United Way of North Central Ohio is proud to be honored as an October 2021 recipient of the Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague’s Compass Award.

The monthly recognition program commends organizations, programs, and individuals across the state who are working to guide Ohioans toward financial literacy and empowerment.

“A strong understanding of personal finance enables Ohioans to meet their financial goals and reach their full potential,” said Sprague. “We’re proud to recognize individuals and organizations across Ohio that are making great strides to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.”

The Compass Award announcement regarding the selection of UWNCO as an honoree noted:

Through strong community partnerships, United Way of North Central Ohio provides area children and residents with meaningful personal development and financial education opportunities. Assistance and programming offered by the organization cover topics such as housing and disaster relief, workforce development training, college readiness, and other forms of money management and credit counseling. Through these efforts, United Way of North Central Ohio has made a positive impact on the lives of more than 15,000 youth and adults.

Also honored in October were:

Dover High School (Tuscarawas County)
Dover High school offers stand-alone financial education courses and a dual-credit personal finance class while also guiding students and parents toward career pathways. School counselors and classroom teachers have incorporated OhioMeansJobs tools into their instruction, ensuring students understand various career options for their future. Additionally, the school hosts a Financial Aid Night to ensure parents and families understand financial aid opportunities and the overall process.

Flite Freimann, Director, Washington County Department of Job and Family Services
As the director of the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services, Freimann has played a significant role in developing programming to better serve and prepare local residents for life’s financial decisions. Through a summer youth program, students in the area are exposed to various career pathways through strategic interactions and visits with area employers. In addition, Freimann has worked to develop partnerships with banks to create programming that introduces youth and families to standard banking products.

We were very pleased to be joined at the award ceremony by some of the local community partner organizations who are building #SelfSufficientResidents through #BoldGoal3 programs in each of the three counties we serve, including Wyandot County Office of Economic Development (Community Opportunity); Crawford Works; and Marion Matters. Read more about our Bold Goals here, and learn about the #BoldGoal3 programs funded by your donations to United Way here.

Many thanks to Crawford County Treasurer Cindy Edwards for offering her offices as a meeting space for the award. We also thank County Auditor Joan Wolfe and County Commissioners Doug Weisenauer, Tim Ley, and Larry Schmidt for joining us.