Briefs: United Way annual meeting, vaccine clinic, new tool for foster or adoptive parents

Marion Star
·2 min read

United Way of North Central Ohio holds annual meeting

United Way of North Central Ohio held its 2023 annual meeting on May 17 at The Union in Marion.

Four new members were welcomed to the United Way of North Central Ohio Board of Directors during the meeting. They are: Rachel Jarvis, Community Foundation for Crawford County; Matt Carbary, Sims Brothers Recycling; Caleb Ulmer, Park National Bank; and Kimberly Niedermier, Graphic Packaging Internationals. Outgoing board members Gary Branson, Kerr Murray, Jackie Peterson and Logan Kirk were recognized for serving two terms.

Members beginning their first term on UWNCO’s Board of Directors are, from left, Rachel Jarvis, Matt Carbary, Caleb Ulmer, and Kimberly Niedermier.
Members beginning their first term on UWNCO’s Board of Directors are, from left, Rachel Jarvis, Matt Carbary, Caleb Ulmer, and Kimberly Niedermier.

The governing board for the upcoming year will be Aaron Rollins of POET Marion, president; Susan Kent of Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, vice president; Matt Orians of Mizick Miller & Co., treasurer; and Erica Kaple of Kegler Brown, secretary.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of the UWNCO Red Feather Award to Kurt Kimmel of Kimmel Corporation. The Red Feather Award is made periodically to an individual, organization or business whose dedication to the community and commitment to establishing a legacy of change through collective community impact merits acclaim and advancement.

Vaccine clinic in Ontario

ONTARIO — The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging Inc., in partnership with UsAging and the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative, will host a vaccine clinic from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at Hawkins Corner, located at 2131 Park Avenue West, Door #300, in Ontario.

This clinic will be open to all ages and to all District 5 counties. Third Street Family Health Services will administer the COVID-19 booster. Gift cards will be given to those who receive a vaccine at the clinic and complete a short survey.

Individuals who are interested in participating or want additional information on vaccines may call 567-247-6477. Many forms of ID are accepted to verify your name, identity and age. You do not need to show proof of citizenship or residency status.

There is no cost for the vaccine and insurance is not required.

New statewide online portal launched to streamline adoption and foster care process

COLUMBUS — Ohio has launched a statewide online portal where Ohioans can inquire and apply to become foster or adoptive parents. About 15,000 children are in the state's foster care system.

InnovateOhio and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) developed OCAF with the goal to make Ohio a leader in simplifying the pathway toward becoming a foster or adoptive parent. The new tool gives users the ability to complete and submit applications electronically, whereas before it was all done on paper.

Prospective caregivers can access the portal from Ohio’s FosterandAdopt.ohio.gov website and can either select an agency they prefer to work with or from a local agency chosen at random. Live chat support will be available during regular business hours.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: United Way of North Central Ohio hosts annual meeting, vaccine clinic