WRTA Announces Winners of 2026 Nonprofit Awards
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is pleased to announce the seven winners of the 2026 WRTA Nonprofit Awards. These outstanding organizations will be recognized during a special awards dinner on Wednesday, November 11, at the B&O Station Banquet Hall in Youngstown.
Meet the 2026 WRTA Nonprofit Award Winners
| VALLEY IMPACT AWARD Warren Junior Women’s League Recognizing an organization with the broadest footprint or deepest measurable service. |
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| GRASSROOTS HERO AWARD Youngstown Skatepark Association Honoring a smaller, neighborhood-focused organization making a big difference with limited resources. |
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| INNOVATION IN SERVICE AWARD Thrive Mahoning Valley Recognizing a creative approach, new technology, or innovative solution to community needs. |
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| EXCELLENCE IN COLLABORATION AWARD Economic Action Group Celebrating strong partnerships with other agencies, volunteers, and local institutions. |
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| HEARTS AND SOULS IN ACTION AWARD Abilities Unite Foundation Honoring an organization driven by deep compassion and dedication to those who need it most. |
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| COMMUNITY CORNERSTONE AWARD Catholic Charities Regional Agency Recognizing a long-standing institution with an established record of community service. |
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| RISING STAR AWARD Wings Over the Valley Celebrating a newer organization making a significant impact in a short period of time. |
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Moving the Valley Forward Together
“At WRTA, we measure our success by getting people to their destinations,” said WRTA CEO Dean Harris. “For many of our riders, those destinations are the nonprofits that serve this Valley every day — the places where someone finds a meal, a safe place to stay, help for their family, or a chance to move forward.”
WRTA’s annual Nonprofit Awards help bring greater recognition to organizations serving the Mahoning Valley, encouraging community support through volunteerism and donations while helping connect residents with valuable services.
“Taking this night to honor nonprofits isn’t just a tradition. It’s a way to acknowledge that when these organizations thrive, the entire Valley moves forward.”
— Dean Harris, WRTA CEO
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The 2026 WRTA Nonprofit Awards are made possible with support from YBI, Spectrum Reach, Platt Insurance, Soup City Designs, EyeView Media, and Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social.
The newly designed awards, created by a local marketing firm and produced by YBI, will be presented to the seven winning organizations during the November 11 celebration.