United Way of Ashland County believes there is a superhero in everyone, and individuals in the community have the power to improve the lives of citizens in Ashland County. Associated Charities of Ashland County’s super power is, “to provide the peace of mind necessary to help when you find yourself in an emergency situation.”
Since 1910, Associated Charities has served the Ashland community. The nonprofit organization offers a wide range of emergency services to help bridge the gap when families find themselves in unexpected financial emergency situations.
Associated Charities provides immediate assistance to families and individuals facing evictions, utility disconnections, food insecurity and inadequate clothing. United Way of Ashland County funding enables the nonprofit to provide relief for necessities such as life-sustaining medications, diapers and toiletries.
“Many individuals and families live paycheck to paycheck in this country,” Rosemarie Donley, executive director of Associated Charities said. “Without a safety net, these communities are one check away from complete depletion.”
According to Data USA (a collaboration between MIT researchers and the U.S. government to compile a comprehensive data set to better understand the stories of millions of Americans) in 2016 Ashland County’s poverty rate was 15.4 percent. The poverty rate is calculated by the Census Bureau and varies by family size and make up to determine the rate. If a family’s total income is less than the threshold calculated by the Census Bureau, then that family and all individuals in the family unit are considered to be living in poverty.
Income insecurity is one of the biggest challenges individuals and families in America face, and in times of financial challenge Associated Charities bridges the gap for those who find themselves in an unexpected crunch.
“The goal is to take the pressure off these families and individuals, and get them through the next 30 days,” Donley said.
The monetary challenges are just part of the problem. When a family is facing financial uncertainty there are other underlying problems needing to be solved as well. “If there is a financial need then there are food needs, clothing needs and transportation needs,” Donley explained.
Associated Charities also operates the local food bank. The food bank is a community lead effort – all items are obtained through donations.
“I recently met with a young couple between jobs,” Donley said. “They had a baby who needed diapers—the baby wasn’t wearing a diaper when I met them. It was truly a dire situation, but we were able to diaper the baby and outfit the family in warm winter clothes. We sent them home with groceries for a week.”
Offering comfort and peace of mind goes a long way for those facing hard times. “Sometimes it’s down to the last $40 and the decision is gas in the car to get to work, or buying groceries,” Donley explained. “If we can put groceries in the house, the $40 keeps a job and keeps a household together. We couldn’t sustain this program without the help of United Way.”
The United Way of Ashland County keeps families together through its work with Associated Charities of Ashland County.
The United Way of Ashland County is currently running its “The Hero in U” Campaign 2019 with a $990,000 goal. A total of 15 partner agencies will receive funding from the campaign. Donate now to invest in the lives of individuals and families in your community.
