United We’re Strong In 1918, a small group of local business owners, religious clerics and community advocates came...
United Way
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United & Thankful in 2020
Finding hope and things to be thankful for amid the pandemic. Let’s just admit it…The past eight months have been...
Why We Are Failing Working Moms
Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has carried-on for the majority of 2020, analysts are beginning to see the deep,...
The Last Pencil: Having Supplies for our Students
“Mrs. Thompson!” shouted Louis in a very disgruntled tone. His little arms crossed, barely able to...
Tax Time: Keeping Your Full Refund
Even if you don’t own a calendar, you know when it’s tax season. From the do-it-yourself tax...
Finding Tomorrow: The Long Road To Financial Freedom
I’ve always dreamed of owning my own home. Yet, each month, around the time my bills are due, I...
Best of 2018: Reflecting on our Community’s Story
What a busy year…or rather 100 years! We had the pleasure of experiencing so many exciting...
Letters To Santa: Sorting Bills at the Kitchen Table
John sat in the dark at the kitchen table, staring down at the two stacks of papers in front of...
A Path to Success: Finding Potential From A Big Brother
Three years ago, I was really struggling, feeling unmotivated and honestly… I felt worthless. In...
Regaining Perspective: The Value of Volunteering
Sitting at my desk, staring at my calendar above my computer, I just couldn’t believe it. Was it...
Let’s Read Together: Overcoming Language Barriers
Emilio’s preschool teacher asks us a question and I look at my husband. “Yes,” Eduardo says. “We...
Turning the Page: The Power of Reading and Mentorship
This post is brought to you by the generous support of The Image Group, a national promotional...
Emotional Anxiety: Seeing Through The Eyes of a Child
It was Tuesday morning and the sun was beaming beautifully with only a few clouds in sight. I...
A Better Way: Living Healthy through Reading
Keeping a consistent schedule as a single dad can be really tough. Since my wife died, my morning...
Waiting by the Window: Building a Child’s Love for Reading
Jacob burst through the back door and ran past me into the living room. He jumped onto the couch...
Eyes Wide Open: Taking the Classroom Outside
As a teacher, keeping a room full of fourth graders engaged and excited about learning can be an...
A Mother’s Dream: Removing the Burden of Costly Childcare
“I had a good dream last night,” I said, looking in the rearview mirror at Alex. He was strapped...
Smiling Again: How Dental Care Changed a Young Man’s Life
“Okay, let’s give a big smile in one, two…” The photographer pauses on three as I remain perfectly...
A Child’s Dignity: The Difference a Foster Care Kit Can Make
At the front entrance of the National Museum of the Great Lakes, I stopped at the registration...
A Place to Belong: The Impact of Affordable, High-Quality Childcare
Walking through the doors of my daughters’ school, I felt butterflies in my stomach. I wasn’t sure...
When Dreams Collide: Exploring Career Possibilities
“Kelsey*, come check this out!” I heard my friend Lindsay* shout from across the room. She was...
Rough Waters: Navigating Life’s Challenges to Keep Families Connected
Pulling into the parking lot at Joyful Connections, I remember the last time we were here. It was...
An Early Arrival: Pacing Hospital Rooms to Playing at the Park
“Ethan*, Ethan, Ethan.” With my hand pressed against the little plastic box he was enclosed in, I...
Reflections of Fatherhood: Facing the Past with the Support of our Community
I kept looking at him in the rearview mirror during the endless drive back to Port Clinton. He was...
It Can Be Done: The Positive Power of Community Partnerships
As our school bus pulled up to the headquarters of Owens-Illinois in Perrysburg, I reluctantly...
A Safe Home for Janie: A Mother’s Fight to Protect Her Daughter
“We were supposed to be safe there,” Melissa* whispered through tears. “Where could a child be...
A Step Forward: One Man’s Pathway Toward Health and Housing
“I’ve tried everything and nothing works. I just don’t see things changing...” he boldly said to...
