Continued community support is essential to keeping critical programs and resources available for local families
By Kim Williams—
DELAWARE, FAYETTE, HENRY, MADISON AND RANDOLPH COUNTIES—Every day across East Central Indiana, children are building the skills they need to succeed, adults are working toward greater financial stability, and families are finding support to overcome challenges. Heart of Indiana United Way and its community partners help make those opportunities possible, and the organization is calling on residents to be part of that impact through its annual giving campaign.
With the year-end charitable giving season approaching, Heart of Indiana United Way is increasing its public outreach to encourage individuals, businesses and workplaces to invest in the programs and partnerships that strengthen communities across Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison and Randolph counties.
The organization’s recently released 2025–2026 Annual Report shows just how far that support reaches. Last year, 112,417 people—approximately one in three residents across the five-county region—were supported through United Way-funded programs, partnerships and community initiatives.
“That’s an incredible number, but what matters most is what it represents for people right here in our communities,” said Jenni Marsh, President and CEO of Heart of Indiana United Way. “It’s children getting a stronger start in school, parents finding opportunities to improve their financial futures, and families getting help when they need it most. When people give to United Way, they’re investing in their neighbors and the future of our communities.”
The annual report highlights measurable results across several areas of United Way’s work:
• Youth Opportunity: 83% of third graders served through Read & Achieve programs were reading proficiently at the end of third grade, while 91% of participating children were meeting developmental milestones.
• Financial Stability: 835 individuals received support through the THRIVE Network, with 70% of participants working to increase their income successfully achieving that goal.
• Health and Community Resilience: More than 3,800 households received help with housing and utility needs, while 8,414 individuals received assistance navigating health coverage and healthcare resources.
United Way’s approach recognizes that a child’s success is closely connected to the stability of the family around them. By supporting early learning and literacy alongside financial coaching, healthcare access and basic needs assistance, Heart of Indiana United Way and its partners help children and the adults who care for them move forward together.
The importance of strong community partnerships became even more evident following the historic flooding that affected all five counties in August. United Way helped coordinate volunteers and resources, established a Long-Term Flood Recovery Fund and continues working with local long term recovery committees to help families navigate the lengthy recovery process.
“Having those partnerships and resources in place allowed us to respond when our neighbors needed us most,” Marsh said. “But the same network is at work every day, helping families overcome challenges and build stronger futures. That’s why continued community support is so important.”
As many residents consider their charitable giving plans, Heart of Indiana United Way encourages them to make a new gift, renew their annual support or consider increasing their contribution. Businesses and workplaces can also make a difference through corporate gifts and employee giving campaigns.
“When you give to United Way, you’re helping make sure these programs and resources continue to be available for the children and families who count on them,” Marsh said. “Our community has shown time and again what we can accomplish together. We hope more people will join us in building on that impact.”
Residents can support Heart of Indiana United Way’s annual campaign by making a one-time gift, becoming a monthly donor or participating through their workplace.
To give or learn more about the impact of community support, visit www.HeartOfIndiana.org.
The organization’s 2025–2026 Annual Report, Moving Children and Families Forward Together, is also available on their website.
About Heart of Indiana United Way
Heart of Indiana United Way mobilizes communities to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. With deep local roots, across Delaware, Madison, Henry, Randolph, and Fayette Counties, they see how challenges like preparing children for success in school and life, achieving financial stability, and helping build people’s and communities’ resilience are all interconnected. Every day, they unite people and resources to tackle core challenges and create a future where everyone everywhere can reach their full potential. Learn more at www.HeartOfIndiana.org.
