Nine organizations which serve Warren County were recently selected as partner non-profits to receive part of $60,000 which will be distributed by the United Way of Highway 55 (UWHWY55). The organization, serving Warren, Coffee and Moore counties, operates with the belief that our neighbors deserve a chance to succeed and live a vibrant life in the area we call home. The United Way works to help build strong commuities by focusing on supporting four areas: Education, income, health and essentials.
A "Partner Non-Profit Celebration" breakfast was held last Friday at Common John Brewing in Manchester to present checks and to educate community members about the organizations receiving funding. Of the 16 groups chosen to receive quarterly funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, nine have services and resources which affect Warren County. Four of them serve Warren County exclusively.
“Each person in this room is so important to our mission. On behalf of the allocations committee and the UWHWY55 board, I am so pleased to say that we were able to give away $60,000 to 16 organizations in our region,” said UWHWY55 Executive Director Ashley Abraham, “The money we raise in our community stays in our community. No national office dictates how we allocate our funds. Instead, we have an amazing group of local individuals who determine where these funds go and how we can support the unique needs of our communities.”
Warren County non-profits chosen are:
Warren County Meals on Wheels ($5,000)
Dedicated to promoting the dignity and independence of the disabled, elderly and other homebound persons by delivering nutritious meals and coordinating needed services.
CASA Works, Inc. ($5,000)
Volunteers are recruited, trained and supervised to be Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused children in Juvenile Court.
Children’s
Advocacy Center for the 31st Judicial
District ($5,000)
The organization provides a variety of resources for young victims of domestic violence and their families, among other services to the community.
Access Hope ($2,500)
A free service offered by the Family Counseling Center, providing 24/7 response to the emotional needs of callers with confidential, non-judgmental, active listening and fostering self-directed resolution, by offering referrals or by intervention through telephone conversations with Access Hope volunteers.
The Hope Center ($2,500)
Offering a variety of services for those in the Warren County area who need grief and addiction support, family and individual counseling, parenting classes, crisis pregnancy and intervention, anger management and resolution, Living Free classes, job interview skills, resume building, GED preparation, college preparation assistance and literacy assistance.
HOME (Homeless of
McMinnville Effort) ($2,500)
Through their ministry, HOME’s board and volunteers hope to improve the lives of unhoused individuals so they can thrive autonomously.
Kids of the
Community ($10,000)
Provides one-on-one contact on a regular basis in structured activities with caring, responsible adults who can instill direction and impart a positive attitude to at-risk kids.
The Child
Development Center ($1,250)
Provides early intervention services to families of young children with developmental delays or disabilities.
Bridges out of
Poverty ($2,500)
Empowers the community and individuals to rise above poverty by building necessary resources.
The allocation program is only one aspect of the organization's efforts. UWHWY55 works with its agencies to build a network of support which includes donors, advocates and volunteers.
“I wish everyone realized what a huge impact United Way plays in all of these organizations," said Sheila Fann, director of HOME. "Yes, money is necessary, but United Way is in our cheering section as well, and you simply cannot put a price tag on that.”
Barry Dishman, Kids of the Community co-founder, also offered his appreciation of UWHWY55 and its support.
“Kids of the Community has been serving at-risk youth in Warren County for 27 years. I simply want to say thank you. This generosity and support mean the world to us and, more importantly, to the children we serve. Every dollar contributed to our organization is not just a donation – it’s an investment in a brighter future for these kids. It’s a lifeline that helps us continue to provide the essential services they need, from education to meals to finding a sense of belonging,” Dishman said.
More information about United Way of Highway 55 can be found at highway55unitedway.org, by calling (931) 455-5678 or emailing director@highway55unitedway.org.
