"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

By John Bailey

Catawba County United Way

Getting to work.

Getting kids to school.

Getting to medical appointments.

Buying groceries.

Running errands.

Just trying to accomplish those tasks necessary every day to succeed in life.

The Catawba County United Way (CCUW) recognizes access to dependable transportation is a significant challenge for individuals and families who struggle to make ends meet. For this reason, the CCUW wanted to highlight some of its community partners who try to bridge this gap by accepting and then donating reliable, used cars to those in need.

“When someone gifts a car to one of our participants at Safe Harbor, it is much more than just giving someone a car,” Safe Harbor Executive Director Gigi Williams said.

“It is a gift that fosters upward mobility and promotes independence and self-sufficiency. It allows our ladies to move forward and grow.”

Safe Harbor has operated the HOPE ON WHEELS program for several years, which benefits those women in their residential program.

Vehicle donations are tax-deductible at their blue book value, and Safe Harbor will provide all necessary documentation.

Other non-profits who accept vehicles:

Family Care Center - Serves homeless families with dependent children through an emergency and residential program – Information: https://www.familycare-center.org/ - 828-324-9917.

Safe Harbor - Provides low-cost, furnished, clean and safe apartments in a community for women and children looking for structure and support while preparing for successful independent living - Information: https://safeharbornc.org/ - 828-326-7233.

Sipe’s Orchard Home - Offers a residential program for both male and female youth ages 16-21 who do not have the financial, academic, emotional or behavioral skills necessary for independent living - Information: https://www.sipesorchardhome.org/ - 828-256-5056.

Exodus Homes – Offers transitional to long-term supportive housing for homeless recovering people returning to the community from treatment programs and prisons - Information: https://www.exodushomes.org/ - 828-324-4870

Strong life Ministries - The men's transitional living program provides an opportunity for those who have been oppressed by poverty to learn to live independently - Information: https://www.stronglifenc.org/ - 828-994-4321

The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory - Helps restore security and hope to individuals and families through its Shelter of Hope and Transitional Housing programs - Information: https://www.facebook.com/SalvationArmyGreaterHickory - 828-322-8061

Council on Adolescents - Vehicle donations benefit those pregnant and parenting teens in the Smart Moms and Dads program - Information: https://coacatawba.org/ - 828-322-4591

Catawba Valley Guardian ad Litem - Has young adults who would welcome a vehicle - Information: 828-466-6121

Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley International accepts vehicle donations. When the vehicle is donated, Habitat International gets money for the car and sends a portion of those proceeds to Habitat Catawba Valley.

Information: https://habitatcatawbavalley.org/ - 828-328-4663

Shepherds Hand Ministries – Is a community outreach agency - Information: https://www.shepherdshandministry.org/ - 828-291-0046



COUNCIL ON ADOLESCENTS VACATION FUNDRAISER - The COA announces a fun, unique opportunity to support the Council on Adolescents mission to improve the lives of local youth and have a chance to win a fantastic getaway. This is an opportunity to have a sports themed getaway, explore historic cities, or embark on an adventurous escape, this raffle is your ticket to a memorable vacation.

The fundraising raffle offers a chance to win a trip, worth over $4,500 while supporting the Council on Adolescents and its mission to educate and empower teens to make healthy decisions.

WOMENADE GRANTS OPEN FOR JANUARY - the Women's Resource Center provides financial assistance through these one-time grants of up to $500, that can assist with childcare, supplies for schools, supplies for starting a business, car repairs, etc. The grant does not cover rent, utilities, or fines. Womenade works to help individuals who are otherwise self-sufficient and are experiencing a temporary setback or financial hardship. Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Jan. 28. Along with the application, the participant must attach an invoice for the service or product they are requesting assistance with and a letter of recommendation. LEARN MORE.

HICKORY SOUP KITCHEN'S 31st ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER - This tradition happens on Jan. 31 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the HSK, 110 Second Street Place SE Hickory. Tickets are $10, dine-in or carry out that evening. The dinner includes homemade sauce, noodles, garden salad, garlic bread, and dessert provided by HSK Board of Directors. Tickets can be purchased at the HSK office Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 1p.m. or at the door the night of the Spaghetti Dinner. Don't miss this opportunity to help support this local community outreach for the most vulnerable.



CITY OF HICKORY COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL PROJECT FUNDING – The CRC is currently seeking projects to fund for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and invites qualified groups or individuals to consider submitting grant requests for the Spring 2025 grant cycle by Feb. 28.

Priority will, generally, be given to projects that are designed to deliver the greatest impact on positive human relations, that are most effective in bringing different sub-communities of Hickory together, and that provide services and resources to the people who can most benefit.

Applicants may include any 501(c)(3) or otherwise tax-exempt organizations. Nonprofit agencies, churches, institutions, schools, and individuals are encouraged to submit their projects or programs for consideration.

For more information, visit THIS LINK or contact CRC staff liaison Captain Philip Demas with the Hickory Police Department at 828-261-2608 or pdemas@hickorync.gov.

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.

The Catawba County United Way is a proud to help fund NC 211 locally.