Aug. 5, 2022
"To increase the organized capacity of people to help others."
News & Resources
Community impact stories - Connections that change lives
Every year, the Catawba County United Way (CCUW) partners with other local non-profits, supporting programs that address the most impactful needs in our community. The following are success stories shared by current CCUW funded partners.
Learn more at THIS LINK. 
Catawba County Partnership for Children – Parents as Teachers program
One of the PAT teen moms had struggled with behavioral and mental health issues throughout middle and high school. She became pregnant at 16 and was referred to PAT by her guidance counselor.
The teen has been very consistent with attending home visits. She plays with her child and reads to him daily and monitors his developmental milestones.
The mother is now working and is taking steps to complete her high school education. Her little boy is turning one year old and is thriving; the attachment between mom and child is very secure and loving. Mom has learned essential parenting behaviors and skills, and she tells her Educator that PAT has "turned her life around and given her purpose."
Council on Adolescents of Catawba County – Mentoring program
From a Lunch Buddy Mentor Julie – This is my third year visiting Bianca who is now in her first year of high school. I have enjoyed our varied conversations each week, family updates and histories of both our families, and what new book I'm sharing. Bianca even asks if we can talk on the phone the weeks school is closed or I am away. This week I almost cried when I heard that Bianca got her first job at an ice cream shop. She is growing up and I hope to be continually a part of that growth. This is the first year that Bianca, her mom and I will share a night at the Crawdads' stadium. I am really looking forward to our time together. She is a sweet girl, and I never would have met her if it wasn't for Lunch Buddy.
Check back next Friday for more Community Impact stories.
United Way makes the rounds, stocking up school supplies
Thank You…Thank You…it’s been a busy few days this week as the Catawba County United Way staff have been picking up collection bins from our School Supply Drive partners.
We appreciate the support from everyone who has helped in any way this year, and we still have several more stops to make before the week is out.
This drive benefits all three local public school systems. The items will be distributed to the school districts prior to the start of the school year, and parents can access these supplies through their child’s school guidance office. Thank you again.

More PHOTOS at THIS LINK.

You can also support the drive with a monetary donation. Visit the CCUW's Facebook page at THIS LINK
Save the dates for these upcoming CCUW events
United Way Cross Country Invitational
Wednesday, Oct. 12.
29 years of tradition, community outreach and great racing.

Registration is $50 per school.

Community Service project required.

And a fast pair of shoes is recommended.
Info. at 828-327-6851.
Ready to Race United, free night of racing/fireworks
Share Your Mission
If you are a non-profit/public agency in Catawba County and would like to set up an information table at Ready to Race United on Sept. 17 call John Bailey at the United Way – 828-327-6851 or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com.
And if you'd like to help sponsor this event, call Sylvia Long at the CCUW - 828-327-6851 or email slong@ccunitedway.com.
And you can learn about last year's event at THIS LINK.
School supplies available at local community events
While the Catawba County United Way has been working through its annual School Supply Drive in July, there are several other opportunities for families to get school supplies. See the four attached flyers for upcoming community events. And if you know of any others, let us know and we'll help get the word out.

And for the United Way School Supply Drive - items will be distributed to the school districts prior to the start of the school year, and parents can access these supplies through their child’s school guidance office.
Learn more at THIS LINK.
What's happening - news and updates from local non-profits
We've all heard the phrase - "It takes a village," and in the non-profit world it's true. The Catawba County United Way enjoys building relationships with its community partners and sees how much greater our impact is because of our collective efforts every day.
Below are some upcoming programs and events from just a few of those partners...please share, and if you're interested, the Catawba County Interagency Council meets the second Thursday every month at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.
Call 828-327-6851 for more information.
The Eastern Catawba County Hunger Walk is a community event benefiting the Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry, Inc. and The Corner Table Soup Kitchen. The goals of this three-mile walk are to raise funds for hunger relief efforts in eastern Catawba County and to raise awareness of the hunger issue in our community. Your participation will ensure ECCCM and The Corner Table can keep feeding the 20% of families living with food insecurity in eastern Catawba County.
Learn more at THIS LINK.
NC 211 provides resources, piece of mind for those in need
When Linda called @nc211, she received information about food distribution programs in her community, as well as utility assistance services. The conversation helped Linda feel more confident about living on her own again.
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.
If you or someone you know needs help dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org.

Need help? Dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org.
Since 1944, 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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