We’ve all heard the phrase, “Thanks to You…It Works, for All of Us”. This is the “official” time the community campaign is in full swing for a time of giving, which we all know as the United Way.

It all starts with the communities where we live. All communities, large and small, have innate needs, which illustrate a community’s existence. But what makes these communities appealing, or what makes them “tick” in today’s world? Could it be the library and literacy initiatives…Child Care Choices…the local food pantry…senior care programs? Maybe it’s all of those things, but one thing is for certain, it comes down to you! 

Since 2001, United Way has held an endowment fund within the Tipp City Foundation, benefitting all who live within the 45371 area. Guiding the vision for the endowment on the Tipp City Foundation board was Jesse Chamberlain, who served both the Foundation and local United Way boards for more than 50 years.

United Way is an investment in the future of our community and more importantly, an investment in you and those that live next door to you, down the street, or on the other side of town. The lifeblood of the community is built on the premise that those within the community are better served when there’s a passion to meet challenges which exist head-on, by the community itself. That’s where United Way starts. 

Sean Ford, United Way’s Chief Executive Officer of Miami County states, "When you give to United Way, you are helping to improve literacy rates for children at risk of dropping out of school, providing a safety net for foster youth who have no other resources, and you are helping to provide healthy, nutritious meals to children who often do not have enough to eat."

Each of us want Miami County to be a community where basic needs are met and families thrive in meaningful relationships with friends and neighbors. And the best way for this to be realized is when children are properly nourished, whether stimulated mentally through reading programs, fed through healthy meals, or preparing for careers and life with support from parents, friends and the community. 

Similarly to United Way, the Tipp City Foundation builds on community strength and is committed to fostering an environment where funding maximizes value for the good of all. Whether it be Miami County Recovery Council, Health Partners Free Clinic, Needy Baskets Food Pantry, Partners in Hope, Safe Haven Inc., St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, The Salvation Army or New Creation Counseling Center, the list continues and is extensive. All of these institutions have a purpose and each of them touch someone we know. They interact and complement one another, a woven fabric as a quilt covers a bed.  

Ford continues, “For more than 75 years, the United Way of Miami County has been working to meet the needs of vulnerable families in our region. No matter the crisis, we have always remained steadfast to our commitment to LIVE UNITED and take care of our community. We are uniquely positioned to connect and support the people, non-profits, businesses and government agencies working hard to address poverty in our region."

All of us can agree this year has been truly taxing in many ways. With this, the Tipp City Foundation, a component fund of The Troy Foundation, continues to support initiatives which bridge the gaps in our community and are ever-increasing. By being able to contribute through the Tipp City Foundation, this process ensures the level of accountability and demonstrates the ways lives are being changed, by the investment in our community. 

And therein lies the difference. Sean Ford closes by stating, “whether it be as a volunteer, a donation, or support through your approval of what we’re doing as an extension of the community, the change starts with  you!” 

We all want the best for our community. Be part of that change, a legacy with no end. Because of You, It truly Works…for All of Us in many ways.