Ohio is one of 28 states where childcare can amount to the equivalent of in-state college tuition. Let that sink in for a second. Individuals right here in our community are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage, keep the utilities on, purchase...
In These Shoes – a Realization on Volunteerism
Back in February I bought this new pair of “fun” running shoes. I’m not a runner – I don’t even like to say the word run. However, I foolishly signed up to do a 10K at Disney in November, and thought I...
2-1-1: Why Not Just Google It?
United Way 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7, 365-day information and referral resource that connects residents in Lucas, Wood and Ottawa County to various health and human services. It acts as a point of entry for people to get...
Best of 2019: Because Change Doesn’t Happen Alone
We have come to the close of an impactful year! Thousands of needs were met through 211 calls, meal and hygiene kit builds, backpack builds, our funded partners’ unique services and so much more! Read on for stories that highlight...
A Fair Shot: Advocating for a Young Student’s Disability Rights
Our daughter, Hailey, is sitting in the back seat, humming along to whatever made-up song is playing in her mind. She looks like any seven-year-old girl. “You wouldn’t know it to look at her,” people have said, referring to her cognitive disability....
Necessity vs. Commodity: The Struggle for a Child to have Enough to Eat
When first attending college, I was asked whether I was a one, two, or three meals-a-day “kind of person.” This was to correctly match me with the proper meal plan being offered. After getting a brochure about the various levels,...
Eating the Rainbow: A Culinary Adventure to a Healthier Lifestyle
“Whoa, what is that green stuff you’re eating?” Olivia asked her classmate, Jaime, as they sat down to begin eating lunch. “These are called ‘snap peas’,” Jamie stated, “I learned about them during my cooking classes.” “Oh. What...
Guiding Young Minds: Creating Better Classrooms with Social Emotional Learning
Each year, when August rolls around, Mrs. Brown begins getting ready for another school year with her third graders--refining lessons, planning activities and setting up her classroom environment. Yet, as a veteran teacher, she knows there are always things one...
Packing an Impact: A Tool for Academic Success
Deanna Johnson anxiously stood at the check-in desk, waiting to receive her student ID for her freshman year at Owens Community College. The process may seem simple - possibly even a burden - to most, but it was a big...
Down, Never Out: Finding a Path that Leads Away from Rock Bottom
I sat across the table from the woman I’d been called in for. “Her name is Nikki,” my contact had told me over the phone. “She’s dealing with some tough times, not too dissimilar from you a year ago....