News

April 6, 2026   In this week’s Catawba County United Way’s monthly Podcast, Catawba County Manager Mary Furtado talks about her approach to community leadership and how collaboration is the key to improving the lives of residents.  She also explains an important approach to easing housing instability in the county. “When you compare our weekly wages across the state, we’re near the bottom. Of all the Metropolitan Statistical Areas in North…

April 6, 2026   It’s time to recognize those outstanding individuals who make all the difference when it comes to helping local non-profits assist those in a crisis. The Catawba County United Way is planning to host the annual Giving from the Heart (GFH) Volunteer Awards on June 10 to help recognize these invaluable individuals. Applications open on the CCUW’s website on April 6. One nonprofit agency/organization may submit a maximum of five…

March 20, 2026   Mark Bumgarner - Catawba County United Way Executive Director ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained Employed.  ALICE represents those who work and are above the federal poverty level ($15,960 for an individual, $30,000 for a family of four) but don’t make a livable wage and make too much to qualify for benefits.  The ALICE measures were developed by United For ALICE to answer the pressing need for a more accurate…

Feb. 26, 2026   BY JOHN BAILEY jbailey@ccunitedway.com The Catawba County United Way (CCUW) recently hired Pashence Sparks as the agency’s new Director of Finance.  Sparks has a solid background in the field, graduating from Lenoir-Rhyne University with a BS in pre-medical and then going on to earn an MBA from the university. She also earned a certificate in general accounting from Catawba Valley Community College. Overall, Sparks brings 9…

Feb. 16, 2026   BYJOHN BAILEY jbailey@ccunitedway.com   The Catawba County United Way was excited to be part of the Kindness Project’s Shower Day at the Hickory Soup Kitchen Saturday (Feb. 7).   The event was open to those experiencing homelessness, living unsheltered, on the streets or in encampments. Along with access to showers at the Hickory Soup Kitchen, there were free haircuts, hygiene items and lunch. The United Way provided free coats…

Feb. 12, 2026   BY JOHN BAILEY jbailey@ccunitedway.com   Last year, 186 families in Catawba County defaulted on their mortgage while 1,462 families were evicted and 13,702 households simply struggled to afford their homes, according to 2025 NC Housing Coalition data.  “We see a lot of working families and seniors…the ones barely making it and one small crisis in their life, the need for extra medicine or getting a larger water bill or having a…

Feb. 11, 2026   The Catawba County United Way (CCUW) will start its 2026 Main Request for Funding (RFP) grant cycle this February for non-profits who meet critical needs of citizens in Catawba County. The RFP grant applications will open on Feb. 16 on the CCUW’s web portal and are due by midnight March 23 - https://www.ccunitedway.com/catawba-county-united-way-agency-portal. Applying organizations must either be incorporated as a not-for-profit…

Feb. 2, 2026   EMERGENCY WINTER SUPPLIES DRIVE  In an effort to support our partner nonprofits who have been putting forth an amazing effort this winter to keep our unsheltered safe, the Catawba County United Way is hosting a drive through February to collect Emergency Winter Supplies. Supplies shared with Kindness Project Hickory, Strong Life Ministries, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry, Room in the Inn Newton and The Salvation…

Jan. 29, 2026   BY JOHN BAILEY jbailey@ccunitedway.com The Catawba County Youth Council is accepting Requests for Funding Proposals (RFPs) targeted to address the impact areas of health and education as they relate to the needs and wellbeing of children and youth in our community.  Applications will open on the Catawba County United Way (CCUW) website Feb. 2 - https://www.ccunitedway.com/catawba-county-united-way-agency-portal. The Youth…

Jan. 27, 2026   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…