May 12, 2022
Over the next few weeks, the Catawba County United Way will be highlighting the executive and program directors of the CCUW's funded partner agencies for 2022.
Every year, the CCUW looks to partner with local non-profits and help support their programs focused on improving the lives of those in need in the areas of education, financial stability and health.
This week Robert Dalton – Executive Director Family Guidance Center.
1. How long have you been with your agency and have worked with non-profits overall?
I have been with the Family Guidance Center for almost 6 months now, having started here in November of last year. My entire two decades of work experience have been in the non-profit sector, both internationally and domestically in several states across the US. Directly before coming to the Family Guidance Center, I was the Executive Director of the Lincoln County Coalition Against Domestic Violence for nearly 7 years.
2. What drew you to your current position and this kind of work?
I work in non-profit management because I want to use my talents and abilities to help make a positive change in the communities where I live and work and because I want the result of my work to be a chance at something better for those who most need assistance to get to stability and health. I recently came to the Family Guidance Center because of the great reputation of the organization to provide life-changing services for its clients while making the community a better place to live.
3. What is the impact of your agency in our community?
In 2021, the Family Guidance Center served nearly 3,000 people with therapy, domestic violence or sexual assault services, youth services, housing services, or consumer finance services. For many in our community, the Family Guidance Center is where they turn on the worst day of their year, or their lives, and we assist them with both short-term emergency services and long-term services toward a new, healthier life. Our staff are warm and caring while making a real difference in the lives of those we serve across our various programs.
4. What does a good day at work look like?
A good day at work is one where we're able to see clients making progress toward their individual goals and where we can assist them in taking new steps toward healthier, fuller lives. It's also one in which we work with our various community partners - especially the United Way - to help address larger community issues for the benefit of our entire community. And, selfishly, it's one with the least number of fires to put out along the way.
5. The non-profit world can be stressful. What’s your favorite way to relax?
I enjoy spending time with my kids, watching TV or movies, and reading. I also enjoy just sitting in my backyard and staring out at the trees. And, of course, a good nap is always a great form of relaxation.
6. Do you have a favorite book/movie and why?
Instead of one single movie, I'll say the entire Star Wars universe of movies and TV shows. As a kid of the 80s, it was an important part of my childhood and I've continued to enjoy it well into adulthood. I think the best part is that it's a great series of stories of good and evil that plays out with good typically triumphing in resounding fashion. It also makes it much better that a lot of characters are interesting, amazing, and just plain cool. I likely spend a little too much of my time thinking about the fictional adventures of space cowboys and wizards from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
Learn about United Way funded partners at THIS LINK.