Vulnerable Children Initiative
The Vulnerable Children Initiative focuses on ensuring that children in Hancock County are safe, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. Every child deserves stability, care and the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face at home, in school or in their community.
Through this initiative, United Way of Hancock County supports programs and partnerships that address basic needs, protect children from harm, strengthen families and provide opportunities for learning, mentorship and personal growth. This work is rooted in the belief that our kids matter and that no child should be left behind.
Local nonprofits, government agencies, schools and child advocates work year-round to prevent harm, respond to crisis and support children and families through complex challenges. This work depends on strong collaboration and on caring adults who are willing to give their time, talents and resources to ensure children do not lose hope or a vision for their future.
Our Partners in Championing Children's Issues
West Ohio Food Bank helps address the reality that 2 in 5 Hancock County students do not have enough to eat, with hunger impacting their growth, development and academic performance. United Way of Hancock County supports the West Ohio Food Bank in its mission to distribute food to families throughout the county, helping to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals at home.
The YMCA Feed-A-Child Program serves many children in our community who rely on free and reduced schools meals. To help bridge gaps during weekends and school breaks, we support the Feed-A-Child Program, which provides easy-to-prepare food to students when school is not in session.
CASA of Hancock County ensures that no child has to navigate the court system alone due to abuse or neglect. We support CASA of Hancock County, whose trained volunteers advocate for the best interests of children, helping them move toward safe, permanent homes.
Findlay City Schools's Cares Program supports children and their families by providing essential resources such as hygiene products, food and other emergency assistance. We partner with FCS's Care Program to reduce barriers that can impact a student's ability to focus, participate and succeed in school.
The Center for Safe & Healthy Children provides children affected by abuse with a safe, supportive environment where they can share their experiences and begin the healing process. We support The Center for Safe & Healthy Children's forensic interview and examination program, which offers a child-friendly setting and a coordinated professional response.
Hope House plays a vital role in providing safe, stable housing, which is essential to a child's overall wellbeing. United Way of Hancock County supports Hope House's Independence Program, which helps homeless families transition into permanent housing; and the Hope House Shelter, which provides transitional housing for women and children.
Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services works to protect children from abusive environments and provide the support they need to recover. We support Open Arms in its mission to empower survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and help families move toward safety and stability.
Black Swamp Area Council, Scouting America helps foster positive youth development from an early age. We partner with the Boy Scouts of America, Black Swamp Area Council, to providing mentorship, leadership development and enrichment opportunities for disadvantaged children.
Children's Mentoring Connection demonstrates that children with mentors experience improved social, emotional and academic outcomes. We support Children's Mentoring Connection in recruiting adult and high school volunteers to serve as mentors to vulnerable children.
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio encourages girls to explore new interests, build confidence and develop leadership skills. We partner with Girl Scouts of Western Ohio to help remove financial barriers so girls in need can participate.
Salvation Army supports children so that learning and development do not stop when school is out. We support the Salvation Army's Summer Enrichment Program to help children continue learning and growing during the summer months.
Challenged Champions Equestrian Center recognizes that children grow and develop in different ways. Through therapeutic riding programs at Challenged Champions Equestrian Center, children build confidnce, improve physical coordination and develop important social and communication skills.