By October 2008, the Winston-Salem Urban League was expanding its efforts to meet a wide range of problems caused by the economic downturn. "The economy has caused a lot of us to re-evaluate where we are," Keith Grandberry, the head of the league, said at the time. Almost two years later, with that "re-evaluation process" continuing for many, the league has become a leader in local efforts aimed at economic recovery.
The organization serves about 1,000 people monthly with programs ranging from home ownership and financial literacy to dropout prevention and alternative schools. The league also helps unemployed executives and managers prepare to re-enter the job market through a career-in-transition program. While the league serves as an advocate for minorities, such programs are open to a wider audience. "The Urban League is an organization with the goal of empowering the entire community," Grandberry told the Journal's Richard Craver. "As that message gets around, more people in need, who are hurting, are knocking at our door."
The league's downtown location at 201 W. Fifth St. makes it easily accessible for people from varied backgrounds. "We've got resources here to help find solutions," Grandberry said. "We're seeing more requests for assistance from more middle-class residents because more of them are living paycheck to paycheck these days," he said.
Community leaders are backing the league's work. CenterPoint Human Health Services granted $50,000 for the league to help with behavioral-health efforts in the black community. Wells Fargo & Co. has provided a $100,000 grant from the Wachovia Foundation for the career program. That program helps participants develop an executive portfolio. "This is an important initiative and something we believe very strongly in," said Leslie Hayes, a regional president of community banking.
The league will have two career-focused programs this month at its office, one on job-hunting on Sept. 13-Sept. 17, and a jobs fair with at least 36 employers on Sept. 17.
The Triad jobless rate has dipped slightly, but it's still 10.4 percent. The days are gone when Winston-Salem and Forsyth County could depend upon a few large employers. We're well on the way to a new economy, a high-tech one based on companies of all sizes. To get there, we'll need a concerted effort, one that is innovative and determined, and one that doesn't back down in the face of repeated economic blows. The Urban League's programs are right on target.
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