By Sean Beck
Executive Director, United Way of Hardin County

I know this is a busy season for many, which is also true for the United Way. We are well into our annual fundraising campaign and are in a season of transition. The most significant change for us this year is the addition of me! I am writing to you as the new Executive Director of the United Way of Hardin County. Coming into the role mid-campaign hasn’t been easy, but it truly has been an incredible experience.

Did you know that in 2021, the United Way of Hardin County served OVER SIX THOUSAND PEOPLE? That’s an incredible impact. The United Way helped to fund programs such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides books to kids for FREE; Safe Haven, which provides a safe space for people who have had the misfortune of experiencing domestic violence; youth development programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Girl Scouts, and the Boy Scouts; to Love, INC which provides emergency assistance to those in dire need. With the number of people whom the United Way has helped, I am 100% certain you know someone who has been positively impacted by the excellent work that the United Way does.

We fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. This is our purpose. This is our “why.”

You might be asking yourself how you can help. The answer is easy- we still need funding to hit our goal of serving as many people in Hardin County as possible. We can and will use every cent that is given to better the community we all call home because 98% of the funding we receive STAYS in Hardin County. Right now, we are only 35% of the way to our goal. That’s it. 

As my favorite Star Wars character, Ahsoka Tano said “in my life, when you find people that need your help, you help them, no matter what.” I hope that you, dear reader, will take on that same spirit of wanting to help, too. This community needs you. Please help us remind the community that they are not alone; we’re here for them.

(Donations can be mailed to the United Way of Hardin County PO box 547, Kenton, OH 43326, or dropped off in person at our office at 225 S Detroit St. Kenton, OH 43326. Online donations accepted as well at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/united-way-of-hardin-county-ohio-inc