United Fund executive director to retire

After more than 10 years of service with Wabash County United Fund, Executive Director Steve Johnson will step down from his position in August 2023.

Johnson says he plans to retire and will be more engaged in hobbies and personal interests. UF will seek a new executive director who will continue to build on the strength and effectiveness of the organization.

Johnson became involved with United Fund as a member of the Board of Directors in 2009 and was hired as the Executive Director in February 2013.

“Serving and leading at the Wabash County United Fund has been a true honor,” he said, “Being able to focus the UF’s efforts to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community has been inspiring.”

The most significant challenge during this time has been the outbreak of COVID-19, its development into a global pandemic, and its widespread impact on the lives of struggling fami- lies. In response, and under Johnson’s leadership, the United Fund: Distributed grants to organizations to purchase PPE and other safety supplies and equipment so they could operate safely while continuing to support their clients;

Provided financial support to over 19 nonprofit organizations through the United Fund Annual Fundraising Campaign; Led the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

Local Board’s award and distribution of increased funding made available through FEMA.

In addition, Johnson and United Fund have provided $100,000 in support of Chili for Charity recipient organizations through the Matching Partnership, distributed over 2,500 books to local youth and childcare facilities, and distributed 3,000 pounds of ground pork received from Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.

“Our county has seen growing collaboration and numerous partnerships develop. I am so thankful that United Fund was in a unique position to provide financial support to the Wabash County Early Education Coalition, Waypoint, Imagine One85, Grow Wabash County’s advanced skills training programs, the additional North Manchester location of 85 Hope, the development of Lighthouse Crossing into a shared location for Lighthouse Mission, 85 Hope, Advantage Housing and F.I.S.H., and new early childhood education capacity at Manchester Early Learning Center and LaFontaine Learning Community,” said Johnson.

“Continuing the legacy of over 30 years of partnership with Wabash Rotary Club for the annual golf outing has been an amaz- ing experience,” said Johnson. The annual event in support of the United Fund has become a tradition that signals the beginning of the annual fundraising campaign. The event has raised over $220,000 since its inception. During Johnson’s time as director the outing has raised over $90,600, which most recently had a record year in in 2022, raising nearly $15,000.

“Above all else, it has been so inspiring to witness the hard work and dedication of those individuals who provide leadership for the nonprofit social service organizations in Wabash County, especially those whose mission is to improve the lives of people who are less fortunate or financially unable to support themselves or their families,” he said.

“I am proud to have worked with the many volunteer community members who have served on the United Fund Board of Directors. Wabash County is well-known for its residents who strive to make the community a better place to live and raise families, and it has been great to be part of that movement,” he added.

“I am confident that the success of the organization will continue, and that the United Fund Board will provide strong direction for their new leadership,” Johnson said.

During Johnson’s time with UF, the organization has raised more than $2.8 million to support nonprofit organizations who care for marginalized populations in

STEVE JOHNSON

our communities. These organizations feed the hungry, house the homeless, advocate for victims of abuse and more.