A $2,500 grant from the Bryan Area Foundation was given to the Williams County Habitat for Humanity for their 2023 Joe Pilarski Memorial Build in Bryan. The monies were used to purchase the home’s flooring. Since 1991, Williams County Habitat for Humanity has built 36 residences in Bryan, Montpelier, Edgerton, Edon, Pioneer, West Unity, and Stryker, and none of this would have been possible without the generosity of vendors, volunteers, and donations.

Standing on the home’s porch accepting the check are left to right Williams County Habitat for Humanity Board Member Duane Knisely, Williams County Habitat for Humanity Board President Steve Collins, Mark It Done Contractor Mark Vetter, Williams County Habitat for Humanity Board Member Lisa Wert, Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller, Williams County Habitat for Humanity Board Members Ross Widney and Roz Wendorf, and Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Mary Ann Peters.

A $2,500 grant was awarded to Sarah’s Friends, Inc., for installation costs of new LED lay-in fixtures that replaced existing fluorescent lighting in their offices, which will result in long-term maintenance savings. This small non-profit, founded in 1991, is Williams County’s leading crime victim services organization, serving more than 175 individuals annually. The Bryan Area Foundation grant helped pay for the new lighting, alleviating the need to pull funding from program support.

Pictured left to right during the check presentation are Bryan Area Foundation Grant Making Committee Chair Mark Miller, Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller, Sarah’s Friends, Inc. Executive Director Katie Shaffer, and Sarah’s Friends, Inc. Survivor Advocate Cathy Schmidlin.

The Bryan Bear Bags program started in 2010, exists to provide nutritious food over the weekend to Bryan City School students and their families with food insecurity. Entirely funded by individual donations and community food drives, during the 2022-2023 school year, the average number of weekly bags sent home was nearly 40. This school year, the number of bags has increased to 75 per week. The Bryan Area Foundation awarded the Bryan Bear Bags a $2,500 grant, enabling the program to continue providing access to needed food, which will improve the quality of life for all in our community.

Pictured during the check presentation are, left to right, Bryan Bear Bags volunteer Julie Cummins, Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller, and Bryan Area Foundation Grant Making Committee Chair Mark Miller.

The Bryan Area Foundation gave the CPC Women’s Health Resource a $2,500 grant to help them with their Earn While You Learn (EWYL) program. Expectant and new parents can attend free EWYL sessions, and after each participant has completed the course, they earn baby bucks, enabling them to “purchase” new equipment, such as cribs, car seats, diapers, formula, and more. The grant monies will assist CPC Women’s Health Resource purchase updated curriculum literature and DVDs in English and Spanish.

Pictured left to right during the check presentation are Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller and CPC Women’s Health Resource Executive Director Mark Pitman.

The Bryan Swim Team was awarded a $13,000 grant from the Bryan Area Foundation to buy an additional set of six new starting blocks and twelve block covers. Used and housed permanently at the Williams County Family YMCA for the winter swim season, this purchase will eliminate the need to transport the starting blocks to Moore Memorial Pool during the summer swim session.

Pictured left to right during the check presentation and swim practice is Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller, Bryan Swim Team Treasurer Natalie Smith, Bryan Swim Team members Griffin Davis and Ava Moore, Bryan Swim Team Coach Makenzie Luce, and Bryan Dive Team member Kaedyn Ward.

The Bryan Area Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to the Lincoln Park Inclusive Playground being built at the former Lincoln Elementary School site in Bryan, Ohio. A groundbreaking ceremony is being planned and will be announced soon. Once the construction is complete next spring, the playground will provide children and families of all physical, mental, and social abilities with an environment where they can learn, play, and grow together.

Pictured left to right during the check presentation are Bryan Parks and Recreation Board Member Paula Kline; Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller; Bryan Area Foundation Grant Making Committee Chair Mark Miller; City of Bryan, Director of Parks and Recreation Ben Dominique; and Bryan Area Foundation grant-making committee members Larry Harsila and Jodi Tinkel.

Thank you to everyone that answered the Bryan Area Foundation challenge and donated to the Williams County Community Theater (WCCT) renovation project! In February of 2023, the Foundation awarded the WCCT a $100,000 grant and said it would give them another $100,000 if the WCCT could raise $100,000 themselves. They chose to accept the mission and succeeded in this goal which is helping them build a new lobby, restrooms, stage location, and theater office and install new windows and doors.

Standing in front of the newly painted WCCT exterior during the matching check presentation are left to right WCCT Trustees Vice President Crystal Bowers; WCCT Trustees President Mary Beth Snider; WCCT Trustees Treasurer Kim Semer; Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller; and Bryan Area Foundation Grant Making Committee Chair Mark Miller.

Lily Creek Farms received a $50,000 grant from the Bryan Area Foundation to help them cover the costs of improvements, including bathrooms, upgraded arena heating, parking, and outdoor arena rehabilitation. Once complete, these enhancements will allow participants to physically, cognitively, and emotionally benefit from their equine-assisted activities. Currently, 40% of Lily Creek Farms participants are from Williams County.

Participating in the check presentation from left to right are Lily Creek Farms Belgian/Andalusian horse Sir Chancelot; Bryan Area Foundation Grant Making Committee Members Larry Harsila and Bill Martin; Lily Creek Farms Haflinger horse Sammi; and Lily Creek Farms Founder/Executive Director Jami Young.

Rain or shine, the show must go on! The Williams County Community Theater (WCCT), which has been bringing live theater to Northwest Ohio for 70 years, is being renovated! The Goldsmith Theatre at 208 West Butler in Bryan will have a new lobby, restrooms, stage location, theater office, windows, doors, and much more. The goal is to have all construction complete by fall of 2023.

The Bryan Area Foundation kicked off this project by challenging the community and businesses to match their $100,000 grant. Anyone that would like to donate and make the restoration a reality can visit the theater’s website. Pictured receiving the check from left to right are Kim Semer, WCCT Trustees Treasurer; Crystal Bowers, WCCT Trustees Vice President; Mary Beth Snider, WCCT Trustees President; and Amy Miller, Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO.

The Bryan Area Foundation presented a $5,000 check to the Center for Child and Family Advocacy, Inc. for the Northwest Ohio Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Symposium. The grant will help pay for crime victim service professionals in our area to attend a two-day training that increases awareness, education, and advanced instruction on dealing with and recognizing survivors of sexual assault. Guests and presenters from various fields, including legal, law enforcement, medical, education, social workers, and victim advocates, will participate in the program, enabling them to learn and implement the training in their businesses.

Participants in the check presentation from left to right are Katie Shaffer, Executive Director at Sarah’s Friends and planning committee member for the symposium; Sharla Young, Coordinator for the SART Clinic of Northwest Ohio; Amy Miller, Bryan Area Foundation, President/CEO; and Mark Miller, Bryan Area Foundation Grant Making Committee Chair.

The Bryan Area Foundation presented a $100,000 check to the Williams County Port Authority (WCPA) to assist them in developing resident housing in Northwest Ohio. In response to a Williams County assessment indicating our area needs 300 to 450 additional housing units to help the county economically grow and aid local employers in finding new workers, the Foundation agreed to support WCPA in their efforts. As the funds become available, the WCPA will use them to construct affordable single-family homes, develop multi-family apartments, and purchase land for new housing developments.

Participants in the check presentation from left to right are WCPA Board Member Stacy Lillard; WCPA Board Member Bill Martin; Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller; WCPA Vice Chair, Clerk, and Treasurer Dawn Fitzcharles; WCPA Board Member Tyson Stuckey; WCPA Board Member Sean Rupp; and WCPA Board Member Dick Reed.

The Bryan Athletic Boosters received a $100,000 grant from the Bryan Area Foundation for phase one of the community athletics capital improvement project. Monies will be used to upgrade the Golden Bear Football Stadium, Bryan High School Girl’s Softball facilities, the soccer field at the former Washington Elementary School site, and Bryan Middle School baseball field number 4. All these enhancements will support the many programs, teams, and student-athletes of all ages that compete in Bryan, providing them with the best opportunities for success. It will also increase the economic development of the community.

Pictured left to right, Bryan Area Foundation Grant Committee Member Kirk Vashaw; Bryan Area Foundation Trustee Michael Shaffer; Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller; and Bryan Athletic Booster Committee Members Shelly Smith, Jason Brown, Tasha Muehlfeld, and Dave Batt.

The Bryan Area Foundation, Millcreek-West Unity Area Foundation, and Montpelier Area Foundation independently agreed to financially support an engineering study for the Wabash Cannonball Trail. Once the study results are evaluated, the Friends of Montpelier Parks can apply for grants and capital funds to pay for the paving of the trail from County Road 13 to the Fulton County line, east of West Unity. Improving the Wabash Cannonball Trail would give Williams County a safe and well-maintained outdoor space for walking, biking, and equestrian use. It would also provide an economic benefit for the region.

Realizing the significance of paving the trail, all three Foundations collaboratively gave a total of $10,000 to the study. Its results should be received in the fall of 2023, so additional funding can be secured. The goal is to complete the paving in the future, enhancing a recreational area for all community members to enjoy.

Pictured Left to right: Patsy Miller, Millcreek-West Unity Area Foundation President; Jenny Horn, Bryan Area Foundation Director of Communications and Programs; Chris Kannel, Village of Montpelier City Council Member; Amy Miller, Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO; Barb Watson, Montpelier Area Foundation President; Sandy Gordon, Village of Montpelier Parks and Recreation Department; Jason Rockey, Village of Montpelier Manager; and Nate Thompson, Village of Montpelier City Council President.

The Bryan Area Foundation awarded a $5,000 check to the Bryan Development Foundation and Christkindl Market to purchase heating stations. Pictured left to right is Amy Miller, President/CEO of the Bryan Area Foundation, presenting the check to Ann Spangler and Russ Davies, representing the Bryan Development Foundation and Christkindl Market.

Hosanna Horse Haven received a $2,500 Founders Grant from the Bryan Area Foundation to replace and reconfigure perimeter fencing for their equine sanctuary. Founded in 2011 by Lisa and Will Allomong, the couple rescue horses in need and provide them with a better life or another forever home. The only equine sanctuary in Northwest Ohio, Hosanna Horse Haven currently has thirteen horses in their care. Pictured during the check presentation is mare Sugar. proprietor Lisa, gelding Yadah, and proprietor Will.

The Bed Brigade of Williams County received a $2,500 grant from the Bryan Area Foundation to purchase materials required to build 20 beds for needy children. The all-voluntary non-profit believes everyone, especially kids, should have a warm, safe place to sleep, so they continue constructing beds depending solely on donations and grants. Since its founding in 2014, the Bed Brigade of Williams County has built and delivered more than 1,600 beds and bedding supplies to families in the area, helping to ensure they have a healthier lifestyle.

The Bryan Area Foundation awarded a $2,500 Founders Grant to the Village of Edgerton. The monies will be used to purchase ADA picnic tables and benches that will be installed around Gerhart Park in Edgerton. The new equipment should be in place by the spring of 2023. Pictured left to right accepting the grant are Dawn Fitzcharles, Village Administrator of Edgerton, and Amy Miller, President/CEO of the Bryan Area Foundation.

The Bryan Area Foundation gave the Sanctuary Homeless Shelter a $2,500 Founders Grant to help repair their basement from water seeping in from this past winter and recent thunderstorms. Monies are being used to install drainage tiles to remove the excessive water and make the basement usable for the Sanctuary’s guests. Pictured during the check presentation are Bryan Area Foundation grant-making committee members Steve Voigt, Carolyn Sharrock-Dorsten, Sanctuary Homeless Shelter Director of Spiritual Care Pheba Banerjee-Sam, Bryan Area Foundation grant-making committee member Steve Hess, and Bryan Area Foundation Director of Communications and Programs Jenny Horn.

The Bryan Area Foundation awarded a $2,500 grant to Storehouse 4 Hope, Inc., a local nonprofit based in Bryan, Ohio. The centralized financial ministry is dedicated to helping individuals and families with monetary needs. They work with community partners and donors to collect and distribute financial assistance and then coach those recipients on managing their money for the future. The organization’s goal is to immediately relieve the financial crisis and then give the individual and families the necessary tools to help them avoid the problem again. This grant will be used for employees to acquire the expertise, credibility, and resources needed to provide financial management education to their clients.

Pictured left to right participating in the check presentation are Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller, Bryan Area Foundation Grant Making Committee Chair Mark Miller, and Storehouse 4 Hope, Inc., co-founders Jennifer and Isaac Martin.

The Williams County Health Department received a $650 Founders Grant from the Bryan Area Foundation for their Grief Recovery Method Program. These monies will be used to purchase books for program participants to help them deal with the pain of emotional loss in any relationship. Certified Grief Recovery Specialists lead individuals or groups through a seven to eight-week action-based program or children through a four-week loss course with educational presentations. The grant will help keep the program free for all those in need and provide a support system outside a therapist’s office. Pictured left to right presenting the grant are Cliff Oberlin, Bryan Area Foundation Grant Committee member; Brittany Spotts, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist/Williams County Health Department; and Larry Harsila, Bryan Area Foundation Grant Committee member.

The Edgerton Firefighters Association received a $2,500 Founders Grant from the Bryan Area Foundation to have an exterior mural designed by Edgerton native Carl Yarger and painted by Auburn, Indiana native and retired art teacher Amy Buchs. Located on the south side of the Rita’s Family Dining building in Edgerton’s downtown square commercial district, this mural features the village’s name and year it was incorporated. An average of 6,500 cars are estimated to pass through the community daily, which will help showcase this new grand-scale artwork. Pictured left to right presenting the check is Bryan Area Foundation President/CEO Amy Miller to Village of Edgerton Fire Department Chief Scott Blue.

The Bryan Area Foundation awarded a $2,500 grant to Flair on the Square, a juried Fine Arts Festival that includes live entertainment, delicious culinary treats, and a fresh local market. Happening on the scenic downtown Bryan, Ohio, Courthouse Square on Saturday, July 29, the monies will be used to help pay for start-up costs associated with the event. This first annual festival aims to cultivate, encourage, and develop public appreciation and support of the visual arts for the enjoyment of the tri-state area.

Pictured left to right at the check presentation are Tammy Wood, Flair on the Square Committee Member; Mark Miller, Bryan Area Foundation Grant Making Committee Chair; and Kathy Smith, Flair on the Square Committee Member.