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.

Written by: Stacy Schiemann, Executive Director

At United Way of Ashland County, we believe stories have the power to connect us—and to change lives.

That is why our upcoming 2026 campaign theme is Join the Story. This year, we are inviting everyone in our community to be part of something bigger: a shared story of resilience, support, and transformation.

We are honored to have Nicole and Robert Hawks, along with their two children, Rose and Carter, return as our Campaign Chairs. Last year, Nicole bravely shared her personal journey – growing up with little family support, facing hardship at a young age, and finding strength through the encouragement of teachers and mentors who saw her potential. Her story didn’t just inspire, it opened a door.

After Nicole spoke, community members came forward to share their own experiences – many for the first time. Her vulnerability sparked a dialogue that reminded us: none of us are alone. We all have chapters of struggle and chapters of triumph. And when we tell our stories, we give others permission—and the safety—to share theirs.

That is the heartbeat of this campaign.

Every day in Ashland County, people turn to United Way’s partner agencies during some of their most difficult chapters—when they are fleeing abuse, seeking shelter, facing food insecurity, or working to rebuild their lives. These agencies don’t just offer services, they offer support, dignity, and a path forward.

This year’s campaign will highlight one of those powerful stories. This year’s campaign will feature a powerful three-part video series launching this summer, following the journey of a young domestic violence survivor from Ashland County. With support from multiple United Way partner agencies, she accessed safe housing, job assistance, and emotional healing—and today, she is thriving, recently promoted by a local employer who values her strength and resilience. Narrated by Campaign Chair Nicole Hawks, the series takes us from crisis to stability to hope, showing how community support can transform lives—and how each of us has a role to play in that change. Her journey is just one of many that shows what is possible when a community comes together.

When you give to United Way of Ashland County, you are not just funding programs. You are investing in people, your neighbors, coworkers, and friends. You are helping write the next chapter in someone’s life: a chapter filled with safety, stability, and hope.

As Nicole leads this year’s campaign, she brings not only her voice, but a deep understanding of what it means to be seen, supported, and empowered. She will guide us through this story of resilience, and we hope it will inspire each of us to recognize our role in writing the next chapter for Ashland County.

Join the Story. Whether you give, volunteer, or share what United Way of Ashland County means to you, you are helping us create a community defined not by hardship—but by hope.