United Way Wayne & Holmes CEO launches community issues column

Well, here we go, my first column.

I’m Katie Koglman, CEO of United Way Wayne and Holmes, and I get a front-row seat to the good, the hard and the “how did we not know this was happening?” moments in our community.

Here’s the truth: We have an incredible network of nonprofit organizations doing powerful, life-changing work every single day. And most of it? It flies under the radar.

Not because it’s small. Not because it’s unimportant. But because the people doing the work are too busy doing the work to talk about it.

That’s where this column comes in.

Each time, I’m going to pick an issue, something real, something local, something affecting our neighbors. I’ll tell you what we’re seeing, who’s stepping up and where the gaps may still exist.

But let me be clear about one thing: This work is not about handouts. It’s about making sure people have the tools, resources and support to move forward so they can build stability, independence and a better future for themselves and their families.

And then I’m going to ask you to do something about it.

Don’t worry. I’m not asking you to save the world before your morning coffee. But I am asking you to pay attention, to care, to show up when you can, whether that’s giving your time, your dollars or simply sharing what you’ve learned.

Because here’s what I know for sure: This community shows up — every time.

We just need to make sure you know where to show up.

Got a topic you want me to tackle? Send it my way. If it matters to you, it probably matters to more people than you think.

Katie Koglman is CEO of United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties.