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2022 “Be the star of the show” Celebrates partnerships and campaign success at Annual Meeting

ASHLAND – The United Way of Ashland County‘s luncheon on Tuesday was an opportunity to celebrate community members and its 2022 fundraising campaign, which exceeded the goal of $850,000 to reach a total of $920,154.

“Ashland County, thank you for being the star of the show,” United Way of Ashland County Executive Director Stacy Schiemann told partner agency representatives and community guests at the 64th annual meeting held at Ashland University‘s Convocation Center.

The campaign centered on one word, Schiemann said — generosity.

“It applies to each one of you in this room.”

It began with the challenge gift of Bob and Jan Archer, she said, noting Jan Archer has served United Way in every capacity, and Bob Archer is “a force of nature.”

Despite “a life-changing experience for all of us” brought on by the pandemic, Schiemann said, “what hasn’t changed is the life-sustaining work of our partner agencies.”

United Way of Ashland County executive director Stacy Schiemann speaks at the annual meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at John C. Myers Convocation Center. TOM E. PUSKAR/TIMES-GAZETTE.COM

Telehealth services one of many ways United Way of Ashland County agencies help the community

Among the many ways United Way agencies have been meeting the community’s health and well-being needs during a challenging period of time are developing telehealth services; increasing transportation; and addressing homelessness, substance abuse, mental health, utility, rent and mortgage needs.

The partner agencies not only provide services, Schiemann said, but also raise funds for them.

‘(They) connect with each other and the clients they serve … they believe in each other and the community.”

Jerry Strausbaugh speaks at the United Way of Ashland County annual meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at John C. Myers Convocation Center. TOM E. PUSKAR/TIMES-GAZETTE.COM

Jerry Strausbaugh, speaking on behalf of Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, in addition to United Way’s other partner agencies, thanked those who give “not only of their resources. But really in this room are people who give so much more than that,” he said.

“All of us are mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations,” Strausbaugh said, dependent upon partnerships to do their work.

“The people in this room, the individuals,  are what make Ashland a great place to live and work.”

United Way of Ashland County executive director Stacy Schiemann talks about volunteer of the year Brittaney Reep as she poses for a photo with Dan Lawson at the annual meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at John C. Myers Convocation Center. TOM E. PUSKAR/TIMES-GAZETTE.COM

J. Robert Tipton Volunteer of the Year award for 2021 goes to Brittaney Reep

Presenting the financial report in the business portion of the meeting was 2021 treasurer Brittaney Reep, who commended the campaigns of the last two years for being successfully run ” in the midst of so much uncertainty.”

Reep was also honored as the J. Robert Tipton Volunteer of the Year for 2021.

Schiemann praised Reep for strategic use of funds and for making “a lasting impact on our organization.”

“I hope you know …. how much you have meant to our organization,” Schiemann said.

Installed as the new slate of officers were Todd Geren as president; Nicole Hawks, vice president; Chris Bevington, treasurer; and Dan Lawson, secretary.

Also announced were incoming board members Angie Cirone of Ashland Source; Nicole Hawks of Critchfield, Critchfield and Johnson; and Natalie Pryor of BCU Electric.

Retiring members are Jordan Peden, Catherine Puster, Clint Leibolt and Reep.

United Way of Ashland County executive director Stacy Schiemann talks about 2022 Campaign chairs Lynne and Dan Lawson pose for a photo at the annual meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at John C. Myers Convocation Center. TOM E. PUSKAR/TIMES-GAZETTE.COM

Top companies and Pacesetters of the United Way campaign recognized

Dan and Lynne Lawson, campaign chairpersons, recognized the top companies and Pacesetters of the campaign.

No matter the size of the gift, Lynne Lawson said, it’s when they come together that they assist those in great need.

The year 2021 turned out to be just about as challenging as 2020 was difficult, Scheimann said, asking, “How do we move through 2022? My answer is together.”

Support raised through the campaign will provided the funding for services offered by partner agencies in 2022.

Linda Hall @Ashland Times-Gazette  4.6.2022

United Way of Ashland County’s Annual 2022 Campaign underway, private donor challenge nearing end

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United Way of Ashland County funds Associated Charities, among others
Since 1910, Associated Charities has served the Ashland community. United Way of Ashland County funding enables the nonprofit to provide relief for necessities such as life-sustaining medications, diapers and toiletries.

The current campaign, with a goal of $850,000, will fund 15 partner agencies and 26 of their programs. As of Dec. 10, United Way had raised $559,000, about 65% of the goal, Schiemann said.

There is no hard stop to the ongoing campaign, although Schiemann expects (based on years past) that most funds will come in before the new year. Private donors Bob and Jan Archer added an additional incentive this year. If United Way secures $750,000 in pledges by Dec. 15, the Archer’s will donate $100,000.

The groups that will receive the funding in 2022 include: Ashland Parenting Plus, Associated Charities, Ashland County Cancer, ACCESS, Council on Aging, ACCADA, Children’s Advocacy Center, the Y, Salvation Army Kroc Center, Olive Tree Care, American Red Cross Heartland, Kidney Foundation of Ohio, Hospice of North Central Ohio, Ashland Christian Health Center and Appleseed Community Mental Health.

United Way funds are typically one of a few funding streams for the aforementioned groups.

Appleseed Mental Health, for example, will use the forthcoming funds to support three of its programs, executive director Jerry Strausbaugh said.

One of those programs is Safe Haven, which provides prevention, intervention, support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence. United Way funds support approximately 10% of this program’s cost.

United Way helps fund half of Appleseed’s Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids Program, which is a training program for parents of preschool-aged youth. Through lessons and resources, parents learn how to develop their children’s social and emotional well-being, oral language skills and motor development.

“We’re seeing more and more needs in crisis kinds of services, that’s certainly growing,” Strausbaugh said, specifically mentioning childhood anxiety, anger issues and suicidal ideation.

With adult services, Strausbaugh said Appleseed has increasingly seen cases of concurrent substance abuse and mental health issues.

Appleseed Mental Health has a decades-long partnership with United Way, whereas others partner agencies have been added in recent years, such as the Children’s Advocacy Center, Schiemann said.

“If we see that there’s something that’s increasing in the community, something that’s really a high need, then we really try to pivot to meet that so things aren’t static,” Schiemann said. “Because if it was just static, it’s not really being innovative. It’s definitely not being strategic with dollars. And we want to make sure that we are placing donations in the highest and best use for people in the community.”

Each of United Way’s partner agencies have to submit applications detailing funding use, Schiemann said.

As a result of last year’s campaign, people in Ashland County were served 21,646 times by partner agencies, a 24% increase in service from 2019. People were living in poverty 13,381 of those times.

Last year’s funds had the highest usage in Ashland, Loudonville, Perrysville, Polk, and Sullivan, but were used across all zip codes in Ashland County. While every age was also served, adults ages 31-64 were served the most, followed closely by children (newborn to 18 years of age). Additionally, United Way’s partner agencies served 100 veterans.

ROCKSTARS & LEGENDS “ROCK ON” 2021 CAMPAIGN MEETS $850,000 GOAL!!! March 26, 2021

ASHLAND — The United Way of Ashland County announced Thursday that it exceeded its annual campaign goal, despite its untraditional fundraising strategy.

The Ashland nonprofit raised $861,000 during its 2021 campaign, surpassing the goal of $850,000 by 102 percent.

“This year was difficult, challenging and unlike any other most of us have ever seen, but the simple truth is that we care about and for one another,” executive director Stacy Schiemann said. “Due to the hard work and commitment of this community working together to achieve one goal, collectively we will all be better for it.”

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit pivoted most of its campaign activities to a virtual platform. Only the annual Kay Conrad Day of Caring was able to continue in-person, as volunteer teams worked in socially distanced groups to help 80 Ashland area homes with outdoor work.

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Tonya Petry of Appleseed Community Mental Health Center empties a potted plant for an Ashland resident during the United Way’s annual Day of Caring.

The campaign began in fall 2020 with a virtual campaign kick-off and continued with zoom employee meetings and speaking events. Staff dropped off campaign packets to business and organizations for donations, and the organization’s annual Holiday Happenings auction in December was held over social media channels.

“The common theme remained; we all work together to reach our annual goal,” Schiemann said. “Fully funding the campaign allows United Way of Ashland County to support its partner agencies selected programs and services in 2021, and this year more than ever it was vital that we reached our goal to allow United Way of Ashland County to fund our 14 partner agencies and 23 programs that meet the financial stability, education and health needs of our communities.”

The United Way’s partner agencies include: ACCADA, ACCESS, American Red Cross, Appleseed Community Mental Health, Ashland County Cancer, Association, Ashland County Council on Aging, Ashland Parenting Plus, Ashland Christian Health Center, Ashland YMCA, Associated Charities, Hospice of North Central Ohio, Kidney Foundation, Olive Tree Care and Salvation Army Kroc Center.

This year the campaign was led by five companies: Centerra CO-OP $63,086 (57 donors), PCA Packaging Corporation of America $62,464 (132 donors), Ashland University $32,301 (232 donors), UH Samaritan Medical Center $26,637(125 donors) and Chandler Systems Inc., $25,150 (41 donors).

United Way received two major donations in March 2021, which brought the campaign past its goal this year.

Trinity Lutheran Church gave a significant gift, meeting a challenge by an anonymous donor to reach at least $800,000 by March 1, 2021. The donation from the church triggered the $50,000 challenge donation, allowing United Way of Ashland County to exceed its goal.

“For almost 190 years Trinity Lutheran Church has been blessed to be a part of the community of Ashland, and it has been our great joy in that time to share with Ashland the blessings that God has poured out upon us. Trinity is grateful to have been able to support The United Way in funding the needs of the community,” Pastor Kevin McLain said. “As a community church and a community partner we are glad to partner with The United Way, and grateful for all they do to bless and support Ashland.”

According to a press release, the anonymous donor was also pleased to see the challenge was met.

Schiemann thanked everyone who donated to the campaign this year.

“This is truly why United Way of Ashland County exists, to bring together people of from all walks of life in our county to participate to make one impact for the greater good.  We are thankful for each donation that is made, and each makes a huge impact on our community,” Schiemann said.

She also thanked the United Way campaign leadership team: Aaron and Aubrey Bates, Todd and Krissy Geren, Al Holdren, Dan Lawson, Angela Ringler, Joe and Brittaney Reep, Jerry Strausbaugh, Chris and Michelle Vanderzyden.

“They all are one hundred percent community minded, committed to the cause and are a source of constant humor, enthusiasm, ideas and insight. Thank you all for your hard work,” she said.

  • March 26, 2021 written by:  Tracy Leturgey, Staff Report at Ashland Source

Kay Conrad Day of Caring – October 22, 2020

Ashland County United Way plans Day of Caring for Thursday, October 22, 2020

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ASHLAND — The COVID-19 pandemic has created many obstacles in 2020, but United Way of Ashland County has worked hard to find a safe way to continue the annual Kay Conrad Day of Caring Set on Thursday, October 22.

Now in its 26th year, the Kay Conrad Day of Caring is a day dedicated to the service of Ashland County residents. This volunteer day meets the needs of Ashland County residents who are unable to complete yard work and winterizing of homes necessary before the start winter.

Volunteer team captains will drive through Ashland University’s Upper Convocation Center parking lot to pick up boxed lunches for their teams and supplies for the day. This year teams will eat lunch together instead as one large group with all attendees.

Team captains will also deliver a boxed lunch to each resident that has a volunteer team working on their home.

Teams have been assigned to two or three homes in Ashland County each and will complete yard work, and small exterior jobs.

Referrals for this program are made primarily through United Way Partner Agencies such as Ashland County Council on Aging, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Associated Charities, Ashland County Cancer Association and others. United Way of Ashland County matches home requests and volunteer teams to provide the services requested by the resident.

The Kay Conrad Day of Caring was the vision of the late Kay Conrad, who felt that volunteerism and service to others is the cornerstone for a strong community.

Volunteer teams this year are comprised of local businesses, partner agencies, clubs and residents.

“We are very excited about our 2020 Day of Caring.  This year we have worked incredibly hard to make sure that we are providing a meaningful event for our residents.  Over 200 volunteers filling 30 volunteer teams will make a difference to 79 homes across Ashland County. This is an amazing opportunity for our community to come together and make a vast impact to our county in a concentrated period of time.  Ashland County has amazing businesses that have made volunteerism a part of their work culture. These businesses not only encourage their staff to participate but have sponsored entire teams for the day to make a difference in Ashland County” said Stacy Schiemann, Executive Director of United Way.

The United Way of Ashland County would like to thank the following sponsors for making this important day a success. Lunch sponsors for the volunteers include Whitcomb & Hess, Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston, First Energy Foundation and Park National Bank. Resident lunch sponsors include Mc B Paving, and Packaging Corp of America. The supply sponsor is Bo Lacey.

  • Special to Ashland Source

“Rockstars & Legends” 2020 Campaign meets Goal of $850,000! February 7, 2020

United Way of Ashland County’s Rockstars and Legends campaign meets $850,000 goal

  • Special to Ashland Source –   
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Stacy Schiemann, executive director of the United Way of Ashland County, announced the year’s goal of $850,000 in Fall 2019.

“This campaign has been very exciting,” United Way Executive Director Stacy Schiemann said. “Campaign Chairs Joe and Brittaney Reep set the tone for the campaign by showing their enthusiasm and love of Ashland county. They have poured their heart and souls into this campaign and have really connected with the community.

“Their enthusiasm and love of Ashland County was evident in everything they did to make this campaign a success. They both are invested in ensuring that Ashland County is a wonderful place for people to live and they model this by being involved community members.”

“Ashland County has amazing businesses that have made philanthropy, volunteerism and community engagement part of their work culture. We also have amazing individual donors who make the work that we do possible,” Schiemann said. “This commitment to our community ensures that 15 partner Agencies receive funding from Ashland County United Way to provide critical services for our community members across Ashland County.”

These partner Agencies include: ACCADA, ACCESS, American Red Cross, Appleseed Community Mental Health, Ashland County Cancer, Association, Ashland County Council on Aging, Ashland Parenting Plus, Ashland Christian Health Center, Ashland YMCA, Associated Charities, Catholic Charities, Hospice of North Central Ohio, Kidney Foundation, Olive Tree Care, Salvation Army Kroc Center.

“The work they do vital and meets the needs of Ashland County residents on a daily basis,” Schiemann said.

Joe Reep, campaign chair, was also delighted to see the campaign end on such a high note.

“It has been an honor and privilege for Brittaney and I to help lead a successful campaign for 2020, but all of the credit should go to the individuals and businesses who contributed, volunteers who gave their time and the agencies doing the hard work in the community,” Reep said.  “Ashland continues to show its colors as a place that takes care of its own and we are proud to raise our family here and call it home.”

2019 Kay Conrad Day of Caring

ASHLAND — Gordon Conrad’s wife, Kay Conrad, passed away in 2010. But she is still remembered today after founding the United Way of Ashland’s Kay Conrad Day of Caring 25 years ago.

Kay Conrad was the executive director of the organization from 1996 to 2004.

Gordon ConradIMG_4845.JPGkids day of caring

On Thursday, roughly 320 volunteers set out to provide service to 98 homes in Ashland County that added up to over 1,200 man hours in just an afternoon’s worth of work.

“I just think it highlights the specialness of our community, people’s work ethic and their ability to care for others and just to make a difference in this one day,” Stacy Schiemann, executive director of United Way said.

The volunteers consisted of companies that rounded up their employees as well as individuals willing to spend an afternoon giving back to the community.

The volunteers are split up into groups by companies — who each have 4-5 assigned houses where they will go and meet the needs of the homeowners, typically elderly.

Companies such as First Energy have sent volunteers to the event for years and this year had 23 employees take the afternoon to volunteer as a team.

“We’ve gotten quite a few more new ones (volunteers) this year, so I think the word is spreading within our company, and we’re getting a few more willing to take the time to come out and help,” Julie Campbell of First Energy said.

Typical duties consist of raking, hedging bushes, cleaning windows and even replacing smoke detectors provided by the American Red Cross.

“What makes it successful is the interaction with the residents because most of the residents don’t stay in their houses when this is done,” Schiemann said. “They are out there talking to their volunteer team and sharing stories and having that social connection and feeling cared for by their community.”

Ashland Mayor Matt Miller gave a proclamation for the day and also mentioned the type of person Kay Conrad was and what she meant to the community.

“Kay was someone whose heart and soul was for the underdog,” Miller said. “Anyone that needed help, whether it was emotional, physical, or help cleaning up their property, Kay cared about them.”

As the volunteers waited anxiously to go out and serve, Gordon Conrad left them with one message.

“It was very important to Kay and I don’t think she ever envisioned something like this being this big. I know it’s pretty chilly out there, but the warmth in your hearts is going to overcome that.”

Ashland Source Facebook Article:  10/18/2019

2019 “THE HERO IN U” CAMPAIGN KICK OFF BREAKFAST

ASHLAND – United Way of Ashland County is encouraging community members to find their inner hero this year.

“It’s the super hero in you that makes you feel powerful, that makes you feel engaged and strong and that makes you feel like you can go out and make a change,” Stacy Schiemann, executive director of the local United Way chapter, said at a kick-off breakfast at Ashland University Thursday.

The breakfast marked the official start of United Way’s 2019 “The Hero In U” Campaign, but a dozen local businesses and institutions designated as United Way “Pacesetters” have already begun raising money toward the $990,000 campaign goal. Collectively, the Pacesetters have set a goal to raise $308,625, and several of the groups have already surpassed their individual goals.

Schiemann said the superhero theme felt like a good one for this year’s campaign because it empowers people to act.

“Superheroes for us doesn’t mean you need to jump off buildings or have super strength or super speed or teleport. What we’re really asking is, ‘What can you do in your life to create change for others?'”

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United Way of Ashland County’s annual campaign is designed to raise money for 27 specific programs of the organization’s 15 partner agencies throughout Ashland County, freeing up those agencies to spend more time on their missions and less time fundraising.

The partner agencies are ACCESS, American Red Cross, Appleseed Community Mental Health Safe Haven Shelter, Ashland County Cancer Association, Ashland Christian Health Center, Ashland County Council on Aging, Ashland County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Ashland Parenting Plus, Ashland Y, Associated Charities, Catholic Charities, Hospice of North Central Ohio, Kidney Foundation of Ohio, Olive Tree Care Program and Salvation Army.

The local United Way is funding five new programs for the first time this year, including ACCESS’s homeless services, Ashland Christian Health Center’s Patient Medication Assistance Program, Appleseed’s Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids Program, Ashland Parenting Plus’s Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program, Olive Tree’s Aftercare Program and Ashland Y’s Special Olympics.

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This year’s campaign efforts are led by volunteer campaign co-chairs Todd and Krissy Geren.

Pacesetters this year include Abbott Ashland Retirees and Alumni, Ashland City Schools, Ashland University, Ashland County West Holmes Career Center, BCU Electric, Campbell’s Snyder’s lance, Centreea Co-Op, Donley Ford Auto Group, First-Knox National Bank, Loudonville-Perrysville Schools, Lutheran Social Services and University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center. United Way’s partner agencies are also Pacesetters for the campaign.

For more information about United Way of Ashland County or to donate, visit uwashlandoh.org or call 419-281-5551.

Ashland/Richland Source – Courtney McNaull, Staff Reporter

2018 “Kay Conrad Day of Caring”

ASHLAND – Hundreds of community members came together Thursday to help Ashland residents for the 23rd United Way of Ashland County Kay Conrad Day of Caring.“I think it’s important to show that there are people in this community that are here for others, just to show that we support those who need a little more assistance,” Washock said. “There’s a lot of great things going on in Ashland.”

A team from Ashland, Inc., was raking leaves, cleaning windows and moving some outdoor furniture on Smith Road. Colin Myers, who was helping for the second year, said he appreciated that his company gave him and his co-workers the chance to give back to the community through the Day of Caring.

Twenty-seven teams made up of 234 volunteers from a variety of Ashland businesses and organizations fanned out across Ashland County to perform a variety of tasks for 78 elderly and disabled residents who needed help with raking, washing windows, trimming bushes and other assorted chores to prepare for winter.

Before starting their work, the volunteers gathered at Jack’s Place at Trinity Lutheran Church for lunch and to gather their supplies.

The day is named in honor of the late Kay Conrad who passed away in 2010 and founded the day of service in 1994 when she was the head of the Ashland United Way.

“Kay valued volunteering and built that into everything she did with the United Way of Ashland County. She wanted to build a day that was just about volunteering and making our community better,” said Michelle Vanderzyden, president of the United Way board.

Kay’s husband, Gordon, thanked those in attendance Thursday for carrying on the tradition his wife started for the community she came to call home. “Kay was not a native Ashlander but she poured her heart and soul into this community,” Gordon said.  Although dark clouds filled the skies, Gordon told the volunteers to not be worried about the weather. “I think she (Kay) said once, ‘Don’t worry about the weather. When you’re helping people, it never rains,” he told the gathered volunteers.

Besides a number of homes in Ashland, volunteers also pitched in at residences in Savannah, Loudonville, Perysville, Jeromesville, Nova, Sullivan and Greenwich.

On West Walnut Street, a team from the Kiwanis helped clean up three homes. Among those on the Kiwanis team was Jennifer Washock who said this was her first year taking part in the Day of Caring.

“I think it’s important to show that there are people in this community that are here for others, just to show that we support those who need a little more assistance,” Washock said. “There’s a lot of great things going on in Ashland.”

A team from Ashland, Inc., was raking leaves, cleaning windows and moving some outdoor furniture on Smith Road. Colin Myers, who was helping for the second year, said he appreciated that his company gave him and his co-workers the chance to give back to the community through the Day of Caring.

“It’s a chance to do something nice for people who can’t do it all on their own,” Myers said.

Fellow Ashland, Inc., employee Amanda Lipscomb was also thankful for the chance to take part Thursday.

“It’s just good to help the community,” she said.

Ashland firefighters and other volunteers also installed smoke detectors at 50 of the residences that requested them.

Article:  Tim Busbey – Ashland/Richland Source

2018 Campaign Kick off Event

 

Ashland – For Thursday mornings, United Way of Ashland County “Faces of Change” 2018 Campaign kick-off Breakfast, the theme was “Ashland’s Got Talent”, and it became apparent throughout the program that giving to help others is one of the county’s best talents.

“We are so proud of the work they (Pacesetters) did, “Stacy Schiemann, executive director of United Way of Ashland County, said after the breakfast.

Michelle Vanderzyden, Joe Reep and Dan Lawson served as the “Judges” for the pacesetter talent performances.

The Pacesetter organizations for the 2018 campaign are Ashland University, Ashland City Schools, Ashland County West Holmes Career Center, BCU Electric, Farmers & Savings Bank, Loudonville/Perrsyville Schools, Lutheran Social Services, Snyder’s Lance, University Samaritan Hospital, Whitcomb & Hess and the partner agencies of the United Way.

“While today is about fun and getting the campaign launched, it’s really about how meaningful United Way and its partner agencies are to this town and we want to connect those dots for everyone, “Schiemann said.  “We don’t want anyone to forget that United Way is here to fund the agencies that are doing the hard work every day and by you donating your time and your dollars, You’re really making an impact to make this community thrive.”

Aaron and Aubrey Bates are serving as the co-chairs of the 2018 Campaign.  The couple praised the hard work put in by the Pacesetters and asked the community to join their family in supporting United Way.

“We as a community, it is our hope that we would be known as a place that holds the values of compassion and generiosity very, very high, “Aaron Bates said.  Ashland resident Rebecca Zickefoose shared the story of how Hospice of North Central Ohio helped her 9-year old son after his grandfather passed away a few years ago.  He was having trouble coping with the loss so the family turned to Hospice of North Central Ohio’s bereavement counselors.

“The people, our friends there, they treated him with the same respect and care that you would expect to give anyone who is grieving.  They gave him the support.  they gave him the tools.  With just a few sessions they equipped him with things he could use to get through situations, “Zickefoose said.

“We fostered relationships.  It’s not just about numbers and it’s not just about money or anything like that.  What United Way does that  supports organizations, like Hospice, it affords them the opportunity to just do what they do, which is care for people and make a change in our lives and many, many, others.  So thank you.

Article provided by:  Richland Source – Tim Busbey