The United Way of Greater Lima has served Allen County for over 100 years.

During that time, it has brought together the community each year to address the needs of our entire county and has invested millions into meeting those needs.

In an effort to continue to impact our community for years to come, the United Way announced today that it will make strategic changes to its internal operations.

The move is part of a yearlong process in which the Board has evaluated staffing levels, budgets, and outside contracts in order to maximize its impact in the community. The primary focus of the changes will include expanding the organization’s use of volunteers to help carry out its mission and is part of a continued effort by the United Way to invest more in the community.

“The United Way is committed to continuing to be the best financial steward of the resources we’ve been given,” says Derek Stemen, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Lima. “These changes allow us to invest more in programs and initiatives that improve lives in our community.”

Through reductions in operations and increased volunteer support, the United Way will ultimately be able to invest approximately 10% more of its funding, which equates to an additional $100,000 investment into the community each year.

In fact, similar changes have helped the United Way grow from supporting 19 partner agencies and 25 programs last year to 33 partner agencies and 38 programs this year.

“I’m so proud of the impact that our United Way is having on our community,” says Ann Miles, Board Chair of United Way of Greater Lima. “We look forward to this new chapter and for the greater investment that we will be able to make in our community in the years to come.”

Each year the United Way touches thousands of lives all across our community. Just last year, the United Way along with its partner agencies were able to provide:

177,427 Pounds of food distributed at school food pantries
7,885 Trips to medical appointments
4,746 Youth enrolled in positive out of school time activities/scouting $22,900 provided in disaster financial assistance
290 Victims of domestic abuse were sheltered
61 Caregivers maintained employment thanks to specialized daycare

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. If you would like to find out more information or join the United Way in making a difference in the community, please visit them at www.unitedwaylima.org.

About United Way: 
United Way of Greater Lima - which now includes Bluffton-Beaverdam-Richland Township –  improves lives by uniting the caring power of our community. In collaboration with its nonprofit partners, it focuses on fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community.