Jan. 8, 2021
"To increase the organized capacity of people to help others."
News & Resources
United Way executive director announces retirement
After 20 years of serving those in need, the Catawba County United Way Executive Director Jennie Connor announced her retirement during the CCUW’s December board meeting.
Her last day with the United Way will be March 31 of this year.
“My heart is full. I retire to spend time loving on my family and laughing with friends, having complete conviction that there are caring people who will carry on…creating life-changing opportunities for those less fortunate because they will listen,” Connor said.
Along with the past 20 years leading the CCUW, she served with equal commitment on the Catawba County Board of Education, over 10 years as a Guardian ad Litem, as a volunteer with the state of North Carolina during three Presidential declared disasters, as a member of the Board of United Way of North Carolina and as a board member of the United Way of North Carolina 2-1-1.
Reflecting on the United Way’s annual campaign, Connor said she enjoyed watching how faithfully the board and volunteers worked together to assure donations were distributed to the most needed resources and programs in Catawba County.
“Over the last 20 years I have had the honor and pleasure of working alongside incredible Boards of Directors, company leaders, staff, non-profit colleagues, elected officials, local and state governments, school personnel, donors and the many people who are our neighbors and who reached out for assistance. Thank you, I am honored to have been in your presence,” Connor said.
For those interested - the Catawba County United Way Board has posted the job description for the Executive Director position at THIS LINK.
Benefits increase for Food and Nutrition Services recipients
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that Food and Nutrition Services recipients will see a temporary increase in the amount of benefits they receive. This increase is part of the federal Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020.
The maximum benefit amount for households receiving FNS will increase by 15% until June 30, 2021. This increase will end on June 30, 2021, when benefit amounts will return to their current levels. More information at THIS LINK.
Snapshot of 2020 in Catawba County through NC 211
Between Jan. 1, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2021 there were more than 2,000 calls to 211 for help:
-234 for rent assistance
-151 for shelters
-181 for food assistance
-206 for help with electric bills
-248 for healthcare information
-116 for information about COVID-19
-111 for disaster relief
-73 for financial assistance
-28 for unemployment benefits
-40 for legal assistance
-164 for support and advocacy, including physical and mental health.
If you or someone you know needs help, remember to call 211 or visit nc211.org to find the resources you need.
NC 2-1-1 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.
CCUW funded partners blaze a trail of service through pandemic
Staying United and never backing down during 2020 - Considering the challenges our community faced last year, the Catawba County United Way reached out to its 2020 funded partners to get their thoughts on the year that was and the year ahead.

Together, these agencies and their programs served thousands of individuals and families in need during the recent pandemic and are prepared to do so into 2021.

Follow THIS LINK to see the comments from eight of the CCUW’s 14 funded partners.
Become a Volunteer Hero in 2021
The goal of the Catawba County United Way is to increase the organized capacity of people to help others. A direct way to accomplish this is through volunteer opportunities.
Below are the United Way's Annual Volunteer Events the CCUW will host or contribute to this year.
 
January – Point in Time Count: Plan donation drives to help fund and to gather items needed to hand out to individuals during the event. Volunteers needed to sort and separate items for three sites used in count.

March – Community Grant Allocations: Each year Catawba County United Way invites a panel of community leaders to participate in the annual Community Investment (Budget and Allocations) process. This process allows volunteers to assess the agency’s programs against CCUW criteria for funding. In addition to ensuring fair and equitable funding, panel members also have the opportunity to learn more about health and human services in our community. 

April – Annual Food Drive: United Way’s collection of non-perishable food items for local soup kitchens and food pantries. Volunteers needed to help get the word out about the drive and to sort and pack collected items.

June – Days of Caring: This is the United Way’s annual community outreach project. Volunteers are recruited for various projects at local non-profits, including grounds keeping, interior painting and cleaning, fleet vehicle washing/cleaning, after-school reading projects.

August – School Supply/Hygiene Drive: local companies/organizations are invited to encourage their employees to hold an in-house school supply and hygiene collection drive. This program benefits students in all three public school systems in Catawba County. Volunteers are needed to help sort and pack items after they’re donated.

October – Annual United Way Cross Country meet: While this was an athletic competition, its other focus is on encouraging the young competitors to find ways to positively impact their community with service projects. Volunteers are needed to help with checking in teams and distributing team packets as well as preparing team meals during the event.

December – Catawba County Christmas Bureau: Provides holiday assistance to local families in need. Volunteers are needed to sort, pack and distribute gifts, clothing, coats, and food vouchers during the event to families.

To Learn more about local volunteer opportunities visit the Catawba County Volunteer Center at THIS LINK or call John Bailey at 828-327-6851.
United we have a greater impact
In 2021 - Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Learn more at ccunitedway.com
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.

GIVE - ADVOCATE - VOLUNTEER