"Building relationships to support our community with

collaboration, compassion and purpose."

The Catawba County United Way staff wants to send a big Thank You to Patrick Broos (center) who is leaving the CCUW board after being a staunch supporter the last couple of years of the United Way's work to help those in crisis.

Broos was the CCUW’s campaign chair as well as Dir. Supply Chain Management at Catawba Valley Health System.

Thank you again Patrick for your support of the United Way and best wishes to you and your family.

Learn more about the impact of the Catawba County United Way's impact from our recent campaign at THIS LINK.

OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley recently announced the appointment of Kimberly Bost as the agency’s new executive director.

“I’m so excited to announce that Kimberly Bost is taking the helm of OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley. Bost brings energy, dedication and significant outreach and advocacy experience to our organization,” OUTright Youth founder and President Dr. William E. Long said.

A longtime Hickory resident, Bost came to the area to work in the hosiery business. She has led creative design projects and teams in the hosiery and apparel industries; served on various nonprofit boards, including ALFA and the Public Arts Commission; and, most recently, managed the Hickory Farmers Market.

In addition, she has advocated for education and equity as a two-time candidate for NC House and as a candidate for NC Senate in 2024.

“I’m excited to join OUTright Youth whose work creating a safe environment for LGBTQ+ youth and allies is more important than ever,” Bost said. “The organization was needed when it was founded in 2010 and is a vital lifeline for vulnerable youth today.”

OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley is an organization that promotes an accepting environment for LGBTQ+ youth and provides a safe, inclusive setting and activities for these young people and their allies.

So how do the Catawba County United Way grant cycles work, and how do you use the online agency portal?

What is the focus of each grant cycle and what are eligibility requirements?

When do grants open and close?



Watch THIS VIDEO to find out -

The CCUW is currently accepting grant applications for the Catawba County Youth Council community grant cycle and the CCUW Main RFP grant cycle.

My Free Taxes by the United Way 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.

Reminder - the Catawba County Youth Council community Grant cycle is currently open. It addresses the impact areas of health and education as they relate to the needs and wellbeing of children and youth in our community.



The Youth Council partners with the CCUW in this annual community investment process. The RFP applications are due to the United Way by midnight on March 7.



Questions? Contact John Bailey at the CCUW - 828-327-6851 or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com

The Catawba County United Way enjoyed being part of the Catawba Valley Health System’s Volunteer Fair Thursday night. It was a great opportunity to meet employees interested in learning about ways to give back to their community.

Introducing NC 211 as a tool to find local volunteer opportunities was a key part of every conversation, while the United Way shared dates of 2025 CCUW events in need of volunteers as well.



These included:



July – School Supply Drive – Volunteers help sort school supply donations that benefit all three local public school districts in Catawba County.

Sept. 13 – Race United – In partnership with Hickory Motor Speedway to provide a free night of racing to the public – dozens of local non-profits also show up prior to the race for a resource fair, sharing info. Food Drive.

Volunteers help agencies set-up, greet public.

Oct. 8 – John F. Hall United Way Cross Country Invitational – This event, held at Southside Park in  Newton, provides an opportunity for local athletes to compete in a first-class meet and give back to their   communities through service projects. Volunteers help with set up, check in of teams and to serve food.

December (3rd week) – Christmas Bureau – this is the annual holiday outreach in Catawba County, bringing Christmas to families in need. Volunteers help The     Salvation Army taking applications and sorting donations. Volunteers help on distribution days, getting gifts to   families.



The CCUW staff also enjoyed catching up with many of our community partners.

Thank you again to Catawba Valley Health System for hosting an amazing event.

Questions about volunteering?

Call John Bailey at the CCUW - 828-327-6851 or email 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.

In the last month, more than 300 calls were from Catawba County to NC 211 for help, including 129 related to housing.



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.