About One Community United | The Catawba County United Way Podcast
One Community United is your inside look at what’s happening on the human services front in Catawba County, NC. Hosts Mark Bumgarner and Meredith Willis talk through the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful: what’s changing in our community, what challenges we’re facing, and what’s giving people hope.
Each episode features local experts and real conversations about the issues that impact families, neighbors, and nonprofits every day, plus practical ways you can get involved and be part of the solution.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on in Catawba County (and what you can do about it), you’re in the right place.
Connect with Catawba County United Way (https://www.ccunitedway.com) here!
Episode 7: "Supporting Children and Families in our Community"
In this episode of One Community United, we sat down with guests from the Children's Advocacy and Protection Center to discuss their vital work supporting children and families in our community. They shared how their organization helps children navigate difficult situations through advocacy, prevention, and coordinated support services. The conversation highlighted the importance of collaboration among community partners to ensure the safety and well-being of every child. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the impact CAPC is making and how the community can help protect and support local children and families.Thank you to Catawba Valley Medical Center for sponsoring this episode.
27 Jul 2026
Episode 6: "Turning Dollars into Impact"
In this episode of One Community United, three first-time Allocations Committee members share their experiences serving in this important volunteer role. They discuss how the process gave them a deeper understanding of United Way's impact and the vital work being done across our community. Through hearing presentations from local nonprofits seeking grant funding, they gained firsthand insight into the challenges organizations face and the lives they are transforming every day. Their stories highlight the value of community involvement and the thoughtful process behind investing United Way funds where they can make the greatest impact.
Connect with Catawba County United Way here!
This episode is sponsored by Empowher, Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, and Century Furniture.
Empowher is an employee resource group through Transportation Insight & NTG that creates opportunities for women to connect, grow, lead, and make an impact. Through professional development, mentorship, networking, community involvement, and meaningful partnerships, Empowher builds a supportive community that empowers women both personally and professionally.
Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina works to enhance people’s dignity and quality of life by strengthening communities and helping individuals overcome barriers to employment. Through education, training, and the power of work, Goodwill helps people reach their full potential.
Century Furniture proudly produces heirloom-quality furnishings while maintaining a deep commitment to American craftsmanship, personalized customization, and environmental sustainability.
We thank Empowher, Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, and Century Furniture for supporting this episode and our community.
29 Jun 2026
Episode 5: "A Community’s Commitment to Safety: Shelter Home of the Foothills"
In this episode we sit down with Lisa Clontz, the director of the domestic violence and sexual assault shelter, Shelter Home of the Foothills. We explore these organizations takeover of services in Catawba County, the services they provide, and how the community can support them. You will gain insight into how Shelter Home of the Foothills empowers individuals on their journey to safety, stability and healing, and how community support makes this work possible.
27 Apr 2026
Episode 4: "Feeding the Community, Building Connections"
In this episode, we sit down with leaders from the Hickory Soup Kitchen and the HOPE Center to explore how compassion, collaboration, and community are transforming lives in our community. From serving a warm meal to helping individuals take their next steps toward stability, these organizations are meeting people where they are—and walking with them toward hope.
30 Mar 2026
Episode 3: "County Leadership Unplugged"
In this podcast, Catawba County Manager Mary Furtado, explains how the county’s operational success is driven by strategic growth, strong leadership, and a management approach that focuses on improving residents’ quality of life through effective local government systems. She offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how departments coordinate, how leadership principles guide decision‑making, and how long‑term planning shapes the county’s future. These efforts highlight how county leadership and community partners work together.
Huge thanks to Catawba County for sponsoring this episode and helping make these conversations possible. We appreciate your support of local stories and the community we’re building together.
Connect with United Way Catawba County here!
23 Feb 2026
Episode 2: "The Chick Who Brought the Community to the Table"
In this episode of United Way of Catawba County’s Podcast, we sit down with the owner of Chicken Salad Chick to explore how her passion for service drives both her business and her community involvement. She shares her journey as a business owner, her leadership role, and the importance of creating a workplace culture centered on giving back. We discuss the meaningful partnerships she’s built with United Way and the impact of being involved in the community. Her story highlights how small businesses can play a powerful role in strengthening and uplifting their communities.
Connect with United Way of Catawba County here!
Huge thanks to Peoples Bank for sponsoring this episode and helping make these conversations possible. We appreciate your support of local stories and the community we’re building together.
26 Jan 2026
Episode 1: "One Community United"
Catawba County United Way’s first podcast episode serves as an introduction to the organization’s mission and impact within the community. In this episode, your hosts Mark Bumgarner and Meredith Willis discuss how United Way brings people and resources together to address critical needs such as education, financial stability, and health. You will learn about the collaborative approach United Way takes that includes working with local partners, volunteers, and donors to create lasting, measurable change. By sharing real stories and an inside look at its initiatives, this podcast sets the stage for future episodes and invites the community to become more involved in its work…..”One Community United”.
Connect with Catawba County United Way here!
Contact One Community United | The Catawba County United Way Podcast
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