Every day, the phones ring at United Way of Bartholomew County. The calls come steadily, each one reflecting the real and immediate needs of people in our community. A neighbor facing chronic homelessness searching for a safe, stable place to live. A mother who needs childcare so she can keep her job and continue supporting her family. A working couple, both holding down jobs, unsure how they will cool their home or put food on the table for their children that night.

Listening on the other end is Cathy King, Director of Impact at United Way of Bartholomew County. Cathy leads with calm focus and deep knowledge, connecting people with resources that offer both relief and a pathway forward.

Her leadership and dedication have earned her recognition as a Woman in Leadership honoree by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. In their announcement, the Chamber shared,

“Through her leadership at United Way, Cathy King uplifts our community by empowering individuals living in poverty with compassion, coaching, and critical resources. A tireless advocate for equity and opportunity, Cathy inspires change daily and leads with heart.”

At United Way, Cathy oversees a skilled Impact Team with an unmatched understanding of Bartholomew County’s social services. Her team works with families and individuals to navigate available resources and connect them with the right services. Using Avenues to Opportunity, a comprehensive case management system, they focus on equipping neighbors with the tools and support they need to move out of poverty and toward long-term success.

This work is central to United Way’s bold goal of lifting 1,000 families out of poverty in 2,000 days. So far, more than 300 families have already achieved greater stability and independence through Cathy’s leadership and her team’s efforts.

Cathy’s reach goes beyond United Way. Her work has built strong partnerships with the City of Columbus and a network of nonprofit and government organizations, all committed to the goal of making homelessness in Bartholomew County rare, brief, and non-recurring. These coordinated efforts have already helped around 68 people regain stability, with that number improving every week. Another 65 have been given resources that have prevented their homelessness.

At United Way of Bartholomew County, the mission is clear: to ensure every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Cathy King makes that mission a reality every day, bringing together compassion, strategy, and action to change lives across the community.