April, 24, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
Twenty-two local nonprofit presentations.
Six total nonprofits visited/toured.
Dozens of conversations about having a positive impact in our county by helping others.
On April 14, the Catawba County United Way hosted the inaugural Live Informed Tour, an opportunity for anyone interested, to learn about the nonprofit world by visiting sites and talking to agencies directly.
For Catawba County Schools social worker Vicki Toepper the tour was an opportunity to build relationships with other people who are doing the same thing she does, trying to serve the community.
“What we realize is that while we are social workers and we should have all this information, when you start connecting faces to services it makes it easier because you have a specific person to reach out and contact when you need help,” Toepper said.
The tour lasted the entire day and used two routes, one in Hickory and one Newton/Conover, to reach as much of the county as possible.
Presenting agencies included:
Women’s Resource Center, Sipe’s Orchard Home, Ashure Ministry, Catawba Council on Aging, Neighbors Network, Catawba Valley Healthcare, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry, The Corner Table, The Corner Table Backpack Program, Catawba County Library System, Safe Habor, Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County, Council on Adolescents of Catawba County, Adult Life Programs, Strong Life Rescue Mission, Shelter Home of the Foothills, Catawba County Partnership for Children, Hickory Soup Kitchen, Catawba County Public Health, Senior TLC, Family Care Center of Catawba Valley, The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory, Patrick Beaver Learning Resource Center and the Catawba County United Way.
Lunch and transportation were included for attendees with The Corner Table in Newton and Hickory Soup Kitchen serving meals and talking about their services.
First United Methodist Newton donated the use of two vans and drivers for the Newton/Conover route, while First United Methodist Hickory donated the use of a bus for the Hickory Route.
Michelle O’Reardon is new to Catawba County and appreciated the ‘big picture’ the tour provided of local nonprofit services.
“I have been telling everyone I know what a great experience it was and to keep their eyes out for the next time the tour is offered,” O’Reardon said after the tour.
For the host and presenting agencies, the Tour was equally insightful and another way for them see how their services connect and build off each other to help those in need.
The Catawba County United Way is already working with the Live Informed Tour Committee to plan next year’s event.
To learn more about the Tour, visit - https://www.ccunitedway.com/live-informed-live-united.
To learn more about the agencies on the year’s Tour, visit - https://www.ccunitedway.com/sites/ccunitedway_com/files/2026-04/LIVE%20INFORMED%20TOUR%20PACKET%200402.pdf.
If you have any questions about the Live Informed Tour contact John Bailey at the Catawba County United Way – 828-327-6851.
