United Way of Crawford County has been busy this fall with a fundraiser at Galion Goodwill, a Drive 4UR Community event and most recently, the rollout of the new 211 program.
In October, residents from around Crawford County gathered at the Bucyrus Public Library as the inaugural call to 211 was placed.
“211 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people with available community resources and volunteer opportunities,” said Amber Wertman, director of the United Way of Crawford County. “By dialing three digits, you can now make one call to find or to give help. No more wasted time trying to find the right resource. You will reach a trained, caring professional 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The call is free and confidential.”
Westerman said 211 should also help to cut down on nonemergency calls to 911. Plus, 211 can assist from an emergency management standpoint when a bad weather or disaster occurs. There is an on-line component as well that contains a searchable database, which can be found at www.211crawford.org.
Crawford County 211 has been brought to our area through a grant awarded to Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Ohio United Way and United Was of Crawford County. Crawford County is the 64th county in Ohio to be added to the 211 system. The service in Crawford County is still new, so there are still some phone line connections that are being worked out. If you attempt to dial 211 and have any issues, please call the United Way at 419-468-4291.
United Way of Crawford County reminds everyone that no campaign dollars are used to fund the 211 system. In addition, this service is a gateway to information and is not meant to take away from, or duplicate current programs, but rather to carry some of the information load and enhance awareness of current programs. United Way of Crawford County’s mission is to serve as a leader for long lasting, positive change in Crawford County by assessing needs, coordinating resources and investing in programs to improve lives.
Goodwill Fundraiser
On Thursday, Oct. 2, Goodwill Industries and United Way teamed up to support each other. The Galion Goodwill donated 20 percent of its total sales for the day to United Way of Crawford County.
“I think Goodwill does so many great things for the community,” said Penny Charleston, Galion store manager. “This is just one of the ways we support the community and support United Way of Crawford County.” During the open house fundraiser, Galion Goodwill offered cider and donuts and coffee as well as lots of in-store specials.
Goodwill offers programs and services including independent living, job preparation, education and training, and life skills. The training facility is located in Marion. Other stores within the Goodwill family are in Marion, Delaware, Marysville, Lewis center, Powell, Sunbury, and Westerville. The education and training center in Marion offers free classes where participants learn essential skills for the workplace, how to search for a position, create a resume, complete and application and prepare for an interview. Goodwill has worked with outsourcing for businesses including Whirlpool, Wyandot Inc., Todco, Wilson Bohannan, Mid-Ohio Packaging and the Marion Popcorn Festival.
“Goodwill is one of our partner agencies for 2015,” said Amber L. Wertman, Executive Director United Way of Crawford County. “They implement a job readiness program, which teaches soft skills like interviewing, resumes and professional etiquette. Plus, help with possible transportation issues pertaining to the job as well as any specialize educational training the participants may need. They usually have about a dozen individuals per class, who are placed via recommendations from other social services. The program serves the whole Crawford County area. It is a great program!”
For more information about Goodwill Industries go to www.mariongoodwill.com. For more information about the Galion Goodwill call 419-462-0661. Goodwill also publishes a monthly national magazine. For more information about the national program go to www.goodwill.org
Drive 4UR Community
Donley Ford of Galion partnered with the community to raise money for United Way by donating $20 for every test drive made. The Oct. 4 Drive 4UR Community event was successful even with the sudden cold weather and snow with 205 drivers coming out to support the cause.
“It’s an easy way to make money for United Way” said Aaron Kubasek, staff member of Donley Ford. “Ford Motor Company will donate $20 for each test drive. Donley Ford of Galion will match if $300 in donations are reached. We do events like this all around the area.”
Drivers filled out a little paperwork and took a drive along a designated route with a member of the Donley Ford team. When the ride was over drivers were encouraged to check out all the compartments, features, tires, seats and other special items included in each vehicle.
The Drive 4UR Community event raised over $400 for United Way of Crawford County.
