Volunteer Spotlight: Marsha Vanture, CCC Board Chair

The Community Care Collaborative (CCC) was built on a simple but powerful idea: neighbors helping neighbors. For Marsha Vanture, that idea didn’t just spark interest—it became a calling that continues to shape her service and leadership as CCC’s Board Chair.

A Vision That Lasted

About six years ago, Bill Blake, Executive Director of the Albemarle Area United Way, introduced a new grassroots approach to meeting local needs through the Community Care Collaborative (CCC), a program operated by Albemarle Area United Way. The vision focused on supporting individuals and families facing temporary emergency crises by closing gaps among local resources. That idea immediately resonated with Marsha and stayed with her.

Later, when Bill encouraged her to consider becoming a CCC Ambassador, the fit felt natural. Marsha already had a deep passion for mission work, and CCC offered a meaningful way to live that out right here at home.

Finding Purpose Close to Home

Around that same time, Marsha participated in a mission trip to Cuba—an experience that opened her eyes to the challenges many people face. It also brought an important realization: the opportunity to make a difference wasn’t only far away.

The need existed right here at home.

Through her involvement with CCC, Marsha has come to understand that hard times can happen to anyone. Having CCC as a resource means individuals and families in Pasquotank, Camden, Gates, and Perquimans counties don’t have to face those challenges alone.

That understanding is what keeps her coming back. Each opportunity to serve reinforces the importance of community and allows her to grow through the work.

Community Means Showing Up Together

For Marsha, community isn’t defined by a single place.

Community can be a classroom, a neighborhood, or the city of Elizabeth City itself. It’s made up of people—always changing, but strongest when united by shared purpose.

That unity is reflected in CCC’s partnership with the local faith community. Faith communities across all four counties served by CCC work together to help meet the needs of their neighbors, serving as reaching hands throughout Northeast North Carolina.

Living CCC’s Mission

The Community Care Collaborative serves as a local community impact program of the Albemarle Area United Way, meeting human needs by assisting individuals and families facing temporary emergency crises. CCC works to close gaps among available local resources while serving Pasquotank, Camden, Gates, and Perquimans counties.

Volunteers are essential to this mission, and Marsha’s leadership reflects the values CCC volunteers strive to uphold:

• Showing compassion for those in need

• Helping neighbors obtain basic necessities

• Serving all people regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, sex, or age

• Developing awareness of community needs and services

• Promoting responsible stewardship of CCC resources

  
  

How You Can Help CCC

Marsha’s advice to anyone considering getting involved is simple: just do it.

Whether you volunteer your time or make a donation, every contribution helps CCC continue supporting individuals and families during difficult times. Even a small commitment can make a meaningful difference.

To learn more about volunteering or donating, contact Community Care Collaborative at 252‑333‑1009 or communitycare@albemarleareauw.org.

Serving With Heart

Marsha Vanture’s journey with the Community Care Collaborative reflects what is possible when compassion turns into action. Her leadership and continued service help strengthen CCC’s mission and the communities it serves.

The need is always there—and together, we can meet it.