TABLE OF CONTENTS
OUR MISSION
We bridge people, local United Ways, and resources so individuals, families and communities thrive in North Carolina.
OUR VISION
Thriving communities through equitable access to resources.
A Message From Our Board Chair
What a year we’ve had. United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) has experienced challenges, growth, excitement, and renewal. As I reflect on my first year as Board Chair, I am immensely proud of what our organization has accomplished and the positive impact that we have every day on improving the quality of human life for everyone in North Carolina.
After a season of being apart, the United Way network was eager to come together in-person for conferences, meetings, and training opportunities. Over 450 people showed up for events, receiving the opportunity to network and share ideas. We brought 50% of the NC 211 call center services in-house at our Cary office and the statewide system answered more than 150,000 calls for help with basic needs, such as housing, childcare, and transportation.
We also experienced transitions, as United Way of NC leaders retired and passed the baton to the next generation. President and CEO, Laura Zink Marx, retired after eight years of service. The UWNC board and staff are so grateful for the impact she made on our organizations, partners, and North Carolinians across the state. Through her expertise, we expanded NC 211, helped launch NCCARE360, and strengthened new and existing United Way partnerships. Director of Education and Member Engagement, Anita Barker, also retired in December 2022 and we cannot fully express our gratitude for her dedication to the network over the last 14 years.
It’s been a joy to welcome Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, our new President and CEO, who started with UWNC in October 2022. She has years of experience within the United Way system and a wealth of knowledge that has already proven to be irreplaceable. We know she will continue to make our organization even stronger in the upcoming years.
Through all these transitions, the Board of Directors feels immense gratitude for our staff who work hard every day to serve North Carolinians and advocate for community needs. We are also grateful for partners and funders who support UWNC and believe in our mission. None of this would be possible without you and we are ready to continue this work in 2023.
Jeff Johnson - 2022 Board Chair, United Way of NC Board of Directors
We believe in community-led action to create positive change.
Change doesn't happen alone. United Way is uniquely positioned to collaborate with private, public, and nonprofit partners to improve education, financial stability, and healthcare for our neighbors across North Carolina. Together, 50 local United Way organizations work to build equitable communities where everyone can thrive.
2022 was a year of growth, revitalization, and renewed energy. United Way of North Carolina hosted training and networking opportunities, welcomed new leadership, celebrated the achievements of United Way organizations and their partners, and provided invaluable tools to strengthen capacity in local communities.
We supported our United Way network throughout the year by providing:
- NC 211 data and caller stories, representing the needs of community members.
- Statewide marketing materials around NC 211, tax preparation assistance, and voting.
- 3 virtual Summer Network Conversations, focused on Marketing, NC 211, and Legacy/Endowment Programs.
- Coaching/leadership development and onboarding for 8 new United Way staff members.
- Survey to assess network health and inform capacity building content.
- 30+ network emails with relevant information and connection to resources.
Watch the video below to hear from local United Way representatives Judi Thurston (United Way of Wilson County), Bill Blake (Albemarle Area United Way), and Amy Navejas (United Way of Cumberland County).
CELEBRATING LOCAL IMPACT
For more than 25 years, the Spirit of North Carolina Award has celebrated organizations for their campaign excellence achieved through impactful events, engaged leadership, and volunteerism. In 2022, organizations championing DEI values and post-pandemic rebuilding efforts were also celebrated.
On March 1st, United Way of NC virtually presented 75 awards representing 21 United Ways across the state. We welcomed 7 corporate and nonprofit guest speakers who offered poignant comments and helped make the celebration special. It was exciting to learn more about the flexibility and ingenuity shown through United Way campaigns and events throughout the year.
STRENGTHENING OUR NETWORK
In February, our network joined together in person for the first time since 2020! UWNC's Annual Meeting brought together 77 United Way staff and board members in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
46 people attended a training on strategic communications, where we learned from experts and shared ideas on how to create effective messaging and demonstrate impact.
MEETING OTHERS IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION
United Way of NC and other state associations in the region planned and implemented the four-day Southeast Regional Conference in Greenville, SC. Nearly 400 people attended workshops around a variety of topics, including resource diversification, storytelling, legacy endowments, and more. We were thrilled to welcome keynote speakers Deanna Singh, Ted Ma, and United Way Worldwide President & CEO Angela F. Williams.
North Carolina United Way organizations represented three of the eight awards presented across the southeast. Congratulations to United Way of Iredell County, United Way of Central Carolinas, and Rowan County United Way for the remarkable impact you made in your communities!
Advocacy is at the heart of everything we do at United Way of North Carolina.
Through NC 211 and NCCARE360, we uplift the needs of community members across the state and advocate for necessary resources. In collaboration with our United Way network, we raise awareness around statewide initiatives, such as tax preparation and educational assistance. And we work with partners to think creatively about programs and services that help North Carolinians meet their basic needs.
Our Public Policy Team partners closely with local United Way staff to create and advance our advocacy agenda. This year, we worked together to secure NC 211 funding, establish crucial community programs, and spread the word about tax credits, VITA sites, and voting.
NC 211 is a free, confidential, and multilingual health and human services information system, available 24/7/365.
North Carolinians who dial this 3-digit number will reach a trained and caring community resource specialist who can connect them to resources for housing, senior services, food assistance, healthcare, and much more.
United Way of NC has spent more than 20 years building the NC 211 system, making it an accessible and trusted resource for North Carolinians. In 2022, we brought 50% of the call center services in-house, expanded our team, and advocated for additional funding to support the high-volume of calls we continue to receive.
2022 BY THE NUMBERS
RESOURCES
Throughout the past year, the NC 211 Resource Team maintained a 91% verification rate, verifying almost 4,100 agencies. They also added 244 new organizations to the database, ensuring that the community is able to access up-to-date details about available programs. 100% of eligible 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 2022, there were more than 75 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
Otis is 71 years old and lives alone. He needed some help around the house for tasks he was unable to complete, due to his age and disability. Having used NC 211 in the past, Otis knew this was the first step to finding support. When he called 2-1-1, the specialist provided referrals for home repair programs and senior resources. Otis said he was thankful to have an organization like NC 211 to turn to when he didn’t know who to contact.
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.
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 over 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 2022, a team of 4 NCCARE360 Navigators and 1 Team Lead assisted 8,217 clients through Assistance Request Forms and In-Network Referrals. Top client needs included rent and utility assistance and Navigators focused on identifying and supporting additional client needs.
CLIENT STORY
A client was experiencing homelessness and was referred to an NCCARE360 Navigator from another partner on the platform, The Navigator worked with the client to understand their situation and then identified and coordinated referrals for the family that had been homeless for more than two years. The Navigator was able to connect the family to housing support services in their community. And once a housing option had been secured, the Navigator further supported the family by finding a resource for furniture so they could begin to make their new house a home.
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- CHAIR: Jeff Johnson, Lazer X of Burlington
- VICE CHAIR: Brian White, ECU Health
- TREASURER: Gareth Montague-Smith, Cherry Bekaert
- SECRETARY: Roy Watson, Jr., Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
- IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR: David McNeill, Duke Energy
- PRESIDENT (EX-OFFICIO): Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, United Way of North Carolina
- Michelle Adamolekun, Cone Health
- 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
- Tim Gabel, RTI International
- Tiffany Gladney, NC Child
- Ricky Hurtado, North Carolina State Legislator
- Tharesa Lee, Intentional Excellence Consulting
- Jane Liebscher, United Way of Greater High Point
- Fernando Little, Atrium Health
- Kendra Martin, United Way of Lee County
- Kim McCombs-Thornton, James Bell Associates
- Kevin McDonald, Eaton Corporation
- Nichole Rapuano, Credit Suisse
- Molly Taylor, Lenoir/Greene United Way
2022 UNITED WAY OF NC STAFF
- Anita Barker, Director of Education & Member Engagement
- Heather Black, Vice President
- Kelsey Harris, Resource Coordinator
- Michele Hutchins, Resource Coordinator
- Michele Otake, Resource Coordinator
- Yvonne Patton, Finance Manager
- Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, President & CEO
- Leah Proctor, Resource Manager
- Sarah Richards, Resource Coordinator
- Julia Van Patter, Marketing & Engagement Manager
- Keven White, Resource Coordinator
- David Wormald, Call Center Services Manager
- Catrea, NC 211 Team Lead
- Esthefany, NC 211 Team Lead
- Jose, NC 211 Team Lead
- K'Leigh, Navigator Team Lead
United Way of North Carolina
1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary, North Carolina 27511
919-834-5200