Celebrating Partnerships during the holiday season

The holiday season is here, and it has always been my favorite time of year. Perhaps it’s because it brings people together. It’s always so uplifting to hear stories of people coming together to help those who need it most. The city of Sheridan, the Food Group, the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce, the Hub on Smith, many churches in the county, as so many others who partner together to make Sheridan County a better place. Being with supportive friends and having a connected community are what make us strong. My hope is that even if you find yourself alone this season, you take time to reconnect with an old friend, share a moment with a neighbor, or find joy in helping someone out. It’s a season of togetherness and reflection—a time to strengthen the bonds that matter most. We are thankful for our many partners who bring this community together

On behalf of Whitney Benefits, I am pleased to share our perspective on the immense value of partnerships and collaboration in fostering sustained success for our communities. At Whitney Benefits, we firmly believe that the most significant progress happens when organizations, businesses, and individuals come together with a shared vision for a better future. Partnerships are the cornerstone of creating meaningful change, allowing us to pool resources, knowledge, and expertise to achieve far more together than we ever could alone.

Our current collaborative project with the Sheridan and Johnson County school districts, Sheridan College, local industries, and other philanthropic organizations reflects this belief. Together, we are working to build a strong and resilient educational system that not only serves our students but also strengthens the economic foundation of our communities. By fostering connections between education and industry, we are helping to align classroom learning with real-world opportunities, ensuring that our students are prepared for success in careers that matter.

The focus of this initiative is to provide students with exposure, exploration, and experience across a variety of interests, skills, and career pathways. By partnering with local businesses and educational institutions, we are opening doors for students to discover their passions, develop essential skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience. This approach not only empowers young people to make informed decisions about their futures but also helps us retain local talent by connecting students with meaningful career opportunities right here at home.

At Whitney Benefits, we recognize that a strong educational system and a thriving economy are inherently linked. By working together with schools, colleges, industries, and fellow philanthropic organizations, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for Sheridan and Johnson counties. These partnerships enable us to cultivate a skilled and resilient workforce, support local businesses, and ensure that our students have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

Collaboration is not just a strategy for us; it is a shared commitment to making our communities better, stronger, and more vibrant. We are grateful for the dedication of our partners and look forward to continuing this important work together.

–Erin Kilbride Executive Director, Whitney Benefits