As perhaps the smallest United Way in Ohio, Bluffton-Beaverdam-Richland Township United Way is at a crossroads.

The local organization has struggled in recent years, failing to meet its annual goal of $26,000.

Adding to that pressure, the national United Way has increased annual participant fees, causing Bluffton’s board to do a self-examination of how or whether to continue to exist or whether to join another area United Way.

Nine local groups benefit from the United Way. They include:
• Boy Scouts of America
• Bluffton Community Hospital Auxiliary
• Bluffton Community Preschool
• Bluffton Child Development Center
• Bluffton Community Emergency Assistance
• Allen County Chapter of American Red Cross
• Bluffton Senior Citizens Center
• Bluffton Family Recreation
• Bluffton Weekday Christian Education

Some of these groups have a very modest cash benefit from the local United Way, while others are more dependent on funding.

Erin Burkholder, the board’s executive director, said that in February the board met with the agencies it supports to gain a better understanding of the value of local funding.

“We are also talking to other agencies, listening, exploring and having conversations on what are our next steps,” she said.

“We are looking for the best way to move forward,” she said. “We want to know what are the values and important things we offer to the community.”

Burkholder said that the United Way board will meet on Wednesday, April 8, to make a decision what is its best pathway forward.  

Board members are Duane Bollenbacher, president; Basil Meyer, vice-president; Neil Reichenbach, treasurer, Melinda Bowden and Stacy Stumbaugh.