MORROW COUNTY, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The United Way network has announced a realignment of its Ohio regions, designating the United Way of North Central Ohio (UWNCO) as the body responsible for United Way work in Morrow County. This follows the dissolution of the nonprofit entity previously known as United Way of Morrow County, a process completed through the office of the Ohio Attorney General.
Local United Way organizations operate autonomously as independently incorporated nonprofits under the United Way network. “When the decision was made to dissolve the United Way agency in Morrow County, we were selected by the national network to bring the county into our service area,” said Amber Wertman, executive director of UWNCO.
UWNCO, originally three separate United Way agencies, has experience leveraging resources and using the collective impact model to intensify results across a larger region. All pledges and donations made by Morrow County donors will be invested in nonprofit organizations working to improve life for Morrow County residents, unless designated for another county by the donor.
UWNCO Chief Development Officer Angie Voll will serve as development director for United Way of North Central Ohio serving Morrow County, allowing for a focused development of local funding and support for Morrow County nonprofit agencies.
The former Board of Directors for United Way of Morrow County will transition to an advisory council, with Morrow County allocated a percentage of seats on the UWNCO Governing Board. “UWNCO has shown us that they are fully invested in making sure that United Way’s presence in Morrow County continues to grow and that our local nonprofits are supported,” said John Hinton, former board president of United Way of Morrow County.
Former executive director Jodi Hayes has taken on the role of program administrator of the Esther’s Dream program, a Morrow County program under the administration of UWNCO that provides free special event clothing, shoes, and accessories to individuals in need.
UWNCO now serves Crawford, Marion, Morrow, and Wyandot counties, and is committed to transparency in all their work. They will continue to provide updates about this transition and welcome questions. Please visit unitedwaynco.org or call 740-383-3108 for more information.