09/09/2026
We’re grateful for partners like Delaware County Transit who understand that transportation is an important part of connecting our neighbors to the resources and opportunities they need. 💙
Kelsey is a true champion for connection! Whether she’s connecting a neighbor to resources, bringing partners together to solve a problem, or hopping on the bus with her family, she’s always finding ways to make Delaware County a better place. 🫶
🌟PARTNER + PASSENGER SPOTLIGHT | KELSEY & UNITED WAY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
Some partnerships connect organizations. The best partnerships connect people, resources, and solutions.
This week, we’re excited to spotlight Kelsey with United Way of Delaware County—not only as a valued community partner, but also as a Delaware County Transit passenger.
United Way of Delaware County takes what Kelsey describes as a “no wrong door” approach to serving the community. Through initiatives focused on strengthening families, hunger, housing, and human trafficking—as well as direct programs serving children, families, and young adults—United Way works to connect Delaware County residents with the people and resources that can help.
“We may be working with someone who wants to give a gift, someone who needs resources, or a family somewhere in between,” Kelsey shared. “Whatever someone is coming to us with, we want to help connect them to the right neighbor to reach their goal.”
That spirit of connection is also at the heart of United Way’s partnership with Delaware County Transit.
Kelsey sees transportation as an important part of a much larger network of community services. DCT helps connect residents to medical appointments, programs, resources, employment, and other destinations—but just as importantly, our organizations help connect each other.
One example Kelsey especially appreciates is the collaboration among United Way’s Hunger Alliance, People In Need, and Delaware County Transit. A transportation barrier was identified, community partners came together, resources were found, and a practical solution followed—including grocery carts that make it easier for passengers to transport food home.
“We identified a problem. We talked about why it was a barrier. We looked for funds to support the solution—and look, problem solved.”
For Kelsey, that collaboration represents something special about Delaware County.
“There’s certainly room for everyone. At the end of the day, we all want to see our neighbors served. We’re going to keep getting together, collaborating, and innovating.”
🚌 But Kelsey doesn't just talk about public transportation—she rides it.
As part of a one-car household, Kelsey uses DCT for work, meetings, and everyday trips around Delaware. She also rides with her family.
A trip to the YMCA can become a group adventure with friends and their children—without coordinating multiple vehicles and car seats. On Saturdays, her family can ride downtown, visit the farmers market, or head to Mingo Park without adding another car to downtown traffic.
“For us, it’s better for the environment, it saves on our family budget, and it works.”
And she’s an enthusiastic advocate for getting others to try transit, too.
“Never been on the bus? Come on the bus with me.”
That simple invitation speaks to something Kelsey and DCT both want more people to understand:
Public transportation is for everyone.
Sometimes you don't notice transportation until you need it. Sometimes you see the buses every day without realizing they could work for you. And sometimes all it takes is knowing someone who rides to make that first trip feel easy.
For Kelsey, transit is more than getting from Point A to Point B. It is another way to participate in the community, connect with neighbors and make Delaware County a more accessible place to live.
“I just love it. I get so excited about what’s happening here and where we might be going.”
Kelsey, thank you for being one of DCT’s biggest cheerleaders—but even more importantly, thank you for the work you and the entire United Way of Delaware County team do to bring people together, ask the right questions, and keep working until our neighbors are connected with the resources they need.
https://www.liveuniteddelawarecounty.org/
We’re proud to call you a partner and a passenger. 💛
FOR EVERYONE. FOR EVERY JOURNEY.
MOVING DELAWARE COUNTY FORWARD.
Delaware County Ohio United Way of Delaware County Ohio
