Hi first name,
As we close out another successful tax season, I am incredibly proud of what our community accomplished together. This year, United Way of Fairfield County, with the help of our dedicated staff and 28 incredible volunteers, completed approximately 1,525 free tax returns across Fairfield and Hocking Counties. This effort returned thousands of dollars back into our local economy and into the pockets of individuals and families who need it most. Access to free, reliable tax preparation removes financial barriers and strengthens household stability, and this success would not have been possible without the generosity of our volunteers and partners.
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I also want to take this opportunity to thank the many individuals who stepped up to serve on our Community Impact Council. These volunteers devoted significant time and thoughtful energy to reviewing each and every grant application submitted for funding ensuring that our community investments are made responsibly and with the greatest impact possible. A heartfelt thank you to: Dustin Poling, Chrissy Kittle, Andria Griggs, Krista Humphries, Matthew Hearn, CJ Roberts, Tracy Kelly, Jenna Morin, Suzie Lynch, Brandy Marshall, Candi Fisher, Megan Novotni, Chad Stoltz, Nancy Weidman, Taylor Jessup, Erin Taylor, Wendy Gregory, Liz Fox, Steven Wellstead, Taylor Beeler, Bayley Fields, Chasilyn Carter, and Garrett Blevins.
I am especially grateful to our board members who provided leadership and guidance throughout this process: Theresa Byers, Kelly Brown, J.D. Postage, and Becky Schaade. The Community Impact Council has finalized its funding recommendations, which will be presented at our next board meeting. Agencies that applied for grant funding will receive notification no later than June 1, 2026.
In addition, I want to recognize the incredible way our community has rallied around the Weekend Food Backpack Program. Individuals, agencies, schools, churches, and community partners have stepped forward in remarkable ways, offering donations, time, and support. Because of Fairfield County’s generosity, we had to purchase minimal food for April and May, which is a powerful testament to this community’s commitment to ensuring our children are fueled for both their bodies and their minds.
As we look ahead and begin planning for the upcoming school year, we’ll be shining the United Way Beacon once again, and we hope you’ll join us in getting the Weekend Food Backpack Program off to a strong start. This program exists because people care and because this community consistently shows up for its children.
We truly could not do this work without you. Thank you for continuing to stand with United Way of Fairfield County as we build a stronger, healthier future together.
With gratitude and optimism,
Missy Dever
CEO, United Way of Fairfield County
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Together: Making Impact in Fairfield County
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Because of the unwavering support of our community, local students across Fairfield County are receiving the nourishment and care they need to succeed.
In the month of April alone, together we were able to distribute 801 bags of food to students in 10 different schools throughout Fairfield County. In addition, our community contributed more than $3,870 in food donations to help support local families and children facing food insecurity.
These numbers represent far more than meals. They represent hope, compassion, stability, and a community that refuses to let its students go without.
We are deeply humbled and incredibly grateful for every individual, organization, volunteer, and partner who stepped forward to support this mission. Because of your generosity, we are able to continue serving the future leaders of our communities with dignity and care.
This work would not have been possible without the support of so many incredible community partners, including:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Da Que BBQ
- Unified Bank
- Reflections Retirement Community
- JFS
- Fairfield County District Library
- Pickerington Food Pantry
- Party Plus
- Vineyard Food Pantry
- Fairfield County 2-1-1
- Christ United Methodist Church
- Life Church Vineyard
- Fairfield County Hunger Coalition
- Fairfield County Mobility Management
- Lancaster City Employees
- Kiwanis Members
- Rotary Members
- Our dedicated tax volunteers
- And so many others who rallied behind us during this urgent time.
To every donor, volunteer, advocate, and supporter: thank you.
We are honored.
We are grateful.
And we are proud to be part of such a strong and compassionate community.
Together, we are making a difference — one student, one family, and one meal at a time.
As our Weekend Backpack Food Program continues to expand, we are excited to announce a new opportunity to serve alongside us.
United Way of Fairfield County is hiring a full-time Weekend Backpack Food Coordinator through AmeriCorps VISTA!
This position is ideal for high school seniors, college students, or anyone passionate about addressing food insecurity and strengthening support systems for children and families in Fairfield County.
As the Weekend Backpack Food Coordinator, this individual will help expand and strengthen our backpack feeding program by:
- Building data-driven systems to identify unmet needs and service gaps
- Strengthening partnerships and volunteer networks across school districts
- Developing sustainable funding streams for long-term program stability
- Helping grow the program beyond its current reach of 13 schools and 974 students
- Supporting the vision of a year-round initiative that increases equitable access to nutritious food
We are looking for someone with strong communication skills, an interest in planning and systems development, and a passion for helping children thrive.
AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits Include:
- $200 monthly housing stipend
- Living allowance
- Health coverage*
- Training and professional development
- Education Award or End-of-Service Stipend
- Childcare assistance (if eligible)
- Relocation allowance
If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in Fairfield County, we encourage you to apply and join us in ensuring every child has the nutrition and stability they deserve.
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Celebrating Milestones for Two Incredible Partner Agencies
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At United Way, we are continually inspired by the dedication and impact of our partner agencies working every day to strengthen lives across Fairfield County. Recently, we had the privilege of celebrating two important ribbon cuttings alongside the Lancaster Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce — milestones that represent growth, innovation, and an even greater ability to serve our community.
Congratulations to Harcum House We are proud to celebrate a major milestone for one of our valued partner agencies, Harcum House, following the success of their recent Open House and ribbon cutting event. The day marked not only the unveiling of a beautiful new facility, but also the culmination of a long journey fueled by dedication, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the children and families they serve.
The event was a powerful reflection of community support. From local partners to residents, the turnout demonstrated just how deeply Harcum House’s mission resonates throughout Fairfield County. Their new building stands as more than just a physical space — it represents hope, safety, healing, and a renewed capacity to serve vulnerable children and families in our community.
At United Way, moments like these reaffirm why we do what we do. Organizations like Harcum House are at the heart of our work. Their impact motivates us to continue raising funds, building partnerships, and advocating for the essential services that strengthen our community.
The role of the Harcum House team cannot be overstated. As child advocates, they take on incredibly challenging and often emotional work. Every day, they stand in the gap for children who need protection, support, and a voice. In today’s world, that mission is more critical than ever.
We are honored to partner with Harcum House and support their efforts. Their compassion and dedication provide reassurance that children in our community are being protected, cared for, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Congratulations to the entire Harcum House team on this remarkable achievement. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work in your new home — and to many more milestones ahead.
Congratulations to Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency We also want to extend our congratulations to Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency as they recently celebrated important upgrades to their food pantry with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Last year, as planning for these improvements began, the agency was awarded a grant from the Wendel Family Fund to assist with the purchase of a new walk-in cooler. That investment, along with additional upgrades including a reach-in freezer, new refrigerators, and a pallet scale, will help the pantry operate more efficiently and expand its ability to provide food assistance to individuals and families throughout our community.
These improvements may seem like equipment upgrades on the surface, but their impact reaches far beyond that. Increased storage capacity, improved organization, and more efficient operations mean more families can receive fresh, reliable food support when they need it most.
Food insecurity continues to affect many households across Fairfield County, and the work of Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency remains essential in meeting those needs with compassion and dignity. Their commitment to serving our neighbors reflects the very best of community action and collaboration.
We are grateful for their partnership and proud to celebrate this exciting milestone alongside them. Congratulations to the entire Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency team on this achievement and on the continued impact you make every day.
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Community in Action: Driving for Change with "Wheels 2 Work" Partnership
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Even during our campaign off-season, our team has remained hard at work — and none of it would be possible without the incredible support, generosity, and heart of the Fairfield County community. Every step forward is made possible by people who believe in showing up for one another, and we are deeply grateful for that support every single day.
One of the most meaningful projects currently underway is a brand-new Wheels 2 Work partnership focused on helping local teens gain access to reliable transportation and move toward a stronger future. For many young people, transportation can be one of the biggest barriers to employment, education, and opportunity. Between the cost of purchasing a vehicle, insurance, repairs, maintenance, and fuel, owning a car can feel completely out of reach.
That is exactly why this effort matters.
We want to extend a very special thank-you to Brad Hutchinson, CEO of Company Wrench, whose vision, leadership, and generosity helped spark this initiative. His commitment to investing in young people and strengthening our community has already made a tremendous impact.
This program is also only possible because so many others have stepped forward to help. We are incredibly grateful to the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations donating vehicles, supplies, labor, towing services, and repair work to help prepare these cars for local teens who need them most. We especially want to recognize and thank: - Brad Hutchinson
- Hugh White Chevrolet
- A&L Towing
- Andy and Maria McGraw
- Kawai and Haley Moku
- Aaron and Sonia Shambrock
- Jessica Burch
- John and Heather Brill
- A&J Towing
- Steve Rhymer – Esteps Towing
We also want to acknowledge the many supporters and donors who have chosen to remain anonymous. Whether someone is donating a vehicle, volunteering time, providing repairs, contributing supplies, or quietly supporting this effort behind the scenes, every contribution matters and every act of kindness is helping move this mission forward.
This community continues to amaze us with its willingness to care for one another, invest in young people, and come together to create opportunity where it is needed most. We are honored, grateful, and excited to continue building this program together. There is so much good happening in Fairfield County — and so much more still to come. Stay tuned!
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Community in Action: Driving for Change with "Wheels 2 Work" Partnership
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In partnership with the Fairfield County Foundation, we were pleased to welcome more than 30 nonprofit colleagues for an engaging and informative session featuring national impact measurement expert Sheri Chaney Jones.
During the session, Sheri shared valuable insights on the difference between inputs, outputs, and outcomes — and why outcomes are essential for measuring real community impact. Attendees explored practical ways to better collect, communicate, and share their organizations’ impact stories in meaningful and measurable ways. We are grateful to Sheri and SureImpact for sharing more than 25 years of expertise and experience with our community.
A special thank you also goes to Sitterley Law, LLC for sponsoring breakfast. We appreciate your support of collaborative convenings and the opportunity to provide local capacity-building opportunities for nonprofit organizations.
We also encourage everyone to join us for our next collaborative session, Thriving Boards, Thriving Organizations, on August 12 at Ohio University Lancaster River Valley Campus. We look forward to continuing the conversation and strengthening our nonprofit community together.
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Date: May 15th @ 5:30 PM Location: Virtual Details: for $25 you can get entered into win some amazing prizes while supporting Fairfield County Families with access to food, housing, mental health services, and more! Best part is.. You can enjoy your impact from the comfort of your own home.. or wherever you like!
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Date: May 16th @ 10:00 AM Location: Ohio University - Lancaster Details: This event allows children the opportunity to interact with the law enforcement community, while learning about equipment and technology that law enforcement personnel use. Agencies throughout the state of Ohio will attend. Cruisers, helicopters, motorcycles, and S.W.A.T. vehicles will be on display. Kids can participate in games, police-related scenarios, and other fun activities!
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Day of Action - Pickerington
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Date: June 12th @ 10:00 AM Location: Victory Park, Pickerington Details: Bring the family out to Victory Park in Pickerington for a day of fun activities, games, sweet treats and more!
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The Lighthouse Annual Golf Outing
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Date: June 12th @ 9:00 AM Location: The View Golf Club Details: Show off your best golfing skills while supporting an incredible cause! Join the Lighthouse Domestic Violence Shelter for a day on the greens filled with fresh morning air, friendly competition, and the satisfying crack of a well-hit drive. Enjoy a fun round packed with prizes, exciting challenges, and those heart-racing Hole-in-One moments—every swing helping bring hope and safety to those who need it most.
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Day of Action - Lancaster
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Date: June 26th @ 9:00 AM Location: Ohio University - Lancaster Details: Bring the family out to Fountain Square in downtown Lancaster for a day of fun activities, games, sweet treats and more!
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