Join United Way in leading the way to positive change for Springfield's Haitian community.

The Springfield Unity Fund was established to provide targeted services to Springfield nonprofits supporting our Haitian neighbors. As Springfield welcomes a growing immigrant population, especially Haitians, the fund provides these families with access to essential services. This fund directly supports Haitian residents and families, while also improving overall community well-being.

The Springfield Unity Fund supports the critical work of local nonprofits in the community that are helping to identify and fill the immediate needs and gaps in resources faced by Haitian residents. These donations will be distributed with urgency as we unite to eliminate the strain on Springfield’s social services and maintain community stability by investing in the well-being of its Haitian families.

The fund will support a range of services that are essential for successful integration, such as early childhood education, English language classes, driving instruction, employment assistance, healthcare access and other vital programs. Our focus is to ensure that Haitian residents have the tools they need to thrive and contribute positively to the community.

By contributing to the Springfield Unity Fund, you're directly investing in the well-being of our Haitian neighbors and strengthening our community as a whole.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2024

United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties Announces Springfield Unity Fund to Support Haitian Families and Community Services

Springfield, OH – In response to the growing needs of Springfield’s immigrant population, particularly the Haitian community, United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties is proud to announce the launch of the Springfield Unity Fund. This new, targeted fund supports nonprofits providing direct services to Haitian families as they work to successfully integrate into the Springfield community.

There are two ways to give:
Online: https://www.uwccmc.org/donate or https://givebutter.com/SpringfieldUnityFund
Text-to-Give: Text “unityfund” to 53555

As the backbone nonprofit of the region, United Way is a trusted organization in convening community resources to address critical needs. United Way’s initiatives have long supported access to essential services for diverse populations and include pre-K education, English language courses, driving instruction and much more. The Haitian community, which has recently garnered significant attention in Springfield, is no exception.

"The Springfield Unity Fund will allow people across the nation to quickly and effectively provide targeted support to our Haitian families, as we work together to ensure our neighbors feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive," said Kerry Lee Pedraza, Executive Director of United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties. "United Way is and always has been committed to bringing together individuals, organizations and resources to foster a stronger, more unified community."

In recent days, Springfield has received increased attention regarding the addition of legal immigrants and the strain on local resources. However, the response from the local community has largely been one of open arms, with many eager to support their Haitian neighbors. United Way works closely with local organizations and the immigrant population and has the ability to mobilize the community and quickly provide the resources needed for effective assimilation and long-term success. Through collaboration with local nonprofits working directly with families, United Way is able to ensure donations support Haitian immigrants, helping them become vibrant and positive contributors to the Springfield community.

“Funds from United Way allow us to train volunteer instructors for organizations in the area who, like us, want to help our limited English proficient residents gain language and life skills necessary to be productive residents,” said David Smiddy, Executive Director at Warder Literacy Center. “In the last four years, I have seen ten nonprofit organizations create new English classes, and I have personally trained more than 50 instructors.”

The Springfield Unity Fund is supporting the critical work of local nonprofits in the community that are helping to identify and fill the immediate needs and gaps in resources faced by Haitian residents. These donations will be distributed with urgency as we unite to eliminate the strain on Springfield’s social services and maintain community stability by investing in the well-being of its Haitian families.

For more information or to schedule an interview please contact media contact Kristyn Wilson at 614-354-6490, or kristyn.wilson@smithcommerce.com.

About United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties:
United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties is dedicated to increasing the organized capacity of people to care for one another. The organization’s vision is to nurture a safe, healthy, caring community that builds on the strengths of its citizens, its neighbors, its businesses and its human services delivery systems. Through collaboration, innovation and service, United Way works to create lasting, positive change in education, financial stability and health. Together with our donors and volunteers, we invested over $651,300 across Clark, Champaign and Madison counties this past year to provide shelter, education and food to families in need, creating a more equitable community for everyone. For more information, please visit www.uwccmc.org.

Springfield Unity Fund

By The United Way of Clark Champaign, and Madison Counties Ohio Inc

Springfield Unity Fund