"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

BY JOHN BAILEY

Catawba County United Way

In the last year, more than 4,000 requests for help with transportation in North Carolina were made to the United Way’s NC 211 community resource and referral service - https://nc.211counts.org/.

The Hickory Soup Kitchen’s H.O.P.E. (Helping Opportunities for People and Employers) Center is one program designed to address this issue in Catawba County.



In 2018, the Hickory Soup Kitchen did a survey of guests. The answers to the question of, ‘Why aren’t you employed’, centered around several barriers, highlighted by transportation, according to HOPE Center program coordinator Laura Sigmon.

Along with helping those looking for work by connecting them to local staffing agencies, the program provides transportation to and from those jobs.

The Center operates a six-passenger van, offers bus passes and gives bikes to those actively involved in seeking employment or currently employed.

A paid staff member drives the program's van in the morning, starting at 5 a.m. and then volunteer drivers help in the afternoon. How long they are out during the second shift depends on the number of clients they have.



For those using the van service, additional meals are provided they can take with them. Each bag has a breakfast and lunch for two days. The Catawba County United Way recently partnered with the HOPE Center through the Small Businesses Love Big grant cycle to help with this part of the program.

“We all know you’re not going to be as productive if you go to work hungry and you come home hungry,” Sigmon said.

Catawba County United Way Executive Director Mark Bumgarner talks about the impact of Hurricane Helene Relief efforts while continuing to support local non-profit outreach.

Only two drawings left.

Congratulations Roxana Fulton from Corning.

Roxana is this week's car drawing finalist in the 2024 Catawba County United Way Car Giveaway.

Thank you, Paramount Automotive Group in Hickory for donating the vehicle, and thank you to Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. for overseeing this year’s drawings.

Employees at local businesses running a United Way campaign who donate a minimum of $100 are eligible to enter each week's drawing.

Funds raised during the annual Catawba County United Way campaign supports local non-profit efforts to help individuals and families in need in our community.



Want to be part of this year’s United Way campaign?

Call 828-327-6851 or visit THIS LINK for more information about hosting a United Way campaign at your company.

The Car Giveaway winner will be chosen on Dec. 12.

Thank You to everyone who supports the CCUW every year.

Your Help Matters.

Donate to Teen Christmas and help ensure this program reaches as many teens during the holidays as possible.

In 2023, the program served nearly 500 teens. This year, we hope to help nearly 600 teens.

Hope in Action – in this week’s Catawba County United Way partner Video Series Michele Francois, talks Senior Nutrition Services and the impact of all its programs including Meals on Wheels.



Our objective for this series is to educate and raise community awareness about these key issues and related resources in a series of conversations with local nonprofit leaders.

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 nonprofit 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 (10:30 a.m.) at the United Way office - 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.

Call 828-327-6851 for more information or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com.

NC 211 is the United Way of North Carolina's health and human services information line.

For help - Call NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892 1162 or visit THIS LINK. Open 24/7.

Catawba County United Way is one of several community partners who help fund this program every year.