BORDERLAND

United Way chapter picked for program

12/14/2013
BLADE STAFF

United Way of Greater Toledo has been chosen by Duke University for a slot in a new six-month program focusing on expanding the “cradle to career” work mentorship program in Ottawa County.

The academy will be led by Dan Heath, co-author of the New York Times bestsellers Made to Stick, Switch, and Decisive, said Karen Mathison, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Toledo.

United Way, which serves Lucas, Wood, and Ottawa counties, was one of six organizations chosen among 34 applicants nationwide for Duke’s Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship’s Change Academy.

“A recent New York Times article depicted Port Clinton as the face of the ‘crumbling American dream,’ ” said Mr. Heath, best-selling author and program leader. “It was clear from the application and interview process United Way of Greater Toledo is ready to lead the comeback.”

The first project will be a community-wide mentorship program that will match youth one-on-one with adults.