MIAMI COUNTY, IN- After 69 years of service to the community, United Way of Miami County will permanently close its doors on September 30. The closure caps nearly seven decades of support for the county’s most vulnerable residents, early childhood development and community enrichment.
The Board of Directors made the difficult decision after years of declining fundraising revenue left the nonprofit without a path to long-term viability. Rather than continue funding the administrative costs of running a nonprofit, the board chose to direct its remaining resources toward a cause it has long championed: the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which provides a monthly book for a child from birth to age five. Currently, more than 800 children in Miami County are enrolled in the program. The program was started in 2009 by longtime United Way Executive Director Debi Wallick.
Sarah Hudson, President of the United Way of Miami County explained, “The United Way’s Board was fully committed to being fiscally responsible. Rather than spend down our remaining funds on operations, we chose to secure the future of a program that has meant so much to our community.”
United Way will transfer its remaining funds to the Miami County Community Foundation, earmarked exclusively for the Imagination Library’s continued operation. The transfer of funds will provide funding for the existing enrollment level for several years; however, additional funding is needed to ensure the longevity of the program. Community members can support the Imagination Library in Miami County by donating to the new Children’s Literacy Legacy Fund by contacting Cheryl Broyles, the Community Foundation’s Director of Development, at 765-470-1778.
Additional community programs created by United Way will also endure. The monthly mobile food pantry and the Weekend Meals Backpack Program will continue without interruption. United Way will fund the weekend meals program throughout the 2026–2027 school year and transition the program to the Peru Community School’s new education foundation. Those interested in supporting the continuation of the children’s Weekend Meals Backpack Program can contact Dr. Jason Gornto, Senior Director at Peru Community Schools, at jgornto@peru.k12.in.us or 765-473-3081 ext. 2413. To support the mobile food pantry, donations can be made directly to Food Finders Food Bank at https://www.food-finders.org/get-involved/donate/.
In addition, the United Way has fulfilled all of its 2026 grant commitments, supporting the Miami County YMCA’s Pre-K Scholarship and Transit programs, the Salvation Army’s Emergency Assistance program, the Family Service Association’s Domestic Violence & Assault Program, Bona Vista’s Sensory Program, and Mental Health America’s Mental Health Navigator program.
While this is the final chapter for United Way of Miami County, the organization’s legacy will endure in the community.
AN ABUNDANCE OF APPRECIATION
United Way of Miami County extends its deepest gratitude to current and former board members, donors and volunteers over the past 69 years. They are eternally grateful for the longtime leadership of the Backpack Program by Stacia Bonifant and the volunteer support by the Lions Club. United Way also thanks Staci Bradley, who has managed logistics and volunteer support for the mobile food pantry for the past two years. A heartfelt thanks to the lasting impact made by Debi Wallick during her decades of leadership.
QUESTIONS?
Contact director@uwmiamip.org
