Community Aid Full Steam Ahead

Brynn Grant and the United Way of the Coastal Empire Offer a Lifeline Amid the Pandemic

Story by Katrice Williams | Photos Supplied by United Way

Brynn Grant, CEO and President invaluable aid to clients who qualify for very grateful to have joined a team this of the United Way of the Coastal the direct service. What is more, there strong,” she remarked. Empire (UWCE), is committed to is now over $600,000 that has been Another individual also spoke of how doing the most good for every county raised, with over $450,000 having been grateful he is for the UWCE team. Ernest that the organization services. A wife and dispersed to date, providing assistance to Deshazer was part of a company lay-off mother of five, Brynn—born and raised over 1,200 clients. in May due to the pandemic; Ernest’s in Liberty County—has lived in Chatham Whether restructuring organizational fiancée was laid off from her job as well. County for almost 30 years and has a goals and priorities, working remotely or Moreover, the couple is expecting a little sincere interest in the well-being of her canceling events, the team has experienced one in just a few months. community. a multitude of changes within the “COVID-19 has definitely had an effect

Brynn obtained her current role organization since the pandemic began. on our lives; I see how it has affected at UWCE in February, just before the UWCE, however, still plans to other families as well,” he said. massive surfacing of the COVID-19 have a successful annual campaign Long being dedicated to his career pandemic. Brynn possesses an array which runs from September through and possessing a firm work ethic, Ernest of noteworthy achievements. Whether November. It is the organization’s most found himself in an unfamiliar set of Vice President of World Trade Center substantial fundraising effort. About circumstances; he contacted the UWCE Savannah or Chief Operating Officer of 70-80 UWCE volunteers diligently team for rental assistance via the 211 the Savannah Economic Development work alongside partnering agencies to hotline. Authority (SEDA), Brynn “It made a world of a brings over 30 years of difference; it helped with value-added experience to the UWCE team. She recalled that “Nonprofits are important; peace of mind. It was a smooth process. They one of her greatest moments, professionally, was being a that part of the social services were very professional and helpful,” he added. member of the SEDA team that worked to establish JCB infrastructure is vital. I hope that Ernest has been familiar with United Way for a long in Pooler. Brynn has helped Chatham “grow and attract those who can give will give. ” time. Interestingly enough, while employed at the business and create jobs” for Coca-Cola Company some over 19 years. time ago, he worked in

Brynn has long taken pride payroll deduction for in all the assistance UWCE persists to offer evaluate financials in order to make United Way for over five years. He individuals. She understands the sheer helpful recommendations to the board also enjoyed helping others by necessity of the resources that her team about how the campaign funds should donating to the organization. strives to provide to its region, especially be allocated. The board then decides on Appreciating how UWCE has during such an unparalleled time. specific programs to invest in—those blessed his family, Ernest looks

“I have long been an advocate for yielding clear and desirable outcomes for forward to paying it forward thinking regionally, so I love that this job the community. Eager to begin strategic again someday. allows me to be involved in the region as a planning for the future, Brynn is looking “It is something that I will whole,” she said. forward to the campaign. definitely get back involved in once

Even more, Brynn has seen the rapid “We need to have a very successful things get back to normal. I want to growth that Pooler itself has experienced annual campaign if we are to have do my part to help the next family over the past few years, and she the greatest impact. Nonprofits are that comes along,” he commented. understands the ways that UWCE greatly important; that part of the social services Brynn encourages the community benefits the area, filling need-gaps that infrastructure is vital. I hope that those to get involved and become even more may be otherwise unserviced. The team who can give will give,” she stated. familiar with the organization. understands that Pooler, like other areas Brynn sees the enormous value in her “I hope more people will engage with in the region, has its own unique needs; team; she is thankful for their hard work United Way and understand that we are there has been an increased demand for and responsiveness during this time. the mechanism that was created by this resources since March. “This team is so dedicated, not only community for this community.” n

The COVID Rapid Response Fund to United Way, but to this region. Even has consistently grown over the past in difficulty, they have the highest good few months; it continuously provides in mind; that’s impressive to me. I am