"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

From helping collect food, to sorting and preparing donated clothing, to manning an information desk, to showing up at a disaster ready to help, to sharing a smile with someone facing a crisis, Catawba County nonprofits would struggle to help others without their volunteers.

More than 28 percent of Americans—more than 75.7 million people—formally volunteered for an organization between September 2022 and 2023. In total, these volunteers served an estimated 4.99 billion hours with an economic value of $167.2 billion, according to a recent Americorps report - https://www.americorps.gov/about/our-impact/volunteering-civic-life.

The Catawba County United Way's Volunteer Center is dedicated to connecting those interested in donating some of their time to local nonprofits.



Check out two recent opportunities shared with the CCUW below and then visit the Volunteer Center online for even more chances to make a difference.

And to everyone who already Volunteers...Thank You Thank You.

The deadline to apply for a Catawba County United Way Main RFP grant is March 24.

This allocation process is for grant requests of at least $10,000 and focused on supporting non-profit programs meeting critical needs of Catawba County citizens.

Applying organizations must either be incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt entity or have a 501-C3 legal status within Catawba County, who comply with applicable legal, federal state and local operating and reporting requirements (e.g. government approved accounting practices, annual audit, 990, nondiscrimination policy).



Questions? Email John Bailey at jbailey@ccunitedway.com or call 828-327-6851.

JoAnn Spees Youth Advocacy Award – The JoAnn Spees Youth Advocacy Award was established in 2014 in honor of JoAnn Spees, former Executive Director and one of the founders of the Council on Adolescents of Catawba County, Inc.

This award honors the individual, community, group, or business whose efforts have promoted healthy lifestyles and empowered youth to make healthy life choices so that they can reach their full potential.

Nominations are due by Friday, April 11 to jledford@coacatawba.org

Are you thriving? CredibleMind has assessments and resources to help you thrive. With more than 100 topic areas from stress, depression and anxiety to self-care and the link between physical activity and mental wellbeing, it's a one-stop shop! It's FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and available 24/7 online - even on your phone! Find out how you can thrive at https://catawbacountync.crediblemind.com/.

Mobile crisis teams are available to all North Carolinians for free. If you need help with a mental health, substance use or behavioral crisis, trained mental health specialists will meet you in a safe place. Find your nearest mobile crisis team at NCDHHS.gov/CrisisServices

My Free Taxes services by the United Way - My Free Taxes helps people file their taxes for free and get the assistance they need.

My Free Taxes is 100% free for all state and federal returns for individuals or households earning less than $84,000 last year. Tax situations covered for free in My Free Taxes include:

• W-2 income
• Schedule C Self Employment
• Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV student
• Education expenses, credits, or student loan interest
• Unemployment income
• Claiming the standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Child tax credits
• Child and dependent care expenses

You can file your taxes from your phone, tablet or computer. The platform guides you through the process to guarantee you get your maximum refund.

Most filers complete their taxes in under one hour, saving the $200 fee most paid tax preparers charge.

Visit MyFreeTaxes to learn more.

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.