UNITED WAY OF DEKALB COUNTY CELEBRATES
65 YEARS OF IMPACT AT IMPACT UNITED
Community leaders share stories of partnership, generosity, and lasting local change
DeKalb County — United Way of DeKalb County celebrated 65 years of community impact on Saturday, October 24, with IMPACT UNITED, an evening dedicated to recognizing the people, partnerships, and generosity that have helped strengthen DeKalb County for generations.
Held at The Event Center at Country Heritage, the celebration brought together supporters, community partners, volunteers, and local leaders to reflect on United Way of DeKalb County's history while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing the community.
A highlight of the evening was the Stories of Impact program, featuring three guest speakers who shared firsthand perspectives on the role United Way of DeKalb County has played in supporting local organizations, strengthening families, and creating opportunities throughout DeKalb County.
Bob Krafft, longtime community leader and YMCA of DeKalb County CEO, reflected on three ways United Way of DeKalb County makes a difference: inspiring philanthropy, responding to emerging community needs, and providing consistent support for complex challenges.
Krafft highlighted United Way of DeKalb County's longstanding partnership with the YMCA, particularly its role in supporting early learning and childcare. He discussed the YMCA's ongoing childcare expansion, including a $1.5 million investment through a statewide United Way capital initiative and a Community Impact Grant supporting the hiring, training, and development of 25 new teachers for 13 new classrooms.
His remarks emphasized how lasting partnerships help organizations respond to changing needs while building the capacity to serve more families.
Mel Ebers, Founder and Executive Director of Roots of Giving, shared how receiving United Way of DeKalb County's first $100,000 Community Impact Grant helped her organization expand its ability to serve neighbors in need.
The grant supported the purchase of a box truck, providing Roots of Giving with an important resource for food distribution and other community assistance efforts. Ebers described the investment as a turning point that helped the organization build momentum, strengthen partnerships, and prepare for future growth.
“You are not simply funding a program. You are becoming part of a story,” Ebers shared, emphasizing the important role donors and supporters play in making community impact possible.
Tonya Weaver, Assistant Professor at Trine University, former United Way of DeKalb County board member, and longtime education leader, highlighted the impact of United Way of DeKalb County's Kindergarten Countdown Camp.
The program helps children prepare for kindergarten by introducing them to school routines, building confidence, and creating early connections between families and educators.
Weaver reflected on the program's beginnings in 2014, when Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District became the first district in DeKalb County to partner with United Way of DeKalb County to offer Kindergarten Countdown Camp. Today, all three public school districts in DeKalb County offer the program, which is fully funded by United Way of DeKalb County.
“We are investing in people. We are strengthening our community. And we are helping build a future where the next generation has the opportunity to succeed,” Weaver shared.
Following the guest speakers, United Way of DeKalb County Board President Liz Risedorph-Emenhiser connected their stories to the organization's broader mission and the importance of continued community investment.
“Impact is about people. It's about relationships. It's about opportunities,” Risedorph-Emenhiser shared. “And it's about what happens when a community comes together because we believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive.”
She emphasized that United Way of DeKalb County's work extends beyond individual programs and grants. Through initiatives such as Kindergarten Countdown, ALICE grants, Community Impact Grants, and other local partnerships, United Way of DeKalb County helps connect resources with needs and strengthens organizations serving DeKalb County.
The evening also featured a silent auction and Raise Your Glass, Raise Your Impact, an opportunity encouraging attendees to support United Way of DeKalb County's ongoing work through recurring monthly or annual gifts.
As United Way of DeKalb County closes its 65th anniversary celebration, the organization remains focused on the future and the collective effort required to address local needs.
United Way of DeKalb County extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors who helped make IMPACT UNITED possible, including Sapphire Sponsors Star Technology and Bowen Health, and Wine Sponsor Steel Dynamics, Inc. Their generous support helped make this special evening a celebration of 65 years of community impact.
A special thank-you also goes to Nick Scheumann with Ever Wealth, who served as the evening's emcee, helping guide guests through the celebration, introduce the Stories of Impact speakers, and lead the Raise Your Glass, Raise Your Impact giving opportunity.
United Way of DeKalb County also thanks the guest speakers, volunteers, donors, community partners, and attendees who came together to celebrate the organization's history and continued commitment to strengthening DeKalb County.
The celebration served as a reminder that lasting change is not accomplished by one person or organization alone. It happens when a community comes together with a shared commitment to helping neighbors thrive.
UNITED IS THE WAY TO LASTING LOCAL CHANGE.
About United Way of DeKalb County:
In existence since 1960, United Way of DeKalb County is a nonprofit organization serving DeKalb County. United Way of DeKalb County works to create lasting local change by bringing people and resources together to build a healthier community, expand opportunities for youth, strengthen financial security, and foster a resilient, connected DeKalb County. At United Way of DeKalb County, our work is grounded in these core values: Community Impact, Compassion, Integrity, and Collaboration. Together, we’re building a thriving DeKalb County where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential, supported by a united community working together to create lasting change.
For more information, please visit www.unitedwaydekalb.org or call 260-927-0995. Follow United Way of DeKalb County on Facebook, Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter), or LinkedIn.
###