Category: Mount Vernon OH

The United Way of Knox County shares their 2023 Annual Report

The United Way of Knox County hosted their annual meeting and donor recognition lunch on March 7th.
They shared highlights from the 2023 Campaign and 2023 Annual Report.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Lori Jones Perkins, Executive Director.
Click HERE to hear their full conversation.
Lori shared some outstanding stats:
– Only 1.06% of pledges are unpaid (that return is amazing)
– 85% of donations go directly to support their partner agencies
– Less than 15% is used for administrative costs

She also talked about the process of how organizations apply to become a partner agency and receive funds from the United Way. They have a Community Impact Panel that listens to the presentations and gives scores and comments on each organization. These reports go to a Community Investment Committee that makes allocation recommendations based on the reports from the Community Impact Panel. Then the full United Way board votes for the final allocations.

Lori also talked about the accountability of the United Way.
The annual report for 2023 is available to pick up at the office. It will be shared on the website soon – uwayknox.org
She talks about how every dollar matters and makes a difference.
Lori mentions how we will see the United Way out more in the community in 2024!

Marcy also talked with Halle Krajenski, Program Director for the United Way
Click HERE to hear their full conversation.
Marcy and Halle talk about the three pillars for United Way funding:
Health: In 2023 United Way invested $316,930 in 13 Health Programs with 9 different partner agencies.
Education: In 2023 United Way invested $155,722 in 8 Education Programs with 7 different Partner Agencies
Financial Stability: In 2023 United Way invested $201,300 in Financial Stability Programs with 7 Partner Agencies

Halle also shared an exciting report about other United Way projects:

  • The Imagination Library was started by Dolly Parton, to give children reading and literacy skills. We are at 61% rate of Knox County children participating in the program. In 2023, 27,038 books were delivered in 2023.
  • Crunch Out Knox County – 552 4th graders were able to engage in a 6-week program learning about making healthy choices for life.
  • There are 3 after-school programs at East, Dan Emmett, and Pleasant Street Elementary schools providing homework help and enrichment activities
  • Free Tax Preparation Assistance – United Way completed 551 returns for 2023

Stay connected at the website – uwayknox.org (it is in the midst of changes)
Social Media – United Way of Knox County
Office – 305 East High St. in Mount Vernon

You can give on the website or mail a check to the office.
Scroll down to see some exciting numbers shared in the 2023 Annual Report.

0

The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosts their annual Awards Luncheon

The Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Luncheon was held on Wednesday, 3/6.

Brittany Coon, Public Outreach Coordinator for the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities visited The Morning Thing to celebrate this year’s award winners.

March is Developmental Disabilities Month. Brittany shared some facts about this special month.

  • In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
  • Developmental Disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior areas and include Autism, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, Down Syndrome, and many other developmental delays.

Brittany also shared a list of special events that are happening this month.

  • The DD Awareness Month Luncheon was on Wednesday, 3/6. Community leaders, providers, families, and people in the local program gather to highlight  different parts of the Knox County Developmental Disabilities program and the annual awards are given out! 
  • Thursday, March 21 – A fun partnership event with Knox County Special Olympics!  There will be a basketball skills and team competition in Bladensburg!
  • MTV Arts is going to hold their first ever sensory friendly showing of Honk Jr. this month
  • Annual coloring and essay contest for all the children in public schools across Knox County. They usually have over one thousand participants representing all the different public elementary schools in Knox County. Winners will be announced soon and there will be displays up around the county showcasing their beautiful artwork!

Brittany shared highlights from this year’s luncheon.

  • A few essay submissions from the coloring and essay contest were shared.
  • A panel of different people in the program shared their experiences with the program.
  • Sarah and Bryce Maners shared how their family has been involved in the Early Intervention program for their daughter.
  • Amber Lavin shared her story of how her youngest child was born with Down Syndrome and how they have been involved with the program since he was born.
  • Tarynn Ball is a young lady who graduated from high school and went through the Summer Youth Career Exploration program in 2020 and did the summer youth work experience program in 2021.  She began working at Half Baked Café in September of 2021 and started selling her original artwork at The Treasure Chest in Fredericktown in July of 2023!
  • Dave Chopson had been working for the County Highway Garage for 30 years and just retired in October of last year!  He shared some of his most memorable parts of working and what he’s been up to since retirement.


Congratulations to the 2024 Knox County Developmental Disabilities Award Winners:

Congratulations to the Individual Spotlight Award Recipient.

  • The Individual Spotlight Award recognizes a person with a developmental disability who has overcome adversity to achieve or go beyond their goal. This year two Individual Spotlight Awards were given.
    • Darian Decamp.  Darian has been working with the KCH kitchen since 2016.  One of her supervisors said, “Darian Decamp has worked here in the Knox Community Hospital Kitchen since 2016. She is one of our longest-serving employees in the Porter position and is a great asset to our team. When we see her name on the schedule, we can relax because we know that she will be here on time and ready to work! She very rarely misses work and is always in a good mood. Her laugh and big smile really light up our kitchen when she is here. Over the course of the last 7 years, she has been a dependable, hardworking, ray of light in our department. We don’t know what we would do without her!”
    • Tarynn Ball.  Tarynn was on the panel and she was able to speak about her journey to employment with everyone that was there!  She has been working at Half Baked Café since 2021 and has been such a wonderful addition to their team.

Congratulations to the Community Partner Winner.

  • The Community Partner Award recognizes an individual, family member, staff person, volunteer or organization that has worked diligently to create partnerships and alliances within Knox County. This organization helps with creating an inclusive culture and environment for everyone to live, work and grow.  This year two awards were given out for this category. 
  • The first Community Partner Award for 2024 goes to Kenyon College Athletics.  The Kenyon Student Athlete Advisory Council has partnered with Knox County Special Olympics for the past 5 plus years to provide volunteers and support to athletes who use the Lowry Center to practice and compete.  They host practices, games, swim meets and regional skills tournaments. 
  • The Second Community Partner Award goes to the Centerburg Church of Christ.  The Centerburg Church of Christ has hosted the Tim Tebow Night to Shine for the past two years.  This provides a wonderful opportunity for people in our program to get dressed up and have a wonderful evening with their friends.  This event is a massive undertaking that includes planning, sponsorship, volunteers and more! 

Congratulations to the Employer of the Year.

  • The Employer Award recognizes a community employer who employs people with a developmental disability. This employer always goes above and beyond the expectation to help the employee not only be successful in the workplace but thrive.
    • The Knox County Engineer’s Office is the recipient of the Employment Award.  As you heard just a bit ago, Dave Chopson worked there for 30 years before he retired.  Dave was a valuable member of their team, and they always went above and beyond to ensure Dave was fitting in and getting all the support he needed to be successful.

Congratulations to the Dedication Award Winner.

  • The Dedication Award recognizes a person, direct care staff, or group of people who are extraordinary in giving their time to help others who have a developmental disability. They are selfless leaders and are always working towards promoting independence and making positive changes. The recipients of this award will showcase a passion for making advances in individual’s lives. 
  • The recipient of the 2024 Dedication Award is Colleen Frazee.  Colleen is an independent provider who continues to go above and beyond to ensure the people she supports have everything they need.  She has made sure the people she supports have friends, get to do the things they want to do and so much more.  With Colleen’s support, “Impossible” is not an option and we are so appreciative of everything she does!

Congratulations to the Local Hero Award winners.

  • The Local Hero Award recognizes someone from the community whose basic nature is to give without expecting anything in return. This person is a visionary; they promote healthy ideas, offer support and guidance to create improvements in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
    • The Local Hero Award Winner for 2024 is Tanner Cooper-Risser with the OSU Extension of Knox County.  While all of our interactions with anyone from the OSU Extension has been wonderful, Tanner has a way of making everything easy and simple.  Through our partnership with Tanner, he has been able to provide fun and interactive cooking classes for people in our program to make healthy and affordable meals.  He has been a great resource for our Early Childhood Newsletter. 

Brittany also shared the main goals for 2024 for the Knox County Developmental Disabilities

  • Create more sensory inclusive opportunities in Knox County like at the movies, SPI Spot, the YMCA, and maybe even at our local festivals.
    • Develop a local Ohio SIBS to increase support offered to siblings of children with disabilities.
    • They are working with MVNU to develop some programming for those with disabilities to participate academically and socially in a college experience. 

You can stay connected with the Knox County Developmental Disabilities office.
The office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Phone – 740-397-4656
Website – http://www.knoxdd.com
They are also on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

0

Five outstanding Knox County women receive EmpowHER Awards

Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s conversations with these amazing ladies.

Amber Keener was the winner of the 2024 Vision Builder Award.
She was nominated by her friend, Amy Tatz.
Amber shares how she felt when she received this award. Amber talks about being a public servant and her passion for the community. She shares her vision for the future of our community.
Amber also shares a message for women – move forward with grit and determination, think outside the box and be ready to pivot.
Vision Builder Award: Vision shapes our future. The recipient of this award is a woman with less than 10 years of experience in her field who has wasted no time making an impact and breaking down barriers. She emphasizes building honest relationships, values input, has the mindset of a leader, and leads by example with an immense amount of courage. She has valued what she’s learned from her mentors and wants to pay it forward as a mentor to others. She is changing the landscape in which women serve.

Jessica Wolfe was the winner of the 2024 Grit and Grace Award.
She was nominated by Tara Bosart and Mackenzie Scott.
Jessica shares how she felt when she received this award. She shares about how she found her voice in a difficult time in her life. She hopes that women can gain the confidence to find their voice and stand up for themselves.
Mackenzie and Jessica’s friend, Lauren Martin share why they nominated her and what they wants the world to know about Jessica.

The ladies share the messages that they are taking away from this event, their messages for women: Have confidence, find your voice, and own who you are!
Grit and Grace Award: This award is given to a single-parent mom who has overcome adversity and demonstrates resilience. She has transformed her life and the lives of her children with dignity and grace. She leads by example. She is a picture of selflessness and courage to all who encounter her.

Teresa Weaver was the winner of the 2024 Heart Award.
She was nominated by a group of her staff members, Callia A., Jackie H. M., Nancy L., Kathy L., Melissa M., and Dawn P.
Teresa shares how she felt when she received this award. She talks about how she appreciates her team at Pleasant Street Elementary School and that they really embody this award.
Several of her staff members – Jackie, Kathy and Melissa share why they nominated her and what they want the world to know about Teresa.

The ladies share messages that they are taking away from this event:
– Find joy in what you do. You are not working alone.
– Our community has so many fabulous organizations helping women.
– The ladies were refueled and felt supported as they looked around the room.
Heart Award: This award is given to a Front-Line worker! The Heart Award was born out of COVID19 and the need to acknowledge greater endeavors in support of our humanity with a focus on others over self.  This woman has a commitment and passion for service while making an impact and leads with purpose. She has dedicated her life as a successful front-line worker. She has proven her endless dedication to her field.

Jennifer Snow was the winner of the 2024 Raising the Bar Award.
She was nominated by her daughter, Aspen Scroggins and husband, Denny Snow.
Jennifer shares how she felt when she received this award. She also shared what “raising the bar” has meant in her life and great advice for other women. This advice came from Karen Wright, shared at a girl scout meeting – never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something BIG! Go for it!
Aspen shares why she nominated her Mom and what she wants the world to know about Jennifer.

Both ladies share a message for women – to be a champion, you need to surround yourself with champions. Also, don’t be so hard on yourself, be present and be proud of where you are! You are blessed!
Raising the Bar Award: This award is given to a Woman with 20+ years of experience in their field! The recipient of this award is an extraordinary woman who has manifested a legacy that continues to inspire others. She has dedicated her life to the advancement of those around her and paved the way for the leaders of tomorrow. She is recognized as an ambassador for women through her extraordinary dedication, personal achievements, and service to others through mentorship, philanthropy, and business. This award recognizes a woman who has spent more than 20 years in her field.

Aly Calkins was the winner of the 2024 EmpowHER Award.
She was nominated by Shannon Scott.
Aly shares how she felt when she received this award.
Shannon shares why she nominated her and what she wants the world to know about Aly.

Both ladies share a message for women – purposely surround yourself with others who make you better. Design your life how you want it to be and then just do it! Spread confidence within yourself and within other women. Empowering each other will make a better community.
EmpowHER Award: This award is given to a Woman of Inspiration!
Belief is a powerful engine. This woman believes so strongly in the outcomes she seeks that her beliefs mold her path to get there. The recipient of this award champions for women in her network, workplace, and community. She is a team player and active mentor who paves the road to empowering women in leadership roles. She is a woman of inspiration that is true to herself, and her example is so noteworthy as to inspire others spontaneously. Her passion channels her actions and her voice as she strives to empower the women and girls of Knox County.

0

Two Danville Seniors receive Girl Power Scholarships at the 3rd annual EmpowHER Awards

Olivia Keffer and Catlin Ball are both enjoying their senior year at Danville High School.
On Friday night, they each won a Girl Power Scholarship of $2,500! These awards were sponsored by Women United.
Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s conversation with our winners.

Olivia submitted an essay based on the quote from Michelle Obama about “not everyone is perfect”. She talks about empowering younger female friends. She also talks about her growth this year. Senior year has taught her a lot about herself.
Olivia plans to attend Kenyon College and major in English.
Catlin focused on a theme of breaking out of your comfort zone and finding confidence, anything is possible if you work for it. She shares a message of encouragement for younger girls – find something that you like and go for it!
She plans to go to OSU ATI in Wooster to major in animal science and specialize in veterinary medicine.
Both ladies share the messages that they are walking away with after attending this event – I am capable of anything! We are strong and we have a community of women that come together and support each other.

0

New Directions celebrates women at their 2024 EmpowHER Event

New Directions of Knox County hosted their 3rd annual EmpowHER Awards on Friday, 3/1/24.
Lindsey Lamp, Executive Director of New Directions shared an update on the organization and her thoughts about the annual EmpowHER event.
Click HERE to hear the entire conversation.

She talks about the power of this event for women and shares her overall goals and hopes for the attendees.
She talks about the transition into her current position. She also shares an update on the new location and capital campaign for the organization. They are completely moved into 212 N Main St, Mt Vernon. New Directions is into year 3 of a capital campaign. They still need to raise $250,000 to reach their goal.
You can donate at www.newdirectionsknox.org

Lindsey shares her main goals as we continue into 2024.
Stay connected with New Directions on Social Media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newdirectionsshelteroh
Instagram: www.instagram.com/newdirectionsshelter/?hl=en
Website: www.newdirectionsknox.org
Call the office line – 740-397-4357

0

Meet the Staff Monday – Xander DeVault

This week’s Meet the Staff Monday on WNZR features freshman, Xander DeVault.
Xander is from Kingsport, TN. His major is Communication and Media (Digital Media).
Xander shares what brought him to MVNU and how he found his way to WNZR.
Xander is a member of the MVNU Men’s Volleyball Team and shares how valuable that experience has been to his college career.

You can also learn more about Xander with WNZR’s Rapid Fire, including his love for singing! His favorite bible verse is Proverbs 16:9.
Click HERE to enjoy the conversation!
You can hear Xander on WNZR on Tuesdays 10 am – 11 am and Thursdays 2 pm – 3 pm.

0

Do you know an amazing Woman? You need to know about the EmpowHER Event with New Directions

Alyssa Sidle of The Morning Thing talked with Lindsey Lamp, Executive Director of New Directions.
Lindsey talked about the recent transitions for New Directions and announced the good news that the organization is fully staffed. She shared the inspiration behind the EmpowHER event and described each award that will be given out. Lindsey also talked about the scholarships that will be given to high school senior girls.

Click HERE to hear the entire conversation.

There are multiple EmpowHER awards. Click HERE to nominate an amazing woman that you know.

Nominate a woman of inspiration!
Belief is a powerful engine. This woman believes so strongly in the outcomes she seeks that her beliefs mold her path to get there. The recipient of this award champions for women in her network, workplace, and community. She is a team player and active mentor who paves the road to empowering women in leadership roles. She is a woman of inspiration that is true to herself, and her example is so noteworthy as to inspire others spontaneously. Her passion channels her actions and her voice as she strives to empower the women and girls of Knox County.

Nominate a woman who is a front-line worker!
The Heart Award was born out of COVID19 and the need to acknowledge greater endeavors in support of our humanity with a focus on others over self. Do you know a woman with commitment and passion for service while making an impact and leading with purpose? Has she dedicated her life as a successful front-line worker? Has she proven her endless dedication to her field (healthcare worker, educator, etc.)?Nominate a woman front-line worker you know today for the Heart Award presented at New Directions’ EmpowHER Event held on March 1st. Each winner is provided free entry to the event and a gift for being her amazing self!

Nominate a single mother today!
Do you know a single-parent mom who has overcome adversity and demonstrates resilience?
Has she transformed her life and the lives of her children with dignity and grace?
Does she lead by example?
Is she a picture of selflessness and courage to all who encounter her?
Nominate her today for the Grit & Grace Award presented at New Directions’ EmpowHER Event held on March 1st. Each winner is provided free entry to the event and a gift for being her amazing self!

Nominate a woman with 20+ years of experience in their field!
The recipient of this award is an extraordinary woman who has manifested a legacy that continues to inspire others. She has dedicated her life to the advancement of those around her and paved the way for the leaders of tomorrow. She is recognized as an ambassador for women through her extraordinary dedication, personal achievements, and service to others through mentorship, philanthropy, and business. This award recognizes a woman who has spent more than 20 years in her field.
Nominate a woman with 20+ years of experience in their field for the Raising the Bar Award presented at New Directions’ EmpowHER Event held on March 1st. Each winner is provided free entry to the event and a gift for being her amazing self!

Nominate a woman with less than 10 years of making an impact and breaking down barriers!
Vision shapes our future. The recipient of this award is a woman with less than 10 years of experience in her field who has wasted no time making an impact and breaking down barriers. She emphasizes building honest relationships, values input, has the mindset of a leader, and leads by example with an immense amount of courage. She has valued what she’s learned from her mentors and wants to pay it forward as a mentor to others. She is changing the landscape in which women serve.
Nominate a woman you know today for the Vision Builder Award presented at New Directions’ EmpowHER Event held on March 1st. Each winner is provided free entry to the event and a gift for being her amazing self!

Are you a female high school senior who uses her girl power to empower others? Apply for our Girl Power Scholarship! The recipient of this scholarship will receive $2500 to go towards furthering their education!

Wednesday, 2/14 is the deadline to submit nominations.
Click HERE to nominate an amazing woman that you know.

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑