Cary, NC -- On Tuesday, July 22, United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) traveled to Goldsboro, NC for a full day of community engagement, media outreach, and partnership building. The visit was graciously hosted by United Way of Wayne County (UWWC), which coordinated a robust itinerary to spotlight NC 211—UWNC’s free and confidential information and referral service that connects North Carolinians to essential health and human services.
The day began early with a live appearance on Goldsboro’s Greatest Hits, WGBR 1150 AM and 98.3 FM. David Mercado, Senior Director at UWNC, and Sherry Archibald, Executive Director of UWWC, joined host and Program Director Jeff Farrow to discuss the mission, impact, and accessibility of NC 211. They emphasized how the service acts as a critical resource for individuals in need of support ranging from housing and healthcare to mental health and disaster assistance.
Following the radio interview, Mercado and Archibald headed to WGTV, Goldsboro’s government-access television station, to continue spreading awareness about NC 211. They also highlighted UWWC’s milestone 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of service and community leadership. This interview is available on YouTube via the Wayne County Government channel (@WayneCountyGovernment).
Sally Gordon, Director of Mission Advancement at UWNC, and Sara Carlson, Mission Advancement Manager, accompanied the team throughout the day. In addition to observing the media engagements, Gordon and Carlson were given an insightful tour of downtown Goldsboro led by Archibald. The tour offered a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history, civic life, and the strategic community initiatives UWWC is spearheading.
The day concluded with a presentation at the Goldsboro Rotary Club, where David Mercado addressed club members and representatives from various community agencies, including Senator Buck Newton. His talk focused on the value and scope of NC 211, delving into its role as a statewide connector to resources. He also outlined the collaborative partnerships that strengthen NC 211’s reach and effectiveness, including North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Digital Opportunity initiative, MyFriendBen, and NCCARE360.
"Touring Goldsboro, NC yesterday with the United Way of Wayne County was truly inspiring," says Mercado. "It was incredible to see the heart of the community up close, and I’m beyond excited to strengthen our partnership and work together to take our impact to the next level."
The visit exemplified the power of local partnerships and community-based storytelling in advancing awareness of critical support services across North Carolina.
About NC 211
NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina and powered by local United Ways of North Carolina. Families and individuals can call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 to receive free and confidential information on health and human services within their community. Visit NC211.org to learn more.