Building Workforce Capacity within Holmes and Wayne Counties

April 1, 2024

Partnering with others to remove barriers to employment.

[Wooster, Ohio] - The United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties (UWWH), a loyal supporter of community development for over six decades, proudly announces its commitment to bolstering workforce capacity within Holmes and Wayne Counties. Through a substantial investment of over $80,000 this year, to empower community members in advancing their career prospects.

Partnering with well-established organizations such as the Employment Resource Fund, Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties, Nick Amster Workshop, and Wayne County Schools Career Center, UWWH is dedicated to eliminating barriers to employment. These barriers may encompass the absence of a high school diploma, insufficient certifications, a deficit in confidence or soft skills, and specific developmental disabilities.

Katie Koglman, CEO of United Way of Wayne and Holmes, emphasized, "Some individuals require additional attention and support to set them on the path to prosperity. It is our mission to ensure that those who aspire to enhance their skills and contribute positively to society receive the necessary assistance. Your contributions to the United Way of Wayne and Holmes directly fuel programs designed to facilitate individual success."

Gina*, a resilient single mother, had overcome numerous health challenges and survived domestic violence. Despite her adversities, she harbored a strong desire to become a role model for her child and attain her fullest potential. However, her lack of a high school diploma and mobility limitations posed significant obstacles. Assigned a dedicated case worker, Gina received guidance to navigate available resources and encouragement throughout her journey.

In the spring of 2023, Gina* achieved a monumental milestone by graduating from the adult diploma program and obtaining a certification in customer service. Now equipped with essential qualifications, she is well on her way to forging a brighter future and establishing a stable career in remote customer service.

Through initiatives like these, UWWH remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering personal empowerment and facilitating sustainable livelihoods for individuals across Holmes and Wayne Counties.

For more information on the United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties and its impactful programs, visit www.uwwh.org or contact us at (330) 264-5576

*Name changed for privacy reasons.

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Why we stay nonpartisan

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!!