AUGUST NEWSLETTER | 2026

At United Way, we are incredibly fortunate to have community partners who don't just support our mission—they truly become part of it. Fairfield Federal is one of those extraordinary partners, and we simply can't say thank you enough for the enthusiasm, creativity, and heart they pour into supporting our work throughout the year.

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending Fairfield Federal's Walking Taco Bar fundraiser, and it was a wonderful reminder of what makes this organization so special. Employees and supporters were treated to a delicious spread featuring flavorful homemade meats, an incredible assortment of taco toppings, and a table full of homemade desserts that were as beautiful as they were delicious. Every detail reflected the care and effort that went into creating an event that brought people together for a great cause.

While the Walking Taco Bar was certainly a highlight, what truly sets Fairfield Federal apart is that their support doesn't begin and end with one event. Throughout the year, they are constantly finding fresh, creative, and engaging ways to support United Way's fundraising campaign. Whether they're brainstorming new campaign ideas, hosting unique employee events, or finding fun ways to encourage participation, they continually inspire others with their passion for giving back.

Their creativity keeps fundraising exciting, but more importantly, it helps create meaningful opportunities for people to come together and invest in the well-being of our community. Their commitment demonstrates that every fundraiser—big or small—has the power to make a lasting impact when it's fueled by generosity and a shared purpose.

Beyond their financial support and innovative ideas, it's the people at Fairfield Federal who make such a lasting impression. Every interaction with their team is met with warm smiles, genuine kindness, and a welcoming spirit that makes everyone feel at home. Their positive attitude and sincere commitment to serving others are evident in everything they do, and it is a reflection of the values that define their organization.

Partnerships like the one we share with Fairfield Federal are the foundation of a stronger community. Their willingness to invest not only resources, but also their time, talents, and creativity, helps United Way continue to address our community's greatest needs. Because of partners like Fairfield Federal, we are able to support programs and initiatives that improve lives and create opportunities for individuals and families throughout our region.

To everyone at Fairfield Federal, thank you for believing in our mission and for continually finding new ways to champion it. Thank you for your creativity, your generosity, your servant hearts, and your unwavering dedication to making our community a better place for all. Your partnership means more than words can express, and we are truly honored to work alongside an organization that exemplifies what community leadership looks like.

You are, without a doubt, one in a million, and we are grateful to have you as part of the United Way family.

Join us as we come together to make a difference during Community Care Day on Thursday, September 10, at Crossroads Event Center!

Community Care Day is an opportunity for businesses, civic organizations, churches, nonprofits, and individuals to unite around one common goal—serving our community. Whether you're looking to volunteer as a team or have a meaningful project that could benefit from volunteer support, we'd love for you to be part of this special day.

We are especially grateful to The Savings Bank, our Presenting Sponsor, for their generous support and commitment to strengthening our community. Their partnership helps make Community Care Day possible and demonstrates the power of investing in the people and organizations that make our region a great place to live and work. Thank you, The Savings Bank, for helping us inspire a day of service and community impact!

We're currently seeking businesses, community groups, clubs, churches, families, and individuals to participate as volunteers. Community Care Day is a great opportunity to build teamwork, give back, and make a lasting impact alongside others who care about our community.

If your nonprofit organization, school, neighborhood group, or community organization has a project that could be completed by volunteers, we encourage you to submit a project application. From beautification projects and landscaping to painting, cleanup efforts, and other service opportunities, we'd love to help connect your project with volunteers eager to make a difference.

Together, we can accomplish more than any one of us can alone. We hope you'll join us on Thursday, September 10, at Crossroads Event Center for a day dedicated to serving our community.

Use the buttons below to:

• Register as a volunteer or volunteer team.
• Submit a Community Care Day project for volunteer consideration.

We look forward to serving alongside you!

What if your next good deed could also be your lucky day?

Introducing All In for ALICE, a fun new way to support United Way of Fairfield County's annual campaign while giving yourself the chance to win big.

When you purchase a ticket, you're doing more than entering a split-the-pot drawing—you're investing in local families who are working hard every day but still struggle to afford the basics. These households are known as ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. They are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members who earn too much to qualify for many assistance programs but not enough to make ends meet.

Here's how it works:

• Purchase your raffle ticket.
• The jackpot grows with every ticket sold.
• One lucky winner takes home 50% of the total pot.
• The remaining 50% stays right here in Fairfield County to support United Way's work and help ALICE families build a more stable future.

It's a win-win: You could walk away with a cash prize, and our community wins regardless.

Every ticket purchased helps create opportunities for local families while adding a little excitement to our annual campaign. Whether you're feeling lucky or simply want to make a difference, this is your chance to be All In for ALICE.

Ready to join the fun? Click the button below to purchase your tickets today. Together, we can build a stronger Fairfield County—one ticket at a time.

There is exciting news from 2-1-1 Ohio that will strengthen access to essential services for individuals and families across the state—and right here in Fairfield County.

2-1-1 Ohio is now available in all 88 counties, ensuring that every Ohio resident can connect with trained specialists who help navigate community resources. Whether someone needs assistance with food, housing, utility payments, mental health services, childcare, or other essential supports, one call to 2-1-1 can connect them with the help they need.

In addition to this statewide expansion, 2-1-1 Ohio has launched a new live impact dashboard that provides real-time data on community needs across Ohio. This valuable tool offers a transparent look at emerging trends, helping community organizations, leaders, and residents better understand where support is needed most.

The dashboard highlights several important insights for Fairfield County:

• Approximately 35% of Fairfield County residents live below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, demonstrating that many working families continue to struggle to afford basic household necessities.
• The county's five most requested needs are:
• • Food and meals
  • Clothing and household necessities
  • Housing
  • Family support services
  • Utilities

We are also proud to share that Fairfield County's 2-1-1 has handled more calls and referrals than any other 2-1-1 program in Ohio. This achievement reflects the trust our community places in this vital service and the dedication of the local team committed to connecting neighbors with the resources they need.

Fairfield County continues to demonstrate what it means to LIVE UNITED by ensuring help is always just a phone call away.

When you're not sure where to turn, start with 2-1-1.

Across our community, many hardworking individuals and families are doing everything right—working, caring for loved ones, and contributing to their communities—yet still struggle to make ends meet. These households are known as ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

We're looking for community members who are willing to share their personal experiences in a short video interview. By telling your story, you can help others better understand the realities of living paycheck to paycheck, the difficult choices many families face, and why support for ALICE households matters.

Your story could help:

• Raise awareness about the challenges facing hardworking families.
• Reduce the stigma around financial hardship.
• Influence community leaders and policymakers.
• Encourage others who may be experiencing similar struggles.
• Inspire meaningful action and positive change.

You may be part of the ALICE population if your household's annual income is at or below these amounts:

Selected participants will be invited to take part in a relaxed, conversational video interview where they'll have the opportunity to share their experiences in their own words. We want to hear about your journey—your challenges, your resilience, and your hopes for the future.

Participation is completely voluntary, and anyone selected for filming will receive additional information about the process and be asked to sign a media release before recording.

If you believe your story could help others understand what it means to be ALICE, we invite you to complete our brief interest survey. The survey takes just a few minutes and helps us identify individuals interested in participating.

Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Together, we can help our community better understand the realities facing hardworking families and inspire solutions that create opportunities for everyone.

Strong organizations begin with strong leadership. That's why we are excited to partner with the Fairfield County Foundation to host our upcoming Nonprofit Convening: Thriving Boards, Thriving Organizations—an educational morning designed to equip nonprofit leaders and board members with practical strategies to strengthen governance and position their organizations for long-term success. We are also grateful for our breakfast sponsor, Sitterly Law!

The convening will take place on Tuesday, August 12, at 9:00 AM at the Fairfield Medical Center River Valley Campus. This collaborative event will bring together nonprofit professionals, executive leaders, and board members from across our community to learn, connect, and explore proven practices that build stronger organizations.

We are pleased to welcome Alex Fike, Certified Board Development Consultant with United Way Worldwide, as our featured presenter. Alex brings extensive expertise in nonprofit board development and will guide participants through key topics that are essential to organizational excellence, including:

• Board governance best practices
• Strategies for recruiting and retaining high-performing board members
• Meaningful board engagement that drives organizational impact
• Revenue growth opportunities that support long-term sustainability

Whether your organization is looking to strengthen its governance structure, engage board members more effectively, or identify new pathways for growth, this convening will provide valuable insights and actionable takeaways to help your board—and your organization—thrive.

We encourage nonprofit executives, current and prospective board members, and community leaders to join us for this engaging morning of learning and collaboration. Together, we can build stronger boards, stronger organizations, and a stronger nonprofit sector throughout Fairfield County.

We look forward to seeing you on August 12!

We were honored to participate in this year's Lancaster Festival Fair Day, a cherished tradition that has brought our community together for generations. Being invited to take part in such a longstanding and meaningful event is a privilege that we truly appreciate.

Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to connect with families, share valuable community resources, and distribute information about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. It was wonderful to meet so many community members and help promote opportunities that support literacy and lifelong learning.

The festival atmosphere made the day even more memorable. We enjoyed the incredible live music from the grandstand while spending time alongside our wonderful neighbors from AHA! Children's Museum and the Fairfield County District Library. Events like these remind us of the strength of our community and the importance of organizations working together to support local families.

Participating in community events like Lancaster Festival Fair Day is always inspiring. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate with our community, and we look forward to participating again in the future. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit us—we're proud to be part of such a vibrant and caring community.

Are you serving as a Campaign Coordinator for your organization's upcoming United Way Workplace Campaign? Join us for our upcoming Campaign Coordinator Training and gain the tools, resources, and confidence you need to lead a successful campaign.

Whether you're a first-time coordinator or a seasoned volunteer, this interactive training will provide practical tips, creative engagement ideas, presentation strategies, and valuable resources to help you plan and execute a meaningful workplace campaign. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with fellow Campaign Coordinators, exchange ideas, and learn best practices from others across our community.

The training is offered in a hybrid format, so you can participate in the way that's most convenient for you—either in person at the United Way office (115 S. Broad St., Lancaster) or virtually from your home or workplace.

• Time: 3:00–4:30 PM
• Format: Hybrid (In Person or Virtual)
• Location: United Way of Fairfield County, 115 S. Broad St., Lancaster (or join online)

Your leadership as a Campaign Coordinator plays a vital role in the success of our annual campaign. Every campaign helps support programs and services that strengthen our community, and we're grateful for your willingness to make a difference.

We look forward to learning with you and helping you prepare for a successful United Way Workplace Campaign!

Date: August 5 @ 6:30 PM

Location: Hunter Park 907 Lincoln Ave

Details: Join our local Kiwanis Club at Hunter Park as your local Kiwanis hosts Story time for our community! In partnership with Lancaster Parks and Rec.

Date: August 8^th @ 9:30 AM

Location: Fox Family YMCA - 465 W. Sixth Ave

Details: This event welcomes all, from experienced runners to those who enjoy a leisurely walk. The 5K course begins and ends at the Robert K. Fox YMCA, guiding participants along the beautiful Hocking River on the bike path, creating a shared experience of community celebration.

Date: August 12^th @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: FMC River Valley Campus

Details: This session equips participants with a shared understanding of essential board responsibilities, practical approaches to recruitment, and the board's role in advancing revenue growth, diversification, and long-term strategy.

Date: August 12^th @ 6:30 PM

Location: Hunter Park 907 Lincoln Ave

Details: Join our local Kiwanis Club at Hunter Park as your local Kiwanis hosts Story time for our community! In partnership with Lancaster Parks and Rec.

Date: August 15^th @ 11:00 AM-2:00 PM

Location: 625 Garfield Ave

Details: Connexion West is hosting their Annual Backpack Giveaway event for Saturday, August 15th at 11:00am to 2:00pm. We will have food, fun, games, bounce houses and backpacks!

Date: August 29^th @ 10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Location: Pickerington Main Library - 201 Opportunity Way, Pickerington

Details: Discover resources to support your health and well-being at Healthy Together: All-Ages Community Wellness Fair. Connect with local organizations, explore fitness options, and find practical tools for building healthy habits—all in one place.

Date: September 1^st @ 3:00 PM

Location: Hybrid - 115 S Broad St

Details: Your United Way Campaign Coordinator Training is almost here! Join us for this interactive hybrid session as we share campaign best practices, engagement ideas, presentation tips, and helpful resources to support a successful workplace campaign. We look forward to learning and collaborating with you!

Date: September 10^th @ 7:45 AM

Location: Crossroads - 2095 W. Fair Ave

Details: Join us for our annual Community Care Day: Campaign Kickoff. Stay tuned for more details to come!

Date: October 23^rd @ 8:45 AM

Location: Levacy Center

Details: Join the United Way of Fairfield County for The Missing Middle: Hidden in Plain Sight, an engaging conference designed for social service professionals committed to strengthening our communities. This event will shine a light on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households and individuals experiencing poverty—those whose daily challenges often remain unseen despite being hidden in plain sight.

Date: October 24^th @ 10:00 AM

Location: 624 W Fifth Ave

Details: Step into a world of fantasy, adventure, and magic for one day only. Adult and children's books, special items, and our favorite young wizard. Books may be priced according to condition.
Best dress wizard contest- win a BBN gift card

Date: Now Through October 29^th

Location: Virtual - Facebook

Details: Tune in for the BIG of YEAR, Phil Mackie Award, Community Champions, and to see if you win the $3000 cash grand prize. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Ohio.

Date: Now Through October 30^th

Location: Virtual - Facebook

Details: Buy your ticket today! You'll have a chance to win half the pot while helping United Way of Fairfield County create opportunities and support for local ALICE families. Get All In for ALICE and be part of the solution.

Date: November 14^th @ 9:00 AM

Location: Fairfield County Fairgrounds

Details: Join us for one of our biggest fundraisers of the year! Stay tuned for more information and details as we get closer to the date!