"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

From Mark Bumgarner, Catawba County United Way Executive Director

Hello friends,

Most of you know Duke, my Boxer dog, from either being in our office or our photos on our posts.

Duke is our greeter, our clown, our cheer up buddy and our mischievous gremlin (like when he gets the bag of shredded paper!).

Duke is dying. He has stage 4 Lymphoma. His time with us is short. Despite this, he remains our goofy, fun, loving and sweet friend.

We invite you to join us on the afternoon of Monday, March 31 from 1 - 4 p.m. (drop in but stay as long as you like) to celebrate Duke’s friendship.

Come love on him, play and just be happy with him. Duke is a happy soul and just wants to share his joy. He teaches us valuable lessons every day, inspiring us to live in the moment, find joy, be goofy and most important of all – never miss an opportunity to have a good petting!



Duke also asked me to tell you plain cheeseburgers are welcomed!

The Catawba County United Way is always thrilled to receive donations from generous, local individuals, community groups and businesses, helping them have the greatest impact with their gifts.

These items are shared with other nonprofits, helping them meet the needs of those they help every day. It's another example of the power of collaboration.

This week Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hickory donated new pillows that the CCUW sent to Shelter Home of the Foothills, which runs the area domestic violence shelter.

The United Way also received 8 pallets of new socks from Custom Socks Ink in Newton. This donation has been shared with several local nonprofits including Family Care Center and Malorie's Place. If you, your group or business has a donation but are not certain where to send them, call the Catawba County United Way - 828-327-6851.

For more CCUW News visit - THIS LINK.



Mental Health Care for students -

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently announced students across North Carolina will soon have access to high-quality, virtual mental health care through Hazel Health. This initiative, supported through an investment by UnitedHealthcare, is part of a broader effort announced last year to provide virtual school-centered mental health care for up to one million students across select states nationwide.

Learn more: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/press-releases

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El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy que los estudiantes de Carolina del Norte pronto tendrán acceso a atención de salud mental virtual de alta calidad a través de Hazel Health. Esta iniciativa, respaldada a través de una inversión de UnitedHealthcare, es parte de un esfuerzo más amplio anunciado el año pasado para proporcionar atención de salud mental virtual centrada en la escuela para hasta un millón de estudiantes en determinados estados del país.

Más informatión aquí: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/press-releases

File Your Taxes For Free - MyFreeTaxes is the only free, national, online tax filing program offered by a nonprofit, because United Way fights for the financial stability of every person in every community. United Way is committed to ensuring that people can easily and accurately file their taxes for free and receive the refunds they deserve.

• MyFreeTaxes is mobile optimized so anyone can access MyFreeTaxes from their computer, tablet or smart phone.

• Most filers complete their taxes in less than an hour.

• MyFreeTaxes is completely free for federal and state returns.

Over 1.3 million people nationwide have used MyFreeTaxes, bringing over $1.9 billion in refunds back to our local communities.



Learn more at MyFreeTaxes.com.

Now Hiring - Catawba County Social Services is recruiting for a Senior Nutrition Manager. Learn more about the organization, this position, and other job opportunities with Catawba County at https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/hr-landing/

Council on Adolescents of Catawba County is hiring a full-time Mentoring Program Coordinator. This role involves coordinating the Lunch Buddy & Graduation Coach programs, making a significant impact on the lives of youth.

What you'll do: Recruit and manage volunteers, Expand mentoring programs, Collaborate with schools and agencies, Plan parent engagement events.

Send your resume to Jordan Ledford, JLedford@coacatawba.org

For more details and information please visit, www.coacatawba.org

Catawba County Partnership for Children - Updated Family Helpbook in English & Spanish

Since 1999, the Family Helpbook has connected Catawba County families with valuable services to help children reach their full potential.

Updated annually, it ensures families can easily access the resources they need in

Catawba County and surrounding areas.

The Family Helpbook is available in English and Spanish and can be accessed

digitally on our website! For more information, visit CatawbaKids.org/helpbook.

The Catawba County United Way is seeking a Director of Resource Development.

Please see attached Job Description. Interested parties must submit an application and resume. Applications can be requested from and submitted to Mark Bumgarner at mbumgarner@ccunitedway.com.

Completed applications can also be mailed to PO Box 2425 Hickory NC 28603.

The Catawba County United Way will be hosting the annual Giving from the Heart Volunteer Awards on June 11. This is the opportunity to recognize those invaluable individuals who make all the difference when it comes to helping local non-profits assist those in a crisis.

One agency/organization may submit a maximum of five nominations in each category: adult individual, youth and group. We have limited space at the venue so get your nominations in as soon as possible.

March 27 - Nominee Applications OPEN. 

May 16 - Nominations DUE .

June 11 - Giving From the Heart Awards - Conover Station (Lunch served 11:30 a.m. presentations at 12 p.m.)

The top ten GFH nominees (as reviewed by the GFH judges) are also submitted as nominations for the annual NC Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.

During this special event, all nominees will be recognized with a certificate. Three winners, one in each category – Youth, Individual, and Group – will be named. The winners of the “Giving From the Heart” award will each receive $500 from Piedmont Natural Gas to be paid to the non-profit organization of their choice.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Nominee’s volunteer organization must serve the community in Catawba County.
• Volunteer nominated by a non-profit (501 C3) or a governmental agency to receive the award.
• Volunteer has served at least a year at nominating non-profit.
• 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.
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Questions? Contact John Bailey at the CCUW - 828-327-6851, or jbailey@ccunitedway.com.

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.