Martha Nau Highlights United Way’s Local and Global Impact to Kenton Rotary Club

Ada Rotarian and Executive Director of the United Way of Hardin County, Martha Nau, enlightened Rotarian Sam Norris, right, and the entire Kenton Rotary Club about United Way worldwide and locally. 

Mrs. Nau has had the opportunity to speak in Washington DC as one of only 3 United Way Directors about how to grow and develop their communities.  2026 marks the 60th anniversary of United Way in Hardin County.

The United Way not only supports local agencies with dollars but also with programs that help feed and support the people of Hardin County.  Martha explains that they receive 20-40 phone calls a week seeking support for rent, utilities, food, or just extra financial assistance. 

Our United Way aims to help these people by matching them with jobs or offering additional ways out of their difficult situations.  From helping local agencies to developing the “Lunch Buddy” program at the Ada Schools, where local residents have lunch with a 3rd grader once a month, to the High School Food Banks in the Hardin Northern, Ada, and Community schools, United Way sees a need and helps to fill it.

Funding for these programs is a 365-day-a-year endeavor.  Their goal in 2026 is to raise $200,000.

Martha shared that they are at the beginning of the grant application season and that information and a downloadable application are available on their Facebook page, facebook.com/UnitedWayofHardinCounty/. 

Finally, Martha asked for volunteers.  Volunteers are always needed for the Day of Giving, the upcoming Pickleball tournament at the YMCA in April, or service on the United Way board.

Submitted by Sam Norris