July 21, 2023
"To increase the organized capacity of people to help others."
News & Resources
Getting to know our non-profit leaders - The Salvation Army
Over the next few weeks, the Catawba County United Way will be highlighting the executive and program directors of the CCUW's funded partner agencies for 2023.
Every year, the CCUW looks to partner with local non-profits through our large grant cycle and help support their programs focused on improving the lives of those in need in the areas of education, financial stability and health.

This week we meet Major Angela Repass from
The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory and the High Country.

1.   What drew you to your current position and working in the non-profit world?
It's a calling. A calling to love and help everyone!
2.   What is the biggest challenge your agency faces today? 
Funding of course! And volunteers! The need is so great! 
3.   How important is collaboration with other non-profits for you?
It is vital! We cannot provide everything people need. Each agency has their focus and strength and if we all work together we can make more of an impact!
4.   What does a good day at work look like?
Best work day is almost always a Wednesday because of our drive through distribution. But a day when I get to hang with our Boys & Girls Club members, hand out food to the community, talk with our shelter residents, and have productive interactions with staff and community.
5.   The non-profit world can be stressful. What’s your favorite way to relax?
Right now reading or crafting.
6.   Have you recently read a book or watched a movie that’s inspired you in some way? If so – title and why? 
Ok you may judge me but I've been watching a TV series All American. It has served as a reminder of the injustices that still happen in our communities. It inspires me to fight for justice on all fronts!

Check back next week to meet another Catawba County United Way funded partner leader, and to learn more about this year's CCUW community partners visit THIS LINK.
All "Paws" on deck to collect school supplies
The Catawba County United Way is going into it's final weeks of the annual School Supply Drive, and it's all paws on deck in the office.
Both Owen and Brady are ready to start counting and organizing the donations, but they know we can still get more in before the end of the month.
So if you'd like to donate school supplies to benefit public school students in Catawba County, drop off items at the CCUW office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory or call 828-327-6851.
Monetary donations can also be mailed to the Catawba County United Way –
P.O. Box 2425, Hickory, NC 28603 and make sure to mention the School Supply Drive.

Or make a donation on the Catawba County United Way's Facebook page at

And Thank You again to everyone who supports this United Way outreach every year.
Exodus Homes hosts Everything Free event Saturday
Catawba County United Way agency Exodus Homes and Exodus Missionary Outreach United Church of Christ will host a Everything Free Community Outreach this Saturday
July 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ridgeview Recreation Center, 115 7th Ave SW in Hickory 28602.

This will be a lively family friendly event with great music and powerful testimonies of recovery from addiction and incarceration. They will be giving away a large amount of new adult and children's clothes from Wal Mart, and other free items including furniture, haircuts, manicures, face painting, birthday cakes, NIV Larger Print Bibles, free HIV testing from ALFA, free at home COVID tests and COVID vaccines from the Health Department, and a free beef hot dog lunch for all who come.

Voter registration will be provided by the League of Women Voters and the Hickory Branch NAACP.  

They will also have a resource fair of local help agencies who will have many free SWAG items to give away as well. Participating agencies will include Better Homes and Gardens Foothills Realty, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carolina Therapeutic Services, Carolina Caring, Catawba Valley Health, Catawba Valley Faith Health Initiative, the Cognitive Connection, CVCC, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry, Hickory Police Department, the Hickory Soup Kitchen, Integrated Care of Greater Hickory, Safe Harbor, Veterans Helping Veterans, VOICE, Women's Resource Center and others.  

The free furniture is given away on a first come first serve basis so participants are encouraged to come early to tag the pieces they want. Exodus Works will be on hand to deliver furniture in the Hickory area for $15 paid in advance.

For more information, please contact the Rev Susan Smith, 828-962-8196 or revsusansmith@gmail.com.    
The Catawba County United Way will be hosting its annual Race United free night of racing at the Hickory Motor Speedway this year on Saturday, Sept. 16, and we’d like to invite local non-profits and public agencies to participate in the resource fair prior to the race. Last year we had nearly 3,000 people show up for the event.
This is a great opportunity to share information about your agency and the programs you offer to the community.
If you are interested or have any questions just let John, Mark or Sylvia at the United Way know – 828-327-6851 – and we look forward to seeing you there.

Photos from 2022 Race United at THIS LINK.
What's Happening...Non-profit news and events
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 or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com.
Womenade provides financial assistance through one-time grants of up to $500 for women who face a temporary set-back or financial hardship.
NC 211 resources for those in need
From food resources, emergency financial assistance, housing, healthcare, transportation - NC 211 can help you find out which services are available in your community. Call 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org.
Catawba County United Way is one of several community partners who help fund this program.
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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