On a Mission
to build a better community
Our Mission is to continually identify, evaluate, and make possible the human services needed in our community.
imagination library
In collaboration with the Shelby County Libraries and many community partners, we successfully launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 2015. Imagination Library is an early literacy program for children under the age of 5. At no cost to the family, an age appropriate book is mailed monthly to the family’s address. Studies show children enrolled in Imagination Library are better prepared for kindergarten, are read to more often, and have more books and visits to the local libraries than children not enrolled. Wilson Health enrolls infants at the birthing center.
I.M.P.A.C.T., Imagine Making Positive Accountable Changes Together, is a program developed to proactively identify school age children who are facing obstacles towards academic, social, and community success. This preventative program allows families to participate in the IMPACT Program and receive support, resources, and counseling to meet the needs of each unique child and family. Students and their families are referred from their local school district. Professional services are provided by the Family Resource Center, Catholic Social Services and Journey 4 Self. Midwest Regional ESC administers this program.
Character Playbook – Building Healthy Relationships
Character Playbook is an innovative digital course that uses evidence-based strategies to educate students on how to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships during their critical middle school years. Character Playbook is comprised of six modules that cover key concepts of positive character development, social-emotional learning (SEL), and building healthy relationships. This course will allow students to engage with true-to-life scenarios that include bystander intervention strategies and positive relationship examples.
The course aligns with National Health Education Standards, CASEL Social and Emotional Learning Competencies, and Common Core Standards. Course Module Topic Areas include: Analyzing Influences, Understanding and Managing Emotions, Communicating Effectively, Resolving Conflicts, Stepping In, and Making Decisions.
Workforce Partnership – Inspiring Students for the Workplace
The Workforce Partnership is a non-profit organization supported by over 50 business partners, including the Shelby County United Way. Their goal is to build a strong workforce throughout Shelby County, exposing students and the community to all the various career opportunities in Shelby County, as well as developing skills that will allow students to become successful in employment and college. SCUW initially supported the Workforce Partnership with a special project grant to help with the state of the art classroom at Sidney High School. In addition, SCUW has sponsored the Career Explorations Academy, a career fair of local businesses and corporations for middle and high school students throughout Shelby County.
The Workforce Partnership and the Shelby County United Way have collaborated in the creation of a Career Coach position. The role of the Career Coach is to work with each eligible senior 1 on 1 to assess their skills and interests and provide employers that are hiring that match that skill set.
We fund partner agencies and programs that assist in establishing building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community
Investing in Youth & Children
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke Co.
- Shelby County CASA/GAL
- Clear Creek Farm
- Shelby County Opportunity School-MRESC
- Miami Valley Council Boy Scouts of America
- Shelby County Arc
- Wilma Valentine Child Care
- YMCA Child Development Center
Promoting Health & Wellbeing
- Catholic Social Services-Counseling and Mental Health Services
- Catholic Social Services-Senior Health
- Compassionate Care
- Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development
- SafeHaven
- Senior Center of Sidney-Shelby County
Supporting Critical Human Needs
- Agape Distribution
- Alpha Community Center
- Mercy Mission House
Rebuilding from Adversity
- New Choices Domestic Violence Shelter
- Samaritan Works
- STAR House
- Shelby County Victim Services
Community Initiatives
- Character Playbook
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- I.M.P.A.C.T. Program
- Shelby County 211
- Workforce Partnership Career Coach
Special Projects
Special Project Grants are available to non-profit organizations, churches, and/or government agencies that are driving impact programming in the community’s critical or more pressing needs. For example, funding is awarded to fight food insecurity in Shelby County through weekend backpack programs, food pantries, and soup kitchens.
POWER
POWER, our Women’s Initiative group, allocates over $30,000 a year in grants to programs and initiatives that benefit children and families in Shelby County.
Student United Way
The Student United Way allocates $10,000 a year in grants to programs for children ages 0-18.
F.A.Q.
What percentage of the dollars raised during the annual campaign stay in Shelby County?
99% of all dollars raised and designated to Shelby County stay in our community.
What is the relationship between Shelby County United Way and United Way Worldwide?
The Shelby County United Way is a separate 501 c (3) organization. We are a member agency of United Way Worldwide and by carrying the brand United Way, agree to follow their terms and conditions of operations and brand guidelines. One percent of our campaign is paid to United Way Worldwide for brand use and support.
What is the administrative overhead percentage of the Shelby County United Way?
13.5%
What oversight steps are taken to evaluate the fiscal responsibility of the Shelby County United Way?
The Shelby County United Way has an independent audit performed annually by a local C.P.A. firm. In addition, we have to meet United Way Worldwide operating standards.
Does the Shelby County United Way support Planned Parenthood?
Shelby County United Way does not fund and has never funded Planned Parenthood. We fund impact work in the areas of Health, Education, and Financial Self-Sufficiency.
Does the Shelby County United Way have a Racial Equity or Diversity Statement?
“We promote diversity and inclusion for all residents in Shelby County and strive to encompass equal rights and access, including to our grants, programs and partner agency opportunities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, parental status, military service, or any other form of racial discrimination. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages ensuring that all voices are valued, heard, and served.”