‘A new beginning’: United Way welcomes visitors to new office

Published 12:05 am Thursday, March 21, 2019

SALISBURY — Rowan County United Way opened its new office on the second floor of the Salisbury Post building on Wednesday.

Jenny Lee, executive director of the agency, said the organization had a lot of transitions in the past year with new leadership, a new office and a new community impact model.

“It’s an exciting time, but we’re a bit nervous,” Lee said. “It’s a new beginning.”

The new location, at 131 W. Innes St., allows the United Way to be more accessible to the community — a perk to Miriam Ramirez, Capstone Recovery Center’s executive director. She can now walk to the office from the center at 418 W. Innes St.

“It’s more United Way,” Ramirez said. “It’s available to us just a few steps away. They can actually see the progress they’re making.”

Capstone Recovery Center is a seven-month recovery program for women that helps them with sobriety and becoming active in the community.

Capstone Recovery was awarded the “Jackie Award,” which goes to an individual or group that has demonstrated enthusiasm about the United Way campaign.

Rowan County United Way announced its community impact model last year, which will focus on substance abuse, mental health and healthy behaviors. Partner agencies that positively affect those three issues will receive funding from the organization’s annual fundraising campaign.

Ahead of the ribbon-cutting and open house Wednesday, the United Way board of directors held its annual meeting to elect officers.

The following will serve for 2019:

• Marcus Koontz, president.

• Seth Waller, vice president of planning.

• Barry Hill, vice president of community impact.

• Gary Blabon, secretary-treasurer.

• Bill Burgin, past president.