A Memorable Day at the Darb Snyder Senior Center

June 1, 2023

A Memorable day at the Darb Snyder Senior Center.


               I recently had the opportunity to represent United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties (UWWH) at the annual senior fair hosted by the Darb Snyder Senior Center in Millersburg. The event brings together seniors from the area and allows them to connect to essential resources tailored to their needs.


               I was taken aback by the facility when I arrived. It reminds me of a hunting cabin that belongs in the smoky mountains. Entering the building to set my table up, I couldn’t help but enjoy the cheerful decorations and the small pieces of history on the walls.


               I am glad I arrived early enough to spend some time meeting the other representatives from the various resources in the area. I always enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories. The room buzzed with activity as everyone rushed to set up their tables and prepare for our guests.


               When the doors opened, a continuous flow of seniors entered the room. I heard so many interesting stories and met so many great people that I didn’t want it to end so quickly. I brought along a wheel for people to spin and get a chance at winning one of several prizes. The attendees had a great time guessing what gift it would be. I also had an opportunity to give them the UWWH Older Adult directory, which is full of valuable information and resources. Our mission statement is “Mobilizing community resources to help people measurably improve their lives.” The day was a great way to live our mission and supply each senior at the fair with tools and resources to help them live the best possible life. Each time I gave one away, I was graciously thanked and told how much they appreciated it.


               Once the event was over, many of us retired upstairs to serve lunch to our guests and present them with a door prize. I can’t help but reflect on the wonderful morning I had. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating, from the center staff to the other representatives to the seniors. I always look forward to spending time in Millersburg, but now I look forward to it even more.



               If you know someone who would like a copy of the Older Adult Directory, call us at 330-264-5576.


By Katie Koglman • October 7, 2026
United We Help: Why United Way Wayne and Holmes Stays Nonpartisan  Turn on the television. Scroll social media. Check your mailbox. Election season brings a steady stream of political messages, each competing for our attention and asking us to choose a side. It can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to separate facts from opinions and decide whom to trust. At United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties, we value the trust our community places in us. That is why we want to be clear about our role during elections.We do not endorse candidates, oppose candidates, or tell people whom to vote for. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we are prohibited from participating in political campaigns for or against candidates for public office. This is a legal requirement , not simply an organizational preference. Our responsibility is to serve Wayne and Holmes Counties and bring people together to help our neighbors. Nonpartisan does not mean silent We see the challenges people face every day: families struggling to afford groceries, workers facing transportation barriers, children needing opportunities to learn, and neighbors searching for mental health support. We have a role in helping our community and policymakers understand those needs. We can share information, educate elected officials, build relationships, and speak up about issues connected to our mission. We can also engage in some lobbying on specific legislation, within the limits that apply to charitable organizations. Speaking up about a community need is different from asking you to vote for a particular candidate. Can we do that? Our “Can We Do That? A Quick Guide to Nonprofit Advocacy” graphic uses a traffic-light approach to explain the difference. Green: Speak up for our community. Share stories, explain community needs, educate policymakers, and encourage civic participation. Yellow: Know the rules. Supporting or opposing specific legislation is lobbying, which comes with limits and responsibilities. Red: No candidate endorsements. We cannot support or oppose candidates, contribute organizational funds to their campaigns, or use our organizational voice to tell you whom to elect. We can encourage people to register and vote, and provide voter information, as long as those efforts remain neutral and do not favor or oppose candidates or political parties. Your vote belongs to you You may hear us discuss hunger, literacy, housing, transportation, or other issues affecting local families. You may see us meeting with elected officials to help them understand what is happening in our communities. Those conversations are about the people we serve. They are not candidate endorsements. We encourage you to ask questions, examine reliable information, learn about candidates, and make your own informed choices. The neighbors who turn to us for help have different backgrounds, beliefs, and political views. So do the donors, volunteers, and partners who make our work possible. Helping our community takes all of us. Election season will come and go. Our commitment to Wayne and Holmes counties continues regardless of the outcome. We encourage all of you to vote, and vote for who you think is the best candidate! Early voting begins October 6, 2026 through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. To find where you should go to vote Click Here. Go VOTE!!
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