Jan. 14, 2022
"To increase the organized capacity of people to help others."
News & Resources
United Way celebrates national mentoring month
For some middle school students, a school lunch is just another moment alone, unless you’re part of the Council on Adolescents Lunch Buddy Mentoring program.
“You know not everybody has a chance at having a Lunch Buddy, but it happened to me, and now I can’t imagine it not happening,” local student Blake said of her lunches with her mentor Kendall.
January is National Mentoring Month and an opportunity to reflect on one of the Catawba County United Way’s priorities, making sure all students have the tools they need to reach their potential.
To help make this happen, the CCUW supports several programs focused on improving literacy and school readiness, including the COA’s Lunch Buddy program.

Read more at THIS LINK and click on the photo to see more of Blake and Kendall's video.

Gathering supplies for homeless outreach
Through the months of January and February, the Catawba County United Way will be hosting a drive to collect much-needed items for homeless individuals and families in our community.
The donations will be distributed to local homeless outreach missions in Catawba County.
Last year, more than 1,000 calls were made from Catawba County to NC 211 for help with housing and shelter. These calls included requests for information on shelters (226), low-cost housing (424) and rent assistance (374). NC 211 is the health and human services information line provided by United Way of North Carolina.
You can help support local homeless outreach projects by donating backpacks, batteries, flashlights, cleaning wipes, hygiene products, feminine hygiene products, first aid items, sleeping bags, ponchos, gloves, socks, hats and brushes.
Donations can be dropped off at the Catawba County United Way at 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory. For more information call 828-327-6851.

Community partner events and news
Struggling to provide diapers? The Children’s Resource
center can help! Plus, learn about other free programs
for families! Call 828-695-6517 or visit us at 738 4th St SW in Hickory or visit THIS LINK.
Open Door Homeless Ministry.
Join us for a meal, fellowship and distribution of hygiene products, clothing and shoes.
Whole Life Center - 206 1st Ave SE in Hickory (Behind the Soup Kitchen).
New state program helps with water bills
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) will expand to include all low-income households needing assistance in paying their water bill. Read more at THIS LINK.
COVID Omicron variant
From our friends at Catawba County Health Department. Please be careful and heed the advice to mask up, social distance and get vaccinated.
NC 211, help in Catawba County starts here
NC 211 is the health and human services information line provided by United Way of North Carolina. Catawba County United Way is one of several community partners who help fund this program.
Just dial 2-1-1 for help with food, housing, utility assistance, health care services, senior services, disaster services and more.
Also visit nc211.org for more help.
For more than 75 years, the Catawba County United Way has been dedicated to increasing the capacity of people to help others. To learn more about the CCUW's mission contact us at 828-327-6851 or visit ccunitedway.com.

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