OCTOBER NEWSLETTER | 2026
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As we launch this year's United Way of Fairfield County campaign, I am reminded of the incredible impact we make when our community comes together. Our 2026 campaign theme, Invest. Empower. Elevate., reflects not only what we do, but who we are as a community.
This year, we have set an ambitious campaign goal of $1.288 million, and achieving it will require all of us to step forward and invest in the future of Fairfield County.
Every dollar invested through United Way stays local and helps strengthen the lives of our neighbors. Through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations across Fairfield County, we provide critical funding to 21 nonprofit partner agencies delivering essential services to children, families, seniors, and individuals facing life's toughest challenges.
In addition, United Way directly operates programs that are creating measurable impact every day. Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, more than 6,200 local children receive books each month, helping build literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading. Our Free Tax Preparation Program completed approximately 1,500 tax returns, ensuring hardworking families received the refunds and tax credits they earned. Through the Full Plate Club, nearly 900 children receive weekend food support, helping ensure they have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to Fairfield County's ALICE population. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are hardworking individuals and families who earn too much to qualify for many assistance programs but not enough to consistently afford the basics.
In Fairfield County, more than 13,000 households fall into this category. They are our nursing aides, caregivers, childcare workers, retail employees, food service staff, and countless others who keep our community running every day. They work hard, contribute to our economy, and care for our families, yet many struggle to afford housing, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and groceries.
Whether you have supported United Way for years or are considering making your first gift, now is the time to invest in your community. A gift to United Way is more than a donation. It is an investment in a child learning to read, a family putting food on the table, a senior receiving critical services, and a hardworking ALICE household finding stability and hope.
If every current donor increased their gift and every workplace engaged just a few new supporters, together we could exceed our $1.288 million goal and expand our impact across Fairfield County. Imagine what would be possible if every business, employee, retiree, and community member chose to be part of the solution.
Today, I am asking you to make a commitment. Increase your gift. Start a workplace campaign. Encourage a colleague to give. Become an advocate for your community. Every action matters, and every dollar changes lives. No gift is too small.
The needs are local. The solutions are local. The opportunity to create lasting change belongs to all of us.
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Together, let us Invest in our neighbors, Empower families to achieve stability, and Elevate the quality of life throughout Fairfield County.
Join us. Give generously. Help us reach $1.288 million. Because when we LIVE UNITED, we change lives.
With gratitude,
Missy Dever
CEO
United Way of Fairfield County
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The FairShare Challenge is back—and this year’s Grand Prize is $7,000!
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As our Workplace Campaigns get underway, we are excited to continue one of our favorite annual campaign traditions. The FairShare Challenge is a fun way to celebrate the individuals throughout our community who choose to make a meaningful investment through their workplace campaign.
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What Does It Mean to Give FairShare?
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A FairShare gift is equal to one hour of pay each month for one year. To be eligible for the FairShare Challenge, your workplace must be participating in the United Way of Fairfield County Workplace Campaign.
Not participating yet? Your workplace can reach out to us to learn more about getting involved!
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How Does the Challenge Work?
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Beginning October 16, we will draw the first two FairShare donors whose names will advance to the Grand Prize Drawing. Drawings will continue bi-weekly throughout the campaign until a total of 21 names have been selected.
And don’t worry if your name isn’t selected right away—there is still plenty of time to get your FairShare contribution in!
Our final drawing will take place on February 19, when the last three names will be selected.
Once all 21 finalists have been chosen, 20 finalists will each receive a $100 cash prize, while one lucky FairShare giver will take home the $7,000 GRAND PRIZE!
Each contestant will receive an email after their name has been selected with additional information and instructions on what to expect next.
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Thank You to Our FairShare Sponsors!
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Workplace Campaign Coordinators should have received their campaign materials. If you have not received yours, please reach out to us so we can get those materials to you right away.
Then, make your FairShare pledge and stay tuned—you just might find yourself among our 21 finalists and have a chance to take home $7,000!
Thank you to everyone who participates in our Workplace Campaign and chooses to give FairShare. Every contribution helps strengthen our community and makes an impact right here in Fairfield County.
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Our Next Chapter Has a New Address!
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United Way of Fairfield County is pleased to announce its upcoming relocation to a new office in downtown Lancaster. Effective November 2, 2026, the organization will open its new headquarters in the second-floor office suite at Fairfield Federal Bank, located at 109 E. Main Street, Suite 205, Lancaster, Ohio.
This strategic move marks an exciting new chapter for the nonprofit as it continues its mission of improving lives by advancing youth opportunity, financial security, community resiliency, and healthy communities throughout Fairfield County. The new office space will provide an efficient, accessible, and welcoming environment for serving community members, partner agencies, volunteers, donors, and families.
"We are sincerely thankful to Fairfield Federal for its generous support in making this transition possible," said Melissa "Missy" Dever, CEO of United Way of Fairfield County. "Their partnership enables us to relocate without increasing operational expenses, ensuring that we remain focused on investing donor dollars where they matter most, in our community."
As United Way prepares for this transition, the organization is reflecting with deep gratitude on its longstanding relationship with Lancaster City Schools, which has generously provided office space for many years.
"We are incredibly thankful to Lancaster City Schools for their years of collaboration, flexibility, and unwavering support of our organization," said Dever. "They have been exceptional partners. Their hospitality enabled us to maintain a strong operational foundation, effectively manage our annual community campaigns, and maximize the resources directed toward critical local programs and services."
The community can expect uninterrupted operations throughout the relocation process. All phone numbers, email addresses, websites, and digital communication channels will remain unchanged. Community members, donors, and partners are encouraged to update their records with United Way's new physical address for future in-person meetings and correspondence beginning November 2, 2026. Convenient parking will be available at the rear of the Fairfield Federal building for clients, donors, volunteers, and community partners visiting the office.
United Way of Fairfield County will also continue to maintain its current post office box for mailing purposes.
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Dolly Day: Giving Like Dolly in Downtown Lancaster
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On September 25, Downtown Lancaster was filled with pink, purpose, and plenty of Dolly spirit as our community came together to celebrate Dolly Day!
With the support of Destination Downtown Lancaster (opens in a new tab), more than 14 local businesses and organizations joined together to celebrate the incredible legacy of Dolly Parton and raise awareness for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. It was inspiring to see our community rally around a shared mission—and to see so much pink making its way through downtown!
One of the most meaningful moments of the celebration was our check presentation with the Fairfield County Foundation (opens in a new tab), an organization that truly leads by example when it comes to what it means to “Give Like Dolly.”
Since 2012, the Fairfield County Foundation has granted more than $189,000 to the United Way of Fairfield County from the George & Dollie L. Zimpfer Fund and the Terry A. McGhee/Sally J. Grimm Community Fund in support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
That remarkable investment represents so much more than a dollar amount—it represents books in the hands of local children, opportunities for families to read together, and a lasting investment in early literacy throughout Fairfield County.
We are incredibly grateful to the Fairfield County Foundation, Destination Downtown Lancaster, our participating businesses and organizations, and everyone who helped make Dolly Day such a special celebration. Together, our community showed just how powerful it can be when we come together, support our youngest readers, and Give Like Dolly!
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Give. Move. Grow. Help Us Fill Plates Across Fairfield County!
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This November, United Way of Fairfield County is bringing our community together for a day filled with movement, color, giving, and a whole lot of fun!
Join us on November 14 at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds for our United Way 5K & Color Walk—two events with one big goal: bringing our community together while making a difference for local families.
Whether you’re ready to race, get covered in color, volunteer your time, or simply bring a few items for our food drive, there’s a way for everyone to be part of the day.
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Runners and walkers of all experience levels are invited to hit the course for our annual United Way 5K. Grab your running shoes, invite a friend, bring the family, and get ready to MOVE for your community!
Returning racers—we can’t wait to welcome you back. And if this is your first 5K, we’d love to have you join us!
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Walk in Color. Help Fill Plates.
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This year, our walk is getting a colorful new twist!
The United Way Color Walk will benefit our Full Plate Club, a weekend food program helping provide supplemental meals for nearly 800 children throughout Fairfield County. Color Champions and Color Crews will take on a peer-to-peer fundraising challenge with one simple message: $8 helps feed one child for the weekend.
During the walk, participants will travel through four color stations while learning more about United Way, ALICE families, the Full Plate Club, and programs impacting local youth.
Want all the fun without all the color? We’re creating an alternate side of the route for participants who prefer to stay color-free, and masks will also be available. Our goal is to make this a fun, accessible experience that the whole family can enjoy.
And don’t forget—a little friendly competition never hurts! Prizes will be awarded to our Top Color Champion and Top Color Crew fundraisers.
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Help Us Stock the Shelves, Too!
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You don’t have to run or walk to help us make an impact.
We’re also hosting a Full Plate Club Food Drive during the event!
We’re especially looking for shelf-stable foods that can help fill our weekend bags, including peanut butter, cereal, cereal bars, applesauce, macaroni and cheese, fruit cups, and fruit snacks.
And we’re adding a little fun to giving: for every eligible shelf-stable item you donate, you’ll receive one ticket for a chance to win a prize!
One item = one ticket. So bring a bag, fill a box, challenge your coworkers, or get the whole family involved!
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Not interested in racing or walking? Volunteer with us!
From registration and parking to water stations, course support, setup, and our colorful walk stations, volunteers are an essential part of making this day possible.
We’re also grateful for the local businesses, organizations, sponsors, and community partners who continue to show up for Fairfield County. Their support allows us to create events like this while continuing to connect people with the programs and resources they need.
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United Way 5K & Color Walk
📅 November 14
📍 Fairfield County Fairgrounds
157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, OH 43130
⏰ Registration begins at 10:30 AM
Come for the race. Stay for the color. Bring something for the food drive. Invite your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors.
However you choose to join us, you’ll be helping us do what Fairfield County does best—show up for one another.
Run with us. Walk with us. Fill plates with us.
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The Countdown Is On: The Missing Middle Is Almost Here!
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October 23rd | Levacy Center | 9:00 AM
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We’re counting down the days to The Missing Middle: Hidden in Plain Sight, and if you’ve been thinking about joining us, now is the time to register!
On October 23rd, United Way of Fairfield County is bringing together professionals, community leaders, organizations, and community members for a powerful conversation about the financial realities facing working households across our community and throughout Ohio.
These are our neighbors who are working, providing for their families, and doing everything they can to move forward—yet financial stability can remain just out of reach.
The Missing Middle: Hidden in Plain Sight is an opportunity to better understand why.
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One Day. Four Powerful Perspectives.
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Throughout the conference, we’ll move beyond the numbers and explore the real experiences, challenges, and potential solutions surrounding financial stability.
Melanie Hill | United Way of Central Ohio
Explore data-driven insights into financially vulnerable households across Ohio and what the numbers can teach us about the challenges working families are facing.
Melissa “Missy” Dever | United Way of Fairfield County
Step into an interactive Cost of Poverty Experience that brings difficult financial decisions and the realities of living with limited resources to life.
Shiloh Todrov | Families Flourish
Discover innovative approaches to helping working families achieve greater residential and financial stability.
Krista Humphries | Fairfield County JFS
Learn more about local programs and resources designed to help families move toward self-sufficiency while navigating financial barriers and potential benefits cliffs.
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Looking for CEUs? We’ve Got You Covered.
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We are excited to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for eligible professionals attending the conference.
But remember: you do not need to be seeking CEUs to attend!
This conversation belongs to our entire community. Whether you work in social services, education, healthcare, local government, the nonprofit sector, business—or you simply want to better understand the experiences of your neighbors—we want you in the room. Separate registration pricing is available for attendees seeking CEUs and community members attending without CEUs.
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Don't Miss Your Chance to Join the Conversation
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October 23rd will be here before we know it, and this is our final push for registrations. If you have been waiting to register, consider this your reminder.
Come for the data. Participate in the experience. Learn about local solutions. Leave with a deeper understanding of the families who make up our community—and the role we can all play in building pathways toward greater financial stability.
THE MISSING MIDDLE: HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
October 23rd | 9:00 AM
Levacy Center
The Missing Middle may be hidden in plain sight. On October 23rd, we're bringing their experiences into focus.
We hope you'll join us.
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Experience the Cost of Poverty
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Melissa “Missy” Dever | United Way of Fairfield County
Our very own CEO, Missy Dever, will lead an interactive Cost of Poverty Experience designed to bring the realities of financial decision-making to life.
This immersive experience will give participants an opportunity to better understand the difficult choices and unexpected challenges that can arise when families are trying to navigate limited resources and financial instability.
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Innovative Approaches to Stability
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Shiloh Todrov | Families Flourish
Shiloh Todrov from Families Flourish will explore innovative approaches to residential and financial stability for working families, highlighting strategies that can help families build greater security and move toward long-term stability.
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Local Programs & Pathways to Self-Sufficiency
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Krista Humphries | Fairfield County JFS
Krista Humphries from Fairfield County Job and Family Services will discuss local programs that help families transition toward self-sufficiency while navigating the potential loss of benefits and other financial supports that can sometimes create sudden financial setbacks.
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Why This Conversation Matters
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For many working families, earning more does not always mean becoming financially secure.
A small increase in income can sometimes result in the loss of critical assistance, creating a difficult gap between where a family is and where they need to be. Understanding these challenges allows our community to think differently about how we support families as they work toward stability and self-sufficiency.
The Missing Middle: Hidden in Plain Sight is an opportunity to move beyond assumptions, examine the data, experience the realities, and explore solutions that can help our community better support working families.
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Full Plate Club: Filling Bags, Filling Bellies, Brightening Futures
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The Full Plate Club provides a monthly bag of food to students throughout Fairfield County who may be experiencing food insecurity or whose families are working hard to stretch their food budgets. With reliable access to nutritious food, children are better prepared to focus, learn, and succeed at school.
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Thank You to This Month’s Bag Sponsor: Unified Bank
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This month, we are especially grateful to Unified Bank (opens in a new tab) for sponsoring our reusable bags and investing in the Full Plate Club’s mission.
Reusable bags are an essential—and significant—part of our program. In September alone, the Full Plate Club served 759 students across 11 schools, requiring approximately 800 reusable bags each month. Every dollar we can save on bags is another dollar that can go directly toward purchasing food for local children.
Unified Bank’s support is a wonderful example of how local businesses can make a tangible difference. Thank you, Unified Bank, for helping us fill bags, fill bellies, and brighten futures throughout Fairfield County!
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Growing Through Community Support - A Message From Crystal
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I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a VISTA with United Way’s Full Plate Club. Building the program from the ground up has been both exciting and challenging. Along the way, I have enjoyed meeting people throughout our community and have been continually inspired by the compassion and camaraderie found across Fairfield County. One of our greatest early challenges was finding a space to store food and pack bags. I especially want to thank Johnathan Spires and the staff at Stanbery for generously allowing us to use the old kitchen and part of the cafeteria for our operations.
We are also incredibly grateful to groups such as Lancaster Ohio Rotary, Kiwanis Club of Lancaster, Vineyard Food Pantry, Fairfield Christian Church, and Life Hill Church, which have adopted schools and helped pack and deliver food. Their willingness to recognize a need and respond has been invaluable during the program’s early days.
Party Plus and Fairfield Insulation & Drywall have also been tremendous partners, helping us transport food from Mid-Ohio Food Collective to Stanbery so that it can ultimately make its way into the hands of students.
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As the Full Plate Club continues to grow, we are also looking for community partners willing to build an ongoing relationship with a school. We currently need groups to adopt: - Liberty Union – approximately 53 bags
- Amanda-Clearcreek – approximately 9 bags
- Mt. Pleasant Elementary – approximately 63 bags
Adopting a school generally means committing to help pack and/or deliver food bags each month. Most groups designate a volunteer lead to coordinate their team, and we work with each organization to make the commitment manageable.
For packing, we typically reserve about an hour, with approximately 4–8 volunteers depending on the size of the school. Groups may choose to pack and deliver their school’s bags, divide those responsibilities among volunteers, or work with us to find another arrangement that fits their capacity.
If a full school adoption is not the right fit for your organization, we still want you involved. We are happy to be flexible and find a volunteer opportunity that works for your team.
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There Are Many Ways to Fill a Plate
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Our community partners can support the Full Plate Club in several ways: - Donate reusable bags featuring your business or organization’s logo.
- Donate misprinted or surplus reusable bags that might otherwise go unused.
- Contribute $500 toward the purchase of reusable bags for the program.
- Volunteer as a group to pack food bags or deliver them to a school.
- Adopt a school and make packing and delivery a recurring service project for your business, church, civic group, or organization.
- Join us for a one-time volunteer opportunity and make an immediate difference for local children.
Whether you sponsor bags, provide financial support, volunteer for an afternoon, or adopt a school, your partnership allows more of our resources to go directly toward purchasing food for children.
The Full Plate Club is about more than the food inside each bag. It is about showing children and families throughout Fairfield County that their community sees them and is willing to show up for them.
Together, we can fill bags, fill bellies, and brighten futures.
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The Missing Middle: Hidden in Plain Sight
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Date: October 23rd @ 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.
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Date: October 15th Location: Nationwide Details: Communities across the country wear purple to show support for survivors, raise awareness about domestic violenec, and stand together for safer, stronger communities
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Date: October 24th @ 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
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Date: Now Through October 29th 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.
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Date: Winner announced October 30th Location: To Be Announced Details: The Carry the Change purse is a Louis Vuitton Pochette Liv in Burgundy—a limited seasonal color in their signature Monogram Empreinte leather with gold-toned hardware. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Carry the Change is just one of the ways our partners at The Lighthouse will be shining a spotlight on domestic violence, supporting survivors, and getting our community involved throughout the month.
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Date: Now Through October 30th 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.
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Date: November 4th @ 9:00 AM Location: FMC - River Valley Campus Details: Join United Way and Fairfield COunty Foundation for our final convening of 2026. Learn about the most vital part of most organizations, our volunteers. Learn how to invest, retain, and grow your volunteer network.
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United Way 5K and 2 Mile Walk
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Date: November 14th @ 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!
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Date: December 5th @ 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Lancaster High School - 1312 Granville Pike, Lancaster Details: Tickets on Sale Now! Reach out to us to get your Pancake Festival Tickets today! Join Kiwanis for their biggest fundraiser of the year! Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes while supporting a beloved family tradition that brings the community together.
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