United Way of Hancock County is proud to partner with 15 local agencies delivering 23 programs that provide vital and basic needs for 1 in 4 people in our community.
Our partner agencies deliver services in the priority areas of Championing Children's Success, Fighting Hunger, Promoting Safety and Health, Supporting Safe Housing and Fostering Financial Stability.
CASA/GAL of Hancock County's advocacy program recruits, trains and supports volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates as they represent about 150 local children who are navigating the local court system each year.
Challenged Champions Equestrian Center offers a therapeutic riding program supporting residents of Hancock County with special needs — from early childhood to adulthood, and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder — through horseback riding and other equine-related activities that promote physical, emotional and mental developments. Over 400 individuals were connected to equine-assisted activities and therapies in 2023.
Children's Mentoring Connection recruits and screens adult and high school volunteers to serve as mentors to at-risk youth. Mentoring services are provided through traditional one-on-one, couple and family mentoring, as well as community and school-based mentoring programs for 275 youth each year.
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio assists girls in need who want to participate in Girl Scouts, but do not have the financial resources to do so. In 2023, 246 girls who otherwise may not have had the opportunity were able to participate in Scouting activities
Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services provides programs and services to Hancock County residents affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. This includes but is not limited to Adult Victim Services, Child Victim Services and Violence Recovery programs. In 2023, over 3,300 adults were served through the Adult Victim Services program, while over 4,500 students received age-appropriate prevention education.
Salvation Army provides summer enrichment programs for kids that incorporate educational, spiritual and emotional lessons. The 2023 season allowed for safe and stable care while not in school for 22 students.
Scouting America, Black Swamp Council serves disadvantaged children in Hancock County through programs that promote positive youth development with a lasting impact into young adulthood and beyond. Scouting activities were offered to 950 local youth in 2023, with 66 students exposed to future career paths.
The Center for Safe and Healthy Children's forensic interview and examination program provides a safe and caring place utilized by professionals who investigate child abuse allegations and guide these children and their families through the legal and healing process in the least traumatic way possible. In 2023, 200 children were connected to resources and received help walking through a traumatic experience.
Christian Clearing House's Caring Cupboard program provides food vouchers four times a year for those in need and who qualify for the help. Over 2,000 families received vouchers to assist with emergency fresh food assistance in 2023.
Salvation Army operates an emergency food pantry and regularly serves hot meals to community members. In 2023, the agency served over 3,600 individuals.
West Ohio Food Bank distributes food throughout Hancock County via mobile food pantries and local food banks. The agency distributed 1,072,631 pounds of food to Hancock County residents in 2023, equating 893,859 meals.
Findlay Family YMCA manages the Feed-A-Child program, which provides weekend backpack meals for students throughout Hancock County and operates the summer lunch program. During the 2022-23 school year, 19,800 backpack meals were distributed to students facing food insecurity.
American Red Cross responds during local disasters and provides avenues for shelter, food and comfort following a fire, flood, tornado or other emergency. In 2023, 50 people received over $11,280 in assistance for help after a disaster in their home.
Cancer Patient Services provides financial assistance and other resources for cancer patients living or working in Hancock County. In 2023, $110,000 in financial assistance was given to those with active cancer diagnoses in Hancock County.
Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services provides programs and services to Hancock County residents affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. This includes but is not limited to Adult Victim Services, Child Victim Services and Violence Recovery programs. In 2023, over 3,300 adults were served through the Adult Victim Services program, while over 4,500 students received age-appropriate prevention education.
Hope House provides emergency and long-term services to people who are homeless or who are facing homelessness. In 2023, 123 local families transitioned from homelessness to long-term housing stability.
United Way of Hancock County's free income tax preparation service, called VITA, served 920 individuals during the 2024 tax season. Clients have their taxes prepared and filed electronically for free and are connected to resources designed to improve their financial health and stability.
Community Action Commission's HATS (Hancock Area Transportation Services) program provides over 65,000 free and low-cost rides annually to employment, medical appointments and more.
United Way of Hancock County's AmeriCorps VISTA direct services program, coming in 2024, will address community challenges where the need is greatest. Several individuals from vulnerable populations will serve in an office setting and help fight poverty while building their professional skills and earning a living wage.