Monthly Archives: February 2023

United Way Campaign Raises Nearly $2 Million For Grants

The United Way of Hancock County announced that its 2022 campaign raised nearly $2 million to allocate toward grants that provide critical services to 1 in 4 residents of the community.

The United Way recognizes and responds to the changing needs of Hancock County’s most vulnerable residents by communicating regularly with local nonprofit agencies, government officials and community leaders. In the fall, United Way’s grant review committee of trained volunteers identified food security, children’s issues, housing, health, workforce development and transportation as community priorities and voted to fund 23 local programs that support these areas in the coming year.

“We know that changes in the economy have impacted so many children, families and individuals in our community,” said United Way of Hancock County CEO Angela DeBoskey. “We are proud to support programming that delivers critical services and tools to those who need them most.”

 

 

The funds being distributed were raised through United Way’s 2022 Annual Campaign, which engages individual donors and retirees, as well as employees through workplace philanthropy. The 2022 fall campaign raised a total of $1.9 million.

“We are proud to contribute to our community in such a meaningful way, and we thank our fundraising team, individual donors and workplace campaign partners for joining us in this effort. We are truly so appreciative of your contributions and for supporting our work to strengthen those who are struggling to meet basic needs,” DeBoskey said.

Vulnerable Child Initiative

Although many of the 2023 funded programs cross categories, those falling under United Way’s Vulnerable Child Initiative will receive a total of $335,000 in support of advocacy, prevention and crisis response efforts.

Child safety funding will be distributed to CASA/GAL of Hancock County, which trains volunteers to give youth a voice in the court system; the Center for Safe and Healthy Children’s forensic interview program following a report of child abuse; child victim services programs through Open Arms; equine-assisted therapy for youth through Challenged Champions Equestrian Center; Children’s Mentoring Connection of Hancock County’s youth mentoring programs; Scouting programs through Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio; the Salvation Army’s summer enrichment program; and preschool programs through Findlay City Schools and the Hancock County Educational Service Center.

Food security

Food security programs have been allocated over $266,000. United Way strategically increased funding in this area in response to rising grocery prices and the anticipated end to emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Food security funds will support the YMCA’s Feed-A-Child program, which administers the summer lunch program and provides weekend meal bags for students; vouchers for individuals and families in need of supplemental food through Christian Clearing House; West Ohio Food Bank’s distributions to Hancock County food pantries; and food programs at the Salvation Army.

Safety and health

Safety and health allocations for 2023 total $272,000. Supported programs are aimed at strengthening physical and mental health among Hancock County residents.

Funds allocated for safety and health will support financial assistance through Cancer Patient Services, an organization dedicated to cancer patients living or working in Hancock County; adult victim services through Open Arms; and disaster services programs though the local American Red Cross.

Housing

Realizing the impact housing has on the stability of our community, $216,000 has been awarded to the family shelter and independence programs at Hope House – Housing Services for the Homeless. Both programs are aimed at helping amid rising rent costs and evictions.

Workforce development and transportation

Workforce development and transportation programs will receive $79,000. Funds will be distributed to HHWP Community Action Commission for the Hancock Area Transportation Services (HATS) program, which provides rides to employment, medical appointments and more; and Raise the Bar Hancock County for career exploration for students countywide.

Additional funding will continue to help United Way deliver programs like the Halt Hunger Initiative and Community Gardens, which yields an average of 4,000 pounds of produce each season; and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, currently underway and providing free tax preparation services for qualifying Hancock County residents. Volunteers United placed over 10,500 volunteer hours in 2022.

All money raised in Hancock County stays local to support vital services, unless otherwise designated by the donor. United Way of Hancock County regularly seeks state and federal grants to help bolster funds raised locally and to allow the organization to use campaign dollars most effectively.

Visit uwhancock.org to donate or to learn more about the United Way’s mission and work.

 

Findlay City Schools February Days Off

Findlay City Schools is reminding students and parents about a couple of days off in February.

The school district posted to its social media a reminder that there will be no school on Friday, February 17th or on Monday, February 20th.

Friday the 17th will be a professional development day for staff members and February 20th is Presidents Day.

Click here to check out the full school district calendar.

 

Rock Hall Announces Nominees For 2023 Induction

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is out with the list of nominees to become new members this year.

There are 14 nominees this year representing a wide range of music.

The list includes The Spinners, Sheryl Crow, Cyndi Lauper and Kate Bush, along with George Michael, New Order, Iron Maiden, Rage Against The Machine, Soundgarden, Missy Elliott, Tribe Called Quest, The White Stripes and Warren Zevon.

And another country icon who could join Dolly Parton in the rock hall – Willie Nelson.

Fans can join in by voting once daily for up to five of their favorite nominees.

The inductees will be announced in May.

 

 

Tiffin Man Killed In Seneca County Crash

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says the driver of a semi was killed when he crashed in Seneca County.

The crash happened at approximately 2:42 p.m. on Tuesday on State Route 53 in Seneca Township.

The Highway Patrol says Terrance Joachim, 62, of Tiffin, was driving a 2021 International semi south on State Route 53 near milepost 5 when he went off right side of the road and struck a guardrail.

The semi then crossed back over the left side of the roadway and overturned.

The Highway Patrol said Joachim was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by the Sycamore Fire Department and sustained fatal injuries in the crash.

The Highway Patrol said Joachim was wearing his seat belt and alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash which remains under investigation.