News
July 23, 2026
The Catawba County United Way recently finalized its list of nonprofits receiving 2027 grants through the agency’s main Request for Funding cycle.
The process started in February and recently wrapped up with the CCUW’s board voting to accept the recommendation from the Community Investment committee to fund $223,000 distributed to 15 programs from 13 agencies. Collectively, these programs provide various assistance to individuals…
July 20, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
Week 2 of the United Way School Supply Drive and we continue to pick up speed.
Our goal – collect classroom supplies to help local public school students get the tools they need to succeed.
And…there is still plenty of time to jump on board and help with the collection.
Drop off donations at the United Way office – 2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory – or host a drive of your own through your…
July 10, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
Olivia Millsaps was one big smile when she talked about her 3-year-old son’s reaction to the new playground at Family Care Center in Hickory.
“He will run from the apartment all the way down there. He loves it,” she said. “It’s someplace our children (two boys) can run off that energy. They didn’t have to stop being kids.”
Family Care Center serves homeless families with dependent…
July 8, 2026
In this episode we sit down with Lisa Clontz, the director of the domestic violence and sexual assault shelter, Shelter Home of the Foothills. We explore these organizations takeover of services in Catawba County, the services they provide, and how the community can support them. You will gain insight into how Shelter Home of the Foothills empowers individuals on their journey to safety, stability and healing, and how community…
July 1, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
The Catawba County Youth Council, in partnership with the Catawba County United Way recently announced this year’s Youth Community Investment Grant recipients.
The Youth Council’s grant process addresses the impact areas of health and education as they relate to the needs and wellbeing of children and youth in the county.
This year’s agencies include:
Family Care Center of Catawba Valley…
“It was through tears that she mentioned they had lost everything and didn’t have any school supplies. As soon as she mentioned school supplies, I held out my hand and told her and the kids to follow me.” - South Newton Elementary counselor Quinton Knight
June 25, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
It’s only June, but the Catawba County United Way School Supply Drive is already getting started. This annual outreach event will run…
June 16, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
So, what is the value of a nonprofit volunteer?
Is it the hundreds or thousands of dollars they represent every week?
Is it additional services provided every day because of their presence?
Is it the technical, life and work experience they bring to a nonprofit?
Along with all of these reasons, the value of a Catawba County volunteer is also measured in every smile, handshake, hug and…
May 5, 2026
The American Red Cross and United Way of Catawba County are partnering to offer a two‑day Community Shelter Operations Training designed to equip local residents with the skills and confidence to support their neighbors during emergencies.
This course prepares community members to set up and operate shelters for disasters, severe weather (similar to the recent warming sites needed this past winter), and other unexpected events…
April 29, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
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…