This article is contributed by Ruth Ravitz-Smith, local nonprofit founder, leader and public affairs consultant. 

Perhaps you relocated to the Cape Fear region over the past couple of years since you can now work from anywhere. Or you retired here from a major metropolitan area. Or maybe you have just throttled back from your 40+ hour a week job.  
 
As times have changed, so has United Way. No longer just dependent on workplace campaigns, UWCFA adapted to add new ways for you to connect to your community.
 
While we have the amazing features that attracted so many of us here, we also have a portion of the community that needs assistance. For over 80 years, United Way of the Cape Fear Area (UWCFA) has helped fill that need. Supporting 42 partner agencies in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Columbus counties with financial, volunteer, and organizational support, the United Way makes an impact on the health, education, and financial stability of individuals in our area.  
 
The recently launched “Retire United” is a great way for retirees to learn about the community and to give back in a way that doesn’t require a large time commitment. I remember when my dad first retired – he was happy to volunteer, but after a lifetime of work, he didn’t want to have to commit to a certain day or time each week. UWCFA can help you find the volunteer work, without having to make a weekly commitment. For example, you can help children develop the literacy skills they need to flourish in school, job seekers prepare for the interview process, and ensure your neighbors have access to the healthcare they deserve.
 
We know that each generation is committed to leaving this world a better. What better way than to literally get your hands dirty here in your local community and volunteer to help those around you? You may be working remote and feel a lack of connection to others in your age group, volunteering is a great way to fill that gap. United Way can help you learn more about your community and get connected to ways to volunteer.  
 
Our mission at UWCFA is to work with our community to leverage resources and improve the lives of local people.  

Won’t you join us?  
 
Ruth Ravitz Smith, Board Member
Relocated to Wilmington full-time in 2015 from the Washington, DC area
First supported UWCFA through a workplace campaign in 2010 while working for GE 
 
Check out our website and watch for some upcoming ways to get involved with UWCFA by following us on social media.