SIDNEY — “2022 was a successful year for the Shelby County United Way in spite of the economic and inflationary pressures. Because of the support of our donors, partner agencies were able to address the critical needs of our residents. For the tenth time in the past eleven years we received the highest rating from Charity Navigator as a top performing non-profit agency and local United Way,” said Scott Barr, Shelby County United Way president.

His report continues:

Over 18,000 residents were served last year through our 27 partner agencies and over 30 Special Projects, POWER and Student United Way grants.

In the fall of 2022, we held our annual campaign and as we expect final numbers to come in we expect total revenue to exceed $1.35 million. This is consistent to the previous years campaign. This would not be possible without the generous community and our individual, family and company donors. We also want to thank campaign chair Duane Gaier and the campaign division leaders for their leadership.

There were many successes in 2022. Partner agencies met the needs in an extensive array of critical services. There were leadership changes at four agency partners. Transitions have been smooth. Katie Price was hired as director at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Tricia Alloway was hired as director at Samaritan Works, and Amanda Hilgefort was hired as the first director of Mercy Mission House Emergency Shelter. Pastor John Geisler, founder and CEO at Agape Distribution, passed away after a short battle with cancer. He left a legacy that will change many lives well into the future of no one going hungry in Shelby County. Their board, including board chair Bruce Boyd, are ensuring John’s mission continues with the current staff while a search for a new CEO continues.

Shelby County is still the highest county in the state with Dolly Parton Imagination Library enrollment. We have 66% of all children in the state enrolled. This would not be possible without the wonderful staff at Wilson Health enrolling newborns.

Mercy Mission House Emergency Shelter opened in early 2022. They have many impressive statistics. 35 families have successfully found rent reasonable apartments after being residents at the shelter. They have provided a total of 7500 nights of shelter to their clients. They are addressing mental health, case management, obtaining needed birth certificates and identification cards to assist with employment requirements, and teaching life skills. This has been a great addition to the community.

Our women’s initiative group, POWER, continues to grow in membership and impact, now exceeding 138 ladies. During the summer they awarded $35,000 in grants to family, youth, and school-based organizations. Please contact Amy West at 937-492-2101 or [email protected] to become a POWER member.

Student United Way is completing its sixth year. One junior and one senior from every high school in the county is participating. They meet once a month to learn what programs the United Way funds and what are some of the primary community issues facing Shelby County. They have been provided a $10,000 allocation budget and during the spring will review and award grants impacting youth in Shelby County.

The organization operates with a talented and dedicated staff. During the summer, Emily Neu was hired as the first Community Development director. She brings a vast knowledge of marketing, philanthropy and non-profit board experience to the organization. In her new role, she will help the organization cultivate new company and donor relationships and deepen existing relationships. Two staff members celebrated 10 years of service to the organization in 2022; Jayne Smith, director of Finance and Administration, and Scott Barr, president and CEO.

As the Shelby County United Way plans for 2023 and into the future, they will complete the strategic planning process in the spring. The Shelby County United Way will continue to meet the needs of our community in 2023 thanks to the compassion and kindness of our community.