Shelby County United Way, Inc.

08/14/2026

We were honored to co-host a Shelby County Chamber Business After Hours event alongside our partner agencies, Senior Center of Sidney Shelby County, with whom we have shared a longstanding collaboration since 1997.
We extend our gratitude to all attendees who joined us to explore the center's facilities and discover the comprehensive range of services it provides to the community.
The event offered a unique opportunity for guests to witness firsthand the center's pivotal role as a community hub, delivering programs and services that enhance the well-being of older adults and make a profound impact on lives throughout Shelby County.

08/13/2026

Today on our weekly series with our partner agencies on HITS 105.5 FM , we're shining a light on the incredible work of Alpha Community Center, a beacon of hope in our community! 🌟
This amazing organization serves our community in powerful ways: providing meals 7 days a week, an emergency food pantry, children's and adult's programming, and rent/utility assistance (once every 2 yrs, up to $200, cannot assist with shut-offs), showers and laundry, place to get out of the summer heat or winter cold, fellowship and help connecting with resources in Shelby County. Located at 950 Children's Home Rd, alongside Holy Angels Soup Kitchen and Mercy Mission House, Alpha Community Center is a true champion of compassion.
Justin shared that an astonishing 36,000 meals were served last year, mentioning that they are the only organization providing meals EVERY DAY in our community!
Monday–Friday: Breakfast: 7:00–8:00 AM and Lunch: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Tuesday Evening: Chapel Service & Meal: 5:00–7:00 PM
Saturday: Lunch: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Sunday: Breakfast followed by a 9:00 AM church service with Community of Hope

He also highlighted that many people don't realize the incredible impact they have on a daily basis; providing a community, dignity, relationships and a place where people know they are welcome.
Justin debunked a common misconception that those who visit are lazy or homeless, when in reality that is not true. They see people from all walks of life; working families, seniors on fixed incomes, Veterans, people between jobs, and people who are simply lonely and looking for fellowship.🤝
All of this is made possible by a small but dedicated staff and a large team of volunteers. 💪
Justin proudly shared that Alpha Community Center is an United Way agency and that without their support, they wouldn't be able to thrive.
Reminder that the annual Turkey Trot will take place on Thanksgiving Day, put together by Sidney First Presbyterian Church with all proceeds going back to the Alpha Community Center.
To volunteer, donate, or learn more about this incredible organization, visit alphacommunitycenter.org or call 937-498-9758, or email Justin at [email protected].

📲 Tune in to HITS 105.5 FM next Thursday between 9:40-10:00 AM to hear about another United Way partner agency and the life-changing services they provide in our community.

08/13/2026

🙌 Celebrating Pat Simon from RACK (Random Acts of Christian Kindness) — our 2026 APEX Champion Award winner! 🎉
Pat has dedicated countless hours of service, giving her time, talents, and heart to make our community stronger and more connected. From lending a hand to inspiring others through her example, Pat truly shows that "Stronger Starts Here."
💙 Pat, thank you for your passion, generosity, and commitment to helping others—you’ve created a ripple effect that inspires others to lend a hand and made a lasting impact on so many lives!

SIDNEY — Seventeen years after Pat Simon started Random Acts of Christian Kindness, she received the APEX Champion Award from the Shelby County United Way on Tuesday at Murphy’s Craft Bar + Kitchen.

08/11/2026

We can't thank our pacesetters enough for all their support of the Shelby County United Way and our partner agencies and programs!
Thank you WiseBridge Wealth Management for always stepping up and paving the way in support of our community!

WiseBridge is excited to once again be a Pacesetter for the upcoming United Way Campaign! This allows the Campaign to start off on a positive foot!

Love supporting our community!

08/07/2026

Save the Date!
Get Ready to Ignite Change!
Join us on Thursday, Sept. 10th at 11:30am at the Palazzo for our 2026 Campaign Kick-off Luncheon, where visionaries, non-profit leaders, and community champions come together to spark meaningful progress.
Come see why "Stronger Starts Here"!

08/07/2026

Are you unsure how you will get a backpack or school supplies for your children?
The Salvation Army in Sidney is hosting a Back2School Bash TODAY, Friday, August 7 from 3pm-7pm at Tawawa Park's Geib Pavilion. There will be food, games, and school supplies.
They are praying the weather stays clear, but the event will be held regardless!
Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. They will have a short form for information: please bring a photo ID and, if your children are not with you, copies of their birth certificates.
They look forward to seeing everyone out there.

08/06/2026

We were pleased to welcome Erica Cruse, Executive Director of SafeHaven, Inc. Mental Health Support Center, to our weekly series on HITS 105.5 FM today.
As a valued partner agency, SafeHaven provides a consumer-operated center for Shelby County mental health clients, offering educational, social, and vocational support in a safe environment to facilitate mental health recovery.
Their daily structure includes classes, support groups, and recreational activities, complemented by daily free meals and transportation.
Additionally, they organize monthly field trips, holiday events, and parties. Notably, SafeHaven also provides emergency food and hygiene products to those in need in the community, regardless of affiliation.
Erica emphasized the significance of United Way funding in enabling them to continue delivering critical services to their clients.
For more information, please call 937-615-9534.

Join us next Thursday on HITS 105.5 FM between 9:30-10:00 AM to learn about another United Way partner agency and the remarkable human services they provide in our community.

08/06/2026

TODAY is the Day!
The Shelby County United Way is excited to co-host a Chamber Business After Hours with our partner agency, the Senior Center of Sidney Shelby County, TODAY, Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Join us for an opportunity to tour the Senior Center, a proud United Way partner since its founding in 1997, and see firsthand how it serves as a community hub for programs and services that promote the well-being of older adults while making a meaningful difference in lives throughout Shelby County.
Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages as you connect with fellow Chamber members and community partners.
We hope to see you there!

08/05/2026

Welcome back to Why I Serve Wednesday!

Introducing Jenny VanMatre, who has served Shelby County in many ways besides being a key board member for us, today she tells us how important Shelby County United Way is to the community.

As a teacher in Sidney City Schools, I always dutifully gave to the United Way because I knew that my students benefitted from the services offered by the United Way partner agencies. But I was completely unaware of HOW they were benefitting. That completely changed when my family suffered a traumatic event and we found ourselves receiving services. It completely altered our perception of who and why people need help. The United Way and their partner agencies are there for anyone in need regardless of income or other circumstances. I was grateful for the opportunity to serve on this board so that I could give back to the agency that saved my family.