United Way of North Central Ohio and Tiffin-Seneca United Way announce merger

United Way of North Central Ohio (UWNCO) and Tiffin-Seneca United Way (TSUW) have merged.

Effective July 1, Tiffin-Seneca is operating as a part of United Way of North Central Ohio. The merger formalizes the consultancy partnership in effect since early 2023, with Amber Wertman, UWNCO CEO, continuing to lead the organization in Crawford, Marion, Morrow and Wyandot counties and Tiffin-Seneca United Way.

“Our partnership with UWNCO revealed commonality of purpose and commitment between our agencies, as well as shared need in our communities,” said David Stover, former president of TSUW’s board of directors, in a news release. “This merger will combine resources and streamline processes so that we can expand our presence in the community and help more people.”

Ten of the 20 partners funded by Tiffin-Seneca United Way in the 2023-2024 campaign cycle are UWNCO community and coalition partners that also provide programming and impact initiatives in other counties served by the organization.

“The work to bring bold impact to families in the region doesn’t stop at the county lines,” Wertman said. “Our organization is committed to collective community impact, and this evolution adds to our ability to bring together nonprofit partners, agencies, and local administrations to help residents thrive.”

Tiffin-Seneca United Way will retain its name as a region served by United Way of North Central Ohio. UWNCO will maintain offices in Marion and Tiffin with Tiffin-Seneca United Way Development Director Nikki Distel continuing to work from her office at 201 S. Washington St. in Tiffin.

In the coming weeks, United Way of North Central Ohio assets, including the website at unitedwaynco.org , social media platforms, communication channels and accounting and campaign processes will be updated to reflect the transition. The grant allocation process for Tiffin-Seneca United Way-funded programs and projects has been aligned with UWNCO’s for the 2024-2025 funding cycle, and Distel has been working as part of the UWNCO development team since April.

United Way of North Central Ohio will honor all existing TSUW commitments and relationships.

“We are committed to maintaining a local presence and increasing local funding and support for nonprofit agencies working in Tiffin and Seneca County,” Wertman said. “Campaign dollars raised in Seneca County will bring bold impact to families in Seneca County.”

The former Tiffin-Seneca United Way board of directors has transitioned to an advisory council with three members taking seats on the UWNCO governing board.

Visit unitedwaynco.org or call 740-383-3108 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: United Way of North Central Ohio and Tiffin-Seneca United Way announce merger