Table of Contents
OUR MISSION
Increase the capability of the United Way system to improve the quality of human life in North Carolina.
OUR VISION
United Way of North Carolina is recognized as a respected and highly effective organization by it's members within the United Way system, and its collaborating partners outside the United Way system. We are known as an instrumental force in ensuring that the United Way system in North Carolina is successful in addressing the essential human needs of our communities.
OUR WORK
United Way of North Carolina is proud to focus our efforts on three core areas of work: Member Services, NC 211, and NCCARE360.
UNITED WE ARE....
GAME CHANGERS
MEMBER SERVICES
NC UNITED WAY NETWORK
United Way is passionate about building community-led solutions to our neighbors' most pressing needs. With a focus on education, health, and income, 50 United Ways across the state link together stakeholders to collectively impact the lives of North Carolinians.
In 2021, United Way of North Carolina guided local United Ways through leadership and staff transitions, surveyed staff to assess recovery from COVID-19 and risk mitigation, and provided training opportunities to help build capacity. We also organized facilitated conversations focused on newly released COVID impact research, housing initiatives, ARP funds, DEI tools for integration, United Way Worldwide dues, and more.
- 78 awards representing 19 local United Ways and 260 in attendance at the virtual Spirit of North Carolina awards event, recognizing exemplary community partnership.
- 4 virtual regional conversations with more than 250 attendees in total (record number attendance). Topics included Resource Diversification, Operational Updates, DEI Board Training, and Global Corporate Leaders.
- 3 marketing and branding conversations.
- 35+ network emails with relevant information and connection to specific resources to support impact work.
Useful tools and resources for local United Ways:
- NC 211 data and caller stories.
- Organization and board training model focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
- Statewide marketing materials, including more than 55 social media graphics to raise awareness around NC 211, tax credits, and voting.
- COVID-19 Impact Survey analyses categorized by Social Determinants of Health regions, United Way footprint, and demographic data.
UNITED WE ARE...
HAND RAISERS
ADVOCACY EFFORTS
United Way of NC's advocacy work is a collective effort between the Public Policy Team and local United Way staff who raise their hands and lend their voice to support important issues that effect North Carolina communities.
2021 advocacy efforts included:
UNITED WE ARE...
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
NC 211
NC 211 is a free, confidential, and multilingual health and human services information system, available 24/7/365 in all 100 North Carolina counties. North Carolinians who dial this 3-digit number will reach a trained and caring call specialist who can connect them to resources for housing, senior services, food assistance, healthcare, and much more.
The system has continuously gained recognition as the primary source for health and human services information and serves as a key member of the State Emergency Response Team, activated by state leaders during hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the NC 211 team answered 160,937 calls and met 194,100 requests.
OUR TEAM
The Team at NC 211 is a powerhouse that works 24/7/365 to meet the needs of our fellow North Carolinians. NC 211 staff are members of our communities who work from call centers based in Asheville and Cary. Every member of the team participates in on-going training opportunities throughout the year and works together to coach and support each other.
- Call Specialists are the front-line team members, answering 2-1-1 calls. They listen and respond to the needs of callers and work to find appropriate community resources.
- Navigators are assigned to a specific subject area and become experts in their line of work. A Navigator manages a caseload of clients and is able to spend time learning about their needs and problem-solving with the client.
- A team of Resource Coordinators manages the robust NC 211 Database. They work daily to verify and confirm resources statewide to ensure NC 211 has the most current and accurate information to meet the needs of our callers.
- Team Leads and Call Center Managers support and coach team members while also monitoring the telephony systems to ensure 2-1-1’s service delivery is meeting our quality standards.
TOP NEEDS IN 2021
RESOURCES
Throughout the past year, the Resource Team maintained a 98% verification rate and added 472 new organizations to the database, ensuring that the community is able to access up-to-date details about available programs. 100% of Resource Team members have received AIRS Certification for Community Resource Specialist - Database Curator (CRS-DC), indicating a dedication to professional standards and expertise in curating, organizing, and indexing programs and services.
North Carolinians can also read detailed information about resources by visiting NC 211's eLibrary at nc211.org/elibrary. At the end of 2021, there were more than 50 articles about housing, utility assistance, healthcare, education, and more. NC 211's eLibrary serves as a central hub, providing answers to frequently asked questions around eligibility requirements and application procedures for statewide programs.
NC 211 CALLER STORY
Sherry was referred to the Back@Home Program by a Navigator at NC 211. Through this program, she was able to find an apartment and is excited to move into her new place. However, money is tight, and she is unable to afford the cost of furniture. Sherry called NC 211 to find out where she could get free or low-cost furniture. The call specialist was able to provide a few local resources that could help furnish her home on a small budget. When Sherry hung up the phone, she was energized and ready to start making her place a home.
UNITED WE ARE...
PROBLEM SOLVERS
NCCARE360
NCCARE360 is the nation's first statewide coordinated care network that knits together health care, human services and community-based organizations to deliver person-centered care in all 100 North Carolina counties.
United Way of NC is an integral part of the NCCARE360 statewide system, providing leadership and engagement support through local United Way communities. The resource team works to ensure that nearly 13,000 resources in NCCARE360 are up-to-date, verified and accessible, and build on its existing NC 211 resource database and 211 system expertise. NCCARE360 navigators work alongside health system and community-based organizations in support of their patients and clients, providing individual attention for high-risk individuals.
In 2021, NCCARE360 Navigators (based in the NC 211 call centers) served 3,217 clients. Most frequent requests for assistance included housing & shelter, utilities, financial assistance, and healthcare. Referrals are made within the platform or through the nccare360.org self referral form.
2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- CHAIR: David McNeill, Duke Energy
- VICE-CHAIR: Jeff Johnson, Lazer X of Burlington LLC
- TREASURER: Brian Usischon, The University of North Carolina
- SECRETARY: Roy Watson, Jr., Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
- PRESIDENT (ex-officio): Laura Zink Marx, United Way of North Carolina
- Deborah Ally, Gaston Lifestyles Magazine
- Sherry Archibald, United Way of Wayne County
- Sherry Bradsher, Cansler Collaborative Resources
- Kathy Colville, North Carolina Institute of Medicine
- Laura Clark, United Way of Central Carolinas
- Pres Davenport, Eckel & Vaughan
- Brett Eckerman, United Way of Iredell County
- Charmaine Fuller Cooper, AARP
- Tim Gabel, RTI International
- Tiffany Gladney, NC Rural Center
- Ricky Hurtado, North Carolina State Legislator
- Tharesa Lee, Intentional Excellence Consulting
- Fernando Little, Atrium Health
- Kendra Martin, United Way of Lee County
- Kim McCombs-Thornton, James Bell Associates
- Kevin McDonald, Eaton Corporation
- Gareth Montague-Smith, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
- Heidi Norwick, United Way of Alamance County
- Nichole Rapuano, Credit Suisse
- Travis Starkey
- Brian White, Vidant Health
2021 UNITED WAY OF NC STAFF
- Anita Barker, Director of Education & Member Engagement
- Heather Black, NC 211 State Director
- Kelsey Harris, Resource Coordinator
- Laura "LJ" James, Director of Resource Strategy & Technology Integration
- Laura Zink Marx, President & CEO
- Marcus Morris, Resource Coordinator
- Michele Otake, Resource Coordinator
- Linh Pham, Resource Coordinator
- Leah Proctor, Resource Team Lead
- Sarah Richards, Resource Coordinator
- David Stratton, NC 211 Senior Operations Manager
- Julia Van Patter, Marketing & Communications Specialist
- Vickie Woodbury, Finance Director
United Way of North Carolina
1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary, North Carolina 27511
919-834-5200