July 14, 2025
The Catawba County Youth Council, in partnership with the Catawba County United Way recently announced this year’s Community Impact 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 our community.
Agencies receiving grants must either be incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt entity or who have a 501-C3 legal status, within Catawba County.
This year’s agencies include:
The Corner Table’s Backpack Program: funds will be used to purchase food to provide meals and snacks for children in Catawba County’s three public-school systems through the weekend.
OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley: funding will help with the construction of a raised bed garden where LGBTQ+ youth and their allies can cultivate their own food. It will offer a safe space that celebrates identity while promoting holistic well-being.
Malorie’s Place Support Group for Children: funding will be used to organize support groups for children, K-5th grade, who are dealing with family challenges such as substance use, trauma or loss.
North Newton Elementary tutoring program: funding will be used to help implement a tutoring program to support elementary-aged students in a classroom setting, who struggle with reading or math. This would include English as a Second Language (ESL) learners.
The Catawba County United Way Youth Council community grant cycle began in 2003 under the direction of Stephen Shuford, a United Way Board member and local business leader. He believed that youth who become involved in their community as a teen, continue to be active as they become adults.
Monies available for program funding are raised through the Catawba County United Way’s annual community campaign. All grant amounts are contingent on funding recommended by the Youth Council and approved by the Catawba County United Way Board of Directors.