For more information contact:                                                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tiffany Rushton, Marketing and Communications Director
Phone: (803) 400-1991
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: www.weathersgroup.com 

Columbia, S.C. (April 5, 2010) – Storing, accessing, and protecting client data are universal issues for public, private and nonprofit organizations. However, these are no longer challenges for the Partners In Compassion (PIC) Institute because three years ago The Weathers Group, a South Carolina-based consulting firm, implemented an innovative solution to manage their $1.5 million federal grant to build the capacity of nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Initially, the United Way of the Midlands used the firm’s web-based TechKnowledgy™ data model to manage grantees, consolidate data, and generate reports for the Capital Compassion Fund grant received from U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS). As the Institute successfully evolved, the firm’s partnership with the United Way has helped expand the program to foster peer support among the PIC fellows and serve as an online library resource for grant opportunities.

The United Way staff members who administer the Partners In Compassion grant have saved both time and resources with The Weathers Group’s technology solution. Benefits include streamlining administrative processes associated with the Institute, such as: centralized document storage and retrieval, training announcements, event registrations, and related staff activities. Now, information is readily available, secure, and can be quickly analyzed to generate evaluative information for grant reporting and program improvements. “The Weathers Group has been pivotal in providing IT training and support for the PIC Institute. They have helped bridge the gap between needs and resources in the Midlands by using network technology in creative ways that allow nonprofit organizations to be more efficient, effective, and accountable to their clients,” said Bunnie Lempesis Ward, Director of Community Capacity Building for United Way of the Midlands.

“We’re honored that The Weathers Group has been selected as the Partners in Compassion Institute project manager for the third consecutive year,” said Charles Weathers, president and CEO. “Through our long-standing partnership with the United Way, we’ve assisted the Institute with implementing world-class data management solutions, provided the PIC coaches with tools that enhanced their capacity for grass-roots engagement, and developed evaluation systems for improved accountability for the multi-year $1.5 million award from the Department of Health and Human Services.”

The Institute’s funding comes from a three-year Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) Demonstration Award from the Office of Community Services (OCS) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is distributed through a collaboration between United Way of the Midlands, Women in Philanthropy, The South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations (SCANPO), and the Central Carolina Community Foundation. In 2010, the PIC Institute accepted 20 local faith- and community-based organizations into the program.

“United Way’s mission is to bring together resources in the community to make real change, and the Partners in Compassion Institute is a great example of that vision becoming a reality,” said Mac Bennett, president and CEO of United Way of the Midlands.

“By developing sustainable nonprofit and faith-based organizations, communities are empowered to better address their current challenges and develop unique solutions for the future,” said Anita Garrett, chief operating officer of The Weathers Group. "We're excited about collaborating with the United Way of the Midlands to support the 2010 grantees.”

About The Weathers Group

Founded in 2001, The Weathers Group (TWG) is an innovative consulting firm that specializes in developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and building communities. By providing clients with educational seminars, keynote presentations, customized tools, and technical assistance, The Weathers Group helps organizations and individuals improve their performance. For more information, visit www.weathersgroup.com.

About United Way of the Midlands

United Way of the Midlands is the most organized, efficient and accountable system for investing in the community. With more than 80 certified partner agencies, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing, and individual donations.

 About The Partners In Compassion Institute

The Partners in Compassion Institute is a federally funded initiative of the United Way of The Midlands focused on building the capacity of faith and community-based groups that benefit the homeless, at-risk youth, or senior citizens in Lexington, Richland, Fairfield, Newberry, Calhoun, or Orangeburg counties. The Institute provides organizations with training, technical support, and financial assistance. As a result, during the first year of the program, participating organizations raised an additional $1.5 million and served 300 additional Midlands area residents. For more information, please visit www.uway.org

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For more information contact:                                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anita Garrett, Vice President/CSO
Phone: (803) 400-1991
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: weathersgroup.com 

         PRESS RELEASE

For more information contact:                                                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anita Garrett, Vice President/CSO
Phone: (803) 400-1991
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: weathersgroup.com          

PRESS RELEASE

 The Weathers Group Leads Discussion About Partnering With Faith-Based Organizations in South Carolina

Columbia, S.C., March 12, 2010 – South Carolina’s leading nonprofit conference was held March 10-11 in Hilton Head Island, attracting more than 430 delegates from nonprofit agencies, foundations, faith-based organizations, and private sector corporations throughout the state. The South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations’ (SCANPO) annual conference broke all previous attendance records and provided valuable training and networking opportunities for participants.

   During the event, attendees chose from more than 25 breakout sessions addressing topics ranging from board and organizational development to community engagement and information management. Charles C. Weathers Sr., president of The Weathers Group, a business consultancy firm based in Columbia, moderated an interactive panel discussion titled: “Lessons from the Field: Effective Ways to Partner with Faith-Based Organizations” attended by more than 100 conference participants.

During the session, community leaders discussed: how the current economic climate impacts community and faith-based organizations; collaborations, partnerships, and alliances; best practices; and federal initiatives from a South Carolina perspective. The panelists included: Emily Bugay, executive director of Family Promise of Beaufort County; Kristi King-Brock, executive director, Anderson Interfaith Ministries; Michele Cardwell, rural development specialist, USDA Rural Development; and Reverend Dr. Charles Heyward, pastor of Saint James Presbyterian Church in Charleston, S.C.

“The annual SCANPO conference brings together people who share common interests and a commitment to improving the communities where they live and work. I commend Mason Hardy, president of SCANPO; Antonio Boyd, SCANPO conference chairperson and board member; and the entire conference committee for their commitment to making this event such a successful one,” said Weathers. “SCANPO’s annual conference offers participants a unique opportunity to gain new skills through professional development and networking. We are honored to have been selected to speak at the conference for the sixth consecutive year and lead a discussion where participants could connect with local resources, gain practical knowledge, and share solutions on partnering with faith-based organizations in South Carolina.”

The South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations (SCANPO) was formed in 1997 by a group of nonprofit leaders from across the state. It is the only statewide network that brings together charitable nonprofit organizations to strengthen the effectiveness of the state's nonprofit sector. SCANPO’s mission is to improve charitable services to the citizens of South Carolina by strengthening the leadership and management capacities of nonprofit organizations. This is accomplished through advocacy, cost-saving programs, networking, information and resources, and education and training. Membership is open to any 501 (c)(3) organization.

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