A Call for a Community that Works Together
Where do we go from here?
For the past year and more, here in Guilford County and across the country, we’ve been in a maelstrom of bitter political divisions, many of us convinced that our position is right and the other side is not only wrong, but also downright immoral.
But now that our votes are cast and the ballots are being counted, there is no longer a benefit to highlighting our differences and fighting over who is right about what’s best for America. Today, what’s best for America is for us to reunite around our shared vision of strong communities with opportunities for all to achieve the American Dream.
Political campaigns are right to call out differences and explore opposing ideas of how to advance our communities. To make progress, we must have the painful conversations about racism, violence, declining prospects for the middle class, and inequities in health care, education, economic opportunity and more.
Well-meaning people can disagree about how best to address these problems – even if it sometimes infuriates and enrages us to listen to ideas that seem wrong-headed. We all want what is best for our country, and sharing diverse thinking about these and other critical issues will lead us to better solutions. That’s how democracy works.
What does not work is dismissing or reviling one another. While much of our culture has devolved into that black and white, I’m-good-you’re-bad thinking in recent years, we must reclaim our ability to listen, learn and honestly consider each other’s views both respectfully and receptively.
Regardless of the outcome of this election, we will continue to live together as a community. And today, as the election season ends and the season of giving begins, here are three things we can all do to move forward:
First, support the hundreds of Guilford County nonprofits improving our quality of life and serving our neighbors in need. Whether it’s the food bank, a favorite museum, a tutoring center, or the state parks system, support them however you can – through extra donations, volunteering or telling friends and neighbors about why they matter.
Second, try to believe in the good intentions of those with whom you disagree. Maybe you and your dad don’t share political beliefs, but you can focus on the values you do share – the importance of family, faith, the Constitution, or something else – and strive to listen to his perspective with empathy. This doesn’t mean you have to change your mind, but see what you can learn about his position and how he reached it, even if you think it’s wrong.
And third, break out of your bubble. It’s no secret that we tend to live in echo chambers, as our social media feeds reinforce our existing beliefs, along with the friends we choose to associate with and the news we opt to consume. Make a point of talking with folks who force you to think differently. Many faith communities hold sessions to talk across divides. The libraries, and many online resources also offer opportunities to hear and share different perspectives.
For me, and I suspect for most people, this has been one of the most difficult years of my life. The pandemic, the unrest, the political polarization of our communities… I’m ready for a 2021 of good health and good will.
Let’s build it together!
Author: Stuart Comstock-Gay, President and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation
**This article has been modified from its original version - the location has been changed from Delaware to Guilford County.
Grateful for Community Support
First National Bank (FNB) has been a proud sponsor of Women to Women for many years. Through this partnership and others, FNB has been able to foster the belief that a company is an extension of the community it serves.
Andrea Bunn, a Regional Banking Executive at FNB for the Greensboro/Winston-Salem area, emphasizes how important it is for companies to give back.
“Those in a position to give back should lead by example to make a positive impact,” Andrea says.
Along with Women to Women, FNB works with a variety of other nonprofits and organizations like Junior Achievement of the Triad, to support the local needs of the community and provide assistance in areas such as financial education, entrepreneurship, affordable housing and first time homebuying.
Women to Women holds a special place in the community, Andrea says. The organization provides invaluable services and resources to uplift women so they can improve their quality of life. As a woman in an executive leadership role at a large regional bank, it is important to Andrea to support other women and serve as a role model.
Andrea Bunn
“Many employees, including myself, have seen firsthand the positive impact Women to Women has had on women and young girls in the greater Greensboro area,” Andrea says.
FNB extends its efforts to drive greater inclusion, diversity and equity not just in the community, but also to build up their own culture with equal opportunities for professional growth and success. This ongoing commitment to strengthen the culture of the company helps bring in diverse talent, growing the company with the community.
Andrea has noticed a large nonprofit community in Greensboro, and is thrilled that her company supports this thriving, philanthropic culture.
FNB continues to support Women to Women with their work in the community. Andrea especially looks forward to working together with Women to Women to empower women and provide them with greater access to resources.
“Women to Women helps build stronger women and girls which has an exponential impact,” Andrea says. “Leading to an improved society which in turn helps First National Bank grow.”
Author: Ellie Little
Feeding People and Building Community
Kathy Newsom, like many people, is stressed about resources.
The Director of Neighborhood Market Inc., a nonprofit that manages two farmer’s markets: The Corner Market in Lindley Park and The People’s Market in Glenwood.
The markets are tackling the logistics of food distribution by connecting local farmers with neighborhoods who want fairly priced, healthy, delicious food. These 2 farmers’ markets are doing just that by ensuring that they match USDA SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) dollars through donations from The United Way, The American Heart Association, Churches and Individuals. Matching; doubles their customers’ purchasing power! The Corner Market and The People’s market are 2 of the few if any that match SNAP benefits dollar for dollar in the Triad.
SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of people in need so they can purchase healthy food. SNAP is similar to food stamps, but more frequently used at farmers markets because of the great value available from local growers.
Both markets have thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their online ordering, safety measures and outdoor markets make them more important than ever in safely fostering community and supporting local farmers that provide healthy food.
There is a growing need for food assistance due to unemployment and public schools going remote. With need rising, more neighbors qualify for SNAP benefits and Kathy needs more funding to match their purchases. Many of our neighbors utilizing SNAP are college students, recently unemployed, and working families living on the edge of financial security.
With demand increasing, matching our neighbors’ SNAP dollars becomes more challenging. These food purchases go right back to our local farmers who will continue to supply our residents with local nutritious food. What a simple, efficient cycle of hope!
Author: Carrie Little
Women Keep on Trucking Towards Equality
This month, we have celebrated the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment. Although an important date in our nation’s history, it only allowed white women to get the vote. This fact reflects the ongoing fight for women’s equality for all, that we continue today.
One of the most glaring displays of sexism is in the corporate workforce. In 2019, the Forbes 500 list hit an all-time high of 37 companies with female CEOs - 7.4%. Although women make up 48% of entry level jobs, they narrowed down to 30% at the Vice President level.
Tricia Foody of Women to Women has some sage advice for young women trying to get ahead today. The VP of HR at a trucking company, she knows a thing or two about powering through obstacles. One of her first career obstacles was her timing. Tricia dropped college early to get married. However, she re-enrolled and earned her degree in accounting.
She attributes much of her success to her persistence, but also her natural compassion that is required in HR. With her unique practice of bold empathy, Tricia has excelled and serves as the VP of HR at Best Logistics Group in Kernersville. ( a proud sponsor of Women to Women)
With the pandemic, her job title and responsibilities have also changed drastically. Now that the workplace comes with a new set of responsibilities, Tricia is transitioning to a new definition of workplace safety to keep her employees healthy and productive.
Tricia isn’t the only one in her family whose job has become increasingly important. Tricia discussed with pride her daughter’s career in the medical field. She talked excitedly about her daughter starting her practicum to become a Registered Nurse. At first, Tricia was afraid that her daughter may not get the hands-on training she needed during COVID. However these worries were put at ease, as they gave her thorough training and are now sending her in (the trenches). Talk about practice!
As someone who has had many roles in life, her advice is: don’t give up. Use the pandemic as an opportunity to learn - challenges only make us better and give us the tools to succeed later on. Use this time to hone a skill that may provide opportunities.
Author: Carrie Little
Friday Feature: Fluent in Finance
Tiffany Grant’s wedding flipped the script on the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of keeping people apart, it brought her family closer.
Her small wedding originally only included immediate family. However, as cancellations began piling up, Tiffany realized she had to make some changes.
Her husband, a videographer, set up equipment to professionally film the ceremony to share virtually.
The redesigned virtual ceremony, officiated by her mother, included forty people - far more than what she had originally planned.
Tiffany is no stranger to strategic planning, though. As an entrepreneur and self-titled “money coach,” she is more than comfortable working through tough situations.
She came to Women to Women when she worked with Triad Financial Advisors. Soon after, she started her own company Money Talk with Tiff. She created the business with the goal to empower people through financial literacy to take control of their life.
Tiffany wants to spread financial awareness and independence to her community with her extensive experience and education.
Her podcast “Money Talk with Tiff” makes her advice available to all. She is also involved in Junior Achievement where she teaches financial literacy to middle and high schoolers.
Her work with Operation HOPE and the Greensboro Jaycees also empowers people to help their community through financial planning and dedication.
Tiffany is a great asset to Women to Women and all the groups to which she lends her organization and intellect. Financial literacy, Tiffany says, goes beyond just money. It is something that extends to mental wellbeing and happiness - something that we all need.
Author: Carrie Little
Friday Feature: Taste the Joy, Food for All
Paula Sieber hasn’t looked back since leaving her for profit job to renew herself. She entered the nonprofit world when she got wind that the East Greensboro Renaissance Coop closed years ago.
It fueled her mission. Paula wanted to help get clean housing, clean food and clean H2O to our most underserved and most vulnerable neighbors. She wanted to especially cater to homeless, seniors and previously incarcerated residents.
She collaborates with countless others to secure the funds required for big initiatives. Paula taught herself how to write grants. After refining her technique, she says her secret is to make her cause and plan so good they can’t say no. If they do say no, keep at ‘em until they give you what you need.
She is currently collaborating in developing three projects to help bring wholesome food to food deserts in Greensboro and High Point.
The Farmers Market on McConnell Rd. - Hosts famers locally and from other parts of the NC organic and hydroponic farmers bringing fresh food every Saturday. This market is one of the community facing arms of Guilford Urban Farming Initiative (GUFI.) It is designed to correct the current food system’s structural inequities. Their two strategic initiatives are to bring fresh, whole, affordable foods to local food deserts as it offers new commercial outlets for small farmers of color. They just secured a CARES grant to help make this market have an even great impact to improve food securities in District 1 and District 2.
The Peacemaker Urban Farm Collaborative - In collaboration with UNC-G, Tiny Homes Community Development, Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, Walmart, and several others have 6 acres on Freeman Mill Road donated by a local business where they want to create a healthy living and work community. The goal is to have 16 tiny homes, greenhouses and raised beds and pollinator areas. One of the tiny homes is designated for the farm manager who will assist in the day to day management of the farm.
JM Green Tiny Home Community - On Hay St. in High Point, connects the urban farm movement with their community to bring healthy and fresh food options. There will be 24 raised ADA compliant vegetable and herb beds, a dense orchard, an educational greenhouse, blackberry trellises, and a 272’ x 2’ “Together We Grow the Roots of Community Resilience” childrens’ sidewalk garden.
Paula is enthusiastic about what these collaborations could mean for our neighbors, and so are we! In her spare time, she is looking to rent a motorhome to drive out to Colorado and attend her daughter’s intimate wedding (she isn’t getting on a plane)! The wedding has been postponed two times and Paula hopes the third time's a charm.
Author: Carrie Little