A little over four years ago I was given the opportunity to begin working with the United Way of Anderson County (UWAC). It was a brand new experience – one I didn’t want to pass up. Thankfully, the amazing people I have been blessed to work with helped me learn and gain the necessary skills to excel during my time here. It is with a heavy heart I have to tell you all that at the end of May, I will be moving to the Atlanta area with my partner Regan. This means that I will be leaving my job as Community Impact Coordinator with UWAC. I will take with me the many skills, experiences and community standards UWAC has provided to me. 

Working with the community has been one of the greatest joys of working with UWAC. Through Battle of the Bands, Taste of Anderson County, Food Pantry Givebacks, and more, I have loved seeing how passionate our community is about becoming a better place for everyone. From rocking and rolling for donations to eating great food and gathering as a community, it has been a joy to see each and every person supporting the events we have done. I have learned so many ways to help people and to stretch a dollar to help as many people as possible. 

Our partner agencies have taught me so much about the many different leadership styles and qualities that I will take with me to the next stop in my life journey. Each agency I’ve had the pleasure of working with is so different, yet the goal remains the same: to make Anderson County the best county it can be. 

I have learned that sometimes you need to just listen and let people talk. During a hard time, it can simply be a listening ear and words of empathy that people need.

One of the biggest opportunities I have had over the last 4 years was to learn from my co-workers. I feel like I have been able to learn something new every day from my co-workers. There have been so many teachable moments for us as a team. Even when things have gone well, there have been opportunities to make the next time better. Mistakes are always viewed as things we can learn and grow from. I have learned so much and I have become a better employee through all of it. We have made a huge impact in the community and had a blast doing it! Coming up with new fundraising ideas, making puns for thank you cards and events, and chatting during breaks about life; I could not have asked for a better work environment.

Overall, I had some amazing experiences working for UWAC. I will miss it and cherish my time here. Thank you to our community, our partner agencies, and the previous and current staff for making my time with UWAC so special. I will stay in touch and look forward to seeing the awesome things the community accomplishes in the future!