"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

By John Bailey

Catawba County United Way

Look up the word Haven and you’ll see it defined as a place of safety, a refuge from danger and distress.

Now, imagine being a female high school student forced to live in your car or being an 81-year-old woman with no home and no one to turn to for help. Suddenly ‘Haven’ becomes more than a word, it’s a symbol of a better life and that’s what Safe Harbor in Hickory is hoping it’s new housing program, The Haven, becomes for women of all ages and backgrounds.

The Haven will be a set of 11 homes (256 square feet each) that will be built on Safe Harbor’s campus and can accommodate up to four individuals. These cottages are compact in design but include a bedroom, living space, kitchen space and a bathroom. A central laundry space is already on site. Residents will also have access to all the services offered through the agency’s community center – resources for housing, employment and recovery.

The Catawba County United Way will host a luncheon Meet and Greet with local public school teachers and social workers on June 4, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CCUW office (2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory). 

For those interested in being collection partners during the CCUW's annual County-wide School Supply Drive, this will be an opportunity to learn directly from public school social workers and administrators about the needs and the impact of the drive on local families.

Register for the Luncheon through THIS LINK.



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

Learn more about the impact of last year's United Way School Supply Drive at -

THIS LINK.

The Board of Directors of Sipe’s Orchard Home is proud to announce the promotion of DeLane Bowman to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking an exciting new chapter in the organization’s continued growth and impact.

“DeLane has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to our mission,” Board Chair Jody Street said. “Her promotion reflects the Board’s full confidence in her ability to guide Sipe’s Orchard Home into the next generation, expanding our reach and strengthening the support we provide to children and youth across our community.”

As Sipe’s Orchard Home’s first female CEO, Bowman will provide strategic leadership and oversee all operations of the organization, further advancing its mission to prepare children and youth for their best futures.

”I am honored to be the first female chosen to pioneer this new era of leadership. I look

forward to collaborating with our community and stakeholders to reach the underserved

populations of children and youth within our local community and state,” Bowman said.

Since joining Sipe’s Orchard Home in 2011, Bowman has held several key leadership roles, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Early Age Education. Her tenure has been marked by innovation, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to improving outcomes for the individuals and families served by the organization.

Bowman brings a strong foundation in both finance and education. She holds Early

Childhood and Administration credentials, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University, and a Master of Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University.

“We look forward to DeLane’s continued leadership and to building on the strong foundation she has helped establish,” Street said.

Sipe’s Orchard Home remains dedicated to planting the seeds that grow futures—providing vital programs and services that empower children, strengthen families, and build a healthier community.

On April 30, the United Way had the chance to be part of an amazing event hosted by the Catawba Alliance for Recovery that explored the impact of Cannabis on all aspects of our community.



Held at First United Methodist Church in Hickory. Dozens of public agencies and nonprofits were on hand to join the discussion and learn about legislative developments, medical application, history of Cannabis in our society and advocacy.

See More Photos Here.

The Catawba County United Way is hosting the annual Giving from the Heart (GFH) Volunteer Awards on June 10 to help recognize these invaluable individuals.

Eligibility requirements include: Nominations are due by May 18.

• Nominee’s volunteer organization must serve the community in Catawba County.

• Nominee’s volunteer organization must be a non-profit (501 C3) or a governmental agency to receive the award.

• Youth award - Individual 18 years or younger. Youth groups are eligible for the Group Award.

• An adult, youth or group is eligible in one category only.

• Group Award is for groups of 2 or more individuals.

(Nominees cannot be nominated by the same nonprofit two consecutive years.)

For more information about the CCUW or the Giving from the Heart Volunteer Awards call John Bailey at 828-327-6851.

In the last week, NC 211 received 267 requests for help from Catawba County, including 120 calls for assistance with housing and shelter.

NC 211 is the United Way of North Carolina's health and human services information line, open 24/7.

The Catawba County United Way is proud to help fund NC 211 locally, ensuring the ability to connect those in crisis with the resources they need.



For help - Call NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892 1162 or visit the link below.

Volunteer Opportunities - From helping collect food, to manning an information desk, to showing up at a disaster ready to help, Catawba County nonprofits would struggle to help others without their volunteers.  

Each year thousands of volunteers give their time to make a difference for those in need and no job is too small.

Their efforts mean nonprofits can have greater outreach with community projects and save the agencies thousands of dollars each month in labor costs.

This week's highlight opportunities:

Kindness Project For anyone interested in volunteering, the agency's Sign-Up Genius is now open for Sunday Outreach in May.

Sundays |  9:55 AM – 1:15 PM

Volunteers meet at Highland United Methodist Church to help box meals, load supplies, and ride along to serve at various community stops. Sign-ups are updated monthly, so please check back regularly if your schedule doesn’t align this month.

Sign up at THIS LINK.

NC Cooperative Extension - Donation Station is a project offered in collaboration with Hickory Farmers Market during May-Sept. Watch for Donation Station at the Market and consider making a donation or volunteering. Volunteers are involved and needed to work with our Donation Station booth on the 1st Wed. morning of the month at the Hickory Market and some occasional Saturdays - individuals sign-up for the day of the choice to volunteer. If you would like to volunteer, register at THIS LINK.

To learn about other ongoing nonprofit Volunteer Needs visit the

United Way's Visitor Center at - 

THIS LINK.

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.

• To submit a non-profit/public agency flier email John Bailey at THIS LINK.

Since 1944, the Catawba County United Way has been dedicated to increasing the capacity of people to help others. To learn more about the CCUW's mission contact us at 828-327-6851 or visit ccunitedway.com.

GIVE - ADVOCATE - VOLUNTEER