Jackson County United Way recently gathered together to recap its success in the 2023 campaign, thank those for their continued efforts and remind everyone of their united purpose to make positive change in Jackson County.

“Jackson County United Way continues to work toward a healthier more educated and a financially stable environment for all Jackson County residents,” Executive Director Maci Baurle said during the annual meeting Jan. 18 at the Knights of Columbus in Seymour.

“It is our goal to ensure that all residents struggling to make ends meet have the tools and resources to better their situation,” she said.

Jackson County United Way is a nonprofit organization that fights for health, education and financial stability for Jackson County residents and supports 25 impact programs from different organizations in the area.

The campaign theme for 2023 was United in Purpose, and Baurle said with the united efforts of volunteers and community partners over the past year, it really showed.

Baurle said in 2023, JCUW programs showed great success with nearly 400 people saving money by filing their taxes with the Free Income Tax Assistance program and more than 1,400 Jackson County students receiving free basic school supplies through the Rock‘n Ready program. She also noted that nearly 700 volunteers completed various projects for residents and nonprofits organizations during Day of Caring.

“None of this work could be possible without our dedicated volunteers,” she said.

In 2023, JCUW funded a network of 19 programs provided by 15 nonprofit agencies. These agencies included Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana, Boys & Girls Club of Seymour, Child Care Network, Girls Inc. of Jackson County, Human Services Inc., The Arc of Jackson County, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, Meals on Wheels, The Salvation Army and senior centers in Brownstown, Crothersville, Freetown, Medora and Seymour.

“The $300,000 investment will directly impact Jackson County residents with various services, including emergency in crisis assistance, food insecurity, programs for aging populations, helping children and youth succeed and more,” Baurle said.

The 2023 annual campaign goal was to raise $570,000, and roughly 87% of that pledge goal has been met, making JCUW only 13% away from completing it.

Baurle said in the new year, the organization will continue to be intentional in how time and resources are spent to make sure they continue to build relevancy. As times continue to change, she said they plan to work toward educating and re-educating Jackson County residents about their work and why an investment into the organization is valuable.

Many groups and individuals were honored during an awards ceremony.

First up was 2023 board President Jeremy Myers. He had been an active board member for the past six years and recently passed on the title to Rexanne Ude as board president for 2024.

“He has been a devoted activist for our organization, and we thank you for your years of leadership,” Baurle said.

Engagement Director Emily Engelking shared in more detail how the programs are making a direct impact on Jackson County residents.

In 2023, Engleking said the programs touched more than 5,000 Jackson County residents, and they celebrated 13 years of running the Free Income Tax Assistance program, which provides free tax preparation for individuals and households who make less than $64,000.

Engleking said when clients came in last year, they were able to save more than $335,000 in both state and federal refunds. In part of the program, they give clients a survey at the end asking them what they plan to do with their refund. The top two answers were to pay for rent and groceries.

They currently are setting up appointments for this year’s tax season, and since last Tuesday, they have already filled up 50 slots.

Day of Caring celebrated its 27th year in 2023. Engelking said the volunteer base doubled thanks to Cummins Inc., which brought in nearly 350 volunteers. Also, JCUW added a second kickoff event in Brownstown.

“This was a way for us to involve more of our volunteers who live outside of Seymour city limits and to say thank you,” Engelking said.

Engelking honored one group in particular that goes above and beyond to make sure Day of Caring goes smoothly. From securing locations to getting the necessary tools, Engelking said they wouldn’t be able to accomplish these efforts without the Seymour Parks and Recreation Department. Parks Director Chad Keithley accepted the award and was honored for his support.

Moving on to Rock‘n Ready, Engelking said there was a 33% increase in registrations, and she anticipates about the same amount this year, too. Students received a backpack with free basic school supplies, and the organization hosted events in Brownstown, Medora and Crothersville.

“It takes a lot of people collecting and donating supplies for this program to happen, and this year, we were blown away by the outpouring of support from the community,” she said. “One group nearly doubled the amount of backpacks donated, and with their efforts, we did not have to purchase backpacks this year.”

The Point was given an award for program partner of the year and donating a large amount of backpacks.

Two JACSY awards were given for those who went above and beyond for JCUW. One went to BSM Groups for its efforts in two programs throughout the year and its donation efforts, and the other went to Chad Spencer for his determination to make a change within his company by organizing and participating in events moving Valeo into the top 10 campaigns for 2023.

Awards also were given to the top 10 campaigns who pledged. The total of those pledges come to about 60% of the total campaign, Development Director Michelle Kleber said.

The top 10 campaigns were Cummins, Schneck Medical Center, Aisin USA Mfg. Inc., JCBank, Blue & Co., Nippon Steel Pipe America Inc., Beatty Insurance, Seymour Community Schools, Valeo and Rose Acre Farms.

“I want to thank everyone who donated and partnered with us residentially and through their workplace giving,” Kleber said. “We are so grateful for the support because we cannot do the work we do without it.”

In 2023, JCUW partnered with Ryan Furr Creative and released a campaign video that highlights its partner program, impact in the community and organization internal programs.

Kleber finished by reminding everyone how close they are to finishing their 2023 campaign goal, asking those who wish to give a gift and help bridge the gap to do so online at jacsy.org/#donate.

Ude gave closing remarks, thanking the many volunteers, donors, staff and community members who have committed to being part of a long history that is Jackson County United Way.

She thanked people for being part of the mission to assess needs, secure resources and strategically invest those resources to create measurable, lasting changes in the areas of education, health and financial stability.

“You have been, you currently are and you will be changemakers in the lives of many,” she said.