By Kelley McClurkin
At United Way of Hancock County, we believe that if you want to invest in your community, you must start with its children.
As I look around our great community, this investment is on full display. We have vibrant schools and sports programs, powered by dedicated teachers, administrators, coaches and parents. We have active, caring churches and an extensive health system. And we have an array of nonprofits and government services dedicated to protecting and inspiring youth, with still more indirectly serving children through family services. The United Way is proud to call many of these our partner agencies.
These partners of ours are working daily to support youth in all aspects of their lives. Some programs, like those focused on mentorship, Scouting and summer enrichment, offer valuable developmental perks in a package most kids just see as “fun.” Others, like those serving foster children, those who have been abused, or whose parents have lost their homes or can’t provide enough food to eat, are offering critical services that we wish kids never needed to utilize. But we know the need is there and we are proud to offer our support to help these programs thrive.
We also know that the people and the experiences children encounter leave a lasting impact. One of our partner agencies, for example, tells us that they are routinely contacted by former mentees who are looking to reconnect with their childhood mentor. These former mentees are now young adults preparing for a major milestone like their high school graduation or wedding, and they want to celebrate alongside an adult who helped shape their life.
Stories like this are part of why we launched our Vulnerable Children Initiative back in 2021. This effort is dedicated to supporting and amplifying services that are working to get our youth on a better path in life and keep them there. And when I scan the list of our 15 local partner agencies, I can note that each organization fits into this initiative, either directly or indirectly.
This fall, United Way of Hancock County is on a mission to raise $2.1 million that will be distributed back into our community in 2025. (Friendly reminder: Have you returned your pledge card yet?) In some form or another, the money we raise through our campaign will benefit the youth in our community. But it will also serve individuals and families by fighting hunger, fostering financial stability, promoting safety and health, and ensuring safe housing.
Of course, I would love for you to support our campaign financially if you haven’t already. But I’m also asking you, as you look around our great community this fall, to consider all the ways that you can use your voice and your influence to support our kids in the community, including those in foster care who need our help the most. That’s how we invest in our future!
McClurkin is CEO of United Way of Hancock County.
(This guest column appeared in the Oct. 31, 2024, edition of the Findlay Courier.)