May 26, 2023
"To increase the organized capacity of people to help others."
News & Resources
Collaboration ensures Mobile Food Pantry keeps moving
For David Stowell, New Hope Ministries is more than a Blue Bus delivering food and other items to those in need.
It’s a labor of love and faith meant to bring hope to those who might otherwise suffer in silence.
In 2020, Stowell founded New Hope Ministries to bring food and essential supplies to those who were homebound, living in poverty or homeless - meeting the need where it was in the county.
A recent medical diagnosis for Stowell threatened the future of the ministry, but by reaching out to the Catawba County United Way, he was able to create a collaboration of local agencies who will continue to build the program’s outreach.
Earlier this month a plan was created at the United Way with the help of several other non-profits.
“When I arrived and saw our friends from brick-and-mortar agencies there, willing to help I had an instant feeling of relief,” Stowell said. 
The Hickory Soup Kitchen, The Corner Table Soup Kitchen and Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry will pool their resources to help keep the bus stocked with food.
In My Father’s House Community Support Services in Newton, will take over the outreach operations of the bus, retaining the name New Hope Ministries for the program and continuing the delivery schedule already established by Stowell. 
The bus currently visits the Hickory Soup Kitchen the 1st Saturday of the month, Vertical Life Church in Newton the 3rd Saturday and Maiden the 4th Saturday.
Ivey Robinson, chief executive of In My Father’s House, was honored to carry on Stowell’s legacy.
“Having the bus means citizens can shop for free and receive healthy foods, clothing and hygiene products. Citizens who may have a problem with transportation will benefit from this program,” Robinson said.
With the help of so many, Stowell is confidant the mission he began three years ago will continue to grow.
“New Hope Ministries has always been and now will always be a supporting neighbor to all in need,” he said. "Can't stop the miracles."
 
For more information, visit https://inmyfathershousecssn.org/.
United Way thankful for early jump on School Supply Drive
It's never too early to start planning for tomorrow...The Catawba County United Way sends a big Thank You to Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry for dropping school supplies off months ahead of the official start to our annual United Way Stuff the Bus School Supply drive. Their generosity is greatly appreciated and gives us a great start for this year's drive that starts June 30.
If you'd like to be a collection partner call the CCUW at 828-327-6851 or email John Bailey at jbailey@ccunitedway.com.
In the photo - Allen Sherrill from ECCCM and John Bailey from CCUW.
Thanks again.

The drive benefits all three local public school districts: Catawba County, Hickory Public and Newton-Conover City. Supplies will be distributed to school districts in August.
This year, the drive will run from June 30 to July 31. 
If you'd like to be a collection site or help in any way call the United Way at 828-327-6851.
And THANK YOU to everyone who's helped in the past.
Struggling with anxiety? Call 988
You don’t have to struggle with your mental health alone. Call or text 988 for free and confidential support. #988Lifeline
Share your opinion on the future of Catawba County
What's Happening
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
Meals on Wheels Volunteers - Do you have 60-90 minutes once a month to help our community? Volunteer for Meals on Wheels! Help needed in the West Hickory and East Hickory area. Openings Monday-Thursday. Call 828-695-5610 or apply at https://bit.ly/38fmC8D.
NC 211 resources for Seniors
Senior resources can range from healthcare to socialization programs to congregate meals, and more. 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.

GIVE - ADVOCATE - VOLUNTEER