PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
2026 UNITED WAY GRANT RECIPIENTS … On July 22, representatives from the 2026 Funded Agencies gathered to connect and share the impacts of their programs. It also highlighted the positive impact they are making in Williams County. (Front from left); Jennifer Martin (Storehouse 4 Hope); Sarah Stubblefield (Williams County Department of Aging); Stefanie Widney (Grace Cares 419); Katie Shaffer (Sarah’s Friends); Becky Kimble (The Ability Center of Greater Toledo); Crystal Genter (Northwest Ohio Community Action Commission); Jasmine Conley (Operation Clean Duds); Jessica Kline (New Home Development); Pheba Banerjee (Sanctuary Homeless Shelter) and Roberta Mack (Center for Child & Family Advocacy). (Back from left); Amy Kirby (United Way of Williams County); Christina Englehart (United Wayne of Williams County); Kelly Mofield (Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio); Daniel Tinch (Williams County YMCA); Oscar Hernandez III (Williams County Health Department); Pastor Jeff Miller (Open Hands Caring Hearts) and Mark Pittman (CPC Women’s Health Resource). Agencies not pictured were Cancer Assistance of Williams County, Catholic Charities, Never Let Go Ministries, CHP Hospice, and Hands Helping Hands Food Pantry.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
In order to give back to Williams County communities and agencies, the United Way of Williams County will be hosting a reverse raffle on Saturday, October 4, at the Bryan Eagles.
The reverse raffle will feature a delicious dinner catered by Sauder’s and a chance to win up to $3,000. Tickets are limited and may be purchased online through the United Way of Williams County website. The cost is $52 per ticket.
Every ticket purchased for the reverse raffle will support over 25 life-changing programs that assist Williams County residents. The highlight of the night is when the last ticket is drawn; they will claim the big prize.
Two other events are being planned as well, including a Trivia Night: “ A Night At The Movies,” on Friday, January 16, 2026, and Boots & Bowties for Books on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The 12th annual Trivia Night will be held at the Williams County Veterans Memorial Building. Tickets are $200 for a table of ten, and each table includes three large pizzas.
Proceeds from Trivia Night will benefit We Care Cabinet. The Boots & Bowties event will also be held at the Williams County Veterans Memorial Building. Tickets are $75 each or $600 for a table of eight, including dinner and live entertainment.
Proceeds from Boots & Bowties will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. Sponsorships for these events are available at wecare@unitedwaywc.org.
On July 22, representatives from the 2026 Funded Agencies had gathered to connect, share updates on their programs, and highlight the positive impact they are making in Williams County.
The event was both an opportunity to learn more about community needs and a celebration of the dedication and compassion of local agencies.
United Way of Williams County has announced the 2026 funded programs in three different categories: education, financial services, and health.
EDUCATION
*Earn While You Learn-CPC Women’s Health Resource, (419) 636-5691.
*Youth Leadership Council-Educating Community on Healthy Options (ECHO), (419)-485-3141.
*Project Respect-CPC Women’s Health Resource, (419) 636-5691.
*Addiction, Abuse Outreach & Education-Never Let Go Ministries (419) 212-2777.
*Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library-United Way of Williams County (419) 636-8603.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
*Laundry Services-Operation Clean Duds, (419) 966-2857.
*Rapid Re-Housing Assistance-Sarah’s Friends (419) 636-7272.
*Gas Vouchers-Grace Cares, (419) 633-1125.
*Rent/Utility Assistance-Grace Cares, (419) 633-1125.
*Rent/Utility Assistance & Financial Coaching-Storehouse & Hope (419) 630-4108.
*Rent/Utility Assistance & Crisis Management-Catholic Charities (419) 636-1044, ext. 135.
*Emergency Assistance-New Home Development, (419) 519-3075.
*Sanctuary Homeless Shelter, (419) 630-8339.
HEALTH
*Hospice-Community Health Professionals, (419) 238-9223.
*Bridging The Need Patient Services-Cancer Assistance of Williams County, (419) 636-0079.
*Patient Services Program-Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio, Williams County Chapter, (419) 329-2196.
*Summer Food Services Program-Northwest Ohio Community Action Commission (NOCAC), (419) 636-8924.
*Food Pantry-Open Hearts, Caring Hearts, (419) 636-5026.
*Food Pantry-Hands Helping Hands, (419) 485-3311.
*House of Ruth-The Center for Child & Family Advocacy, (419) 782-1100.
*YMCA Membership Scholarship-Williams County YMCA, (419) 636-6185.
*Durable Medical Equipment-The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, (419) 633-1400.
*Home Modification Program-The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, (419) 633-1400.
*Meals on Wheels Program-Williams County Department of Aging, (419) 633-4317.
*We Care Cabinet-United Way of Williams County, (419) 636-8603.
*Let Me Play Fund-United Way of Williams County, (419) 636-8603.
DOLLY PARTON IMAGINATION LIBRARY
This year, the United Way of Williams County enjoyed reading stories to children. They watched caterpillars turn into butterflies, learned how to fight dragons, and all the different ways kids from around the world get to school.
Thanks go out to the Fountain City Amphitheater for asking United Way of Williams County to spend a beautiful morning at Day in the Park held in June.
If you would like to sign up your newborn to five-year-old to receive a book every month at no cost to your family, head to the United Way website at www.unitedwaywc.org.
NEW UNITED WAY OFFICE
The United Way of Williams County is excited to officially call the Williams County Family YMCA its new home.
Since it opened, the YMCA staff and community have been incredibly warm and welcoming, making the transition both smooth and inspiring.
The United Way of Williams County looks forward to the many opportunities ahead to partner with the YMCA and to connect even more with the public in this vibrant, community-centered space.
Office hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The office is located in the Bard Family Foundation Fitness Center on 1 Faber Drive, Bryan, Ohio.
A NOTE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMY KIRBY
Looking ahead. It’s been a busy summer at the United Way of Williams County, filled with exciting new opportunities, fresh connections, and growing partnerships.
As we head into campaign season, we’re energized by this momentum and are looking forward to what’s ahead-fun events, meaningful conversations with donors, and continuing our advocacy for all Williams County residents.
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to make life better for everyone. Together, we’re building a stronger community.