January 2021 - Mercer Savings Bank

Community Unity began as a humble enterprise in 1996, the passion project of a couple at the local evangelical church in Greenville. Their mission was twofold: to assist low-income families and individuals and to bring the local churches together to serve the community in a coordinated manner.According to Community Unity President and Treasurer Doug Klinsing, the majority of their donations continue to come directly from those who make donations through the 15-20 churches affiliated with the organization.Klinsing’s involvement in the organization began about ten years ago, simply as an individual who wanted to help people get their finances in order through free counseling services.When the then-director of Community Unity decided to move on, Klinsing was retiring from his church, and saw an opportunity to continue to serve others in his retirement. Since 2016, Klinsing has been the organization’s president and treasurer.Community Unity Assistance“We provide assistance in five areas,” says Klinsing. “The first is, every six months, we provide up to $100 (to low-income individuals) in the following areas: utility bills, gas, electricity, water. We also help with rent. The third area that we help with is with prescription medication. All they need to do is provide proof that they have a prescription that needs to be filled. We work with just about all of the major pharmacies in the area.”The fourth area, Klinsing says, has become a major part of the assistance they provide the last three years, but especially this year.This is motel assistance, as “we have found a lot of people who are finding themselves homeless, for various reasons. And so we assist the homeless in one of two ways. One, we will either provide the individual or the whole family, two nights free of charge at a local motel, or we will give them a full week if the individual can pay $100 toward the charge.”Finally, Community Unity also assists with transportation costs for medical appointments, whether that be physical, dental or vision. Families are also referred to local food banks and other assistance programs that can further support them in their time of need.“In 2019,” says Klinsing, “we provided $39,783 and change of assistance to 423 homes, a total of 1,049 people… which also brings me to say that we are 100% volunteer, not one salary, not one penny.”To maintain the strict confidentiality of those who use its services, Community Unity’s offices do not have internet access. The organization also never gives cash directly to those it assists, but provides aid in the form of direct payments to bill holders or food or transportation gift cards.“What I enjoy most,” Klinsing says, “is seeing the genuine expressions of appreciation for the services that we have rendered. The people that I have seen with tears in their eyes, saying ‘thanks to you, you have saved my life with what you have done. No one would help us in these areas. And we did not know what we were going to do.’ That brings me a great deal of joy.”Support Community UnityDonations to Community Unity can be made by check, and addressed to Community Unity, PO Box 1065, Greenville, Ohio 45331. If you would like to volunteer with the organization, which is always seeking assistance for a variety of roles, you can contact the office directly at (937) 547-1156.

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