News
April 22, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
Encouraging compassion, meeting people where they are and inspiring others.
These are key characteristics of several volunteers from Catawba County who were recently recognized by the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service with the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award.
They included Zaira Mendoza – volunteer with Catawba County Juntos 4-H Program, Sarah Huffman – volunteer…
April 21, 2026
The Catawba County United Way will host a meet and greet luncheon with local public school teachers and social workers on June 4, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CCUW office (2760 Tate Blvd SE in Hickory).
For those interested in being collection partners during the CCUW's annual County-wide School Supply Drive, this will be an opportunity to learn directly from public school social workers and administrators about the needs…
April 10, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
jbailey@ccunitedway.com
You’re on your fourth straight night of below freezing temperatures.
You’ve lived unsheltered for the last year.
You’re more than cold.
You’re scared.
Alone.
But then you hear a van pulling in near where you are camped.
And you suddenly have hope.
This moment played out time and time again throughout the months of January and February in Catawba County, which were dominated by 35 days…
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…