Special to IFN
The Iredell County Community Foundation and the United Way of Iredell County, in partnership with the Iredell Health Foundation, recently announced a joint investment of $100,000 to support the Whole Child, Whole Family, Whole Community Collaborative (WCWFWCC) – a bold and unified initiative aimed at improving outcomes for Iredell County’s most vulnerable children and families.
This joint funding marks the first collaborative grant cycle between the Iredell County Community Foundation and United Way of Iredell County. A check presentation ceremony was held on April 17 at the Iredell Health Foundation to celebrate this unprecedented partnership and the launch of this countywide initiative.
“This collaboration is a powerful example of how funders can work together to drive meaningful change,” said John Green, president and CEO of Iredell Health System. “We are honored to join forces with the United Way and the Iredell County Community Foundation to support a community-led effort that will help children and families access the services they need to thrive.”
“When we align our missions, our resources and our vision, we can create real, lasting impact,” said Brett Eckerman, executive director of United Way of Iredell County. “This investment is about more than funding — it’s about changing the way our community works together for families.”
The WCWFWCC is designed to address the deep-rooted economic, educational and health disparities faced by children and families, particularly those attending Title I schools, where 92 percent of students live below the USDA poverty level. The collaborative brings together partners from across the county to develop a coordinated, holistic service model that moves beyond cross-referrals and into true systems integration.
As the lead agency and fiscal steward, the Iredell Health Foundation will oversee implementation of the planning phase, which includes the launch of a Family Navigator Program at the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont and the development of a long-term business plan rooted in evidence-based practices such as the Two-Generation approach and the Colorado Family Support Assessment.
“This collaboration between funders and nonprofits reflects the power of unity and shared purpose,” said Lisa McBane, board chair of the Iredell County Community Foundation, which is a regional affiliate of Foundation For The Carolinas. “By combining resources and expertise, we’re better equipped to meet community needs, deliver vital services and create lasting, positive change. Together, we empower individuals, uplift families and strengthen the bonds that build a brighter future for all.”
The collaborative already includes committed partners such as Mitchell Community College, Iredell-Statesville Schools, Partners Health Management, Pharos Parenting and the Iredell County Partnership for Young Children, with plans to engage additional agencies in future phases.