Employers, businesses, volunteers, and professionals gathered in the auditorium and learned what resources are available through networking with each other.
Cade Higgins | The Lima News
VAN WERT — Businesses, professionals, employers and volunteers learned Wednesday what resources were available in and around the Van Wert community.
The second annual “No Wrong Door” event was held in Van Wert at the Lifehouse Church, 713 Fox Road, Van Wert.
According to Anne Dunn, the day of caring chair for the United Way of Van Wert County, 50 organizations were registered for the event, an increase of 12 organizations from last year’s event.
“With the event focused on agency to agency, everyone walked away learning at least one new program or service or making one new contact to help the community,” she said about last year’s event.
“The No Wrong Door event is focused around the idea that regardless of where a person enters or calls for help there is no wrong door they can enter,” she said. “It’s different from your average community health fair. It’s more of a networking event for agencies to connect.”
Ashley Bultemeier, executive director, United Way of Van Wert County, said, “It is centered professional to professional, and agency to agency to educate themselves on what programs are available.”
The event also provides an opportunity to update any information for the organizations in attendance.
“Because funding changes, focus areas change based on needs and staff changes, it’s important for us to get in touch with everyone through this event,” Dunn said.
Chris Bercaw, Community Emergency Response Team of Van Wert County, explained what he and his team of volunteers do around the community.
“Under Van Wert County Community Management and partnering with law enforcement, we volunteer if there is a disaster,” he said.
Jamie Ramos, Haven of Hope director, explained her attendance and goals from the event.
“We just really want to get the word out about all we do,” she said.
Ramos mentioned an upcoming fundraiser, Empty Bowls Fundraiser, that is taking place Nov. 9 at the Willow Bend Country Club.
Christian Martin, Van Wert Area Economic Development program manager, shared the resources they’re currently offering.
“We have a Community Home Improvement Program, which is state funding for low-income families that need repairs or renovations to their home,” she said.
Other organizations attending the event were Job and Family Services, OhioMeansJobs, food pantries, churches, health services, private counselors, hospitals, housing assistance and education providers.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
