COMMUNITY
IMPACT
At The Union City Community Foundation, we care about Union City and making our community stronger and more vibrant by supporting local nonprofits. We support collaborative projects that promote system-level change while inspiring, engaging, and empowering the Union City community.
We aim to ignite passion and creativity within our community, encouraging residents to dream big and pursue their aspirations.
Inspire Success: LaRue Ottaway Scholarship Empowers Elizabeth Tripp’s Journey in Pharmacy
In 2018, The Union City Community Foundation awarded Union City Area High School graduate Elizabeth Tripp with the prestigious multiyear LaRue Ottaway Scholarship. With a passion for pursuing a career in the medical field, Elizabeth used the scholarship funds to further her education at the Ohio Northern University-Raabe College of Pharmacy.
“I decided to pursue pharmacy because I enjoyed the sciences, wanted to help people, and sought a career in the medical field. After gaining five years of experience in pharmacy, my motivations have evolved,” she wrote in her application. “I aspire to become a pharmacist to ensure patient safety, educate patients about their medications, increase access to care, and enhance the health of everyone.”
In May 2024, Elizabeth graduated from Ohio Northern University with a PharmD degree. She is now serving as a PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at Mercy Health in Toledo, Ohio. Elizabeth’s dedication to improving healthcare exemplifies the transformative impact of the LaRue Ottaway Scholarship and its role in supporting aspiring medical professionals and accessible healthcare.
We foster active participation among community members and students, empowering them to get involved in local initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy efforts that strengthen Union City.
Community Engagement: Union City Historical Society Received 2024 “I Believe Award” for Dedication to Local Heritage
The Union City Community Foundation proudly presented the 2024 “I Believe” Award to the Union City Historical Society in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the community and its unwavering commitment to preserving local history. As part of this honor, the Society’s board received a $2,000 grant from the Foundation.
This prestigious award highlights the Society’s dedication to inspiring future generations and ensuring that history remains accessible to everyone. As a vital resource for both residents and visitors, the Union City Historical Society plays a crucial role in keeping the stories of Union City’s past alive.
What began in 1964 as a modest display of artifacts in the window of the old Legion building quickly gained traction, leading to an impressive collection that grew to 1,000 items within just one year. Six decades later, the museum spans three floors and an attached garage, housing over 13,000 artifacts that cover a remarkable range of subjects. Among its treasures are military uniforms and weaponry dating back to the Civil War, an 1875 handcrafted horse-drawn hearse, and an antique fire engine—all of which vividly narrate the rich history of Union City.
Through its ongoing efforts, the Union City Historical Society actively engages the community and inspires curiosity about the area’s heritage, ensuring that future generations not only understand but celebrate their history together.
We are committed to equipping individuals and organizations in Union City and throughout the region with the resources, knowledge, and skills necessary to thrive, ensuring that everyone can contribute positively to our community.
Empowering Nonprofits to Save Lives: The Power of Collective Giving
The Union City Community Foundation joined two other regional affiliates, Corry and North East, to help Northwest PA K9 Search and Rescue purchase GPS satellites to use in their searches. This volunteer group assists public safety agencies find missing people in wilderness, urban, and disaster settings.
In addition to K9 searches, the nonprofit can perform grid and foot searches in all types of weather and terrain through Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Warren, and Forest counties. When The Union City Community Foundation learned about the work the search and rescue team does and the area it serves, it joined with both The Corry and North East Community Foundations to provide a grant for the GPS satellites, which will empower the nonprofit and make a difference for families in need.