25th Annual United Way Cross Country Invitational

October 5, 2017

Catawba County United Way - 25th Annual Cross Country Invitational

It’s Big Kahuna time! More than 800 high school runners will compete in the 25th Annual United Way Cross Country Invitational races on October 11 at Southside Park in Newton. More than thirty high schools across the state will be represented in this sanctioned event organized by the Catawba County United Way and John Hall. The first of many races begins at 2:40pm.The event emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and community service among teenagers. This is a highly competitive well-attended event. Runners will receive a meal prepared by United Way volunteers and event t-shirts.

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Self-Sufficient in Catawba County

October 22, 2017

Catawba County Organizations Work Against Poverty

HICKORY — In January 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a war on poverty that sparked an interest in calculating how many people were impoverished across the nation.The following year, the Office of Economic Opportunity adopted Mollie Orshansky’s poverty thresholds, which were derived from the cost of a minimum food diet multiplied by three to account for other family expenses, according to the United States Census Bureau.In the mid-1990s, Dr. Diana Pearce, the director of the Women and Poverty Project at Wider Opportunities for Women at the time, created the Self-Sufficiency Standard (SSS).The SSS was a measure that provided realistic and detailed data on what clients individually needed to be self-sufficient,...

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Prescription for a Healthy Community

March 31, 2017

Prescription for a Healthy Community (Feature Hickory Daily Record)

By Pamela Josey Pope, Director of Resource Development, Catawba County United Way

What is your idea of healthy? Eating right and exercising? Excellent! What is your idea of a healthy community? That’s a much bigger question with a much more complicated answer. Catawba County United Way focuses on the health of the community as one of its main impact areas. What does that mean for the community?

It’s not all apple slices and exercise plans. Improving the health of people in our county means promoting healthy lifestyles. The prescription must include safe environments, healthy beginnings, healthy lifestyles, access to health care, and prevention. The plan for a healthy community requires many paths to improved health. It is important to be targeted and accountable.

Safe and secure environments include homes free from physical hazards and a support system to maintain it this also includes helping victims of abuse. Recovery and advocacy services must be provided for all ages. It also means support for seniors and those with disabilities so they have the ability to remain safe and independent for as long as possible.

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2016-2017 Spirit Awards

April 19, 2017

Winners announced at Spirit Awards Donor Event

Hickory, NC – Rain did not keep the faithful Catawba County United Way donors away from the Spirit Awards and Annual Meeting event held April 19th at the Catawba Country Club. More than 150 were in attendance as the United Way celebrated, reflected and thanked individual donors, retirees, schools, and corporate leaders for their support during the 2016 campaign.

The event began with a video reflecting moments from the past year. Dr. Aron Gabriel, Asst. Superintendent for Newton-Conover Schools and CCUW Board Member led the group in a moment of reflection. Debra Bechtel, County Attorney and CCUW Board President welcomed the attendees and spoke about the power of the collective efforts in our community to improve education, financial stability and health. Bechtel also recognized CCUW Board Members, staff and special guests.

The Catawba County Youth Council is accepting Requests for Funding Proposals (RFPs) that are targeted to address the identified Impact Areas of Health, Education and Income as they relate to the needs and well being of children and youth in our community. Youth Council RFPs will only be accepted for programs identifiable under these impact areas which specifically address the needs of children and youth in Catawba County.

RFPs will be considered by the Catawba County Youth Council from organizations who are either incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax exempt entity or who 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). RFPs for consideration by the Youth Council must be programs operated by an active, responsible and voluntary governing body and adhere to a locally developed and adopted code of ethics for volunteers and staff, which include provisions for ethical management, publicity, fundraising practices and full and fair disclosure.

Monies available for program funding are raised solely by youth – groups and/or individuals in Catawba County through the Catawba County United Way’s annual community campaign. Catawba County Youth Council members hear program presentations and make funding recommendations to the Catawba County United Way Board of Directors for approval. These funding recommendations are made solely by the Catawba County Youth Council and its panel members.

Applications are available on the web at www.ccunitedway.com/news or you may contact Sylvia Long, Director of Community Impact, Catawba County United Way at 828/327-6851 or by email to slong@ccunitedway.com. Youth Council RFP applications are due to Catawba County United Way by 5:00 p.m. on March 28, 2017 in order to be considered. Late applications will not be accepted.

Organizations selected to be considered for funding will be notified in writing on or before April 10, 2017. All grant amounts are contingent on funding recommended by the Youth Council and approved by the Catawba County United Way Board of Directors at their regularly scheduled meeting.

CCUW welcomes New 2017 Board Members and Officers

February 28, 2017

Catawba County United Way welcomed seven new members to its Board of Directors and has announced its new officers. The group was introduced at the recent CCUW Board Advance held at the Sherrills Ford Fire and Rescue Department. Guest speakers for the meeting included Laura Marx, United Way of NC Executive Director, Mick Berry, Catawba County Manager and Houston Garris, Battalion Chief, Sherrills Ford Fire and Rescue.

New members to the Catawba County United Way Board include Dr. Eddie Beard, Chief Operating Officer / Chief Nursing Officer, Catawba Valley Medical Center; Annette Forbes, Employee Relations Manager, Advance Pierre Foods; Amy Guyer, VP of Human Resources for RHF/Century Furniture; Johann Louchez, Senior VP BB&T; Rita Mitchell, Account Manager, Apple Rock Displays; Captain Jason Reid, Captain Community Relations, Catawba County Sherriff’s Office and Dr. Matt Stover, Superintendent, Catawba County Schools.

Newly elected officers are Board President, Debra Bechtel, Catawba County Government; Vice President, Philip Moore, PNC Financial Services Group and Treasurer, Mark Turner, CommScope. Henry Morphis, Morphis Law & Mediation will serve as the 2016-2017 Campaign Chair and Dr. Keith Mackie, Catawba Valley Community College will serve as the 2016-2017 Campaign Co-Chair. Catawba County United Way’s Board of Directors consists of community leaders who volunteer their time to oversee the governance of the organization as well as guide its strategic direction. Each new Board member will serve an initial three year term ending in 2019.

“We are pleased to welcome these committed and passionate individuals to our board. They join our returning members who are actively involved in the local community and bring a wealth of expertise and talent to our organization," explained Jennie Connor, Executive Director, "Each member will help us accomplish our organizational objectives in our three main impact areas of education, health and financial stability, strengthen our connection to the community, and communicate our many success stories."

Beard, Chief Operating Officer / Chief Nursing Officer, Catawba Valley Medical Center, is a North Carolina native. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lenoir Rhyne University; a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and his Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from American Sentinel University in Denver, Colorado. He holds national professional certifications as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and as a Nurse Executive -- Advanced (NEA) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Forbes, Employee Relations Manager, Advance Pierre Foods, is a graduate of Shorter College of Rome, Ga. She is a member of Society Human Resources Management (SHRM) and has a volunteer background with Hospice, the Hickory Soup Kitchen, The CornerTable, and Hickory Aglow Community Lighthouse. In addition, her interests include evangelism and ministry. Forbes and her husband Bobby reside in Claremont and have two sons.

Guyer, VP of Human Resources and Benefits, RHF/Century, a North Carolina native and graduate of Appalachian State. She is a member of SHRM and MGMA. Her volunteer activities include Caring Hearts Pregnancy Center, Sunday school teacher at East Taylorsville Baptist Church, as well as Board of Directors for YMCA and March of Dimes. She enjoys yoga, running, travelling and reading. She and her husband Jeremy reside in Taylorsville and have one daughter.

Louchez, Foothills Market President, BB&T, is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and earned his Masters at Louisiana State University. His volunteer background includes Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce, March of Dimes, Boy Scouts, Kiwanis club, Red Cross and others. He is an Eagle Scout, has received Duke Energy Citizenship and March of Dimes Volunteer of the Year awards. He enjoys spending time with his family and working in his church. He resides in Conover with his wife Erin and three children.

Mitchell, Account Manager, Apple Rock Displays, is a Catawba County native and graduate of Fred T Foard High, CVCC and Lenoir Rhyne University. She is a member of International Association of Exhibition and Events, Exhibit and Event Marketers Association, Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Her volunteer activities include Western North Carolina Epilepsy Association, Board of Directors. She enjoys interior design, landscaping, traveling and Yoga. Mitchell resides in newton and has two children.

Reid, Captain, Catawba County Sherriff’s Office, is a Catawba County native and graduate of St. Stephens High and CVCC. Reid is a 3rd Degree Mason Catawba Lodge #240, NC Narcotics Officers Association, Catawba County Republican Party, NRA and Christ Church. Reid has been awarded Lincoln County VFW Officer of the Year, International Narcotics Officer Award of Honor, BLET Instructor of the Year and more. He enjoys karate (5th Degree Black Belt Kyokushinkai Karate), weight lifting, running, teaching and being a father. Reid resides in Hickory and has two children.

Stover, Superintendent, Catawba County Schools, is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Gardner Webb University where he received his Masters and Doctorate. He has served as Associate Superintendent of the Lincoln County Schools, a principal in Lincoln County and a high school teach and coach in Cleveland County. He and his wife Melia have two sons.

For 72 years, Catawba County United Way has been an independent, locally governed and community-supported nonprofit agency, doing significant work in our community. Their focus is on identifying and creating long-term, lasting change in the areas of Education, Financial Stability and Health with outcomes that will ultimately create a more vital, more stable, better community in which to live and work. CCUW provides organizations and individuals the opportunity to give, advocate and volunteer to help achieve measurable results and strengthen Catawba County. For more information about volunteerism, community impact or resources call 828-327-6851 or www.ccunitedway.com. For 24/7 resources and assistance Dial 2-1-1.

Catawba County United Way - Volunteer Center & Corning Leaders

January 31, 2017

Catawba County United Way welcomed more than 95 Corning Optical Communications Technology leaders for an afternoon of volunteer time with Adult Life Programs. Corning Incorporated graciously asked if their group could participate in a volunteer activity through the United Way Volunteer Center.

The Corning guests divided into two smaller groups and traveled to the Hickory and Conover Adult Life locations. They were paired with program participants for an afternoon of BINGO, crafts, a little dancing, games and fellowship. Corning guests had a terrific time interacting and getting to know the program participants. They learned that Max is a great Checkers player, Johnnie cannot be beat at Scrabble and Sarah makes beautiful Valentine’s. More importantly they showed compassion and enthusiasm no matter what the activity. There was no shortage of laughter and smiles.

Participants were eager to learn more about the Corning volunteers too. Many Corning guests were visiting from other countries. Corning leaders from across the region were also a part of the afternoon volunteer time. Corning guests came in carrying gift bags for the participants filled with coloring books and toiletries. They left knowing they had made new friends.

Catawba County United Way coordinates volunteer activities between businesses and those in the community. CCUW brings together groups to create great impact in areas of education, health and financial stability. United Way’s mission to improve lives and strengthen communities is fueled by the passion and hard work of volunteers.

“Meaningful community solutions require more than money, programs or policies. The kind of lasting change that benefits everyone is only possible when people from all walks of life are willing to roll up their sleeves and go where their time and talent is most needed. “ said Jennie Connor, Executive Director of CCUW.

Tyesha Smith, Corning employee and the event coordinator commented, “Thank you so much for all of the coordination. It was a wonderful event and experience. I heard lots of positive reviews and I saw quite a few of our leaders really enjoying themselves. The time spent was invaluable. We will definitely seek out more of these activities in the future, with United Way, to serve our community.”

Adult Life Programs is a Catawba County United Way community partner. They provide support, respite and education to caregivers and affordable, quality day and treatment services enabling adults to remain in their communities. They operate three centers in the county: Hickory, Conover and Maiden.

Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science. For more than 160 years, Corning has applied its unparalleled expertise in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics to develop products that have created new industries and transformed people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in R&D, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and close collaboration with customers to solve tough technology challenges. Corning’s businesses and markets are constantly evolving. Today, Corning’s products enable diverse industries such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, transportation, and life sciences. They include damage-resistant cover glass for smartphones and tablets; precision glass for advanced displays; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions for high-speed communications networks; trusted products that accelerate drug discovery and manufacturing; and emissions-control products for cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles.

For more information about volunteerism, community impact or resources contact Catawba County United Way 828-327-6851, www.ccunitedway.com

Catawba County United Way Volunteer Center-Homeless Count

January 30, 2017

Peanut butter, socks, flashlights, and HOPE.

How do you begin to address the needs and numbers of homeless people in our community? You come together and you find a way to connect with them. How do you connect? You give them incentive to be seen and heard.

Several groups working with the Continuum of Care met at the Catawba County United Way to organize the 2017 Homeless Count also known as the Point-In-Time survey. Teams of volunteers went out into the community last week to find the homeless, the unseen and “count” them. Participants willing to speak with volunteers were provided a backpack full of essential items such as apple sauce, peanut butter, tarps, socks, flashlights, batteries, toiletries and more. Supplies were donated and provided by several collaborative agencies. Wells Fargo employees from across the region packed the bags for the project at the United Way.

The homeless situation in our community is real. Don’t turn the page. The issues our homeless face are not in some other community, county, state or country. It’s right here. The reasons a person becomes homeless are as complex as the solutions. Job losses, mental health, domestic issues, physical health, education, learning disabilities, trauma, PTSD are only a few reasons…and that doesn’t even scratch the surface.

Homelessness is not only an adult issue. Homelessness touches every age group. Your child may be attending school right now with a child that spent the night in a car or shelter. This is the same young student we expect to perform well in school despite their great disadvantage. Many people in our area would be homeless if they had to do without a pay check for more than a month. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a strong family network to fall back on during tough times. Simply saying, “get a job!” doesn’t add up either. You need an address to get a job. You might even need transportation. Public transportation can be a challenge in a community of our size.

Teena Willis, Housing Manager at Partners Behavioral Health Management explained,” the homeless Point-In-Time survey helps us identify gaps in our services for the homeless population. The data is extremely important when planning for future housing and transportation solutions as well as applying for grants. It gives us the opportunity to connect, supply basic provisions and provide resources they may not be aware of locally.”

Seek first to understand. The Homeless Point-In-Time project is a national project that counts and reports homeless population numbers across our country. The information assists the shelters, food banks, local government and the United Way to better understand the problem so we together can find solutions. We understand the tremendous impact Education, Heath and Financial Stability have on a person’s life. Tomorrow’s outcome begins today. HOPE must start today. Everyone deserves to have HOPE. Don’t you think?

Thank you to the volunteers and the following groups for your work with the homeless. The Continuum of Care is made up of community leaders from ABCCM, ACCESS Care, ALFA, Catawba County Schools, Catawba County United Way, City of Hickory, Community Link, CVCC, Dept. of Social Services, ECCCM, Exodus Homes, Family Care Center, Family Endeavors, Family Guidance, GHCCM, Greenway Transportation, Hickory Fire Dept., Hickory Police Dept. , Hickory Soup Kitchen, Highways & Hedges, Our Father’s Pavilion, Partners Behavioral Health Management, Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Sipes Orchard Home, St. Albans Episcopal Church, Veteran’s Transitional Advocacy Board, and WPCOG- RHA.

The Catawba County United Way is honored to be a part of the process of bringing HOPE and future resources to our homeless population.For more information on human and social services in our county call 2-1-1 hotline.

Article by: Pamela Josey Pope, Director of Resource Development, Catawba County United Way

Catawba County United Way Accepting 2018 Funding Requests

Catawba County United Way Accepts Funding Requests

The Catawba County United Way is accepting Pre-Requests for Funding Proposals for 2018 (Pre-RFPs) that are targeted to address the identified Impact Areas of Health, Education and Income. Health defined as safe and secure environments, healthy beginnings, healthy lifestyles and access to health care and prevention. Education defined as school readiness, academic achievement, parental/guardian engagement and productive young adults. Income defined as family-sustaining education and employment, income supports, affordable housing and savings and manageable expenses. Pre-RFP proposals will be accepted for programs identifiable under these impact areas that address the needs of the residents of Catawba County.
Pre-RFPs will be considered from organizations who are either incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax exempt entity or who 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). Pre-RFPs for consideration must be operated by an active, responsible and voluntary governing body and adhere to a locally developed and adopted code of ethics for volunteers and staff, which include provisions for ethical management, publicity, fundraising practices and full and fair disclosure. Those organizations selected to complete final Requests for Funding will be notified. All grant amounts are contingent on funding.
It is important to note, all programs seeking funding by CCUW, who wish to submit a Pre-RFP, must complete a Notice of Intent in order to be assigned access information to the electronic applications. This Notice of Intent is due by 5:00 p.m. February 1, 2017.
Pre-RFP applications will only be received electronically, via our website, and will require pre-assigned access information. Deadline for completion of the Pre-RFP is 5:00 p.m. February 09, 2017 in order to be considered for 2018 funding. Late applications will not be accepted.
For additional information, please contact Sylvia Long at 828/327-6851 or by email to slong@ccunitedway.com.
Catawba County United Way Accepts Funding Requests

The Catawba County United Way is accepting Pre-Requests for Funding Proposals for 2018 (Pre-RFPs) that are targeted to address the identified Impact Areas of Health, Education and Income. Health defined as safe and secure environments, healthy beginnings, healthy lifestyles and access to health care and prevention. Education defined as school readiness, academic achievement, parental/guardian engagement and productive young adults. Income defined as family-sustaining education and employment, income supports, affordable housing and savings and manageable expenses. Pre-RFP proposals will be accepted for programs identifiable under these impact areas that address the needs of the residents of Catawba County.
Pre-RFPs will be considered from organizations who are either incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax exempt entity or who 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). Pre-RFPs for consideration must be operated by an active, responsible and voluntary governing body and adhere to a locally developed and adopted code of ethics for volunteers and staff, which include provisions for ethical management, publicity, fundraising practices and full and fair disclosure. Those organizations selected to complete final Requests for Funding will be notified. All grant amounts are contingent on funding.
It is important to note, all programs seeking funding by CCUW, who wish to submit a Pre-RFP, must complete a Notice of Intent in order to be assigned access information to the electronic applications. This Notice of Intent is due by 5:00 p.m. February 1, 2017.
Pre-RFP applications will only be received electronically, via our website, and will require pre-assigned access information. Deadline for completion of the Pre-RFP is 5:00 p.m. February 09, 2017 in order to be considered for 2018 funding. Late applications will not be accepted.
For additional information, please contact Sylvia Long at 828/327-6851 or by email to slong@ccunitedway.com.

Catawba County United Way - 72 Year Homecoming!

OCTOBER 19, 2016:

The Catawba County United Way has a permanent home after 72 years with the purchase of the building located at 2760 Tate Boulevard SE, Hickory, NC. The building dedication will be held on Wednesday, October 19 at 4 pm to 6 pm.

The ceremony led by CCUW Board President, Bill Cable of People’s Bank, Stephen Shuford CEO of Shurtape Technologies and C. Randall Isenhower, chairman of Catawba County Commissioners, will be held at 4:30 pm. The ceremony will include the recognition of donors with a large bronze plaque affixed to the exterior. The plaque will list donors to the building fund.

“The building was purchased with donations from private donors that provided contributions above and beyond their annual giving”, said Jennie Connor, CCUW executive director. “No monies were used from the yearly campaign,” emphasized Connor.

The facilities include administrative offices, board room, training room, and storage areas. The larger rooms are available for community meetings. Community partners are encouraged to use the facility. Furnishings were brought from the previous location which was Corning Cable Systems. Corning provided the office space as a gift-in-kind to CCUW from 2004 to 2016.

The event will include a presentation of the CCUW history, photos and memorable moments, a Proclamation, and refreshments.

For 72 years, Catawba County United Way has been an independent, locally governed and community-supported nonprofit agency, doing significant work in our community. Their focus is on identifying and creating long-term, lasting change in the areas of Education, Income and Health with outcomes that will ultimately create a more vital, more stable, better community in which to live and work. CCUW provides organizations and individuals the opportunity to give, advocate and volunteer to help achieve measurable results and strengthen Catawba County. Visit www.ccunitedway.comfor more CCUW information.

Catawba County United Way - 24th Annual Cross Country Invitational

OCTOBER 12, 2016:

Buses, runners, coaches, families, hot dogs and community! The 24th Annual Unifour Cross Country Invitational will be held at Southside Park in Newton on October 12th.

Each year, high school teams must complete a service project in order to register for the races. More than 30 high schools, on average, participate in the highly competitive races each year totaling up to more than 700 runners. More than five races will be run, beginning with the developmental contest at 2 p.m.

The meet will conclude with awards and a special presentation by Dr. Amanda Kloo, the founder of Project Momentum. This year’s theme comes from Project Momentum’s twitter handle which encourages fitness and inclusivity. The theme is “#Getsomemo.” The event is free and open to the public.

Project Momentum seeks the make health and fitness possible for everyone, and it began several years ago as a result of Dr.Kloo’s own remarkable story. A mom, wife and an education professor at Belmont Abbey College, she has cerebral palsy and spent much of her life believing physical strength was unattainable. On December 3, 2013 she began a quest to change that, and with the help of Crossfit 77 in Mooresville she did. Today Dr. Kloo no longer depends on her braces and canes, she has improved her health and fitness significantly, and last year she finished fifth in the Adaptive Crossfit Division at the 2015 Working Wounded Games.

“My health, work, family and life have been completely transformed by functional fitness training,” Dr.Kloo says, “and I have promised myself I will do everything in my power to pay it forward.”

“The races will include some of the best runners in the state,” said John Hall, event organizer. In addition to racing that afternoon, participants will enjoy a meal prepared by United Way volunteers, meet t-shirts and other gifts, and compete for a number of awards.

This year’s United Way Invitational is the 24th annual race and will continue a tradition as a highly competitive and unique high school cross country event. The premier sponsors are Cargo Transporters, Century Furniture and Catawba Valley Medical Center. Additional sponsors of the event include Catawba County United Way, Newton Recreation, A Signco, Premier Screen Printing, Sharp, Pepsi, Drums-Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home, and Big Kahuna Timing.

Photos of the event including award winners and sponsors will be posted on the www.ccunitedway.com website following the event. Follow Catawba County United Way on Facebook.

John Hall, an event organizer said, “This is really unique in that it is a high school athletic event. It’s certainly one of the largest events in this area. Thank you to the coaches, the runners, United Way volunteers for your participation in the meet.”

CCUW provides organizations and individuals the opportunity to give, advocate and volunteer to help achieve measurable results and strengthen Catawba County. Visit www.ccunitedway.com for more CCUW information.

Catawba County United Way Welcomes New Board Members Announces New Officers

Catawba County United Way welcomed seven new members to its Board of Directors and has announced its new officers. The group was introduced at the recent CCUW Board Advance.

New members to the Catawba County United Way Board include Dr. Robbie Adell, Superintendent, Hickory Public Schools; Rev. Ken Curtis, Sr. Pastor, Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church; Dr. Aron Gabriel, Superintendent, Newton-Conover City Schools; Sean (Bobby) Lineberger, Master Sgt, NC Highway Patrol; Rodney Miller, Asst. City Manager, City of Hickory; Robert Miracle, CFO, Catawba County Government and Mark Turner, VP and Treasurer, CommScope.

Newly elected officers are Board President, Bill Cable, Peoples Bank; Vice President, Debra Bechtel, Catawba County Government and Treasurer, Kevin Boyle, Century Furniture. Philip Moore, PNC Bank, will serve as the 2016-2017 Campaign Chair.

Catawba County United Way’s Board of Directors consists of community leaders who volunteer their time to oversee the governance of the organization as well as guide its strategic direction. Each new Board member will serve an initial three year term ending in 2017. “We are pleased to welcome these committed and impassioned individuals to our board. They join our returning members who are actively involved in the local community and bring a wealth of expertise and talent to our organization," explained Jennie Connor, Executive Director, "Each member will help us accomplish our organizational objectives, strengthen our connection to the community, and communicate our many success stories."

Dr. Adell attended Western Carolina University and University of the Cumberlands where he earned his doctorate in 2011. A member of the NC Assoc. of Educators, he enjoys reading, golf and is a fan of college football. Adell and wife Melody reside in Hickory and have two children.

Senior Pastor of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, Sherrills Ford, NC, Rev. Curtis is a graduate of Appalachian State University and Emory University. He is a current member of the Sherrills Ford/Terrell Rotary and volunteers with the Sherrills Ford Optimist Club as coach for both soccer and baseball. Curtis and wife Mindy have four children and reside in Sherrills Ford.

Dr. Gabriel, Asst. Superintendent, Newton-Conover City Schools, attended Montreat College, UNCC, Appalachian State and Western Carolina University. He currently serves on the NC Assoc. of School Administrators and is a board member of the Hearts and Hope Foundation. A Catawba County native, Gabriel and wife Mandy have two children and reside in Sherrills Ford.

Master Sgt. Lineberger, of the NC Highway Patrol, attended Bunker Hill High School and Livingstone College. He is presently Board Chair for the State Employees Credit Union and serves as VP of the Oxford Fire Department. In his spare time, Lineberger enjoys golf and refereeing college basketball. He and wife Brittany have two children and reside in Claremont.

Assistant City Manager for the City of Hickory, Miller is a member of the NC Government Finance Officers Assoc, WPCOG Region E Development Corp, Government Finance Officers Assoc. – US & Canada and was recognized as Most Outstanding NC Finance Officer in 2011. A Hickory native, he is a graduate of St. Stephens High School and NC State University. Miller enjoys golf, volleyball and guitar. He and wife Tracy have three children and reside in Hickory.

Miracle, a CPA, is CFO for Catawba County Government. A graduate of Ohio State University where he majored in accounting he is a member of both the National and NC Government Finance Officers Assoc. Miracle is an outdoor enthusiast and soccer referee, Miracle and wife Donna have three children and reside in Hickory.

Turner, VP & Treasurer, CommScope, Inc. attended Dexter High School, Dexter, MI and the University of Michigan where he received his BBA and MBA. He enjoys water skiing and guitar. Turner and wife Darcy reside in Hickory and have one child.

For 72 years, Catawba County United Way has been an independent, locally governed and community-supported nonprofit agency, doing significant work in our community. Their focus is on identifying and creating long-term, lasting change in the areas of Education, Income and Health with outcomes that will ultimately create a more vital, more stable, better community in which to live and work. CCUW provides organizations and individuals the opportunity to give, advocate and volunteer to help achieve measurable results and strengthen Catawba County.