January News & Updates

Vol. 1 | 2025

Looking Toward the New Year

As the new year gets going, United Way of Lincoln County has so much to look forward to! This year, our mission remains the same—to UNITE people and resources to improve the quality of life for everyone in Lincoln County—and we’re committed to it more than ever! We do this in many different ways, such as helping to fund our partner agencies, arranging Day of Action, assisting high-need communities with after-school activities, connecting individuals in difficult positions with resources that can help them, and so much more. We hope you join us on our journey this year as we build a community that champions partnerships that enhance the well-being of all in Lincoln County. Let’s do this!

Help Out Hesed House!

One way to get involved at Hesed House of Hope is by signing up with their meal calendar or activity calendar! Last year, Hesed House volunteers served meals every day, which means that hot dinners were served to an average of 28 residents daily. This support ensured that these women, men, and children had meals when otherwise they might have gone without. For the activity calendar, individuals, groups, and organizations are welcome to sign-up for a game night, craft night, and more!

Winter Needs for the Resource Centers

Our Asbury Resource Centers provide an invaluable service to Lincoln County students and families in need all year around but certainly during winter! Over their Winter Shopping events, the ARC hosted 300 children and were able to secure clothes, shoes, and hygiene supplies for all of them. This allows children and teenagers to have properly sized clothing for the right season, which gives them the confidence and dignity to move through their days and continue learning. Additionally, the ARC received a donation of 70 brand-new coats that were handed out that day to keep the children warm through the winter months! Because of this, the ARC is busy restocking its shelves and are in need of several items, including: little girl jeans (sizes 3-8) and little boy jeans and athletic pants (sizes 5-18). Donations can be placed in the donation box outside of the ARC or you can reach out to schedule a time to drop off materials.

Nominations are Now Open for Governor's Volunteer Service Award

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award highlights exceptional individuals, groups, and businesses that illustrate what community service means in North Carolina and recognizes individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to making an impact within their communities and the state as a whole. Nominees for this prestigious award are known for their work and involvement in areas of impact, from disaster relief and environmental preservation to animal welfare and more, and nominating a person or group for this award is a chance to show your appreciation for their influence and actions.

Pictured above is Sherry Reinhardt, executive director of Lincoln County Coalition Against Child Abuse and Child Advocacy Center, who was Lincoln County's 2024 recipient of the Governor's Volunteer Service Award. Her work in child advocacy has unquestionably made a massive impact in our community and in the lives of countless children.

To nominate a volunteer, complete the application form and include references who can support the nominee’s impact. United Way of Lincoln County, our county’s coordinator, will gather a community committee, which will review the nominations and then select our county’s 2025 winner, who will be recognized at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet in November. The submission deadline is Wednesday, February 19th, 2025. For any questions, please reach out to United Way of Lincoln County.

Nominate Someone Here

Board Member of the Month

Michelle Barnhart, Board President

January’s board highlight is United Way of Lincoln County’s 2025 board president, Michelle Barnhart. Having volunteered on several different United Way boards, she came to United Way of Lincoln County in 2022 and has made an incredible impact in our mission. Born in Massachusetts and spent most of her life in New England, Michelle has lived in many different states before relocating to North Carolina as the Human Resources Manager for The Timken Company. Beyond her HR work, she is also a PhD student with a focus on industrial organizational psychology, completing research on the barriers to manufacturing employment for persons with physical disabilities, and she works as an adjunct professor at both Appalachian State University and Franklin Pierce University. Beyond that, she also is the chair for Timken’s disability-focused employee research group and Celebrating Abilities Network. Outside of work, Michelle is married and has one son and one husky, with whom she loves to spend time by SxS riding, taking care of her plants, and reading. Her adaptability, loyalty, leadership, and communication make her an incredible asset to United Way of Lincoln County, and we are so glad to highlight her exceptional abilities this month!

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