From Inspiration to Action
Support and encouragement from our peers can serve as a catalyst for inspiration, fostering a sense of community and shared growth. Molly Simich experienced this firsthand.
Molly graduated from Warren High School in 2014. Once graduated, Molly attended Case Western Reserve University, located in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio. Molly was fulfilling her dreams of moving to a big city.
After graduating from Case Western Reserve, Molly found herself retracing her steps. She moved back to Washington County to pursue a job opportunity at Kraton. Molly found that Marietta, despite lacking the extensive offerings of a big city, has its own unique charm and opportunities.
Just as Molly was getting used to being back in southeastern Ohio, the COVID-19 pandemic engulfed the globe. Forced to rely on the internet to stay connected with friends, Molly found herself video chatting often. During one of these video chats, a friend’s comment instantly piqued Molly’s interest and sent her on a Googling frenzy.
“One of my friends mentioned that they were going to donate at least half of their stimulus checks. Immediately I realized that was something I could do too,” said Molly.
Recognizing that there were many people in her community who could use extra assistance, she began to research local charitable organizations. It didn’t take long before she found herself on Marietta Community Foundation’s website, learning about the COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
Molly made her first official donation in April 2020, and her commitment continued to grow in the months that followed. As the threat of COVID-19 gradually receded in Washington County, Molly felt compelled to reevaluate her contributions.
Molly decided to redirect her support to the Community Impact Fund, honing in on the county's most pressing needs and areas requiring immediate attention. By focusing on the highest priorities, Molly sought to maximize the positive change she could effect within her community.
Embracing the convenience of a recurring monthly donation, Molly finds fulfillment in knowing that her humble contribution each month provides crucial support to neighbors in need. This dependable commitment brings her peace of mind and enables her to play an ongoing role in improving the lives of Washington County residents.
With each contribution, she reaffirms her dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of fellow community members, solidifying her role as a catalyst for positive change in Washington County.
This story is an excerpt from our 2022 Annual Report: Ripple Effect. To read more inspiring stories like Molly’s, view the full report here.