GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The United Way of Wayne County has received a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to expand assistance for senior adults through its United Community Assistance Network, or UCAN, program.
The funding, awarded through the Duke Energy Foundation’s senior-focused grant initiative, will help Wayne County residents age 65 and older remain safely and independently in their homes while addressing housing, utility and healthcare challenges.
United Way officials say a growing number of seniors are facing financial hardships as they struggle with rising utility costs, maintaining safe housing and navigating an increasingly complex and digital healthcare system.
Through the grant, UCAN will provide individualized case management and targeted financial assistance designed to help seniors overcome those challenges and improve their quality of life.
Services supported by the funding will include utility assistance to help prevent service disconnections, emergency rental assistance to avoid displacement and minor home repairs aimed at improving safety, accessibility and livability.
UCAN will also expand healthcare navigation services by helping seniors schedule medical appointments, coordinate transportation, connect with healthcare providers and access prescription assistance programs.
“This investment from the Duke Energy Foundation is about much more than meeting immediate needs,” said Sherry Archibald, executive director of the United Way of Wayne County. “It gives senior adults the support they need to remain safe in their homes, access essential healthcare, and continue living with dignity and independence. We are incredibly grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for recognizing the importance of investing in our senior population.”
The grant builds on United Way’s ongoing efforts to create pathways toward financial stability for Wayne County residents. Since its launch, UCAN has connected people experiencing immediate crises with essential resources and personalized assistance while working toward long-term stability.
“The Duke Energy Foundation’s support allows us to expand services that make a lasting difference in the lives of our senior neighbors,” Archibald said. “Together, we are helping ensure that aging adults in Wayne County have the resources, guidance, and support they need to thrive.”
Senior adults seeking assistance will follow the same application process used by United Way’s traditional program. Wayne County residents age 65 and older who are experiencing a personal crisis may apply for funding beginning at 8 a.m. on the first business day of each month through the United Way of Wayne County website
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