Women United

Women United is a group of strong, connected community leaders that want to make a change. This group of philanthropic minded women come together to connect, collaborate, and care for others.

In 2001, the Women United affinity group of the United Way of Anderson County made a commitment to support Teen Pregnancy Prevention in Anderson County. Since the program initiated, we have seen a reduction of 81% in Anderson County teen births. This program was recognized in Time Magazine for their work and leadership. After twenty years, the local school districts have now absorbed the responsibilities of running this program in each of their schools, and Women United is embarking on another prevalent issue.

Our Women United group came together and began brainstorming the current needs in Anderson County. The issue of childhood literacy was brought to the table; and upon further review, we discovered the negative consequences this can bring in a child’s life.

A New Focus

We began to look at examples of programs that focused on early-age literacy and found Camp iRock. In 2019, a pilot program was put in place in Anderson School District 1 with a 100% success rate. All 65 students earned the privilege to advance to the 4th grade.

Camp iRock is an intensive summer reading program that focuses on reading, character building, and physical activity. The camp includes transportation to and from camp; breakfast, lunch, and snacks; high quality reading instruction in small groups; swim lessons; and traditional summer camp games and activities. This camp is a partnership with United Way’s Women United, Anderson Area YMCA, Pickens County YMCA, and Anderson County School Districts 1, 3, and 5. United Way’s Women United also supports the summer literacy programs at Anderson School Districts 2 and 4.

Our recent book drive provided 6,500 books to schools, daycares, nonprofits, and little libraries all over Anderson County!

Women United will also offer matching funds for adopting Title 1 schools in the Anderson area and offer funds to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

According to famous author Dr. Seuss, “The more you will read, the more you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go.” This project has the potential to make change for generations to come and provide endless possibilities for our Anderson County children to achieve the highest success!

For more information on Women United and how you can become a part, please contact Tina Brown, tina@uwandsc.org.

• Don't miss our signature event, Power of the Purse, in spring 2025! 
• Become a Women United member - donate today!