Wayne County Committee Caring for Children & Adults

Wayne County Committee Caring for Children & Adults works to enhance the wellbeing of individuals with disabilities or other complex medical needs through personalized medical equipment, innovative technologies, and targeted financial assistance.

OUR FUNDING

PRIMARILY COVERS:

  • Medical equipment
  • Medical supplies
  • Services for individuals with physical or medical disabilities

DOES NOT PAY FOR:

  • Medicaid spend downs
  • Insurance co-pays or deductibles
  • Surgery/Medical Testing
  • Outstanding medical or hospital bills

HOW TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE

APPLICATIONS ARE REVIEWED BASED ON:

Financial Need

Alignment with our Mission

Availability of Funds

Leg and foot in a patterned pink ankle-foot orthosis and athletic shoe, indoors.

IF REQUESTING HELP WITH:

  • 1. Medical Supplies or Medications

    Please provide:

    • The exact item(s) needed
    • Who prescribed them
    • The cost

    Attach a prescription from your physician.

  • 2. Medical Equipment

    Please include:

    • A statement or prescription from your doctor explaining the medical reason(s) for the request.

Deadline

The Wayne County Committee Caring for Children & Adults meets once a month. Applications must be received by the 1st Thursday of the month to be considered that month. Applications received after the 1st Thursday of the month will be reviewed at the following month's meeting. Mail or deliver applications to: United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties 215 S. Walnut St. Wooster, OH 44691

Contact Us

We are happy to help answer any questions you may have.

AL & JUDY VAN WIE SCHOLARSHIP

The Wayne County Committee Caring for Children & Adults offers the Al and Judy Van Wie Scholarships to support students in Wayne County who have physical disabilities or debilitating diseases and wish to continue their education at a college or technical school. Scholarships are awarded for up to four years, provided the student continues to make progress toward a degree.

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Must be a Wayne County resident
  • Have a physical disability or debilitating disease
  • Demonstrate a commitment to advanced educational
  • or vocational training


Please complete the application as thoroughly as possible. Detailed information helps the Committee understand your needs and the type of assistance you are requesting. Be sure to include the specific amount of help needed.


History of the Committee

The Wayne County Committee Caring for Children and Adults (formerly known as Wayne County Committee for Crippled Children and Adults) began over 75 years ago as a local effort to support individuals with physical disabilities and serious illnesses. Its roots trace back to 1919, when Rotarian Edgar “Daddy” Allen encouraged Ohio Rotary Clubs to adopt “Crippled Children” as a statewide service project. By the early 1940s, several Wayne County Rotary Clubs were independently supporting this cause.

1949

Formation & Early Work

In 1949, during the height of the polio epidemic, the Wooster, Orrville, Dalton, and Rittman Rotary Clubs united their efforts to form the Wayne County Committee for Crippled Children.

Key early decisions included: Combining funds from each club, allowing non-Rotarians, and given a sign of the times, women, to join, and bringing in healthcare professionals to strengthen decision-making. The committee focused heavily on providing medical equipment and supporting physical therapy programs at local hospitals. They also encouraged schools to create programs for students with hearing and vision impairments and helped children attend summer camps.

1960s

Shifting Focus After Polio

As polio declined in the 1950s and 1960s, the committee expanded its mission to support people with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, traumatic injuries, and other disabilities. They continued providing essential equipment and began supporting the mainstreaming of special‑needs children into local nursery schools.

1982

Becoming Independent

In 1982, the committee made a major decision to separate from the state and national Easter Seals organizations. The state had pushed for costly administrative changes that would have reduced funds available for local assistance. With strong support from community leaders, the committee became an independent nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status.

1990s

Growth & Expanded Services

By the 1990s and 2000s, the committee recognized growing needs among residents struggling to afford medications for chronic illnesses. After careful debate, they began offering limited financial help for prescriptions. In 2003, they launched four‑year scholarships for students with physical disabilities, named in honor of longtime supporters Al and Judy Van Wie.

TODAY

The committee now includes 15 members, ranging from Rotarians to volunteers from the community at large, and continues to provide equipment, medication assistance, scholarships, and other special projects to those who need it. The organization remains financially strong and deeply committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses throughout Wayne County.

This information was collected from a historical report made available by Al Van Wie, circa 2010.