Supporting ALICE in North Carolina and Beyond: Reflections from the National ALICE Summit

Cary, NC - Across North Carolina, ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households continue to make invaluable contributions to our communities while struggling to afford essentials such as housing, childcare, healthcare, and transportation. As the cost of living rises, the lived experiences of ALICE families reflect both the challenges and the resilience found across our state.

David, Sally, and I kicked off the new year at the National ALICE Summit. The summit provided a powerful space for leaders, innovators, funders, and community partners to learn from one another and to strengthen our collective commitment to improving stability for ALICE families nationwide. Below is a recap of the key learnings that can help inform and inspire our work here in North Carolina.

Key Learnings from the ALICE Summit

1. The ALICE Movement Is Growing—And Gaining Momentum
   
   1. The Summit highlighted how the ALICE movement is expanding, with hundreds of leaders from nonprofit organizations, corporations, foundations, government, and United Ways coming together to strategize around solutions. There are currently 44 states that have joined the movement. We have a renewed commitment to bringing ALICE champions together in North Carolina to deepen our impact and ensure everyone is thriving. If you are interested in joining our ALICE Champions task force please contact Sally Gordon, sgordon@unitedwaync.org.
2. Peer Collaboration Drives Innovation
   
   1. Throughout the Summit, United Ways across the country shared replicable strategies making a real difference in the lives of ALICE families. This included innovations in housing stability, childcare access, workforce development, and financial coaching. David, Sally, and I joined our friends from United Way of Greater Charlotte and United Way of Greater Greensboro in extensive peer learning sessions from across the country who are uplifting ALICE individuals and families through innovative partnerships, policies, and programs. Sharing ideas helped us see how similar challenges show up differently in each region—and how United Ways can scale solutions when we team up and stay rooted in what communities need.
3. Data Continues to Be Our Strongest Catalyst for Change
   
   1. Dr. Stephanie Hoopes, National Director for United for ALICE, reinforced that ALICE data remains essential to accurately describing financial hardship and driving evidence-based policy change. Summit discussions centered on leveraging local data to advocate for state-level improvements in policy, workforce systems, childcare funding, and safety net programs. We are looking forward to engaging our local United Ways in conversations around a policy agenda informed by the ALICE report.  

What This Means for North Carolina  

North Carolina is home to hundreds of thousands of ALICE households. The Summit’s insights align directly with our statewide priorities at United Way of North Carolina:

• 211 and Closed-Loop Referrals: Our expanded capabilities are positioning North Carolina as a leader in coordinated access systems. 
• Workforce Partnerships: Opportunities exist to deepen partnerships with employers and workforce boards to support career advancement for ALICE workers. 
• Childcare and Early Learning Investments: There is growing statewide momentum to support childcare workforce stabilization, expand subsidy access, and advocate for sustainable funding. 
• Data-Driven Advocacy: ALICE data continues to be a powerful tool for legislative engagement and community education.

Moving Forward Together

The ALICE Summit reaffirmed that this work—our work—is both urgent and transformative. Across the country, United Ways are demonstrating what is possible when communities unite around the shared belief that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive.

North Carolina is poised to continue leading. By leaning into collaboration, leveraging data, and amplifying the voices of ALICE families, we can build a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous state. United Way of North Carolina has a goal to present the ALICE data to every county in our state.

We know many of our local United Ways have already shared this information within their communities. If you would like for United Way to present ALICE in your community please contact Sally Gordon, Director of Mission Advancement, sgordon@unitedwaync.org.  

I look forward to working with each of you as we continue advancing solutions for North Carolina’s ALICE households and strengthening our statewide movement.

Let’s keep the momentum going.

The Impact of Our NC 211 Program to Help North Carolinians Thrive

Cary, NC - Every year on February 11, we come together with colleagues nationwide to celebrate 211 Day. This special occasion honors the incredible dedication of our team by opening our doors to the community. We host an Open House, inviting friends from all over the state to experience firsthand the breadth and impact of our programs and operations.

If you could not make it to our Open House, I’m excited to share some Fun Facts about NC 211:

• In 2025, NC 211 answered over 326,500 calls, connecting people to the help they needed.
• The average wait before speaking with a call specialist? Less than 30 seconds.
• Our NC 211 Community Resource Directory boasts over 16,000 resources, carefully vetted and updated throughout the year.
   

There’s a common misconception that 211 is simply a phone system. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Oh, we don’t need to invest in just a phone system,” and how disappointing it is when folks have this impression. Because 211 is so much more than that. For someone in crisis, NC 211 is often the first step toward hope, a human connection, a compassionate voice, and real solutions. It’s about access, support, and guiding people through some of life’s toughest moments.

What truly sets NC 211 apart is our deep connection to communities across North Carolina. Powered by local United Ways, we’re rooted in the neighborhoods we serve and understand the resources available better than anyone. NC 211 data enable local United Ways to advocate for community needs, identify service gaps, and share the real story of what is happening on the ground. Our local United Way teams are made up of North Carolinians, your neighbors, who are committed to making a difference. This unique model is why our services stand out in the industry.

Time and again, I hear, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a directory of all the health and human services organizations in our community?” Or, “Can we use your resource directory for our own project?” It makes me cringe a little each time. Why reinvent the wheel when we can collaborate? Instead of duplicating efforts, let’s partner and invest in NC 211 to make an already outstanding resource even better.

 During our Open House, we heard comments like:

• “I had no idea the depth of work you all are doing.” 
• “Your resource directory is great. The most comprehensive we’ve ever seen!” 
• And perhaps most meaningfully: “Why doesn’t everyone know about all the work you are doing and how great this program is for North Carolina?”

When you’re immersed in this work every day, it’s easy to forget that many people still do not know about NC 211 or its full impact. That’s why we cherish every opportunity to meet new faces, share our story, and demonstrate the difference our team makes. We want 2-1-1 to become a household number in North Carolina, and we know that it takes awareness, advocacy, and your support.

Here’s how you can help:

• Tell friends and colleagues about NC 211 and our Community Resource Directory. 
• Connect with us on social media (follow, like, and share our posts!) 
• Invite us to speak to your networks or community groups.

Our resource directory is a true treasure. A curated, meticulously maintained database that is best in class statewide and nationally. We’re proud to say it stands up to any directory out there, and we work tirelessly to keep it that way. Delivering this service requires a dedicated team: call specialists available 24/7/365, resource coordinators supporting local United Ways and ensuring accuracy, supervisors maintaining quality, and leadership driving innovation and sustainability. That’s why when others seek to use our directory, we encourage investment, so we can maintain and expand this vital work.

I invite you to make a donation to honor the hundreds of individuals we serve every single day. Or if you are interested in learning more about our partnership opportunities, please reach out to me, bpruittfletcher@unitedwaync.org.

In addition, please check out our recently released 2025 Annual Report. The report provides a detailed and data-driven look into the impact we've made for North Carolinians across all our programs, including NC 211.

Together, we can keep building a stronger, more connected North Carolina, one call, one resource, one community at a time.

A recognition of female leadership during Women's History Month: Reflecting on self-care as a leadership discipline to drive organization sustainability

Cary, NC -- As I reflect on my journey as President and CEO of United Way of North Carolina, I’m reminded daily that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. It requires clarity, courage, and a deep commitment to the people and communities we serve. Being a female leader in this space adds another layer of meaning. It calls me to lead not only with strategy and vision, but also with empathy, resilience, and a willingness to model what sustainable leadership truly looks like.

I’m fortunate to stand alongside remarkable women across the United Way network who embody these qualities. Leaders like Jenny Lee, Executive Director of Rowan County United Way and Linda Jewell Carr, Executive Director of United Way of Sampson County, remind me that our strength is amplified when we lift one another up, share what we’ve learned, and acknowledge the realities of leading organizations that carry such profound community impact. Their examples reinforce that leadership is not a solitary act; it’s a collective practice shaped by collaboration and shared purpose. 

One theme that continues to surface in conversations with these women is the importance of self‑care as a leadership discipline. In the nonprofit world, we often pour ourselves into the mission with everything we have. But the truth is simple: an organization cannot be sustainable if its leaders are not. When we prioritize our well‑being, whether through rest, reflection, or simply giving ourselves permission to pause, we strengthen our capacity to make sound decisions, support our teams, and guide our organizations through both stability and change. 

Sustainability, after all, is not just about financial health or operational strength. It’s about cultivating a culture where people can thrive. It’s about ensuring that our teams feel supported, our strategies are grounded in long‑term thinking, and our leadership practices reflect the values we champion in our communities. When we take care of ourselves, we model what it means to take care of the organization. 

As we continue our work across North Carolina, I’m inspired by the collective leadership within our network who show up every day with passion and purpose. Together, we are building something enduring. We can ensure that our United Way remains strong, resilient, and ready to meet the evolving needs of the communities we proudly serve.

United Way’s Evolution in a Changing Landscape

Cary, NC -- Earlier this month, over 400 United Way employees came together in North Charleston, SC for our Southeast Regional Conference (SERC). Coming out of the convening, I’m carrying a deep sense of pride and connection. This year’s gathering felt especially meaningful. Not just because of the ideas exchanged, but because of the people who showed up with such heart and purpose.

430 attendees at the Southeast Regional Conference in North Charleston, SC

One of the highlights for me was seeing 44 local United Way leaders from across North Carolina in the room. Their presence spoke volumes about our state’s commitment to collaboration and to strengthening the United Way network across the Southeast. Being together reminded me how powerful it is when we step out of our day‑to‑day work and reconnect with the broader movement we’re part of to help our communities thrive.

I was also honored to participate in a panel alongside David Christie of Prezzee, Sydney Ashworth of GoFundMe.org, and Angela Collins of United Way of the CSRA, on Hurricane Helene relief and long‑term recovery, a topic that continues to shape the lives of so many North Carolinians. The conversation reinforced something I see every day: United Ways are uniquely positioned to respond quickly, stay engaged long after the headlines fade, and coordinate the partnerships that make true recovery possible. Hearing how other states are navigating similar challenges gave me fresh energy and new ideas to bring home.

SERC’s theme, “Charting the Course” felt fitting in United Way’s focus on innovation, community alignment, and the evolving role of United Way in a changing landscape. That theme echoed throughout every session I attended. Whether we were discussing ALICE data, fundraising trends, or community impact strategies, the message was clear: We are building a future that demands both courage and collaboration.

Sally Gordon and David Mercado of United Way of NC speaking in a session about their involvement in United Way's Next-Gen program.

What I appreciated most was the honesty in the room. People shared openly about what’s working, what’s not, and where we need to push ourselves. That kind of transparency is what strengthens our network and helps us grow as leaders.

To everyone who attended, presented, or supported this conference: thank you. Your engagement is what makes this gathering so valuable year after year. And to our North Carolina delegation: you made me incredibly proud. Your leadership, curiosity, and commitment to your communities were evident in every conversation.

As we return to our local work, I hope we carry forward the momentum and connection we built in North Charleston. Let’s continue to learn from one another, challenge ourselves, and stay bold in our vision for the future.

The SERC Planning Committee coming together after 18 months of strategic and logistical planning!

I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed: Presenters, facilitators, attendees, and the incredible Planning Committee that made the event possible. Your leadership and engagement are what make this conference so valuable year after year.

Thank you for the work you do every day and for the passion you bring to improving lives across the Southeast. 

A Day of Advocacy and Celebration: United Ways Champion the Passing of the NC State Budget and Celebrate Statewide Community Efforts that Help North Carolinians Thrive

Cary, NC -- This month I'm sharing a combined update highlighting two important and recent convenings for the United Way network in North Carolina, both of which occurred on May 13th in Raleigh. It was great to see so many of you and get to catch up with my previous colleague, Karon McKinney, from United Way of Forsyth County.

First, we held our annual Jones Street Advocacy Day, bringing together local United Way leaders from across the state to meet directly with their respective districts’ lawmakers.

The focus was championing the passage of the state budget and emphasizing how critical investments in areas like raises for teachers, raises for state employees, increases in childcare subsidies, and increasing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can have long-term benefits for North Carolinians and their families. United Ways also shared on-the-ground stories, reinforced the importance of strong community partnerships, and advocated for continued support of programs that strengthen the state’s social safety net, like NC 211. This is our 24/7 go-to resource in times of disaster, personal crisis, or daily challenge.

Later that evening, we held an intimate ceremony to celebrate the 2025 Spirit of NC Award winners. Legislators were invited to hear about the amazing work companies are doing in their communities through partnerships with their local United Ways. These awards recognize organizations and individuals across the state who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community impact, volunteerism, and philanthropic leadership. Honorees represent a wide range of sectors from corporate partners to local nonprofits and volunteers. Each has made measurable contributions to improving the health and wellness and financial standings of people in their communities. The awards celebration also highlighted innovative collaborations and the power of collective action through creating fundraising efforts, as presented by the three Best Practice winners: The Timken Company, Fort Bragg Credit Union, and Kimberly-Clark.

As we share the incredible work of our local partners and NC 211, I am always surprised at the number of folks that have not heard about our NC 211 Community Resource Directory. The Directory is fueled by agencies like yours that offer support to North Carolinians in all 100 counties. If you are not yet in the Directory and would like to extend your support efforts, please consider adding your contact information. If you are already in our Directory but need to provide an update on your services, contact information, and more, you may submit the update for your listing by clicking here. Both capabilities can be found by visiting the Agencies page in the main menu at NC211.org, as shown below:

The work United Ways and our partners are doing across the state is lifting communities through collaborative fundraising efforts, volunteering, advocacy, and disaster relief. Getting to showcase these efforts to our states’ lawmakers and celebrate them afterwards was a day worth spending.

Consider exploring how your local United Way and their partners are making great changes happen for your community by using our NC United Way Directory and see how you can get involved and make a difference too.

Standing with Western North Carolina: Stories of Resilience, Progress, and Continued Need

Cary, NC -- Over the past week, our team traveled across western North Carolina. From Asheville to Waynesville, Black Mountain, and into some of our most rural counties. We visited to listen, learn, and witness firsthand the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene.

What we saw and heard was both inspiring and sobering.

Communities described Hurricane Helene as unprecedented with more than 20 inches of rain falling in just hours, triggering landslides, isolating entire towns, and disrupting power and communication for over a week.  

Even today, the impacts remain deeply felt:

• Hundreds of individuals are still living in temporary housing, many in campers and makeshift conditions.  
• Families are preparing to enter another winter without permanent homes.  
• Housing shortages, already a challenge, have been significantly worsened by the storm.  

Recovery is not quick. It is complex, layered, and ongoing.

Across every visit, we heard powerful stories that reflect both the hardship and the impact of community support:

• An elderly couple (ages 85 and 80) living in unsafe conditions with a failing foundation and unreliable heat, received critical repairs and a restored heating source, allowing them to remain safe in their home.
• A working family with a young child regained stability after receiving flooring repairs, HVAC replacement, and structural support, turning an unlivable home into a safe environment.  
• A family of five, including a newborn, transitioned from living in a camper to a safe, HUD-standard home, demonstrating what is possible when resources are braided together effectively.  
• In another case, critical home repairs prevented displacement entirely, allowing families to stay rooted in their communities rather than entering homelessness or unsafe sheltering situations.

These are not just success stories. These are your dollars at work. They are proof that flexible, community-driven funding works.

Through UW Helps NC and related disaster funds, United Way and partners have mobilized resources at scale:

• Over $7 million raised and distributed through UW Helps NC, driven largely by individual donors nationwide to support recovery efforts.

On the ground, these investments translated into:

• Direct support to families for housing repairs, rent, and utilities
• Flexible grants allowing local organizations to respond quickly to urgent needs  
• Rapid deployment of $3 million within 60 days of the disaster, ensuring immediate relief when it mattered most

This approach being low-barrier, trust-based, and locally informed has been consistently described by partners as one of the most effective funding sources they have experienced.

Despite this progress, the need remains significant and growing.

Across western North Carolina, we continue to see:

Persistent Housing Instability

• Many homes remain structurally unsafe due to flooding, mold, and damage that takes years to fully repair.  Funding gaps mean some homes cannot be rebuilt at all, leaving families in long-term temporary housing.

Deep, Structural Poverty

• Families living on fixed incomes, often Social Security, are far below local cost-of-living needs.
• Rural communities face limited access to childcare, healthcare, and employment opportunities.  

Service Gaps and Isolation

• Many residents are still unaware of available resources due to geographic isolation and limited connectivity.  
• Transportation barriers, digital gaps, and workforce limitations compound recovery challenges.  

Funding Uncertainty

• Disaster funds are nearing depletion, with few immediate new funding streams available.
• Agencies consistently report:  “There are more needs than there is funding. And it’s just getting worse.”

Even amid these challenges, what stands out most is the resilience of western North Carolina:

• Strong collaboration among nonprofits, churches, and local governments
• Long-term recovery groups forming and strengthening in real time
• A shared commitment to meet people where they are, with dignity and compassion

As one partner reflected, recovery is not just about rebuilding homes, but restoring stability, connection, and hope.

United Way of North Carolina remains deeply committed to:

• Advocating for sustained investment in long-term recovery
• Expanding access to 211 and resource navigation, especially in rural communities
• Supporting local partners with flexible funding that meets real-world needs
• Lifting up stories of impact to ensure communities are seen, heard, and supported

The road ahead is long. But together with continued partnership, investment, and community leadership, we can ensure that every family has an opportunity to recover, rebuild, and thrive.

With Gratitude and Determination,

The 75th Anniversary is here. UWNC has been helping NC communities thrive since 1951.

Cary, NC -- Today, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of United Way of North Carolina (UWNC), we honor a remarkable legacy of service, collaboration, and community impact. For three-quarters of a century, UWNC has brought people together around a simple but powerful belief: when we unite our resources, expertise, and compassion, we can create stronger communities and better opportunities for all North Carolinians. 

The story of UWNC is one of neighbors helping neighbors. What began as a movement in 1951 to support local charitable organizations through coordinated fundraising and community investment has grown into a statewide network committed to improving lives across every corner of our state. Through economic prosperity and hardship, natural disasters and public health crises, changing demographics and evolving community needs, UWNC has remained steadfast in its mission of mobilizing communities to action so all can thrive.

One of the most significant milestones in our history has been the creation and growth of NC 211, a free, confidential, multilingual resource that connects residents to critical health and human services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Today, NC 211 serves all 100 counties, helping North Carolinians access food assistance, housing resources, healthcare services, utility support, digital literacy resources, caregiving resources, disaster recovery assistance, and much more. The program has become a trusted lifeline for individuals and families seeking help and hope.

UWNC has also played an important role in disaster response and recovery efforts. From hurricanes and floods to the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies, our statewide network has worked alongside local United Ways, government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to provide timely information, coordinate resources, and support communities on their path to recovery. NC 211 is recognized as a key member of North Carolina's emergency response system, helping residents find the assistance they need when it matters most. 

Throughout our history, we have also embraced innovation. UWNC has supported initiatives that connect individuals to benefits and services, strengthen digital access, expand caregiving support, and improve coordination between healthcare and human service organizations. Programs and partnerships such as MyFriendBen, Digital Opportunity and Literacy, Scam Prevention, and other collaborative efforts, reflect our commitment to finding new ways to help individuals and families thrive.

Today, UWNC works alongside 47 local United Ways and countless community partners to advance four critical areas of impact: Community Resiliency, Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security. Together, we are building communities where children can succeed, families can achieve stability, older adults can age with dignity, and every individual has access to the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

As we reflect on the past 75 years, we do so with deep gratitude. We are grateful for the generations of volunteers, donors, advocates, board members, community leaders, nonprofit partners, and staff who have dedicated their time, talent, and resources to serving others. Their commitment has shaped the legacy we celebrate today.

Anniversaries are an opportunity to look ahead. The challenges facing North Carolina continue to evolve, and so must our solutions. We remain committed to listening to communities, fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and ensuring that every North Carolinian has the opportunity to thrive.

Together, we have accomplished extraordinary things over the last 75 years. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient North Carolina for generations to come. 

Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us write the next chapter of United Way of North Carolina's story.

Back-to-School Season Is Here. See How United Ways Across North Carolina Are Helping Students Succeed.

Cary, NC -- As students, teachers, and families across North Carolina prepare for a new school year, local United Ways are stepping up to help ensure every child has the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

The back-to-school season brings excitement and opportunity, but it can also create financial strain for families already balancing tight budgets. From school supplies and backpacks to nutritious meals and essential resources, local United Ways are working alongside volunteers, businesses, schools, and community partners to help students start the year prepared and confident.

Across our state, United Ways are leading a variety of efforts to meet local needs. For example, United Way of Greater High Point's Backpack Program provides fully stocked backpacks and school supplies to thousands of students through a network of community partners serving children and families throughout the region. 

In Lincoln County, United Way of Lincoln County's "Stuff the Bus" campaign brings together local businesses, healthcare partners, schools, and community members to collect school supplies for students and teachers, helping ease the burden of back-to-school expenses for families in need.

These are just two examples of the many ways local United Ways are making a difference. Across North Carolina, you'll find school supply drives, backpack distributions, teacher resource programs, food assistance initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and other community-led efforts designed to support student success both inside and outside the classroom.

No matter where you live, there is likely a local United Way working to strengthen educational opportunities and create brighter futures for children and families in your community.

I encourage you to learn more about the incredible work happening in your area and discover ways to get involved. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, advocate, or simply help spread the word, your support can make a meaningful impact. Get started by visiting the NC United Way Directory to find the closest location near you.

And if you or someone you know are seeking back-to-school programs to receive assistance from, our information and referral program, NC 211, can help. It's free, multilingual, confidential, and available 24/7/365. Simply dial 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162 or visit NC211.org and a Community Resource Specialist will be glad to help.

Together, we can help ensure every student across North Carolina starts the school year ready to succeed.

Thank you for all you do to support our communities.

Supporting North Carolina's Future for 75 Years

Cary, NC - On September 17, we had the privilege of welcoming board members, partners, supporters, and local United Way leaders to our Open House and 75th Anniversary Celebration. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our accomplishments, and look ahead to the future we are building together.

One of the highlights of the event was receiving a special proclamation from Representative Zack Hawkins recognizing 75 years of service and impact across North Carolina. This recognition belongs to the generations of leaders, volunteers, donors, advocates, and community partners who have helped strengthen communities and improve lives throughout our state.

Throughout our celebration, local United Way leaders shared stories of the work happening in their communities. While each community faces unique challenges, we remain united by a common mission: bringing people and resources together to create lasting change. Their stories demonstrated the incredible impact local United Ways make every day in the areas of education, financial stability, health, and basic needs.

Guests also had the opportunity to learn about the work happening through NC 211 and across United Way of North Carolina. From supporting local United Ways to connecting individuals and families with critical resources, our team works every day to strengthen communities and ensure help is available when and where it is needed most.

As we celebrated this milestone, we were also reminded why our mission remains as important today as it was 75 years ago.

This month marks two years since Hurricane Helene forever changed western North Carolina. While major headlines have faded, recovery continues for many families who are still rebuilding homes, restoring financial stability, and navigating the long road forward. Housing restoration and long-term recovery remain significant needs across the region.

In the days following the storm and throughout the recovery process, United Ways across North Carolina worked alongside nonprofit partners, emergency responders, government agencies, and generous donors to connect individuals and families with food, housing assistance, financial support, health services, and other critical resources. Today, that work continues. Our local United Ways remain on the front lines, helping families meet basic needs, access recovery support, and rebuild stronger futures.

The story of Hurricane Helene recovery reflects the very spirit that has guided United Way of North Carolina for the past 75 years: neighbors helping neighbors, communities coming together, and partnerships creating solutions that no one organization could achieve alone.

As we honor our past, we are also investing in the future. We remain committed to supporting local United Ways, expanding access to resources through NC 211, strengthening community resilience, and responding when North Carolinians need us most.

If you would like to support ongoing recovery efforts in western North Carolina, I invite you to contribute to the United Way Helps NC Fund. Your gift helps local United Ways provide flexible assistance, including housing support, food security, transportation assistance, case management, emergency supplies, and other critical recovery resources.

As we continue through hurricane season, I also encourage every North Carolinian to take steps to prepare. Creating an emergency plan, assembling an emergency kit, staying informed, and checking on neighbors can make a meaningful difference when severe weather strikes. Resources are available through the NC 211 eLibrary to help families prepare and stay safe.

Seventy-five years ago, United Way of North Carolina was founded on the belief that communities are strongest when people work together. That belief continues to guide us today. Whether we are celebrating milestones, responding to disasters, or building pathways to opportunity, our mission remains the same: bringing people and resources together to improve lives and strengthen communities across North Carolina.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support, partnership, and commitment have made the past 75 years possible and will help shape the next 75.

With Gratitude,