Goldsboro, N.C. — In a powerful gathering of minds and missions, the United Way of Wayne County hosted its Issue Focus Summit on Wednesday, uniting nonprofit organizations and community leaders to take on one of the area’s most pressing challenges: poverty and financial instability.
The event marked a pivotal shift for the organization, moving from broad-based campaign support to a targeted focus on systemic issues that contribute to poverty in Wayne County. United Way Executive Director Sherry Archibald opened the summit by emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and collective action.
“Today is about building and strengthening relationships between organizations, recognizing what is already happening, and most importantly, beginning to uncover the root causes of poverty in our community,” Archibald said. She also shared United Way’s bold new goal: to empower 12,000 community members to achieve financial stability by 2035.
Uncovering the Root Causes
Through collaborative discussions, organizations identified a wide array of interrelated causes contributing to poverty and financial hardship in Wayne County. These included:
- Lack of financial education and job training
- Low wages and limited access to affordable child care and housing
- Transportation barriers and school dropout rates
- Family instability, mental health challenges, and substance abuse
- Isolation, crime, and systemic challenges in education and healthcare
- Illiteracy, food insecurity, and difficulty navigating complex assistance programs
Also highlighted were deeper social dynamics such as generational poverty, lack of support for second chances (especially for those leaving incarceration), and the need for greater inclusivity in services — especially for those living just above the poverty line who do not qualify for aid but still face significant financial strain.
A Call to Collaborate and Act
The summit served not just as a forum for discussion, but as a call to action. Leaders stressed the need for stronger collaboration between organizations, better communication of available resources, and a more unified strategy in delivering services.
Attendees were encouraged to make better use of NC 211, a statewide resource directory that provides access to essential services and programs for residents.
“There are many great organizations doing great work,” said Archibald. “But we must stop operating in silos. It’s time to close the gaps, connect the dots, and support the whole person—not just the problem.”
Looking Ahead
With its renewed focus and measurable goals, the United Way of Wayne County is laying the groundwork for transformational change—bringing community members, nonprofits, and civic leaders together in a shared mission to tackle poverty at its roots.
For more information about United Way’s initiatives or how to get involved, visit www.unitedwayne.org.
