The United Way of Cumberland County is soliciting public participation, experiences, and ideas concerning health, education, basic needs, and financial stability policies. The public forums will be held in public libraries, recreation centers and senior centers throughout Cumberland County, Hope Mills, and Spring Lake. The citizens of each community will influence policy and priorities of the United Way of Cumberland County. The scheduled dates for the Community Conversation are from May 12 to June 12. For more information and registration, contact Crystal Moore Williams, Impact Director, United Way of Cumberland County, by phone, 910 483 1179 Ext 29, email, crystalmmcnair@unitedway-cc.org, or visit the website https://www.unitedway-cc.org/
Mutual aid provides help for those in need. Specifically, mutual aid is people helping people, the primary institution of social welfare. United Way of Cumberland County is a primary institution of social welfare.
United Way of Cumberland County represents the Mutual Aid Institution of Cumberland County. The programs and initiatives are literacy, early childhood, education, youth mentorship, youth growth stock trust, teen volunteer movement, financial literacy, job placement, career placement, emergency food, shelter placement, a diabetes education program, mental health and substance misuse, food pantries, transportation assistance, Leadership Development Program and partner programs. The United Way of Cumberland County prioritizes addressing the root causes of problems to create lasting change and improve lives in the community.
Scott Embry, United Way of Cumberland County’s executive director, shares his perspective. “United Way of Cumberland County is more than an organization, it is a catalyst for real, lasting change. What makes it so impactful is its ability to unite people from all social classes to meet the unique needs of our community. It is an honor to stand in the gap, to advocate, and to serve those walking through a tough season. It is not just about meeting immediate needs, but about investing in long-term solutions. Every voice matters, every gift counts, and together, we are building a stronger Cumberland County for all.”
Moore-Williams shares her thoughts about the needs of the whole person and the unique needs of the community. “United Way programming is built on the belief that people are more than their circumstances. That is why we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every community has unique challenges and unique strengths. We engage directly with our partners, listen to local voices, and assess real-time data to develop initiatives that serve the whole person-physically, emotionally, and economically. Whether providing healthcare, education, critical needs, or financial stability programs, we strive to create wraparound support systems that honor the dignity and potential of every individual.”
She continues to share about the definition of social welfare programs beyond basic necessities, such as youth programs and the importance of community and one voice.
“Social welfare programs extend far beyond food and shelter. They include opportunities to build stronger futures, like after-school enrichment, early childhood literacy programs, mental health services, and youth mentoring. These types of programs do not just meet today’s need-they invest in tomorrow’s future leaders, strengthen family units, and create pathways out of poverty. At the United Way, we believe social welfare helps people thrive, not just survive. The community voice is not just important, it is essential. Lasting change does not happen from the top down; it starts with individuals raising their voices, sharing their experiences, and contributing their ideas. At United Way, we believe in the power of one voice-because every person matters. When one person speaks up, volunteers, gives, or advocates, they set off a ripple effect that touches the lives of others. That is how movements are built and how communities become stronger-everyone feels seen, heard, empowered to make a difference.’
She continued the conversation with thoughts about the eligibility guidelines and access to services.
“Eligibility guidelines are typically established in collaboration with our funded partner agencies based on program goals, community needs assessments, available resources, and funding requirements,” she said. “These guidelines ensure that services are directed toward individuals who need them most, while maintaining accountability and equitable access. Our goals are to remove barriers-not create them-so we continually evaluate these guidelines to ensure they are fair, inclusive, and responsive to changing community dynamics.”
Moore Williams shares her passion about her experience as impact director at the United Way of Cumberland County.
“I am passionate about community impact because I have seen firsthand how lives change when people come together for a common cause. United Way is not just a funding organization, it is a convener, a connector, and a catalyst for lasting change. We stand in the gap for people who need help, and we partner with those who want to help. Whether through a backpack full of school supplies, a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or a job readiness class, our work touches lives in big and small ways. It is deeply rewarding to be part of something bigger than myself-an organization that believes in dignity, compassion, and collective power. This is more than work; it is a calling.”
The Speak Out -Community Conversations locations and dates are May 14, Tokay Senior Fitness Center, from 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m.; May 15, FTCC General Classroom Building, Room 118/114 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; May 20, East Regional Public Library, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; May 21 Senior Center East, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; May 22, College Lake Recreation Center, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; May 27, Cliffdale Recreation Center from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; May 29, Westhaven Recreation Center, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; June 5, Hope Mills Recreation Center, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; June 12, Smith Recreation Center, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
All persons of Cumberland County are encouraged to attend the Speak-Out-Community Conversation. For more information regarding registration, contact Crystal Moore Williams by phone at 910-483-1179 Ext 29, by email at crystalmmcnair@unitedway-cc.org, or visit the website https://www.unitedway-cc.org/