"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

BY JOHN BAILEY

jbailey@ccunitedway.com

Having enough emergency, transitional and affordable housing is a complex challenge for any community to face, but for a neighborhood in Hickory a piece of that puzzle has been found.

This past Thursday, the Catawba County United Way attended Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley’s (HHCV) groundbreaking ceremony for The Cottages at Ridgeview in Hickory.

Back in 2017, HHCV Executive Director Mitzi Gellman said they weren’t sure they’d ever have a single home built.

“Now, as you look around there are nine houses either completed with people living in them or one just waiting to be finished,” Gellman said during the ceremony. “And with three more cottages in this space, it’ll finish our work in this area…an area that had been filled with abandoned houses.

“We are delighted to restore community once again to this beautiful neighborhood of Ridgeview.”

NEWS BRIEF - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently launched the North Carolina Strategic Housing Plan to help maintain, increase and better utilize affordable supportive housing for people with disabilities across the state.

This plan addresses housing needs for individuals with disabilities, including those who are currently receiving or eligible for NCDHHS-funded services as well as those who are experiencing homelessness, currently residing in congregate settings or at risk of entry into these settings.

The Family Guidance Center (FGC) recently announced that Shelter Home of Caldwell County will be taking over Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault services for Catawba County starting this Friday as FGC services come to an end.



In response to this announcement, Catawba County United Way executive director Mark Bumgarner wanted to share the following.

“Catawba County United Way pays respects to the board of Family Guidance Center. They have been tasked with an incredibly difficult situation in the closing of Family Guidance Center. However, they have acted with the utmost of concern for their clients and in doing so have decided to transfer services to Shelter Home of Caldwell County.

"Catawba County United Way partnered with the Council on Women and was proud to help lead in this transfer of services.

"I recall the day a couple of weeks ago when Council on Women, Family Guidance Center, Shelter Home of Caldwell County, Safe Harbor, Family Care Center, Women’s Resource Center, Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center and CCUW all gathered in our board room to hash out the best way to support those in need of domestic violence and sexual assault services. I am proud of the plan we created and applaud the board of Family Guidance Center for adopting it.

"Many thanks also go to the Mary Furtado, County Manager and her staff for assisting in this plan. Without all these partners, it would not have been possible. It really does take a village!

"The fact that all these agencies convened and worked together speaks to the quality of the transition plan created. It is an honor to partner with all these agencies, and we wholeheartedly welcome Shelter Home of Caldwell County to our community. They will be simply amazing for our community.

"We at Catawba County United Way are excited to announce Shelter Home of Caldwell County will be a funded partner for the remainder of 2024 and for 2025!

"We continue to work with Family Guidance Center’s board and remain hopeful we can save the actual shelter home for use by Shelter Home of Caldwell County. United, we will accomplish the incredible!"

-----------------------------

If you are in need of domestic violence and sexual assault services, call the same crisis line numbers that you have previously called until the end of September when you will need to transition to a new crisis line (828) 758-7088.

Domestic Violence – (828) 228-1787

Sexual Assault – (828) 302-6952

NEWS BRIEF - Ashure Ministry (formerly ECCCM) and The Corner Table recently announced that the Hickory Soup Kitchen will be joining the 2024 Catawba County Hunger Walk.

Proceeds from this year's walk will benefit all three organizations. The purpose of the walk is to raise funds for hunger relief efforts in Eastern Catawba County, and to heighten awareness of the hunger issue within our community.

The event still needs sponsors. To sign up as a sponsor, visit cchungerwalk.com and click on sponsorship opportunities.

CCUW PARTNER UPDATE - The Council on Adolescents (the Council) is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to join us in making a positive impact in the lives of young individuals in our community.

The Lunch Buddy Mentoring Program (A Catawba County United Way supported program) provides guidance, support and inspiration to young people, helping them achieve their full potential.

Impact of a Volunteer

• Make a Difference: Help shape the future of a young person by providing guidance, support, and encouragement.

• Personal Growth: Gain new perspectives, improve your leadership skills, and experience personal fulfillment through helping others.

• Community Impact: Contribute to the betterment of your community by fostering positive relationships and empowering the next generation.

Program Details

• Who Can Volunteer: We welcome individuals from all walks of life, including professionals, retirees, and college students, who are passionate about mentoring and making a difference.

• Commitment: Mentors are asked to commit to spending one lunch period each week, during the school year with their student, providing consistent support and guidance.

• Training and Support: All mentors must complete an application, background check, and brief training to ensure they understand policies and procedures of the school systems. The Mentoring Program Coordinator will also provide ongoing support to ensure a successful mentoring experience.



Become a Mentor

Contact Tracey Paul, Mentoring Program Coordinator, at 828-322-4591 or email TPaul@coacatawba.org or visit our website at www.coacatawba.org. 

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 (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.