer to honor her.

Mary
Mary's children received the help they needed from Hospice after witnessing the death of their young brother in a tragic accident.  

Click on the icon below to view Mary's video.

Reginald
Reginald, a brain cancer victim, got help from Cancer Services.  

Click on the icon below to view Reginald's video.

Tim

Tim depends on the care he receives from the Community Care Center to keep his diabetes under control so he can work to support his family. 

Click on the icon below to view Tim's video.