The DEJOY\WOS Family Foundation has long supported the outstanding efforts of both the United Way of Greater Greensboro and the United Way of Greater High Point. These organizations share a primary focus on reducing poverty by leading long-term solutions that meet the unique needs of families in the community who struggle to obtain basic needs through community impact programs that promote and improve education, financial stability, and health.
Tocqueville Society Leadership
Since 1999, Louis DeJoy and Dr. Aldona Woś have been Alexis de Tocqueville Society members in both Greensboro and High Point. Dr. Woś has also been a member of Tocqueville Women’s Leadership, a transformative initiative established in 1998 in Greensboro under the visionary leadership of former U.S. Ambassador to Finland, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter. This groundbreaking female-led movement, the nation’s first Women’s Tocqueville Society, has since been replicated by United Way organizations around the world.
United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society members are community impact leaders—concerned citizens who have committed to acting toward a common good. Their action leads to results. Tocqueville Society members rapidly advance United Way’s body of work through significant investment and thought leadership. Together, with community partners, they address Greater Greensboro’s and High Point’s most critical needs so that every person can succeed in life. Tocqueville Society members give annually ($10,000 or more) to ensure local nonprofit partners restore hope and deliver solutions to those in need of human services. The result is a stronger, better Greensboro and High Point. Notably, Greater High Point has the highest number of givers per capita in the state who contribute at the Tocqueville level.
Ending Local Poverty
United Way of Greater Greensboro creates, connects, and leads community partnerships that equip and empower people to leave poverty. With nearly 52,000 children, adults, and families living in poverty in the greater Greensboro area, 30% above the national average, the organization has set a Bold Goal: to help 3,000 households leave generational poverty by 2030.
Their strategy builds pathways out of poverty by:
- Helping youth transition from cradle to career
- Helping adults land jobs and increasing income
- Providing access to basic needs and healthcare
- Bundling services that eliminate barriers through their nationally recognized Family Success Centers and innovative Guilford Success Network
The Family Success Centers partner with families to support their transition from poverty into financial stability through personalized coaching and strategically bundled services offered in central locations across Greensboro.
United Way of Greater High Point, celebrating nearly 90 years of service, develops resources and partnerships that support 27 partner agencies across programs in education, health, and financial stability, to touching approximately 70,000 people each year.
Supporting Youth and Families
In 2019, The DEJOY\WOS Family Foundation supported United Way’s “Best Summer Ever” program. This summer initiative provided children from the African American Male Initiative and the Family Success Center the opportunity to attend camp and partake in fun and positive summer enrichment experiences they would not otherwise have. The program helped keep children engaged in learning during summer break to ensure a smooth transition in the fall.
COVID-19 Pandemic Relief
In 2020, when the pandemic struck, the DEJOY\WOS Family Foundation contributed additional support to the United Way of Greater Greensboro and Greater High Point as part of a community-wide initiative to support nonprofit organizations during the crisis.
This contribution supported the Greensboro Virus Relief Taskforce, a coalition established by United Way of Greater Greensboro, the City of Greensboro, and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. The Taskforce ultimately raised and distributed over $2.6 million to more than 100 local nonprofits helping thousands of individuals and families impacted by the coronavirus—addressing critical needs including food security, housing assistance, mental health services, and support for vulnerable populations.
