Editor’s Note: This mini spotlight is sponsored by The Renaissance as part of our local giving guide that highlights nonprofits leading up to Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30. Click to see more nonprofits
The United Way of Richland County’s mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in the community.
The United Way has been operating in Richland County for over one hundred years, having celebrated their Centennial in May 2020.
“We invest in 44 programs and services throughout Richland County. Additionally, we fund and operate the Big Red Bookshelf program which encourages childhood literacy through the placement of books in shelves around Richland County.” says Executive Director Dan Varn.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, The United Way worked tirelessly to continue to fulfill their mission.
“In the past year, along with maintaining funding levels to our current partners and programs, we invested an additional $144,000 in new programs focused on housing and utility support, mental health awareness, summer programs for youth and aid to geographic areas of the county,” says Varn.
The organization invests in programs and services through fourteen local non-profit partners, including: Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Friendly House and Catalyst Life Services/Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring.
“We are continuing to work to support those in need in our community along with facilitating discussions aimed at achieving long term solutions to the challenges facing our community.” says Varn.
The funds raised through Richland Gives will be used towards the United Way’s Program Allocations process.
“The impact of these funds will be seen in the programs and services we support,” says Varn. “Now, more than ever, these are vital to our county as a whole.”
To find out more, donate, or get involved, visit https://unitedwayofrichlandcounty.org/ or call 419-525-2816.
