As an interim professional, taking on a new role can be daunting, especially when faced with uncertainty of relocating or embarking on a new career path. However, as I recently discovered in my role as the Interim Relationship Development Director at United Way of the Cape Fear Area, sometimes it’s the unexpected opportunities that can lead to the most rewarding …

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — To hear Lee Dixon tell it, he’s just a retired guy who wants to give back to the community.  But the people he helps tell a different story. Jennifer and Jesse Osborne were flooded out of their mobile home in Winnabow, NC in 2018 by hurricane Florence. After staying with friends for two years, they tried …

It’s not every day that you come across someone as passionate and dedicated as Angela Fernot, our Outreach Coordinator. Her unwavering commitment to building strong relationships with the community and fostering a culture of service has made her a standout member of the UWCFA team. As we celebrate Angela and her contributions to the organization, let’s take a closer look …

Everyone knows about 9-1-1. But fewer people know about 211, the nationwide service for non-emergency life challenges. The kind everyone faces at some point in their lives, when you have no idea where to turn but sure could use some extra help. Funded in part by local United Ways, 211 is a vital service that connects millions of people each …

Ruth Ravitz Smith is a local nonprofit founder and leader, public affairs consultant, and mentor who actively serves as a member of both the UWCFA Board of Directors and the Campaign Cabinet. In her true servant leadership style, Ruth also serves as the board liaison for the newly relaunched Retire United initiative. Ruth is an avid golfer (she met her …

The United Way of the Cape Fear Area is excited and proud to announce the addition of a new staff member who will be supporting its Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Yvette “Yvie” Dickson, of Leland, is new to the Cape Fear area after moving from Albany, N.Y., where she worked with New York state government for 20 years …

As part of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners ongoing community building and investment efforts, local nonprofit organizations with a focus on preventing violence and providing wrap-around services can apply for grant funds through the county’s Capacity Building Initiative beginning December 16 through January 16. New Hanover County is partnering with the United Way of the Cape Fear Area …

This article is contributed by Ruth Ravitz-Smith, local nonprofit founder, leader and public affairs consultant.  Perhaps you relocated to the Cape Fear region over the past couple of years since you can now work from anywhere. Or you retired here from a major metropolitan area. Or maybe you have just throttled back from your 40+ hour a week job.   As …

About: Currently a Commercial – Middle Market Banker with First National Bank, Billy Smith is a career banker (only changing jobs once in his entire career) living in the Cape Fear Area since 1993. Around that same time, Billy was introduced to United Way through a workplace campaign and now continues to serve as a volunteer on multiple committees as …

How important is it for kids to learn to read and build strong literacy skills? Most experts agree it’s essential. Research shows: Literacy skills are vital because opening a book leads to so much more than reading. Books help kids develop new skills and abilities that help them in school and after graduation. Here are the four skills kids learn …