United Way Bartholomew County honors community leaders

COLUMBUS, Ind. - United Way of Bartholomew County (UWBC) recognized four individuals and organizations for their dedication to community service during its annual meeting on Wednesday.

About 400 attendees gathered for the event, which highlighted the organization’s ongoing initiatives to address homelessness and reduce poverty across the county.

During the meeting, United Way leaders shared updates on key programs, including their homelessness initiative and broader efforts aimed at improving financial stability for local families.

The following awards were presented:

• Heart of Philanthropy Award - John and Debbie Burnett were honored for more than two decades of strengthening UWBC’s partner agencies, expanding critical programs, and creating new opportunities for families throughout the community

• Volunteer of the Year - Brent Morrison was awarded for his exceptional service through the My Free Taxes program, in which, just this year alone, he volunteered 300 hours

• United is the Way Award - Hutch and Kevina Schumaker were honored for demonstrating a deep commitment to United Way’s mission and long-term vision for the community

• Advocate of the Year - The City of Columbus Homeless Taskforce was awarded for its collaboration with law enforcement and several nonprofit partners to address homelessness, resulting in an 80% reduction in homelessness in Bartholomew County over the past 18 months

More information about the impact shared at United Way of Bartholomew County’s annual meeting is available in their annual report. Visit www.uwbarthco.org, click on “What We Do,” then select “Annual Report.”