Kirbie Ackman

Robinson NOW Program

1. Tell us a little about yourself and why you do this.

The Nutrition on Weekends, NOW, Program's mission is supporting the students in the Robinson School District and Crawford County by giving them meals on the weekend and proper clothing and supplies to ensure success in the classroom. 

I have seen and experienced firsthand not having enough and I want to make sure no child has to go through that.

2. What are the services you provide to the community?

• NOW provides supplemental meal bags to the at-risk children in the Robinson School District during the school year. Also, during the Holiday season we send home string bags to each of the students we are serving. These bags are filled with gifts purchased by our amazing supporters.
• During the summer months, three days a week we serve free summer lunches in the parks, this service is open to all of Crawford County.
• Our biggest event is our Back-to-School Shopping Day. The day is usually in the first week of August, every student that walks through our shopping day receives school supplies, basic toiletries, new or gently used clothes, brand new socks & underwear, fitted with a brand-new pair of shoes, basic haircut, dental exam and can shop through a number of extra items. Our goal is to send every student back to school with confidence.
• We are always ready for any type of emergency too. We shop when a family needs groceries, supply anything needed in the event of a fire or if the schools requires items for students we take them right over.

 3. How many people do you serve on average in a year? 

Currently we are serving 146 weekend meal bags. 

Our 2022 summer lunches served 2,164 meals. 

265 students walked through our back-to-school shopping day for the 2022-2023 school year.

4. What is your proudest accomplishment

The way we have been able to bring the community together under one common goal, help our students. Our shopping day brings in so many amazing businesses, community members and local groups to meet and interact with the students we serve. It truly is the best day of the year, I walk out of the building after our volunteers have gone home and our students have left ready to start school, feeling so happy and proud of what we have accomplished in just one day. There is nothing like it.

 5. What is your biggest need? 

We need volunteers, supplies and of course, monetary donations. NOW is a very big operation and it takes so many people to keep us running smoothly and our students taken care of.

6. How can people help? 

Spreading the word of NOW is a huge help! When people tell others about us and then those people will visit our space or see what we do, that makes people want to get involved by volunteering and/or making donations.

7. Anything you would like to add?  

We do several fundraisers throughout the year that we'd love for people to attend. 

I, also, am willing to come speak or present to any groups about NOW! 

What Does United Way of Crawford County Mean to Me?

By comparison, I am new to United Way of Crawford County and continue to learn more about the organization and the agencies and programs that it supports in our community.  I am amazed by the contribution of time and talent, and the genuine passion and compassion that those associated with the organization have for its causes.  For me, therefore, United Way of Crawford County is more than just a charitable organization; it is a driving force behind the progress and prosperity of our community.

United Way of Crawford County is unique in that it is proactive in addressing the needs of our community, not just reactive. Rather than simply providing aid to those in need, it works to identify the root causes of social problems and develop long-term solutions to these issues. This forward-thinking approach allows United Way to make a lasting impact on the lives of those it serves.

One of the ways United Way accomplishes this is through its partner agencies and programs. By collaborating with these organizations, United Way is able to leverage its resources and expertise to make a difference in the areas that matter most to our community, including education, health, and financial stability.

For example, through its partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Crawford County, United Way is striving to provide after-school programs for children who may otherwise be left unsupervised. These programs not only provide a safe space for kids to learn and grow but also help to keep them on track academically, which is critical to their long-term success. 

Another area where United Way of Crawford County has made a significant impact is in the financial sponsorship of the High School Dual Credit program with Lincoln Trail College. By paying the fees associated with this program, United Way has been able to remove a financial barrier and encourage high school students to experience a college-level classroom setting, giving those students the confidence to continue their education after high school.

These are but two examples of a proactive approach that not only helps to address the immediate needs of our community but also works to promote a positive environment for the future prosperity of our residents. 



United Way of Crawford County is not just a charity; it is a partner in progress. I encourage all members of our community to join in supporting this incredible organization and its efforts to improve the lives of those who live here.