Nearly 100 Community Leaders Gather to Address Financial Stability

GOLDSBORO, N.C. – United Way of Wayne County convened its second Issue Focus Summit on October 2, 2025, drawing nearly 100 local leaders and concerned citizens to the Goldsboro Events Center to address the pressing challenge of poverty in the region.

Continuing the Conversation

The summit represented Part Two of United Way’s Issue Focus Summit Series, building on work initiated in May. The afternoon session, held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at 1501 S. Slocumb Street, centered on exploring the root causes of poverty and identifying collaborative solutions to promote financial stability throughout Wayne County.

Expert Insights on Local Poverty

Patricia Beier of WAGES served as the event’s guest speaker, providing attendees with valuable insights into the realities of poverty affecting both Wayne County and the nation as a whole. Her presentation helped frame the complex challenges facing local residents struggling with economic insecurity.

Community-Driven Transformation

The gathering brought together a diverse cross-section of the community, including individuals who work directly with poverty-related issues in their professional capacities. The collaborative nature of the summit reflects United Way’s commitment to developing comprehensive, community-driven solutions.

According to organizers, while no final decisions were reached during the October session, the summit marked a significant milestone in the organization’s Issue Focus Transformation initiative. The event aimed to help narrow down specific root causes that the community can collectively address.

Looking Ahead

The summit represents an important step in shaping Wayne County’s collective vision for creating lasting change and improving financial stability for vulnerable residents. United Way of Wayne County continues to lead efforts to bring stakeholders together in pursuit of sustainable solutions to economic challenges facing the community.