WHIRE - 2021 Review

Katie Koglman • February 10, 2022

The first call for help hotline was very HOT in 2021.

We re- launched WHIRE (Wayne Holmes Information and Referral Exchange) in April, 2019.  To date, we have answered 13, 016 phone calls from people in Holmes and Wayne Counties.  United Way of Wayne and Holmes has a long history of serving as the first call for help in our community.  The original WIRE line operated in the early 1970's as a switchboard.  Years later, it turned into Info-Link and then moved the the national platform of 2-1-1.  In 2019, we unsubscribed from 2-1-1 because our calls were being routed to Cleveland.  Frankly, the operators were not familiar with our local community and some callers were not getting the best information and/or referral.  We rerouted the phone lines, and now when you call either 2-1-1 or (330) 263-6363 you will be routed directly here to our office and one of the friendly faces at United Way of Wayne and Holmes will answer your call.


With the re-launch of WHIRE, we were able to best serve the community in times of need.  In 2019, we helped the Wayne County Emergency Management with cataloging flood calls from Apple Creek.  While they were out assessing the damage, we were able to take the calls and catalog the damage on paper for them.  In 2020, we served as the COVID-19 Hotline.  Providing respite for the Health Department by answering thousands of questions from our community.  In 2021, we assisted the Wayne County Health Department, Wooster Community Hospital, Aultman Orrville Hospital and the Emergency Management Agency to serve as the Covid-19 Vaccine Hotline.  In 2022, already, the WHIRE line has been utilized as the Free Tax Assistance Hotline and the Winter Storm Landon Hotline.


In late 2021, Melita Wiles, a College of Wooster student, used the WHIRE data as a special project for one of her math courses.  Here is the full report.

Her findings revealed some amazing statistics about our local WHIRE line and the callers.

For example, the oldest caller was 102 years old, the busiest time for calls is Monday mornings from 9am - 12 noon and most callers are over 50 years old.  If you take out the COVID-19 related calls, the majority of calls are seeking a phone number.  Yes, we also act as a 4-1-1 to many.  Beside, assistance with taxes housing related issues are high on the list of needs.


The WHIRE line also allows us to identify gaps in service.  If we have many people needing a particular item, but don't have a local resource to assist them - that is a gap in service.  One gap in service that we have identified is low-cost bug remediation.


Each month, we release a log of the calls that we have received.  We call this the WHIRE BLOTTER. Explore the January 2022 WHIRE Blotter here. 


If you would like WHIRE posters, business cards or more information please call us at (330) 263-6363


A special shout out to MCTV for their generous support of this community resource.

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Just Love: My United Way Wayne & Holmes Journey (Year One)

By Megan Wilson • February 3, 2025
Just Love: My United Way Wayne & Holmes Journey (Year One) By: Megan Wilson It's hard to believe a year has flown by since I took the plunge and joined the United Way Wayne & Holmes Counties team. This leap into the non-profit world has been more than just a job change; it's been a deeply personal journey of discovery and immense reward. I'm constantly struck by the incredible network of individuals, organizations, and businesses right here in our community, all working tirelessly to uplift the lives of our neighbors. The sheer dedication I see every day is truly inspiring. Before joining the team, I found myself searching for a way to make a real, tangible difference. I explored different paths, but the pull towards a career focused on helping others was undeniable. I yearned for work that resonated with my core values, something that allowed me to contribute to something bigger than myself. That search led me to United Way Wayne & Holmes Counties, an organization whose mission – mobilizing community resources to help people measurably improve their lives and partnering to identify and address pressing needs for long-term, sustainable solutions – spoke directly to my heart. Stepping into this role was, admittedly, a little daunting. My previous fundraising experience peaked with the Parent-Teacher Organization at my kids' elementary school! The scope of the work, coupled with the ambitious goals, made me wonder if I could truly make a difference. But I quickly found myself embraced by an amazing work environment – positive, fun, energetic, and truly uplifting. Our CEO, Katie Koglman, has cultivated a culture of empowerment, and her belief in what we can achieve is contagious. My colleagues have shown me the true meaning of teamwork, proving that together, we're capable of anything. That feeling of empowerment is invaluable. I'm incredibly passionate about the work we do at United Way Wayne & Holmes Counties, especially when it comes to supporting literacy. Programs like Reading Under the Lights and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which we both run and fund, are close to my heart. Providing free books to kids is such a powerful way to ignite a love of reading and set them up for future success. But our commitment to the community goes far beyond just books. Every dollar we raise stays right here in Holmes and Wayne Counties, directly impacting our neighbors and strengthening our community from within. We're not just behind-the-scenes fundraisers; we're actively involved in our communities, working alongside our partners to make a real difference in the lives of those around us.  This past year has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and connection. I've gained a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our community, but even more importantly, I've witnessed the incredible resilience and generosity of its people. Our work wouldn't be possible without the support of our donors and partners. I'm so grateful to be part of this organization, working alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals. People often ask what we do. We're more than just fundraisers; we're connectors, unifiers, and problem-solvers, supporting vital services that strengthen our community. I'm excited to see what the next year brings and the continued positive impact we'll make together in Wayne and Holmes Counties. I absolutely Just, Love everything about my last year!
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