Carla Clark | For The Republic Mark Stewart, president of the United Way of Bartholomew County, welcomes attendees and introduces Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon during the United Way of Bartholomew County annual meeting at the Commons, Columbus, Ind., Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
The United Way of Bartholomew County celebrated another successful year and those who made those successes possible at their annual meeting Wednesday morning.
Held at The Commons, the meeting highlighted the importance of their work and what the phrase “united is the way” truly means. According to Mayor Mary Ferdon, who presented a speech at the beginning of the meeting, the United Way of Bartholomew County took up the challenge to lead the community’s initiative on addressing homelessness last year. In their annual report, as of this month, 716 families are in avenues and 187 people are earning higher wages because of United Way of Bartholomew County. They have helped 141 families in getting assistance, moved 43 people from tents to shelter and helped prevent homelessness for 38 people.
In 2024, United Way continued to impact others in terms of youth opportunities, financial security and health improvement. According to their annual report, 63 families received critical health coverage navigation, 70 people received help paying for their marketplace healthcare premiums, 1,215 tax forms were filed, 213 students received assistance from the Student Support Line, 2,246 students registered for school supplies and 3,357 students registered for holiday assistance.
President of United Way of Bartholomew County Mark Stewart said they have also re-housed 51 people who were homeless and made significant progress in one of their goals. Stewart said two years ago, as he stood on the same stage, he declared the goal to lift 1,000 families out of poverty in 2,000 days.
“And to tell you the truth, I always thought that was a stretch goal. It is a stretch goal, but I’m so proud to tell you that as of (Wednesday), we have elevated 273 families into self-sufficiency and we are right on track,” Stewart announced at the meeting.
Stewart said while they are proud of the work they have accomplished over the past year, he said it is important to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead in operating in an increasingly uncertain environment and a shifting philanthropic landscape. He said the challenges facing nonprofits are significant and there are no easy answers.
“But I do remain hopeful and I remain confident, because when we come together, combining our strengths, our compassion and our commitment, we can continue to create opportunity for those of us in need,” Stewart said.
Awards were also given out to individuals who embody the spirit of unity and action, according to Director of Engagement for United Way of Bartholomew County Joy Basa-King. Four awards were presented: the Spirit of Philanthropy Award, the Volunteer of the Year Award, Advocate of the Year Award and the Live United Award.
Bill and Ann Jones were presented with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award for their almost five decades of generosity and compassion, Basa-King said. Since 1977, she said they have been unwavering champions of United Way’s mission, with their giving being rooted in empathy and the belief that everyone is connected.
“Their philosophy is simple: give back to the community you care about so everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Basa-King said. “And they live that every day; volunteering, advocating and quietly showing up for those who need it most.”
Volunteer Action Center Director Alicia Monroe then presented Lisa Day with the Volunteer of the Year Award. She described Day as someone you could call on and, if she’s available, she will be right there with no fuss, hesitation or questions. Monroe said Day has been involved with multiple United Way programs while also finding time to serve across the community.
Dallas Grider, who Basa-King characterized as a living example of what it means to be a true advocate, won the Advocate of the Year Award. According to Basa-King, Grider shows up with heart, purpose and unwavering commitment, whether she is championing a campaign, leading Women’s United or volunteering at the Community Homeless Forum and poverty simulation.
Last but not least, Stewart presented the Live United Award, the highest award they could give, to Sherry Stark for her work in shaping the community of Columbus. In a short speech, Stark said the United Way of Bartholomew County stands head and shoulders above any others she has heard of with their community impact. She also said that United Way needs the community’s volunteering, work, commitment and gifts, and said there is now an effort to build an endowment to get money that backs up the money that is raised each year.
“… we know the world is changing, the economy is changing, our world is changing. We’re not sure exactly how it’ll play out,” Stark said in her speech. “So if you’re able, if it fits with your life, keep in mind not only the volunteering, the annual giving, but also helping build an endowment to be a bedrock for this prized and precious United Way.”
For more information about the United Way of Bartholomew County and their services, visit uwbarthco.org.
