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,
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