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May
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The Balanced Board: Clear & Meaningful Service Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Location: Goodwill Southeast Georgia, 7220 Sallie Mood Dr, Savannah, GA 31406 Audience: Executive
Event Details
The Balanced Board: Clear & Meaningful Service
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Goodwill Southeast Georgia, 7220 Sallie Mood Dr, Savannah, GA 31406
Audience: Executive Directors, board members, and governance committee leaders
Facilitator:
Aileen Gabbey, Productive Nonprofits
Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019cdd559066752699b8784f6f6a9271
Description:
Improve organizational effectiveness through clear governance structure and board engagement practices. Finding the right balance of roles and responsibilities is critical for a healthy Board of Directors to serve an organization’s mission effectively. This interactive workshop will explore clarification of roles, strategies to strengthen engagement of board members, and steps to form a strong partnership with staff. Executive Directors, board members, and key board leaders are encouraged to attend.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will:
- Distinguish governance vs management responsibilities
- Clarify board and staff roles
- Strengthen board engagement structures
- Improve board–Executive Director partnership
Key Outputs:
- Board role clarity framework
- Governance responsibility matrix
- Board engagement planning tools
About Facilitator:
Aileen is a consultant and facilitator for Productive Nonprofits focusing on Board governance and health. She has assisted clients with projects such as: Board building and engagement; succession planning; strategic planning; bylaws, committee structures; retreat facilitation; coaching new leaders; and guiding community partnerships. Prior to consulting, Aileen led nonprofits for over 25 years including The Maryland SPCA and Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia. In Maryland, the SPCA became no-kill, built a new center, and opened businesses for wellness, spay/neuter, and adoption. She formed and led an alliance of fellow groups. In Coastal Georgia, Aileen oversaw Susan G. Komen’s growth in fundraising, program outcomes, and governance processes. She has taught classes for United Way of the Coastal Empire, SCORE, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Georgia Center for Nonprofits. She is a volunteer for United Way and is the Vice President and Board Governance Chair for Keepers of the Flame Foundation. Aileen and her husband, a teacher and writer, live in Savannah with their adopted street cat Gus.
June
Bar Julian Giving Tuesday for UWCEtue09jun5:00 pm7:00 pm5:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
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Join us for Sunset Happy Hour for a Cause where 20% of sales from 5p-7p will be donated to United Way of the Coastal Empire’s community fund!
Event Details
Join us for Sunset Happy Hour for a Cause where 20% of sales from 5p-7p will be donated to United Way of the Coastal Empire’s community fund!
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You are cordially invited to attend and shop for a cause, online or in-store! The Kendra Gives Back program helps anyone within the community host a local event for causes
Event Details
You are cordially invited to attend and shop for a cause, online or in-store!
The Kendra Gives Back program helps anyone within the community host a local event for causes and organizations that empower women and youth. 20% of purchases made in-store during the hosted event or digitally through kendrascott.com, using a custom code, will directly benefit United Way Coastal Empire’s Community Fund!
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From Curiosity to Clarity: Generative AI for Small Nonprofits Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Location: Virtual only via Zoom Facilitators: Lindsey Mott & Timothy
Event Details
From Curiosity to Clarity: Generative AI for Small Nonprofits
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Virtual only via Zoom
Facilitators: Lindsey Mott & Timothy Hafner, United Way of Broome County
Audience: Operations staff, Program managers, and Executive leadership
Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
United Way Learning Circle Workshop Registration
Description
In this 90‑minute interactive webinar, we cut through the hype to explore how small nonprofits should be thinking about Generative AI today. Designed for nonprofit professionals who are curious about AI—as well as organizations that have started experimenting but aren’t sure how it fits into their broader work—this session offers a clear, accessible foundation. Participants will learn the basics of Generative AI and prompting best practices, see realistic, hands‑on examples tailored to small teams, and explore how these tools can support everyday operations. We’ll also touch on key considerations for supporting staff use and mitigating risk, helping attendees understand what to think about next. Participants will leave with practical insights and ideas they can begin applying right away.
Participants Will:
- Understand the fundamentals of Generative AI and prompting best practices
- Explore how these tools can be applied to the daily operations of small to midsize nonprofit organizations
- Begin to develop strategies for implementing, supporting, and scaling staff’s use of these tools to mitigate risk and achieve organization-wide impact
About Facilitators:
Lindsey Mott serves as the Senior Director of Operations and Staff Development at United Way of Broome County, where she oversees organizational operations and leads staff development initiatives. Prior to her current role, she served as Director of Community Initiatives, supporting and advancing United Way of Broome County’s community impact efforts. Lindsey joined the organization in 2019 after earning a Master of Public Administration from Binghamton University, along with a graduate certificate in nonprofit management. She is a recent graduate of Cohort 3 of United Way’s Next-Gen Leaders Initiative, during which she developed an AI Accelerator Course in response to the needs of small and midsize nonprofit organizations.
Timothy Hafner, Director of Community Initiatives and Planning at the United Way of Broome County (UWBC), oversees the Community Initiatives Department, which includes Community Impact Grants, heath and socialization work at the Healthy Lifestyles Coalition (HLC), hygiene access through the Community Hygiene Hub, and veteran outreach efforts through Mission United. He holds a Master of Public Administration and has been with United Way for four years. Timothy started as the Community Initiatives and Fund Development Associate, managing the grant review and monitoring process while writing grants to support local community programs while acting as the organization’s lead grant writer, helping to strengthen collaborative relationships between UWBC and its community partners.
July
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Strategic Non-Profit Storytelling – The Power of Community Impact Communication Date: Thursday, July 23 Time: 9:30 AM-10:30 AM Location: Richmond Hill Public Library, 9607 Ford Ave, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 Facilitator(s):
Event Details
Strategic Non-Profit Storytelling – The Power of Community Impact Communication
Date: Thursday, July 23
Time: 9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Richmond Hill Public Library, 9607 Ford Ave, Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Facilitator(s): Christopher McDonald – Regional Area Director – Bryan County – United Way of the Coastal Empire
Audience: Executive leadership, program directors, communications and development staff, board members
Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
United Way Learning Circle Workshop Registration Form
Description
Connect and collaborate with other non-profit leaders to learn how impactful storytelling can have a meaningful impact to community engagement, participation, awareness and resource development. During this collaborative discussion, non-profit leaders will share best practices, challenges and strategic/targeting storytelling to achieve organizational objectives. Participants can expect to come out of this highly engaged session with strategic communication objectives, curating impactful targeting stories, exploring the diverse communication methods and tracking measurable impact.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the role of storytelling for engagement, awareness, and resource development
Key Outputs:
- Identify storytelling objectives
- Craft personalized storytelling to objectives
- Measure storytelling impact based on objectives
About Facilitator(s):
Christopher has a diverse background in both the private and public sector where communicating organizational points of distinction have been critical in organizational development. A new resident to the Savannah area, Christopher is a proven non-profit leader ranging from small business advocacy, equitable economic development and supporting social programs and services that have the greatest community impact. As a former business owner and restauranteur, he believes strongly in implementation of business development practices into the non-profit sector.
August
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Influence in Action: Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders Build nonprofit capacity to engage public policy ethically and effectively within legal guidelines. Date: Tuesday, August 11 Time: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Location: JA Colonial
Event Details
Influence in Action: Advocacy Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders
Build nonprofit capacity to engage public policy ethically and effectively within legal guidelines.
Date: Tuesday, August 11
Time: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location:
JA Colonial Group Discovery Center of Savannah
11935 Abercorn St, Savannah, Georgia 31419
Facilitator: Judy Fitzgerald, MSW, Executive Director, Voices for Georgia’s Children
Audience:
- Executive & Senior Leadership
- Policy / Advocacy staff
- Board members
- Coalition leaders and community organizers
Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
United Way Learning Circle Workshop Registration
Description:
Fundraising is vital for the long-term stability and sustainability of nonprofit organizations, but it can be difficult to build strong systems when time, staffing, and resources are limited. In this workshop, participants will learn how to create a feasible year-round fundraising strategy that strengthens donor pipelines, diversifies revenue, and moves organizations from reactive fundraising to structured development systems.
Participants will learn how to:
• Build a strong fund development program
• Strengthen donor pipelines and diversify revenue
• Develop sustainable revenue strategies with limited staff and resources
Key Takeaways:
• Action plan for developing a fund development program
• Strategy for a year-round fundraising plan
• Donor journey map
About Facilitator:
Judy brings decades of experience and a proven track record of compassionate and strategic leadership. She began her career at The Carter Center Mental Health Program, working for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and transitioned to a boutique consulting firm addressing systems change in several states before stepping into non-profit leadership and then strategy leadership at a large community-based service delivery organization. She was privileged to join the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) as Chief of Staff in 2012 and was appointed by Governor Deal to serve as Commissioner of DBHDD from 2016 to 2022. After a year of consulting, she joined the Voices for Georgia’s Children team as Executive Director. Observing system change from diverse perspectives enables her to deliver practical pathways for impact.
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The 60-Second Story: Capturing Impact in a Scroll-First World Date: Tuesday, August 25 Time: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Location: JA Colonial Group Discovery Center of Savannah, 11935 Abercorn St, Savannah, Georgia
Event Details
The 60-Second Story: Capturing Impact in a Scroll-First World
Date: Tuesday, August 25
Time: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: JA Colonial Group Discovery Center of Savannah, 11935 Abercorn St, Savannah, Georgia 31419
Facilitator(s): Kewaan Drayton, Founder of Red Eye Film Productions & Director of Operations at Startup Savannah
Audience: Program staff, outreach coordinators, social media managers, and emerging nonprofit professionals
Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
United Way Learning Circle Workshop Registration Form
Description:
Nonprofits are doing incredible work every day—but too often, their stories go untold or unnoticed. In today’s fast-paced, scroll-driven world, capturing attention and communicating impact requires clarity, authenticity, and simplicity.
In this interactive workshop, The 60-Second Story: Capturing Impact in a Scroll-First World, participants will learn how to transform real moments from their work into compelling, short-form stories that connect with audiences and inspire action. Through a mix of live demonstration, guided exercises, and group discussion, attendees will walk away with a practical storytelling framework, tools they can use immediately, and a clear path to consistently sharing their impact.
Whether you have a marketing team or not, this session will show you how to start telling better stories—right away.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify compelling stories within their organization’s day-to-day work that resonate with donors, partners, and the community.
Key Outputs:
- Apply a simple 60-second storytelling framework to structure impactful, engaging content for social media and digital platforms.
- Capture high-quality photo and video content using accessible tools such as smartphones and low-cost equipment.
- Develop a practical, repeatable approach to storytelling that can be implemented immediately without requiring a full marketing team.
About Facilitator(s):
Kewaan Drayton is the founder of Red Eye Film Productions and Director of Operations at Startup Savannah. He works with nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and organizations to create compelling, story-driven content that highlights real impact. Kewaan specializes in helping teams simplify storytelling and produce high-quality content using accessible tools and practical strategies.
September
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Celebrate the caring power of our community at the Campaign Kickoff! Join hundreds of community members, including leaders representing the region’s most generous companies, dedicated partners, impactful nonprofits, and supportive
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Celebrate the caring power of our community at the Campaign Kickoff! Join hundreds of community members, including leaders representing the region’s most generous companies, dedicated partners, impactful nonprofits, and supportive volunteers, as they come together in the excitement of this year’s United Way of the Coastal Empire Community Fund Campaign!
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The Effingham County Campaign Kickoff celebrates the Campaign Kickoff, launching this year’s United Way of the Coastal
Event Details
The Effingham County Campaign Kickoff celebrates the Campaign Kickoff, launching this year’s United Way of the Coastal Empire Community Fund Campaign with approximately 200 attendees. Highlights include the announcement of the Caring Cup Awards and the Clarence E. Morgan Community Spirit Award, recognition of Campaign Cabinet members and Loaned Associate, and the results of the Pacesetter Campaigns. The event is complimentary, but RSVPs are required.
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Stronger Together: Building Partnerships & Networks That Actually Work Date: Wednesday, September 23 Time: 12:00 PM-1:30 PM Location: Ameris Bank 101 W Hendry St, Hinesville, GA 31313 Facilitator(s): Daisy Jones, Executive
Event Details
Stronger Together: Building Partnerships & Networks That Actually Work
Date: Wednesday, September 23
Time: 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Location: Ameris Bank 101 W Hendry St, Hinesville, GA 31313
Facilitator(s): Daisy Jones, Executive Director, Liberty County Reentry Coalition
Audience:
- Executive Directors / CEOs
- Program Directors & Managers
- Community Engagement / Outreach Staff
- Coalition or Network Leads
Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
United Way Learning Circle Workshop Registration Form
Description:
This interactive, in-person workshop focuses on how nonprofit and community leaders build partnerships that move beyond conversation into real, coordinated impact. We will examine what it takes to function as a network rather than a collection of organizations, especially in environments with limited capacity and competing priorities. The session addresses trust, role clarity, communication, and the inclusion of grassroots organizations as essential contributors, not afterthoughts. Participants will work through a real partnership or network opportunity using a practical framework to define outcomes, clarify roles, and establish next steps. The goal is not just stronger relationships, but stronger outcomes supported by structured, intentional collaboration.
About Facilitator(s):
Daisy Jones is a community leader with over 20 years of experience across military service, local government, and nonprofit work, with a focus on strengthening how organizations work together to serve communities more effectively. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, she brings a background in operations, logistics, and public affairs, including senior-level communications and strategic planning.
She currently serves as Executive Director of the Liberty County Reentry Coalition, where she leads the SOAR Reentry Center, a community-based initiative supporting individuals returning from incarceration. Her work centers on coordinating services, building cross-sector partnerships, and addressing gaps that impact stability, housing, and employment.
Daisy is also the host of Conversations with Daisy Jones, a long-running radio show and podcast that engages audiences in thoughtful discussions on leadership, faith, and community issues. She is an author, speaker, and educator who focuses on practical approaches that help organizations work better together and strengthen outcomes across communities.
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Impact with Intention: Evaluation Strategies for Nonprofits Build nonprofit capacity to engage public policy ethically and effectively within legal guidelines. Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Event Details
Impact with Intention: Evaluation Strategies for Nonprofits
Build nonprofit capacity to engage public policy ethically and effectively within legal guidelines.
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Facilitator: Dr. Erika Tate, Bluknowledge LLC
Location:
Hospice Savannah – Demere Center – Education Room
6000 Business Center Dr, Savannah, GA 31405
Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
United Way Learning Circle Workshop Registration
Audience:
- Program Managers & Coordinators
- Executive Leadership
- M&E or Learning Staff
- Development/Grant Writers
- Operations or Strategy Leads
Description
Program evaluation is essential for understanding the impact of your organization, strengthening programs, and positioning yourself for sustainable growth. Yet many nonprofits struggle to know where to begin with limited time, staff, and resources. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to approach evaluation as an intentional, practical process that supports continuous improvement and funding readiness. The workshop focuses on helping organizations move beyond inconsistent or irrelevant data collection to meaningful evaluation strategies that align with their mission and goals. Through guided reflection, real-world examples, and hands-on activities, workshop participants will begin building a clear and actionable approach to measuring what matters most to the communities they serve.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Understand program evaluation as a strategic tool for measuring impact and informing decision-making
- Learn key evaluation methods that align with organizational goals, capacity, and funder expectations
- Identify practical ways to collect and use data (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations) to demonstrate program effectiveness
- Begin developing an objective-based evaluation plan to support continuous improvement and growth
Key Outputs
Participants will leave with:
- A draft evaluation objective aligned with their program or organizational goals
- A simple, actionable plan for collecting and using data to monitor progress
- Increased clarity on how evaluation supports funding, program improvement, and impact storytelling
- A digital program evaluation starter kit with templates, tools, and next step
About Facilitator:
Dr. Erika D. Tate is the founder of Bluknowledge LLC, a social impact firm that advances equity in schools and communities through collaborative research, inclusive evaluation, and equity-driven professional and community learning. With more than 20 years of experience, she partners with nonprofits, educators, and community leaders to design and implement evidence-based evaluation strategies that measure impact, strengthen programs, and support sustainable growth. Her work centers equity and justice, and has focused on STEM and Arts education, public health (e.g., access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities) and community-level planning. Dr. Tate has led and supported projects that inform programming and policy at local and state levels. She has served as a research partner and evaluator on initiatives funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and numerous philanthropic organizations. A trusted advisor and expert facilitator, Dr. Tate equips mission-driven organizations and leaders with practical, responsive tools to turn data into insight and action. She holds a ScB in Electrical Engineering from Brown University and a PhD in Education from the University of California, Berkeley.
October
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Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits: Interpreting Financials, Cash Flow Strategy & Scenario Planning Date: Wednesday, October 14 Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM *Refreshments served from 12:30 PM-1:00 PM* Location: America’s Second
Event Details
Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits: Interpreting Financials, Cash Flow Strategy & Scenario Planning
Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM *Refreshments served from 12:30 PM-1:00 PM*
Location: America’s Second Harvest,1380 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA 31405
Facilitator: Luella M. Sanders, AVP, VyStar Credit Union
Audience:
- Executive Directors / CEOs
- Board Members (especially Treasurers or Finance Committee members)
- Program Directors with budget responsibility
- Emerging nonprofit leaders without formal finance training
Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
United Way Learning Circle Workshop Registration Form
Description:
In today’s unpredictable funding environment, nonprofit leaders must make informed financial decisions with limited resources and increasing demand for services. This hands-on workshop equips executive directors and board members, especially those without formal finance backgrounds—with practical tools to strengthen financial stewardship. Participants will review the three primary financial statements—income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement—and learn how to interpret them in real-world contexts. The session will also cover cash flow forecasting, helping leaders understand the timing of revenue and expenses and anticipating shortfalls before they become crises. Through guided exercises, participants will explore scenario planning techniques to navigate uncertainty, assess financial risks, and make strategic budgeting decisions with confidence. Emphasis is placed on practical monitoring tools that support transparency and accountability. By the end, participants will leave with customizable templates, stronger financial insight, and the confidence to lead with clarity, resilience, and foresight.
Learning Objectives:
Gain a clear understanding of the three primary financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement) and how to use them in decision-making
Key Outputs:
Participants will:
- Build practical skills in cash flow forecasting and managing revenue timing gaps
- Apply scenario planning techniques to prepare for financial uncertainty and shifting funding streams
- Strengthen board-level financial oversight and decision-making confidence, especially for non-financial leaders
About Facilitator(s):
Luella Sanders is an accomplished leader with more than 30 years of experience in accounting, finance, and community engagement. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Regional Community Engagement at VyStar Credit Union, where she oversees strategic philanthropic initiatives supporting Military, Youth, and Community programs, with a strong emphasis on advancing organizations that serve the ALICE population.
A dedicated advocate for education and nonprofit leadership, Luella has been an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College since 2007, shaping the next generation of business and community professionals. She also lends her expertise to numerous boards, including Over the Moon Diaper Bank, DEEP Center, the South Bryan Advisory Council for the Bryan County School System, and the United Way of South Bryan County Advisory Board.
Luella’s regional leadership extends to her roles as the 2026 American Heart Association Go Red for Women Program Chair and the 2026 Leadership Southeast Georgia Team Chatham Program Chair. She is also a proud 2025 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia.
Driven by service and a passion for strengthening communities, Luella Sanders is widely recognized as an influential educator, advocate, and regional leader across Southeast Georgia.
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Sustaining the Mission by Supporting the People: Leadership in Times of Burnout and Change Date: Friday, October 30, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Refreshments served from 8:30 AM-9:00 AM)
Event Details
Sustaining the Mission by Supporting the People: Leadership in Times of Burnout and Change
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Refreshments served from 8:30 AM-9:00 AM)
Location: America’s Second Harvest,1380 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA 31405
Facilitator: Gwendolyn A. Martin, Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Cafe LLC.
Audience:
- Executive Directors / CEOs
- Senior Leadership (COO, Program Directors, Department Heads)
- People Managers (those supervising staff or teams)
- HR / Talent / Organizational Development leads
- Emerging Leaders or Team Leads
- Board Members
Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
United Way Learning Circle Workshop Registration Form
Description
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing environment, leaders are challenged to sustain both their people and their mission. Sustaining the Mission by Supporting the People: Leadership in Times of Burnout and Change equips leaders with the tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to burnout while maintaining operational effectiveness. This session explores the human side of leadership, helping participants build resilience, foster trust, and lead with empathy during times of uncertainty and transition. Through practical strategies and real-world insights, leaders will learn to intentionally develop a culture of care that prioritizes people, promotes psychological safety, and drives sustainable performance.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify early signs of burnout in themselves and their teams and assess the impact on mission effectiveness.
- Apply practical strategies to sustain resilience, engagement, and well-being during periods of change.
- Demonstrate leadership behaviors that balance people care with mission demands in high-stress environments
Facilitator Bio
Gwendolyn Martin, widely known as Dr. Gwen, “The Helper’s Helper,” is a respected speaker, author, licensed professional counselor, and mental health consultant dedicated to strengthening individuals and organizations. With more than 30 years of clinical and educational experience, she brings deep expertise in leadership development, human-centered strategy, and workplace wellbeing. Dr. Gwen is the founder of Counselor’s Cafe LLC, where she provides training, tools, and practical solutions to help government agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations mitigate burnout, reduce stress, enhance team engagement, and cultivate sustainable cultures of care. She is also the owner of Coastal Crossroads Counseling Solutions LLC, a private practice based in Savannah, Georgia. Known for her engaging and insightful approach, Dr. Gwen equips leaders with actionable strategies that promote resilience, empathy, and long-term organizational success.
November
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From Data to Action: Using Community Needs Data to Strengthen Nonprofit Programs and Funding Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Location: United Way Effingham Service Center,
Event Details
From Data to Action: Using Community Needs Data to Strengthen Nonprofit Programs and Funding
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: United Way Effingham Service Center, 711 Zitterour Drive, Rincon, GA 31326
Facilitator: Holly Lang, Public Goods Group
Audience:
- Program Managers & Directors
- Development / Grant Writers
- Strategy, Impact, or Learning staff
- Executive Directors shaping programs and funding strategy
Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
United Way Learning Circle Workshop Registration Form
Description:
Data about community needs is abundant, but for many nonprofits, knowing where to find it, how to interpret it, and how to put it to work is its own challenge. This session is designed to close that gap. Participants will learn how to identify and use publicly available data to tell a more compelling story about the communities they serve, with practical guidance on where local, state, and federal information lives. The session will also explore how organizations can strengthen their own internal data, build it into an ongoing program and funding strategy, and use it to measure and communicate impact over time. Whether you’re a data newcomer or a seasoned analyst, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of how community data can sharpen your programs, deepen your partnerships, and strengthen your case to funders.
Learning Objectives:
Understand how to find and interpret publicly available community needs data relevant to their organization’s work, including where federal data has limitations and how state and local sources can fill gaps
Key Outputs:
Participants will:
- Learn how to use community data to identify and communicate shared outcomes across housing, health, and basic needs
- Explore strategies for strengthening internal data and using it to track and demonstrate program impact over time
- Apply a practical framework for translating community needs data into stronger program design, partnership narratives, funding proposals, and impact reporting
About Facilitator(s):
Holly Lang is a health economist and the founder of Public Goods Group, a consultancy that helps government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies understand and respond to the needs of the communities they serve. With more than two decades of experience focused on low-income, uninsured, and vulnerable populations, she has authored more than 150 economic and community health needs assessments across diverse markets. Her partnership with Community Catalyst produced the nationally recognized model for conducting CHNAs through a health equity lens. A former federal policy advisor and consumer advocate, Lang brings a rare ability to make dense data legible and actionable for practitioners, policymakers, and communities. She holds a master’s in health economics, policy, and management from the London School of Economics, where she graduated with distinction and received the Brian Abel-Smith Prize for her work around poverty.
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Join United Way of the Coastal Empire on Thanksgiving morning at Daffin Park for its 18th Annual Turkey Trot! Come as you are or in a Thanksgiving-themed costume and hit
Event Details
Join United Way of the Coastal Empire on Thanksgiving morning at Daffin Park for its 18th Annual Turkey Trot!
Come as you are or in a Thanksgiving-themed costume and hit the 4-mile course.
The race route starts at Daffin Park, loops through the picturesque Ardsley Park neighborhood, and ends up back at Daffin Park. Participants are invited to the awards ceremony, which includes food and beverages. No rollerblades. Pets are permitted only with participants.
Races
8:00 am Kids K (0.62 miles, ages 10 and under, *complimentary)
8:15 am Diaper Dash (35 yards/0.02 mile, ages 3 and under, *complimentary)
8:30 am 4M Run/Walk
Proceeds from the Turkey Trot benefit United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Community Fund. Through the Community Fund, United Way invests in more than 80 programs across 50 nonprofit agencies, provides direct assistance through the 211 Information & Referral Service and County Service Centers, and connects volunteers to causes that strengthen our community.
January
FeaturedRead United Dayfri29janAll Day(All Day: Friday)(GMT-05:00)
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Volunteer to Read in any classroom across our five-county region Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, & Long counties Read United Day is the flagship initiative
Event Details
Volunteer to Read in any classroom across our five-county region
Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, & Long counties
Read United Day is the flagship initiative of Read United, reaching students in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Long counties to promote literacy and a lifelong love of reading. Nearly 1,000 United Way volunteers visit classrooms to read aloud and leave behind a new book for each class. In Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, and Long counties, every pre-K through 2nd-grade student also receives a new book to take home, helping to close the gap for children who may not have books at home. In Chatham County, United Way will continue our pilot reading competition with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, designed to motivate and reward students for reading more books.
Read United Day will benefit more than 20,000 children across our region—and your support makes it possible.
March
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WOMEN UNITED® hosts their annual Women Who Rule Luncheon to celebrate working together to improve lives by providing access to safe and reliable transportation to those in
Event Details
WOMEN UNITED® hosts their annual Women Who Rule Luncheon to celebrate working together to improve lives by providing access to safe and reliable transportation to those in need throughout the Coastal Empire. In addition to honoring the Woman of the Year, the luncheon will feature a panel of incredible women leaders highlighting stories of hope and triumph.
The proceeds from Women Who Rule are dedicated to WOMEN UNITED®’s mission to improve lives and provide access to reliable transportation.

