A Letter From Our President and CEO

As I reflect on my first year in the role as President and CEO, I am filled with gratitude for the way our community has shown up for one another. When I stepped into this position, I did so with a deep belief in United Way of Greater Charlotte’s mission to lift children and families out of poverty. Over the past year, that mission has only become more urgent and more essential. 

This has been a tough year for the nonprofit sector. Organizations across our region have faced increasing demand, rising costs, and widening gaps in the systems on which families rely. Despite these challenges, nonprofit leaders have worked tirelessly to step into those gaps and ensure that residents have the support they need during a time of instability. Their resilience and commitment have been a source of inspiration for all of us. 

Our work continues because of our partners and their unwavering dedication to creating communities where individuals and families can truly thrive. Across our four-county footprint, we are grateful for organizations like: 

• ourBRIDGE in the Albemarle/Central neighborhood, providing ESL and holistic support to meet the academic and socio-emotional needs of refugee and immigrant children and their families. 

• The Bulb Gallery provides mostly local produce, as well as health and wellness education, via weekly farmers markets to food insecure neighborhoods such as Albemarle/Central (ESL), Graham/N. Tryon, Grier Heights, Renaissance West, Sugar Creek/I-85, Sugar Creek/I-85 (ESL), North Mecklenburg. 

• Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry in Anson and Union Counties, serving as a bridge from crisis to stability for neighbors at risk of losing access to their most basic needs. 

• The S.T.U.D.I.O. in Cabarrus County, offering programs that educate, inspire, and help build a brighter future for the community. 

• Feed My Lambs in Anson County, providing food, clothing, and essential items to children, seniors, veterans, and families experiencing hardship. 

These are just a few examples of the extraordinary work made possible by the support of our community.  We are proud to work alongside these partners to advance our shared mission.  

To every donor, volunteer, and advocate: thank you for getting involved, showing up, and creating ripples of good that extend far beyond what any one organization could do alone. 

As we look ahead, we are energized by what 2026 will bring. United Way of Greater Charlotte will celebrate our 95th anniversary. This milestone speaks to decades of commitment to community-led change. Follow us on social media to be among the first to see the rollout and join the celebration. 

Our mission remains our guidepost. In the year ahead, we will deepen our work, strengthen partnerships, and continue to take on the root causes of economic mobility so that every child, every family, and every neighborhood can thrive. 

Thank you for walking alongside us. Together, we are building stronger communities. 

Sincerely,  

Kathryn Firmin-Sellers 

President & CEO 

United Way of Greater Charlotte