CRAWFORD/MARION COUNTY, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The United Way of North Central Ohio is actively working to address critical needs across its five-county service area, including Crawford, Marion, Morrow, Seneca, and Wyandot counties. CEO Amber Wertman recently joined Randy Bigley on Community Spotlight to discuss the organization’s ongoing efforts and upcoming events.

Wertman emphasized the importance of regionalization for nonprofits, particularly in rural areas, to better compete for funding. She noted that the United Way expanded its reach in 2011 and 2013 to encompass its current five-county footprint.

“For us to really secure rural funding, especially from corporations and dollars coming outside of this area, it it really benefits us to have a larger footprint so that we can compete with those bigger cities for some dollars to get to get our programs funded back here, right here at home,” Wertman said.

The organization is currently at 75% of its fundraising goal with roughly three months remaining in the campaign, which concludes on June 30. Wertman encouraged individuals and businesses to contribute, highlighting the impact of even small recurring donations.

“If everybody would just give a dollar we could have some of a lot of our partners and programs right here at home fully funded,” she stated. “If you go to our website right now, you can put your own personal check, you know account in there and just have 5 bucks a month come out and and that that makes a big difference.”

Several upcoming events are planned to support fundraising and community engagement, including:

  • Bridges Out of Poverty Training: April 23 in Tiffin and April 24 in Marion (Marion event is full). This training aims to educate participants on the hidden rules of economic class and strategies for addressing poverty.
  • Raise a Glass Events: Open house-style events to thank donors, held across all five counties in late April and early May. Specific dates and locations can be found on the United Way website.
  • Purse Bingo: A designer bag bingo event on Friday, June 13, at the Crawford County Fairgrounds. Sponsorships are currently available.

Wertman also highlighted the growing need for basic needs services and expressed concern over frozen federal emergency food and shelter dollars. She emphasized the importance of the community safety net provided by United Way and its partner agencies.

For local nonprofits, the United Way of North Central Ohio will open its grant application process on April 14. The deadline for applications was not specified in the interview. Organizations whose programs align with the United Way’s bold goal areas of successful children, healthy families, self-sufficient residents, and strong communities are encouraged to apply.

The United Way is also seeking community volunteers to assist with the grant allocation review process. This can be done virtually and on the volunteer’s own time.

More information about the United Way of North Central Ohio, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities can be found at unitedwaynco.org or by calling 740-383-3108.