Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1495789
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2023 UCW 11 United Way of Cumberland County announced March 22 that Fayetteville PWC has been award- ed the 2022 Spirit of North Carolina for building momentum and sustainability through engaged leadership and employees. Fayetteville PWC has modeled a dedication to community service through their fundraising, volunteer and advocacy efforts. is is the 17th year in a row they have received an award for their outstanding dedication to United Way and the community. Carolyn Justice–Hinson, the PWC Communica- tions/Community Relations Officer, also won the United Way Community Ambassador award. is is the first year this award has been presented. She received this honor for all the hard work she has dedicated to helping spread United Way's name and mission not only within her organiza- tion but into the community. Justice-Hinson currently serves on the board and chaired their Over the Edge fundraiser held on March 11. United Way of North Carolina's annual Spirit of North Carolina Award celebrates organizations and individuals for their exemplary partnership demonstrated through fundraising and volun- teer efforts, outstanding leadership, and creative team building. Additionally, organizations focusing on DEI values and individuals who are champions of United Way were also celebrated. United Way of North Carolina recognized 74 winners represent- ing 17 local United Ways at three regional events. "e Spirit of North Carolina Awards shine a light on our incredible partners, who are sup- porting United Way's work and helping us achieve our goals," said Melissa Reid, Director of Resource Development for United Way of Cumberland County. "Congratulations to all the winners who have collectively made a huge impact in the lives of our neighbors across the state." Fayetteville PWC and Justice-Hinson were recognized for keeping the spirit of United Way within their organization all year long and not just at campaign time. ey run the most suc- cessful workplace campaign in the county, they volunteer throughout the year and donate water to events. is year, they even held a meal pack- ing event as their United Way kickoff where they packed 35,000 meal packets which went to help local families. "We are honored to have Fayetteville PWC and Carolyn Justice–Hinson as key stakeholders for a shared future where every North Carolinian thrives and reaches their full potential," said Amy Navejas, Executive Director for United Way of Cumberland County. For more information about the Spirit of North Carolina Award and a complete list of winners, visit unitedwaync.org/spirit-north-carolina- award-winners. United Way of Cumberland County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of commu- nities around the world to advance the com- mon good. United Way of Cumberland County strives to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: educa- tion, financial stability, health and critical basic needs. At United Way, we recognize that lasting changes are achieved by addressing the under- lying causes of problems. United Way partners with other nonprofit agencies to improve lives in Cumberland County. PWC honored with two United Way Spirit of NC Awards a STAFF REPORT Fayetteville PWC and Carolyn Justice-Hinson (second from right) were named Spirit of North Carolina award recipients for their support efforts for the United Way of Cumberland County. (Photo courtesy United Way of Cumberland County) NEWS DOD announces six new measures to enhance well-being of military force and their families a DOD STAFF REPORT Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on March 22 unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the lives of our dedicated military force and their families. e new plan consists of six additional ac- tions that address essential needs in education, childcare, parental leave and career advance- ment. e Department of Defense is committed to working with Congress and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these measures. Secretary Austin is directing the implementa- tion of the following: Universal Prekindergarten at DoD Educa- tion Activity (DoDEA) Schools: e DoD is collaborating with Congress to secure funding for universal prekindergarten at DoDEA schools. e program is set to undergo a phased implementa- tion over a five-year period, providing high-qual- ity early education for military children. Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for Service Members: To alleviate finan- cial pressure on service members with depen- dents, the DoD will enable access to Dependent Care FSAs, allowing them to set aside up to $5,000 in pretax income through payroll deduc- tions for eligible dependent care expenses. New Military Parental Leave Benefits: e DoD is actively promoting new parental leave benefits that provide 12 weeks of paid, non- chargeable leave to service members welcoming a child into their family through birth, adoption, or long-term foster-care placement. is initia- tive supports the well-being and work-life bal- ance of our military families. Improvements to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): e DoD is commit- ted to enhancing the EFMP to better support the unique needs of exceptional military families. Further improvements and streamlined pro- cesses will ensure that these families receive the necessary resources and assistance. Expanded Spouse Eligibility for My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Financial Assistance: To support career advancement for military spouses, eligibility for MyCAA financial assistance will be expanded to E-6 and O-3 ranks. is program provides up to $4,000 in aid for ob- taining a license, certificate, or associate degree. Portability and Best Practices for Profes- sional Licenses: e DoD will continue efforts to make professional licenses portable for military families, working with states to encourage shar- ing of licensure best practices and approval of occupational licensure compacts. is initiative aims to reduce barriers to employment for mili- tary spouses. Secretary Austin is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our military force and their families through these new measures. e DoD will collaborate with Congress and state partners to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing support of these initiatives. e memorandum on Strengthening Our Sup- port to Service Members and eir Families can be found at https://media.defense.gov/2023/ Mar/22/2003184739/-1/-1/1/strengthening-our- support-to-service-members-and-their-families. PDF.