The wins that made our 2023 merry and bright

There are several points throughout the year when we like to slow down and reflect on our progress, vision, and growth. The end of our fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30, is often a natural invitation to do just this. But there’s something about the holiday season that also lends itself to a moment of pause and gratitude. So, we asked Team Levine to share a few professional highlights from the past twelve months.

TLLF: What are you thankful for, professionally, at the close of another year?

Jacob Wiltshire, Program Officer, Healthcare:

The past year, my first with TLLF, has been an excellent experience. While I already knew some of the grantees that I have the pleasure of working with, I got to know these organizations and the impactful work they each do in an entirely new and deeper way. I am especially proud of the three grants that I got to work for organizations that were new to TLLF, all of which were funded: the Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic, which provides free dental care to the uninsured in Western North Carolina; The New Morning Foundation, which provides education about and access to contraceptive care for women across South Carolina; and Vecinos, a free clinic in Western North Carolina with a special focus on healthcare for the uninsured and farm workers.

Gillian Small, Program Officer, Education:

As I’m coming up on my 1-year anniversary as a member of Team Levine, I am beyond grateful for all of the wonderful organizations and leaders I have gotten the privilege of knowing. The organizations we are lucky enough to partner with are truly changing the world, one child at a time. Their leaders are passionate, resilient, and committed to serving children and families in the pursuit of educational equity. It has been my honor to get to know them and support their work, and I’m looking forward to another year of learning from the best in the field.

Tom Lawrence, President and CEO:

I’m thankful for our wonderful team, which is more than just a group of highly achieving professionals. This team understands the importance of working together to help the Family Dollar customer. It understands the importance of adapting to change, sometimes significant, and helping each other through challenging times. It understands the role we all play in perpetuating the legacy of giving that Mr. Levine so generously gave us. We are building on that impactful legacy, and it is our team that will bring us to new heights.

TLLF: What does Team Levine mean to you?

Dr. Mike Richardson, Senior Program Officer, Healthcare:

Family. Wicked smart people working in a truly supportive and caring environment.

TLLF: Describe a proud TLLF moment from the past year.

Deborah Majewski, Senior Program Officer, Human Services:

I’m really proud of TLLF’s $1M investment in the capital campaign for The Umbrella Center. What makes the project noteworthy, beyond it being based on the best practice Family Justice Center model, is that two of our grantee partners, Pat’s Place and Safe Alliance, will be among the co-located service providers there.

Dr. Mike Richardson:

I’m proud of our work with partners to address the youth mental health crisis across the Carolinas through school-based health programming. Our partners are matching the early needs of elementary, middle, and high school students with readily available mental health care in order to change trajectories and prevent untreated problems from growing exponentially over time.

TLLF: Describe a recent experience with (or anecdote from) a grantee that has impacted you.

Deborah Majewski:

Thanks to our grantee partner, Veteran’s Bridge Home, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to skydive with The Golden Knights (the U.S. Army Parachute Team) in Laurinburg, NC.

Dr. Mike Richardson:

I recently heard Josh Thompson, the athletic director for the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County (BGHC), speak. He gave an inspirational story about the first-hand impact the Boys and Girls Club model made on his personal growth as a young person. He cited the personal growth that occurred in his mind, body, and spirit as well as the opportunities he pursued as a result. He shared about his full circle return to BGCHC as a key staff member offering his passion and knowledge to the next generation. It was a “wow” moment for me regarding the impact of our long-time investments in Clubs throughout the Carolinas.//

We approach 2024 with profound gratefulness for the work we get to do, the team we work alongside, and the grantees who make it all possible. To learn more about our impact in FY23, click here.