April, 2, 2022
Over the next few weeks, the Catawba County United Way will be highlighting the executive and program directors of the CCUW's funded partner agencies for 2022. Every year, the CCUW looks to partner with local non-profits and help support their programs focused on improving the lives of those in need in the areas of education, financial stability and health.
This week Jordan Ledford - Executive Director Council on Adolescents - providing healthy youth education and teen mentoring.
1. How long have you been with your agency and have worked with non-profits overall?
I have been at the Council on Adolescents (COA) for 8 and a half years with this being my first non-profit experience.
2. What drew you to your current position and this kind of work?
I worked as the Teen Programs Coordinator at COA before the Executive Director position became available. I have always had a passion for working with youth and I believe in COA’s mission to educate youth to make healthy decisions.
3. What is the impact of your agency in our community?
COA impacts over 5,000 youth and their parents in Catawba County each year. We are the only agency in this area to provide state mandated puberty and reproductive health education as well as a mentoring initiative aimed at middle school youth. We also offer programming to pregnant and parenting youth to prevent a subsequent pregnancy and ensure graduation. COA provides programming for parents as well, covering these sensitive topics and offering additional resources.
4. What does a good day at work look like?
A day where I am either out in the community talking about COA programs or actively involved in programming. I love working with youth so any chance I get to be involved and engaged with them is a great day!
5. The non-profit world can be stressful. What’s your favorite way to relax?
I like hanging out with my family and friends and being active. I also enjoy playing volleyball and have recently started playing pickleball (it’s definitely a work in progress)!
6. Do you have a favorite book/movie and why?
My favorite book that I have read recently is Where the Crawdads Sing. It is based in North Carolina and had a really great story line!
- Learn more about Catawba County United Way funded partners at THIS LINK.