Every year the Catawba County United Way is focused on supporting resources in our community that provide hope and a hand-up for individuals and families facing a crisis.
In 2026, the CCUW’s funded partners represent 15 local programs that address a variety of these needs:
- Exodus Homes – Transitional Housing post recovery/incarceration
- Sipe’s Orchard Home – Transitional Housing for Homeless Teens
- The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory – Shelter of Hope
- Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley – Home Repairs
- Shelter Home of the Foothills – Domestic Violence Shelter
- American Red Cross – Emergency Disaster Services
- Catawba Co. Partnership for Children – Parents as Teachers
- Patrick Beaver Learning Resource Center – Augustine Reading Tutoring Program
- Council on Adolescents of Catawba County – Youth Mentoring Program
- Council on Adolescents of Catawba Count – Healthy Youth Education
- Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry – Pharmacy Program
- Adult Life Programs – Adult Daycare Services
- Catawba Valley Healthcare – Primary Care
- Shelter Home of the Foothills – Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Services
- Hickory Soup Kitchen – Free Grocery Program
Getting ready for the new year, we asked the leadership at these local nonprofits what will be the greatest challenge in 2026 for their agency and their program receiving CCUW funding. Below are some of their responses.
Partnership for Children – Parents as Teachers
Executive Director – Kim Holden
“From my perspective, I think our greatest challenge will be helping families navigate challenges like how to find affordable childcare, how to access health care, and how to support the mental health of the parents and their young children during very stressful times.”
Shelter Home of the Foothills – Domestic Violence Shelter
Executive Directory – Lisa Clontz
“Stepping out of an abusive relationship into independency; many times with small children is an overwhelming action on its own; however, the search for ‘affordable housing’ to start over is extremely difficult due to the ongoing affordable housing shortage taking place within the communities that we serve.
Due to the amazing offerings that we have as it relates to safe shelter; currently in Caldwell County and soon to be in Catawba County; safety can easily be accomplished for that "quick fix;" however, the long term can be extremely more difficult to navigate. Shelter Home of the Foothills will continue to work aggressively with Community Partners to "open doors" for more "affordable" options for those survivors that we serve to transition into a new life.”
American Red Cross Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter – Emergency Disaster Services
Executive Director – Scott Loudermelt
“We continue to see the frequency and intensity of natural disasters grow as well as an increase in home fires. Our challenge is to continue to work with our partners to assure a resilient and prepared community. In addition, recruitment of volunteers willing to serve as part of our disaster action team and as shelter workers is essential to our continued readiness.”
Adult Life Programs – Adult Day Services 
Executive Director – Karin McDaniel
“For Adult Life Programs, likely the greatest challenge in 2026 will be the future of funding in North Carolina for Adult Day services. We experienced a 3% decrease in Medicaid funding in October 2025 that was reversed in December 2025; however, that temporary 3% reduction created a scenario where we had to consider the potential negative impact to the people we serve and the employees who support them.
The forecast for the future of North Carolina’s Medicaid funding has a proposed end date of Spring 2026 because our State’s current budget does not include fully funding the program. In addition, the future of continued Home and Community Care Block Grant funding beyond January 2026 relies on Congress passing a budget or another continuing resolution. For those two funding sources alone, over 80% of our enrolled participants will experience a reduction to and/or termination of the funding allotted for the services they receive that keep them safe, engaged, and connected.”
Catawba Valley Healthcare – Primary Healthcare 
CEO – Timothy W. Lentz
“The biggest challenge we will be facing in 2026, is all the people who will potentially lose insurance and figuring out how to meet the community's need.”
Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry – Community Pharmacy 
CEO – Amanda Sowards
“Our greatest challenge in 2026 will be meeting the growing need for affordable medications while remaining good stewards of limited resources. As more individuals and families turn to our nonprofit pharmacy for support, grant funding will be vital to sustaining compassionate, equitable care rooted in service and community wellness.
We are deeply grateful for the generous grant support from United Way. Because of this funding, CCM, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry’s nonprofit pharmacy will continue meeting the growing need for affordable medications in our community.”
Council on Adolescents of Catawba County – Mentoring and Healthy Youth programs
Executive Director – Jordan Ledford
“I would say our greatest agency and program challenges are staff capacity and funding stability. We are working to continue recruiting and retaining qualified educators and mentors while also securing sustainable funding beyond grants. These are not new challenges, but ongoing realities that require continued investment to maintain program stability and impact.”