Spirit of NC 2026

The following are the nominations sent to United Way of North Carolina for the 2025 awards. 

Chatham County Housing Department – Sustainability Through Engagement 
Chatham County Government’s Housing and Community Development Department has been a committed and engaged partner in advancing sustainable housing solutions across Chatham County. As United Way of Chatham County leads the Chatham Housing Collective (CHC), the Housing Department has played an essential collaborative role – aligning county strategy, policy tools and public resources with the Collective’s shared goals for long-term housing stability. Their willingness to work within a cross-sector framework has strengthened coordination between local government, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders.

Through implementation of the County’s Affordable Housing Strategic Plan and administration of the Housing Trust Fund, the department contributes critical infrastructure to the broader systems-change efforts underway through the CHC. Housing staff consistently participate in convenings, data discussions, and public forums, helping translate community voice into actionable policy and investment. Their leadership demonstrates a culture of public service that prioritizes partnership over siloed approaches.

By actively engaging in United Way-led collaboration, supporting shared planning efforts, and elevating housing stability as a community-wide responsibility, the Housing Department exemplifies sustainability through engagement. Their partnership strengthens collective impact efforts and reinforces long-term, systemic change for residents across Chatham County. 

The Preserve – Campaigns of Impact 
In 2025, The Preserve at Jordan Lake strengthened its partnership with United Way of Chatham County through a thoughtful, community-centered campaign that increased giving by 10.6% – from $16,650 in 2024 to $18,424 in 2025 – making this the highest-grossing campaign in the neighborhood’s history.

This year’s campaign focused on consistent visibility and appreciation. United Way expanded its presence through regular neighborhood newsletter advertisements highlighting local impact and opportunities to give. In addition, United Way hosted a hot cocoa table at The Preserve’s annual Tree Lighting ceremony as a simple thank you to residents for their generosity and continued support.

Results & Impact:

• 10.6% year-over-year increase in campaign revenue
• Highest campaign total in The Preserve’s history
• Increased awareness of United Way’s local work
• Strengthened neighborhood engagement

This approach – pairing steady communication with visible appreciation at a signature community event – will be repeated as a best practice. The Preserve’s leadership and generosity make this campaign worthy of recognition as a Campaign of Impact.  

Melanie York – Community Ambassador  
Melanie York exemplifies what it means to be a Community Ambassador. Since 2021, she has combined advocacy, volunteer leadership and strategic partnership-building to advance housing stability and homelessness response in Chatham County.

Melanie served on United Way’s grant review panel and led neighborhood fundraising through Encore of Briar Chapel, helping raise $23,000 in 2021. Her advocacy with Chatham County Commissioners helped catalyze the Working Group on Homelessness and Housing Instability, which later evolved into the United Way-led Chatham Housing Collective. She also assisted in planning, grant writing and securing funds that led to the creation of Chatham County’s first Street Outreach Coordinator role, significantly strengthening the county’s ability to engage and support unsheltered residents.

As a founder of CHAIN (Chatham Homeless Advocacy Issue Network), Melanie organized Chatham County’s first Point-in-Time count of unsheltered residents, mobilizing volunteers and law enforcement support. She also founded the Chatham Winter Weather Survival Drive, recruiting 80+ volunteers and distributing more than 12,000 essential items.

Her leadership moves from advocacy to action, resulting in sustained systems coordination and individuals permanently housed.  

Laura Mendelsohn – Sustainability Through Engagement
Laura Mendelsohn exemplifies sustainability through engagement by pairing visionary leadership with deep, ongoing community involvement. During her tenure as Chair of the United Way of Chatham County Board of Directors, Laura helped guide the organization through pivotal years of growth and transition while strengthening a culture of philanthropy and accountability across our community.

Laura set the pace for leadership engagement. She led the Governors Club annual campaign, breaking United Way of North Carolina state fundraising records and modeling visible, hands-on commitment. She spearheaded the creation of United Way’s comprehensive Development and Fundraising Plan, establishing long-term strategies that continue to drive sustainable growth. In partnership with the Finance Committee, she helped grow the United Way Legacy Fund by 121% in two years – strengthening the financial foundation that supports systemic poverty reduction efforts.

Her commitment extends well beyond United Way. Laura is actively engaged in civic, equity-focused, and arts organizations, consistently lending her time, talent and voice to efforts that strengthen inclusion, opportunity, and cultural life locally and regionally. She educates, connects and inspires others to participate in meaningful solutions.

Laura’s leadership is not episodic – it builds systems, relationships and capacity for lasting change. She represents the very best of sustainability through engagement.