Shelby County United Way, Inc.

06/11/2026

Today on our our weekly series with our partner agencies and community initiatives on HITS 105.5 FM we heard from Meagan and Ashley and their service dog Max from Heights who shared all the amazing things they do that you probably never knew about.
The Resilient Heights program is founded on the belief that every student is valuable and has the potential to succeed both in school and beyond.
At Resilient Heights, students receive an individualized education that includes life and social skills, career exploration, mental health counseling, and a hands-on curriculum aligned with the Ohio Learning Standards.
The staff comes from diverse backgrounds and work together to help students feel empowered to make positive choices that benefit their own lives and the lives of those around them. Their goal is to help every student strengthen interpersonal skills, build coping strategies, and develop resilience in challenging situations.
Break the Stigma!
-resilient heights is a place that provides structure and education to each individual child and their needs.
-these are good kids who are in need of something other than a basic classroom
-max the therapy dog is also there to provide comfort and the best doggy hugs and a floppy ear to listen
- resilient heights provides incentives for the children to earn “dollars” through good choices and hard work. They have some pretty good stuff to choose, from candy to Air-Pods.
To learn more go to https://www.mresc.org/resilient-heights-school/,

Tune in next Thursday on Hits 105.5 between 9:40-10:00AM as we bring you wonderful information on another United Way partner agency and the incredible human services that are provided in our community.

06/10/2026

Our first "Why I Serve Wednesday" Segment!

Meet Aaron Rode, Sidney Police Chief and the 2nd Vice Chair of Shelby County United Way.

What is your favorite part of being on the United Way board?
-I love learning about the community from the community. The UW is so integral in the operations of dozens of community programs and partnerships and seeing exactly how those function operationally is eye-opening. We are so fortunate to have these types of resources in Shelby County and I have perspective moving here from a different county.

Why did you choose to serve on the Shelby County United Way board?
-Being a member of the UW board is a rewarding experience in many different ways. You are a piece of a yearly million+dollar puzzle and the responsibility that holds is tremendous and challenging. You network with not only other board members but also dozens upon dozens of amazing community stakeholders and volunteers who make Shelby County the powerhouse county it is today. You see firsthand the impact of community programs, some more well-known than others, and you’re able to reach out and touch those organizations. The entire board experience is so rewarding and it’s changed who I am as a leader and as a resident of Shelby County.

Stay tuned for our biweekly posts of our amazing Shelby County United Way board members.

06/04/2026

The Little Caesars Love Kitchen will travel to Mercy Mission House, located at 950 Childrens Home Road in Sidney, this Saturday to serve fresh pizza.

The Love Kitchen is a big-rig pizza restaurant on wheels that travels across the U.S., serving free Little Caesars pizza to the hungry, homeless and disaster victims.

Franchisees and company operators supply the food and volunteers that allow the two trucks to serve across the country. Over 4 million people have been served across the U.S.

The truck will arrive at Mercy Mission House at 10 a.m., with the serving time between noon and 1 p.m. for about 150 people. Residents of the shelter will be served first, then community members on a first-come, first-served basis. A donation bucket will be set out for Mercy Mission House.

SIDNEY — The Little Caesars Love Kitchen will travel to Mercy Mission House, located at 950 Childrens Home Road in Sidney, this Saturday to serve fresh pizza.

06/04/2026

Today on our our weekly series with our partner agencies and community initiatives on HITS 105.5 FM we heard from the Director of Marketing, Cassandra Monnin, from the Shelby County Libraries speak about all the exciting things happening with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Casandra shared that Imagination Library is an early literacy program that provides at no cost to the family, an age appropriate book that is mailed monthly from birth to age 5. The collection of books change every year so they encourage families to register every child under the age of 5.
This United Way Community Initiative was started 11 years ago in March of 2015 through a joint effort between the library and the United Way.
Today, Imagination Library is available in every zip code in Ohio and 70% of eligible children in Ohio are currently enrolled with 295,000 books being mailed to Shelby County kids last year. Cassandra said this is possible because of all the community partner support that they receive, Wilson Health enrolling at their birthing center, and the generous donors that give through the United Way!

One of the reasons this program is so important is because studies have proven if children cannot read by the 3rd grade they are more likely to need social services in the future. This program gives them a head start to a very bright future.

It is simple and easy to sign up for the program, you can go to the libraries website at http://shelbycountylibraries.org/dolly-parton.../ or directly to the imagination library website at imaginationlibrary.com/Ohio.

Casandra was excited to share that their summer reading program has started and they are having a Family Fun Night tomorrow night from 6-8pm at Tawawa Park Geib Pavillon. Free food, activities, and fun for everyone!

Tune in next Thursday on Hits 105.5 between 9:40-10:00AM as we bring you wonderful information on another United Way partner agency and the incredible human services that are provided in our community.

06/01/2026

Just in case you missed it, be sure to check out the May Newsletter! It's packed with the latest updates, highlights, and important information you won't want to miss.

Email from Shelby County United Way Exciting Updates from Shelby County United Way! Check out Our Latest News! May 2026 Newsletter Lots of Exciting Things Happening with the Shelby County United Way!

06/01/2026

The Shelby County United Way Women’s Initiative Group, P.O.W.E.R. (Passionate.Optimisic.Women.Encouraging.Results), 2026 grant application cycle is still open, deadline to submit is June 15th.
Now in its ninth year, the grant program continues its commitment to supporting impactful initiatives that benefit children and families throughout Shelby County.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities serving Shelby County. Grant awards of up to $2,000 per organization will be distributed, with a total of up to $35,000 available for funding in 2026.
P.O.W.E.R. seeks to fund programs and projects that align with its mission to provide meaningful assistance and resources to children and families in need. The organization encourages innovative proposals that address critical community needs and create lasting, positive outcomes for children and families.
All completed applications must be submitted to the Shelby County United Way office by June 15, 2026.
For additional information about the grant process or to request an application, please contact: Amy West at (937) 492-2101 Ext. 1003 or Email: [email protected]
Applicants may also visit Power4Women.org/grants for more details.

05/29/2026

We would like to extend a sincere appreciation to our next 2026 Day of Action Projects partners - Ruese Insurance Group, Ratermann Insurance Agency & McColloch-Baker Insurance Service!
We are so very grateful for these hard working volunteers who gave their time and energy to make a difference in our community by revitalizing and painting at Clear Creek Farm.
Their efforts are creating a lasting impact, demonstrating the power of collective action.
Thank you Ruese & Ratermann Insurance for your continued partnership in demonstrating that "United is the Way" and in fact the key to driving positive change!

05/28/2026

Today on our weekly series with our partner agencies on HITS 105.5 FM, we're shining a light on the incredible work of Alpha Community Center, a beacon of hope in our community! 🌟
This amazing organization serves our community in four powerful ways: providing meals 7 days a week, an emergency food pantry, children's and adult's programming, and rent/utility assistance. Located at 950 Children's Home Rd, alongside Holy Angels Soup Kitchen and Mercy Mission House, Alpha Community Center is a true champion of compassion.
Justin shared that an astonishing 36,000 meals were served last year, mentioning that they are the only organization providing meals EVERY DAY in our community! 🍴 He also highlighted that many people don't realize the incredible impact they have on a daily basis, offering meals and support services in a welcoming community, 7 days a week.
They serve people from all walks of life, including seniors, those facing hardships, and those who just need human connection and dignity. All of this is made possible by a small but dedicated staff and a large team of volunteers. 💪
Justin debunked a common misconception that those who visit are lazy, when in reality, they're often just one missed paycheck or event away from needing help. 🤝 He proudly shared that Alpha Community Center is an United Way agency and that without their support, they wouldn't be able to thrive.
To volunteer, donate, or learn more about this incredible organization, visit alphacommunitycenter.org or call 937-498-9758, or email Justin at [email protected].

📲 Tune in to HITS 105.5 FM next Thursday between 9:40-10:00 AM to hear about another United Way partner agency and the life-changing services they provide in our community.

05/28/2026

We are so excited for the new childcare center in Jackson Center - Roots Child Development Center!

05/28/2026

📣 WE ARE HIRING!

Wilma Valentine Childcare is searching for 2 dedicated, hardworking individuals to join our team at the end of July and beginning of August!

➡️ Some great perks of our center include:
• A strong, supportive team
• Wonderful children to work with
• 7.5-hour shift, which includes a paid lunch
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Life Insurance
• OPERS Retirement
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• 11 Paid Federal Holidays
• Extended paid time off in July and December

⭐️ If you are dependable, caring, and enjoy working with children, access the link below and apply today!

https://shelbydd.org/full-time-childcare-assistant/