Author: Laura Neff

Reliable childcare is more than a convenience—it’s a lifeline for working families. For the past decade, Olive Tree Care has played a vital role in supporting families across Ashland County, and United Way of Ashland County is proud to stand alongside them as a Partner Agency.

A Shared Mission to Support Local Families

Olive Tree Care offers affordable, high-quality before- and after-school childcare that helps bridge the gap for working parents. With trained, compassionate staff and structured programming, children receive not only supervision, but nurturing care, enrichment, and mentorship.

Through United Way’s support, Olive Tree Care is able to keep costs low and expand services to meet local needs—including summer programming. After a successful Summer Camp launch in 2025, Olive Tree Care is excited to offer the experience again in 2026. These opportunities help ensure children are safe, learning, and thriving year-round.

As Olive Tree Care celebrates its 10-year anniversary, they continue to adapt and grow alongside the community—making a lasting impact on families’ daily lives.

“Our program provides quality care, with educated caring staff at a low cost. The only way that happens is with partnerships like United Way.”
— Olive Tree Care Staff

The Impact: A Parent’s Perspective

The true measure of Olive Tree Care’s impact can be found in the stories of the families they serve. One parent recently shared:

“These ladies truly care about the overall well-being of our boys. We appreciate that they incorporate religious teachings along with fun activities. We appreciate the structure and accountability they provide because my husband and I strongly believe that is crucial to our boys’ development.”

“It is also very helpful for us full-time working parents that they assist with schoolwork so it’s not so much in the evenings to accomplish once we are all home together. We can actually just focus on being a family. Our boys absolutely love coming to Olive Tree and if they have to miss or leave early for whatever reason it makes them sad.”

“Olive Tree Care also blessed us last year with a scholarship to help ease the financial burden as my husband went through treatment for lymphoma. I can’t say enough good things about this service that is in place. It gives us peace of mind that our children are well cared for every day.”

Stories like this are why United Way’s partnerships matter—because they ensure working families don’t have to choose between financial stability and quality care.

Celebrating 10 Years—and Looking Ahead

United Way is honored to support Olive Tree Care as they continue uplifting children and families in Ashland County. Their decade of service demonstrates what is possible when our community invests in strong, compassionate local programs.

At The Salvation Army, resilience begins with dignity, compassion, and faith in action. Rooted in a mission to preach the gospel and meet human needs without discrimination, the Social Services team works every day to lift individuals and families out of crisis by offering not just assistance, but empowerment.

Rather than providing a temporary fix, The Salvation Army focuses on a hand-up, not a handout. Each client is met where they are, with a listening ear, thoughtful conversation, and personalized case management. Sometimes that support includes prayer, encouragement, or simply sharing a moment of laughter or tears. In every interaction, the goal is the same: to restore hope and help individuals take control of their next steps forward.

From Crisis to Stability

One client came to The Salvation Army after living in his car for several weeks. He was going through a divorce, working full-time, and earning a respectable salary — yet child support obligations left him unable to afford housing. Because his income was above certain assistance thresholds, he felt defeated and unsure where to turn.

Through conversation and careful assessment, staff helped him explore housing options and identify an affordable one-bedroom apartment. When he expressed concern about affording the application fee, deposit, and first month’s rent, a network of community partners stepped in. The Salvation Army covered the application fee, while Kno-Ho-Co and Associated Charities assisted with the remaining costs.

In that moment, hope returned. Later that week, the client called with an update: he had been approved for the apartment, the assistance came through, and he would soon be moving into his new home. He called simply to say thank you — a reminder of the power of collaboration and compassion.

Small Moments, Big Impact

Impact isn’t always measured in milestones; sometimes it’s found in quiet moments.

At a daily free community lunch, a young mother sat silently while her two small children enjoyed a hot meal on a cold winter day. Wrapped tightly in her coat, she stared out the window, likely carrying the weight of uncertainty and fear. As she looked back at her children, a tear caught the light — perhaps gratitude, perhaps relief. No questions were asked. No explanations were required. Just a meal, warmth, and the reassurance that someone cared.

In another moment, a mother walked past the office window with her two young sons on a bitterly cold day. Their coats were too small, their toys broken but clutched tightly — likely the only possessions they could call their own. Those broken toys told a story of scarcity, but also of resilience. Through donor support, moments like these can turn into something brighter: warm coats, nourishment, and the simple joy of a new toy — tangible reminders that hope still exists.

Stronger Together: The Power of Partnership

Rising costs, higher utility bills, and long housing waitlists mean that no single agency can meet every need alone. Collaboration is essential.

By working alongside partners such as Associated Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, and transitional housing providers, The Salvation Army is able to stretch resources further and provide more comprehensive support. Whether it’s preventing utility disconnections through shared financial assistance or coordinating extended temporary lodging for individuals experiencing homelessness, these partnerships create stability that would otherwise be out of reach.

Together, agencies ensure clients have the time, resources, and support needed to move toward long-term solutions — not just short-term survival.

United Way Support Makes It Possible

Funding and partnership through United Way of Ashland County are vital to this work. Without United Way support, The Salvation Army would not be able to consistently provide critical monthly services, including approximately:

• 900 free community lunches
• 400 grocery orders
• 50 emergency assistance cases for utilities, gas vouchers, rental application fees, and vital documents
• Support for nearly 1,000 individuals served each month

These services are often the difference between crisis and stability for individuals and families across Ashland County.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Hope for the future comes from seeing clients take ownership of their financial well-being. Through case management, individuals learn to track income and expenses, plan by paycheck, and make informed decisions that help them stay on track — even during uncertain times.

Hope also comes from the generosity of the Ashland County community. Whether through donations, prayers, or simple acts of kindness, the community continues to show up. One small example speaks volumes: a call for egg cartons resulted in over 200 donations, enabling a local farmer to provide 32 dozen eggs each week to the food pantry — the equivalent of $400 in monthly food support. Small actions add up, and together they make a lasting difference.

Every story of resilience, every partnership, and every act of generosity is proof that when a community comes together, hope grows stronger. Through the continued support of United Way of Ashland County, The Salvation Army remains committed to walking alongside individuals and families — one conversation, one step, and one story at a time.

By: Molly Riley, Executive Director, YMCA of Ashland Ohio

In every corner of Ashland County, stories of resilience are unfolding — families finding hope through challenge, children discovering their potential, and seniors building community through connection. At the heart of these stories are two organizations that have stood steadfast through change and challenge: The YMCA of Ashland, Ohio and the United Way of Ashland County.

Together, these agencies embody what it means to serve, strengthen, and sustain a community that believes in lifting one another up. Through shared purpose and partnership, they help our neighbors thrive — body, mind, and spirit.

A Partnership Rooted in Community

The YMCA’s mission has always been clear: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Guided by the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, the YMCA of Ashland, Ohio is more than a place, it’s a movement.

The United Way of Ashland County shares that same heartbeat. Through community-driven initiatives, they unite people and resources to create lasting impact, ensuring that every child, adult, and family has the opportunity to succeed. Together, the YMCA and United Way are investing in what matters most: people.

Supporting Every Stage of Life

• Youth Athletics & Preschool:

Resilience begins in our youngest citizens. Through early childhood education and youth sports, children learn teamwork, confidence, and compassion. These programs, supported by community partners and United Way funding, ensure that every child has the chance to play, learn, and grow  regardless of family circumstances.

• Before and After School Care:

Working parents can take comfort knowing their children are in safe, nurturing hands each day. These programs provide academic support, social development, and healthy activities that build the foundation for lifelong success.

• Silver Sneakers for Seniors:

At the YMCA, age is never a barrier to wellness. Through programs like Silver Sneakers, older adults find connection, mobility, and renewed purpose.  We want the Seniors in our community to know how much we value them.

• Scholarship Programs:

Financial hardship should never stand in the way of health or belonging. Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners like the United Way, the YMCA’s scholarship program ensures that families in need can access memberships, childcare, and youth programs regardless of income.

• Inclusive Partnerships with Dale Roy and Others:

Collaboration with organizations serving individuals with disabilities and learning differences creates a culture of belonging. These partnerships celebrate every person’s unique abilities and ensure everyone has a place to participate and shine.

• Free Community Swim Lessons:

The Ashland YMCA’s swim lesson program is more than just recreation—it’s a vital water safety initiative. The gift of safety is one that lasts a lifetime. Free swim lessons for children across our community not only teach essential water safety skills but also build confidence, one splash at a time. Every child deserves to know how to swim, so they can stay safe and calm if the unexpected happens in or around the water.

Strengthening Families and Faith

In a world that often feels divided, the YMCA remains grounded in its Christian foundation,  a place where families come together to grow stronger in faith, health, and community. Through shared programming, family events, and outreach efforts, the YMCA and United Way remind us that resilience is built through relationships, and hope grows when we serve side by side.

Together, We Rise

The partnership between the YMCA of Ashland, Ohio and United Way of Ashland County is a living example of what can happen when two mission-driven organizations come together with a shared heart for service.

When we support one another, we build a community that doesn’t just survive, it thrives.

Join Us.

Be part of the movement to strengthen Ashland County, one family, one child, one heart at a time.
Visit ashlandy.org  learn more or get involved.

During our 2026 Campaign kickoff, we introduced the community to a young woman whose story reflects the power of support, resilience, and hope.

After surviving domestic violence, she found safety and stability with the help of local agencies and compassionate people who walked alongside her during her hardest moments.

Watch her full story in the video.

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We recently sat down with her again to talk about life today, what she’s learned, and what she wants others in similar situations to know.

It takes a lot of courage to open and share your story. What has it been like for you to see your journey out there and to know the community is hearing it?

It’s a very empowering feeling to know that my voice is being heard throughout our community. In a way I am taking my power back, even if it’s years later.

When you think back on the people and agencies who helped you along the way, is there someone or a moment that really stands out as a turning point?

When I think back to when I was using the agencies I used, I have one person who sticks out to me the most and her is Amber from Appleseed, she made me feel safe and was a very nice glimmer of hope throughout those times. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for helping me when I needed it the most.

You’ve built such a strong foundation, a steady job, a home, and a growing family. What does life look like for you today, and what are you most proud of?

Life today is very different. I am no longer in survival mode like I was, and I can live my life without being controlled or manipulated. The one thing I am proud of the most is the stability I provide for my children, such as a safe and loving home.

When you look back on where you started and where you are now, what do you think has changed the most in you?

Looking back, the one thing that has changed the most is me. I did the hard work. I made sure I got out and stayed out of an abusive situation. I am breaking generational curses day by day and it’s not always easy, but it is so worth it.

If someone watching your story is going through a difficult time, maybe where you once were, what would you want them to know?

I hope someone watches my story and understands that there is hope. If you have the will, Ashland County has the way out. Just use it, use all the agencies you need to make sure you are stable. DO NOT be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Ashland has some amazing people in your corner, and you don’t even know it.

Her story is one of many, but it reflects what’s possible when a community comes together to support those in need.

If you or someone you know is facing a difficult situation, help is available in Ashland County. You are not alone.

By: Amy Daubenspeck, President Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce

At the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, we have always believed that a strong community doesn’t just happen; it is built by people and businesses who care. That is why partnering with the United Way of Ashland County feels like such a natural fit for us. Their mission to create lasting change right here at home aligns perfectly with what we strive to do every day: connect people, strengthen businesses, and make Ashland a place where everyone can thrive.

Being part of the United Way campaign gives our team and our members a chance to live out those values in a hands-on way. It is about more than just fundraising; it’s about being part of something bigger than us. When our staff and members get involved through giving, volunteering, or spreading the word, it sparks a contagious sense of purpose. There is an energy that comes from knowing that what we do together has a real impact on families, children, and neighbors right here in our own backyard.

Working alongside United Way also helps us amplify our efforts in ways we could never do alone. The United Way connects so many organizations and resources, ensuring that needs are met thoughtfully and effectively. Together, we can do more, and that is what community partnership is all about.

As we look ahead, our hope is that the Chamber’s involvement will continue to inspire others to join in. Every business, every individual has something to give, time, resources, or simply encouragement. When we come together with a shared purpose, we build more than just a stronger economy; we build a stronger Ashland County.

Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing, a community where people feel supported, connected, and proud to call Ashland home.

At Bo Lacey Construction, community isn’t just where we work—it’s who we are. From the very beginning, our company has believed that success means more when it’s shared. Being a United Way Pacesetter isn’t just a title to us; it’s an opportunity to lead the way in generosity, teamwork, and local impact.

Supporting United Way aligns perfectly with our values of teamwork, community involvement, and giving back. Ashland County has supported our business for years, and this is our way of showing up for the families, nonprofits, and neighbors who make this community special. It also means something personal—one of our leaders, Rob, proudly serves on the United Way Board, which further fuels our passion and commitment to making a difference.

Turning Giving Into Team Spirit

While many companies write a check and call it a day, we believe giving back should be fun, engaging, and meaningful for our employees.

That’s why we created internal events like:

• Pie Your Boss Day – Employees donate for the chance to smash a pie in their boss’s face (yes, it gets messy—and yes, it’s hilarious).
• Wheel of Misfortune – Spin the wheel and you might get to dump ice-cold water on leadership.
• Company Sponsorships & Donations – As a business, we also sponsor United Way events and give financially to support community programs.

These events do more than raise money—they boost morale, create laughter, and bring our team together around a shared purpose. It’s a reminder that at Bo Lacey, we’re more than coworkers—we’re a family that cares about others.

A Moment That Reminded Us Why It Matters

One of the biggest highlights of our involvement has been meeting our United Way fundraising goal two years in a row.

That moment wasn’t just about numbers—it was about pride. It proved the generosity of our employees, the power of teamwork, and the impact we can have when we all pull in the same direction. Knowing that our efforts helped support multiple nonprofits and local families made every pie, every laugh, and every donation worth it.

Why We Choose to Partner With United Way

There are many ways to give—but partnering with United Way allows us to multiply our impact.

United Way has deep knowledge of the community and knows where needs are greatest. Instead of choosing just one cause, we get to support multiple nonprofits, families, and programs at once. They make it easy to organize events, boost awareness, and ensure that every dollar stretches as far as possible.

By working together, we can do more than we ever could alone.

Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy of Giving

As we look to the future, our goal is simple:

Continue leading the way in generosity and community spirit.

We want to:

• Grow our internal involvement.
• Inspire other businesses to join in.
• Continue supporting more nonprofits and families each year.
• Be remembered not just for the exteriors we build—but for the hope we help build in our community.

At Bo Lacey Construction, we believe that a stronger community builds stronger people—and stronger people build a brighter future.

And that’s something worth leading.

For more than a century, Associated Charities has been a lifeline for Ashland County residents facing crisis. With support from United Way and the generosity of our community, that mission of hope continues — and we look forward to serving for another hundred years and beyond.

Our Roots in Community

Organized in 1910 by local ministers, Associated Charities was built on a simple belief: neighbors helping neighbors. For over 100 years, we’ve provided vital assistance to those in need — from emergency shelter and utility support to everyday essentials — always with compassion and dignity.

The financial support we receive through United Way makes it possible for us to continue this work. When people are down and discouraged, those contributions become the hope they are searching for.

Stronger Together Through Collaboration

Being part of the United Way network strengthens our ability to respond when our neighbors face hardship. When a client’s needs extend beyond what we can provide, we can pick up the phone and reach out directly to trusted partners for help. The friendships and collaboration among local agencies are invaluable — and together, we make a greater impact.

Recently, we assisted a single mother with two children who unexpectedly found themselves homeless. Through United Way funds, we were able to help with rental assistance and connect her with the Salvation Army/Kroc Center for utility support. We also reached out to Appleseed Community Mental Health Center to ensure she received care for her mental health needs.
Because of these strong partnerships, this family found stability — and hope — when they needed it most.

A Legacy of Hope

For more than a century, Associated Charities has been a light in the darkness for those in crisis. We are honored to serve our neighbors, and we’re deeply grateful for the community that continues to support our mission.

Thanks to United Way and the donors who give so generously, we have the strength and resources to keep carrying the torch forward — helping families find stability, rebuilding lives, and offering hope for generations to come.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Together, we can continue the legacy of compassion that began in 1910.
To learn more about how you can support Associated Charities or contribute through United Way, and be part of building a stronger, more caring community.

By: Nicole Hawks, 2026 Campaign Chair

Last year’s United Way campaign was filled with cookies galore! Many of you know that I bake in my spare time, and for last year’s United Way campaign, I held several cookie fundraisers to benefit the cause. I also gave out cookies to show appreciation to many folks making a difference in our community—including our partner agencies, pacesetter companies, and many of our donors. The response was overwhelmingly positive!

So, for this year’s campaign, we decided to track all of these cookies and provide the community with regular updates!

Our United Way Cookie Tracker will include the number of cookies baked each month and a general description of where those cookies went. From time to time, we’ll provide updates through social media posts, blogs, and live videos. Some months will focus on showing appreciation, while others will include actual fundraisers, which we’ll share via social media.

We’re thrilled to announce that a generous supporter has stepped forward with a $750 Cookie Match Challenge! That means every dollar raised through our cookie fundraisers will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $750 — doubling the impact of every sale! Sell $750 in cookies and we’ll unlock the full $750 match, for a total of $1,500 benefiting our community. Let’s rise to the challenge together and make this cookie season our best yet!

Also, we’ll be posting weekly Cookie Tracker updates every Friday on the United Way of Ashland County Ohio Facebook page—so be sure to follow along there. You can also check out my personal Facebook page (Nicole’s Facebook) for behind-the-scenes cookie content, fundraiser announcements, and updates on how your support is making a difference.

If you’re wondering why I’m so passionate about raising funds for United Way of Ashland County, it’s because I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact. Growing up, my family faced difficult times and didn’t always have what we needed. I know what it’s like to struggle, and I promised myself I would one day be in a position to give back. After years of working toward that goal, I began volunteering with United Way—starting with the Day of Caring. Six years later, I now serve in multiple roles and on several committees.

Through my involvement, I’ve seen how United Way of Ashland County provides crucial funding to a wide variety of essential programs—most of which are operated by our incredible Partner Agencies, local nonprofits doing life-changing work. By supporting United Way, you’re helping your neighbors in need—and that help truly matters.