United Way of Chatham County

Guten Tag! United Way of Chatham County is going International! We are thrilled to share some exciting news – our very own Impact Manger, Daisy Butzer, MPH, has been selected to represent the United Way Network at the One Young World Summit in Munich, Germany this November! Daisy is one of only 20 United Way staff members GLOBALLY selected to participate in this (all expenses paid) prestigious event. She was nominated for this opportunity by Shelley Smith Gegorek, our Communications and Grants Specialist, and we received the exciting news via a personal email from United Way Worldwide President and CEO Angela Williams. Background: One Young World provides a unique opportunity for 2,000 exceptional young leaders from around the world to gather and address some of our world’s most consequential challenges, and to join 17,000 lifelong One Young World ambassadors from 190+ countries to build and sustain connections throughout their careers. One Young World unites business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and human rights activists in the pursuit of meaningful social impact. Since 2010, the work of One Young World Ambassadors has directly impacted more than 35.8 million people worldwide. Throughout the Summit, Delegates engage in four days of inspirational speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, all focused on creating solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. They also receive mentorship and guidance from global figures like Justin Trudeau, Arianna Huffington, and Professor Muhammad Yunus. Daisy’s selection is not just an opportunity for professional development, it is the start of a lifetime membership in the One Young World Community. As an Ambassador, she will gain access to mentorship, global events, speaking engagements, and funding opportunities, connecting her with changemakers from every corner of the world. Herzlichen Glueckwunsch, Daisy! (Heartfelt Congratulations to Daisy!) We look forward to hearing about her experiences and the ideas she will bring back to strengthen our work and impact, and sharing it with you later this year.

The Executive Director role will be accepting applications for several more weeks. Please share!

United Way of Chatham County is looking for its next Executive Director. To view the job description and apply, follow this link: https://lnkd.in/eN6x-tEF

A Letter from United Way of Chatham County Executive Director, Katie Childs Dear Valued Community Partner, I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your dedication and support for the mission of United Way of Chatham County. Today, I am reaching out to share a personal update and important news about my role:?I will be stepping down from my position as Executive Director of United Way of Chatham County (UWCC), effective this spring. This decision comes after much reflection, as my family and I have decided to relocate back to our home state of Ohio. Making this decision wasn’t easy, but giving my children the gift of growing up near extended family has become an increasingly important value for us. Serving this community over the last nine years has been an incredible honor. The partnerships we have built, the collective impact we have driven, and the lives we have changed are a testament to the strength of this community. I am deeply grateful for your support, collaboration, and shared commitment to making Chatham County a place where everyone can thrive. While my time as Executive Director will conclude this spring, I remain fully committed to supporting a smooth transition for the organization and our partners. The United Way Board of Directors has activated a committee to facilitate the identification and onboarding of the next Executive Director. UWCC is committed to identifying a leader who will continue advancing our mission and sustaining the important work we have built together. With that in mind, the organization has ensured capacity to continue our Bold Goal and Chatham Housing Collective work, uninterrupted.? In the coming weeks you will hear more about the search for a new Executive Director. But in the meantime, I want to say thank you for your unwavering support of United Way, our community, and me personally. It has been a privilege and a joy to serve this organization and this community. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of it. If you have any questions or would like to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or our current Board Chair, Laura Mendelsohn at?Info@unitedwayofchathamcounty.org. With gratitude, Katie Childs??????????????????????????????????????????????? Executive Director? United Way of Chatham County

United Way is committed to?ending and preventing poverty for 2,000 people in 2,000 days (by 2030).?To bring this vision to life, we are proud to announce the launch of the?Chatham Success Network (CSN), an innovative, community-driven initiative designed to provide families with the support they need to thrive. ? EMPOWERING FAMILIES THROUGH COLLABORATION Beginning with Siler City Elementary, where poverty rates are significantly higher than the county average, the Chatham Success Network?brings together a powerful network of community partners to provide seamless, wraparound services for families in need. These partners include: - Chatham County Department of Social Services - Chatham County Schools & McKinney Vento Program - Chatham Literacy - Communities in Schools - Partnership for Children - Salvation Army of Chatham - United Way (backbone support, family engagement resources, and evaluation services) MAKING AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT Since the program's?launch, Maria Soto, the Chatham Success Network's?Family Navigator with Communities in Schools, has already enrolled the pilot program's first clients. With personalized guidance, these families now have direct access to case management, education, housing assistance, and employment support, helping them access tools to achieve lasting stability. STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER The Chatham Success Network?is more than a program; it’s a transformational partnership.?By working together, agency representatives are better equipped to provide holistic support and break down barriers for families. Weekly partner meetings foster?collaboration, problem-solving, and collective impact, ensuring no family falls through the cracks. Already, families are feeling the difference. They express confidence in reaching their goals, knowing they have a dedicated support system behind them. “True power lies in collaboration,”?says?Tych Cowdin, Executive Director of Communities in Schools. "When people come together to share ideas, they inspire new solutions, and collective wisdom paves the way for meaningful change." JOIN US IN CREATING CHANGE Launching the Chatham Success Network is just the beginning.?As we work toward our Bold Goal, we invite you to learn more, get involved, and be part of the solution. For more information,?visit our website - https://lnkd.in/dZmX8g7.

A Lifeline for Thomas: United Way’s Role in Restoring Stability and Hope Learn more about our work at https://lnkd.in/ep5EyAKR.

United Way Executive Director Katie Childs (Smith) was asked to speak on housing challenges and United Way's role in creating collaborative solutions in our community at the 2024 Chatham Chamber of Commerce's State of Chatham annual event. Childs began United Way's housing work in the winter of 2021 with the creation of the Chatham Housing Collective, which is now managed by United Way's newest employee, Daisy Butzer, MPH, our Impact Manager. Housing is just one of the focuses of United Way's Bold Goal Program - ending and preventing poverty for 2,000 people in 2,000 days. To learn more about our Bold Goal, visit https://lnkd.in/gTTHFEnS.

Earlier this fall, Carolina Meadows, Inc. hosted a service project for their residents that will benefit unhoused people across Chatham. United Way was awarded a $1,000 grant from ROTARY CLUB OF PITTSBORO for supplies that Chatham County's Street Outreach staff will distribute while interacting with individuals and families who are unhoused, living outside or in their vehicles. United Way purchased the supplies with the grant funding, and spent a morning at Carolina Meadows assembling street outreach kits. The Street Outreach Coordinator was originally a position funded by United Way and HUD Funding managed by Central Pines Regional Council. It is now also supported with funding from Chatham County Housing and Community Development department - a new department formed in response to the identification of service and program gaps from the Chatham Housing Collective, a program of United Way. For more information on the Chatham Housing Collective, visit https://lnkd.in/e5pUNt8b.

We had a great time at the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits annual conference Tuesday and Wednesday. We look forward to sharing what we learned with one another and creating goals to become a stronger organization. Pictured (l-r): Daisy Butzer, MPH, UWCC Executive Director Katie Childs (Smith) and Shelley Smith Gegorek.

Over 9,225 calls have been placed to?NC 211?regarding Hurricane Helene relief and response. Here's the latest data on where the calls are coming from, and the highest needs. For nonemergencies, such as questions about helpful resources in your area like food, water, shelter, etc, please dial 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162 or visit?nc211.org.?Be sure to check?fiman.nc.gov,?readync.gov, and?drivenc.gov?for specific updates in your area. Locally, NC 211 is funded by United Way of Chatham County and the Chatham County Government.