Union Uplifted launches Mrs. Barbara H. Rippy Family Success Academy
November 9, 2026
Union Uplifted announced the Mrs. Barbara H. Rippy Family Success Academy on Thursday, November 5, at Main Street Junction. Mrs. Rippy made a $100,000 inaugural gift to launch the Academy, which will bring kindergarten-readiness support directly into neighborhoods across Union County. Parents and caregivers will gain the skills, demonstrations and tools they need to help their children start school ready to learn.
Union Uplifted is a collaborative initiative in Union County, South Carolina, led by United Way of the Piedmont, Union County School District and Spartanburg Academic Movement, that brings together education, business and community partners to help children succeed from early childhood through career readiness.
Mrs. Rippy’s gift reflects decades of generosity and service to Union County. Her investment gives the Academy the start it needs to reach families in every corner of the county.
The Academy responds to a pressing need. In 2025, only 25 percent of Union County students were ready to begin kindergarten. Research shows that 90 percent of a child’s brain develops by age five, making the years before school a critical window for building the foundation of lifelong learning.
“When three out of four of our children arrive at kindergarten not yet ready, that is not a challenge any one school, agency or family can solve alone,” said Joey Haney, Executive Director of Union Uplifted. “It takes a whole-community approach, and that is exactly what this Academy represents.”
The Family Success Academy is the newest initiative under BEACON (Bringing Early Access, Care and Outreach to Neighborhoods). BEACON grew out of Union Uplifted’s community planning process, and Union Uplifted’s Early Care and Learning Collaborative Action Network led the work that shaped BEACON and its focus on meeting families where they are.
Rather than asking families to come to a central location, the Academy will travel to them. Sessions will be held in familiar community spaces, including churches, town halls, fire departments and other gathering places across the communities of Buffalo, Carlisle, Jonesville, Lockhart and Union.
About Union Uplifted
Union Uplifted is a shared plan to ensure that every child in Union County has the support and resources they need to thrive from early childhood through career. Guided by the national StriveTogether framework, this partnership is anchored by Union County School District, United Way of the Piedmont, and Spartanburg Academic Movement, with support from partners in healthcare, business, higher education, government, faith communities, and the nonprofit sector. United Way of the Piedmont serves as the backbone organization and operational home for the partnership.
About United Way of the Piedmont
United Way of the Piedmont mobilizes people, partners, and resources to create pathways to stability and opportunity across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties. For 90 years, we have provided leadership, investment, and impact across our region, uniting nonprofits, businesses, and community members around the issues that matter most. We fund and operate programs that help working families build financial security, connect residents to critical resources, and coordinate the collective action that no single organization can achieve alone. Learn more at www.uwpiedmont.org.
