Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Shirley and Kent have always been close to the heart of the Pickens County community. As lifelong residents, they’ve dedicated themselves to lifting up their community through their work in healthcare and advocacy. Shirley, a retired RN case manager, and Kent, a pediatrician caring for medically fragile children, often go beyond their professional roles to help their neighbors. They volunteer, educate families about valuable resources, and personally assist those struggling financially. “We’re like family here in Pickens County,” Shirley shared. “When one of us has a problem, we all feel it.” Very often, the people they help are from the communities served by United Way of Pickens County. For them, United Way is an essential part of the Pickens County family - a network they turn to when someone needs help they can’t provide directly. 

In September, Hurricane Helene struck South Carolina, bringing devastation and hardship. The torrential rains lasted three days, and Shirley and Kent were shocked by the storm’s intensity. “We thought the worst would stay down in Florida, but then the eye of the hurricane pushed right inland and hit us harder than we ever imagined,” Shirley recalled. The community quickly descended into chaos with downed trees and debris, making even simple travel nearly impossible. 

After the storm, they discovered that three massive trees had crashed into and around their home, with one tree even punching right through their roof. The damage was extensive, but Shirley’s greatest worry wasn’t the state of their house - it was her family’s safety. Her children and grandchildren were stranded without power or water in North Carolina. For two agonizing days, Shirley had no idea if they were safe. Thankfully, a search-and-rescue team was eventually able to reach and guide her loved ones home, but the experience left Shirley shaken. 

In the chaos of the aftermath, the United Way of Pickens County responded, ensuring Shirley and Kent knew they weren’t facing this crisis alone. Chairman of the United Way of Pickens County board, Lucas Durham showed up in person to help them start clearing the wreckage from their property. "When I heard about the damage to their house, I immediately went to assess the situation and was shocked at how devasting it was.” Lucas, a landscaper, used his own heavy equipment to remove the tree that had fallen on their home. This gesture of support reinforced the deep sense of community that United Way has carefully cultivated. “Julie from the United Way was one of the first people to check on us,” Shirley shared. “They helped us and promised they’d always have our backs, no matter what.” 

Julie Capaldi, President of United Way of Pickens County, says United Way’s strong network of relationships helped her community weather the storm. “We ran out of food in our food pantries very soon after because resources were diverted to western North Carolina, as they should have been. But our sister United Way in Greenville sent food to us to restock our food pantries. 

And I think that is the benefit of the United Way network; people don’t realize what kind of family we are.” 

Despite her losses, Shirley remains concerned about the many other residents with fewer resources. The hurricane laid bare just how essential these community safety nets are during times of crisis, especially for those with limited means. “We were lucky to get by, but many of our neighbors didn’t have that kind of cushion,” Shirley said gravely. The couple is partnering with United Way to offer donations, supplies, and hands-on support. She says, "We’ll do anything anybody needs. Julie knows that she can call us. Our family’s safe; I don’t think we can ask for anything more. So if other people need something, we help do that.” 

Shirley and Kent’s story is about resilience and dedication to the community. But it is a story typical of Pickens County and the United Way that calls it home. As the community rebuilds, they are confident that they can call on United Way.  “We believe in giving what we can, and the United Way makes it possible to help people on a much bigger scale.”