United Way of Licking County Announces $1 Million in Grants to Benefit 39 Programs

NEWARK – United Way of Licking County announced a $1 million investment in grants to support 39 local programs.

Donations will enable local organizations to continue meeting critical needs and improving the quality of life for residents.

“The work these programs do is truly remarkable,” said United Way Executive Director Deb Dingus. “We are proud to support their efforts, and together we can make significant progress toward solving some of the most pressing issues facing our community.”

Programs funded for 2025 address a wide range of needs, including mental health services, youth development, homelessness prevention, food access and reproductive health, among others.

The donation to Licking County Transit supports its Fixed Detour Routes, a service that provides reliable and flexible transportation to residents, ensuring that those who do not have access to private vehicles or who live in underserved areas can reach destinations such as work, school, healthcare and supermarkets. .

For more information about funded programs and how to participate, visit unitedwaylc.org.

Here is a list of funded programs for 2025:

Action for Children: Parental education
American Red Cross: Blood services, services for the armed forces, disaster cycle services
Central Ohio Behavioral Health Partners: Outreach in homeless neighborhoods, school intervention program
Big Brothers, Big Sisters from Licking and Perry Counties: Website-based programs
Buckeye Valley YMCA Family: Before and after school programs
Camp O’Bannon: summer camp
Canal Market District and Business Center: Access to food for all
Catholic Social Services: Little Blessings, support services, transportation services
East Central Ohio Family Health Services: Reproductive health and well-being
Friends of Licking County Library: Licking County Imagination Library
Girl Scouts of Ohio Heartland: Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Licking County Senior Partners: Visual Enhancement Center
Licking County Alcoholism Prevention Program: Licking County Alcoholism Prevention, Licking County Reentry Program
First Licking County Council for Children and Families: Community Support Team
Licking County Community Center for 60+ adults: Lifestyle 365
Licking County HOPE: Licking County CDF Freedom Schools
Licking County Transit: Detoured fixed routes
Mental Health of America of Licking County: Presence of integrity, courage, parental support, suicide prevention, youth engaged in service club
Central Ohio Paths: 2-1-1 Crisis Hotline, Prevention Services Center, Parent Education Center
Salvation Army: Emergency services
Simon Kenton Council, Boy Scouts of America: Traditional scouting
The forests: Expect Respect, Outpatient Department, Center for New Beginnings
Together we grow: Community Gardens/Free U-Pick Markets, Here We Garden, Power of Plants Educational Program
Whole Life Recovery: Whole Living Recovery Homes