The Bluffton-Beaverdam-Richland Townhip United Way, perhaps the smallest United Way in Ohio, will join the United Way of Greater Lima this fall, according to Erin Bukholder, the local board's executive director.

CLICK HERE to read the Icon's opinion in favor of this action.

The local United Way 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. 

On July 1, Bluffton will join Lima will join the United Way of Greater Lima and it will begin serving the entire county.  

The boards of the two organizations believe that by working collaboratively in the community, they will be able to better serve the county. 

“We are excited to partner together with the Bluffton community to continue to improve lives by uniting the caring power of our community,” said Derek Stemen, President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Lima.  

“The United Way of Bluffton-Beaverdam-Richland Township has impacted thousands of lives during their history and we are excited to work with them to continue to serve the community with great compassion and care.”

As part of this partnership, the United Way of Greater Lima will fundraise in Bluffton as part of the United Way’s 2020 Fall Campaign and will also provide funding to the non-profit agencies that were previously funded by the United Way of Bluffton, Beaverdam, and Richland Township.  

“This partnership will allow us to effectively address community issues, maximize our collective resources, and ensure our community needs are met today and long into the future,” said Burkholder.

Here is a summary of the United Way of Great Lima's last year projects, with 19 partner agencies and 25 funded programs:

• 23,172 meals were provided through school food pantries
• 875 families accessed services to maintain financial stability in an emergency 
• 2,600 trauma survivors received justice and empowerment
• 5,354 students were registered for 13 youth programs
• 266 senior citizens were served through programs that promote health and independence

"This impact is just a portion of what the United Way and its partner agencies have accomplished together, but there is still a great need in our community," said Stemen. 

For more informationa bout the United Way of Greater Lima its website:  www.unitedwaylima.org.