"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

By John Bailey

Catawba County United Way

For some children a teddy bear is a toy, an object that brings them joy and comfort. 

For those attending the Junior Warrior’s program at Malorie’s Place in Maiden, it is a tool to help them navigate trauma.

“When they’re feeling upset or anxious or depressed we told them to take their teddy bear and give it a big hug and start breathing in and out,” Malorie’s Place Executive Director Leslie Hulbert said. “It works and calms them down.”

Malorie’s Place is one of the four local non-profits receiving funding through the Catawba County Youth Council’s community grant, in partnership with the Catawba County United Way.

Hulbert started Malorie's Place to honor her daughter Malorie who passed away from an overdose in 2023. The agency’s goal is to provide aid through peer support to anyone suffering from addiction, tragedy or grief.

The Junior Warriors program was established after Hulbert saw the emotional stress her grandchildren continued to go through after their mother’s death (Malorie). The program focuses on helping children in grades K-5. It supports increased connectedness through peer support and encourages a drug-free community for area children.

“We want to teach them that there is a way to overcome tragedy and trauma. We want to help them find their strength,” she said in the agency’s Youth Council application.

Thank you to our first batch of volunteers who recently helped start sorting this year’s Catawba County United Way School Supply Drive donations.

More help is needed the first week of August when we have all the donations in from our 30+ collection partners.

We need 4-6 volunteers from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Aug. 6, Aug. 7 and Aug. 8.

Email John at the CCUW - jbailey@ccunitedway.com or call 828-327-6851.



These donations go directly to our three local public school districts to help keep classrooms stocked with supplies for local families as long as possible.

We’re collecting through July 31, so you can still make a donation.

Drop off items at the United Way office – 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory.

Learn more or make a donation at - THIS LINK.

Want to learn more about next year's Catawba County Live Informed Non-profit Tours? Visit - THIS LINK.

Got questions? Call the Catawba County United Way - 828-327-6851.

Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM) announces the appointment of Rev. Amanda Sowards as the Interim Executive Director of GHCCM. Pastor Amanda began her journey with GHCCM over a year ago as a dedicated volunteer. Her passion and commitment led her to serve as Church Relations Coordinator and Pastoral Care Liaison. Now, as Interim Executive Director, she continues to guide GHCCM with compassion and purpose.

Read more at THIS LINK.

The Catawba County United Way recently had the opportunity to drop off the 2025 Giving From the Heart Volunteer Awards check to Youth Category winner Zaira Mendoza. She requested it go to The Corner Table in Newton.

The CCUW thanks the Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation for funding the GFH grant awards, providing $500 for each category winner to be paid to the non-profit of their choice.

The other 2025 GFH winners were Marc St. Germain (Individual Adult Category). Germain asked that his $500 award go to NC Guardian ad Litem.

The Group category winner was The Kindness Project Leadership team. They asked that their award go to The Kindness Project homeless outreach program.

Thank you again to all the GFH volunteer nominees this year. They represent thousands of hours of selfless work, helping those in crisis.



See more from this year's GFH AWARDS.



-In the photo (from left): The Corner Table Executive Director Summer Jenkins, Mendoza and Catawba County United Way’s John Bailey.

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 non-profit 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.