July 1, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
The Catawba County Youth Council, in partnership with the Catawba County United Way recently announced this year’s Youth Community Investment 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 the county.
This year’s agencies include:
Family Care Center of Catawba Valley – Family Care Center provides homeless families with children emergency and transitional housing. Funds will help with the installation of an additional playground on campus. This will give children experiencing homelessness a typical and safe backyard playground.
Fostering Hope Catawba Valley, All Aboard Catawba – All Aboard Catawba, provides new car seats including infant, toddler and booster seats, for local children whose caregivers are either unable to purchase due to financial hardship or who are fostering a child through the Department of Social Services.
Malorie's Place, Support group for children – The program is dedicated to helping individuals/youth and families experiencing various life traumas. Funding will help with the costs of bi-monthly youth peer sessions and help with costs of equine therapy.
Newton-Conover City Schools, Therapy Dog Program – This program will have three certified therapy dogs to provide immediate support for students experiencing anxiety problems, behavioral and social barriers to learning. Funds help with veterinary visits, grooming, food/treats and therapeutic toys.
OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley – The agency works to ensure LGBTQ+ youth/teens have access to affirming, relationships, trusted mentorships. Funds will support an After-School Academic/Wellness Program for ages 12-16 – snacks, tutoring materials, recognition materials, stipends.
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. 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.
The next United Way Youth Community Investment Grant cycle will open in February of 2027.
Learn more about the process at - https://www.ccunitedway.com/catawba-county-united-way-youth-council-community-investments or call 828-327-6851.