Community Impact Photobook

Community Impact Photobook Get a glimpse of the various worthy causes that recently received grants from the Community Impact Fund and related Family-Named Impact Funds.

PEOPLE ASK US ALL THE TIME… WHAT IS A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION? 1. 2. 3. WE SERVE WE SERVE WE SERVE AS A CATALYST FOR DONORS THE FUTURE OF GRANT COUNTY NONPROFITS By offering tax-deductible Our Community Impact Fund allows our giving opportunities that By awarding grants to Board of Directors to be nimble to the will forever support the their organizations for ever-changing threats and opportunities causes you care about programs and projects of our community—awarding grants to most in our community. that will influence the our current most pressing needs and people they serve. worthy quality of life issues.

THIS IS PHILANTHROPY, IN ITS BROADEST SENSE! IN GENERAL... The concept of a community foundation is as ingenious as it is simple. It is a means to build, over time, substantial endowment funds for a community through contributions large and small. Because these contributions are endowed, they are never spent. Instead, they are permanently invested to produce income. A portion of the income earned is then used to help meet the community’s charitable needs through grants— from animal needs to special needs to youth organizations and everything in between. So, gifts to a community foundation continue to benefit your community forever. Grant County’s Community Impact Fund and related unrestricted funds have specifically awarded grants to the worthy and local quality of life issues listed in this photobook. These grants would not have been awarded without the generosity of people like YOU!

BRIDGES TO HEALTH IRVING FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND WARD AND MAXYNE ARNOLD MEMORIAL FUND $10,000 MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS Such as otoscopes, opthmaloscopes, and a Life Pak CR Plus for examination rooms and laptops for exam notes. This equipment will streamline patient services allowing for more consistent data keeping as well as maintaining standards of care. $5,000 SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM Grant County, Indiana has the second highest rate of smoking in the state. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S., making it critically important that prevention and cessation programs are available to help people break their tobacco addiction for good.

CANCER SERVICES OF GRANT COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $5,000 BREAST EDUCATION SCREENING SURVIVAL (BESS) PROGRAM To date, this program has educated over 70,000 individuals of all ages in Grant County since it was established in 1999. Cancer Services of Grant County helps those facing cancer and educates as a means to reduce the amount of folks being diagnosed with cancer and increases those diagnosed early. $10,000 OUTREACH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM A person’s environment and lifestyle impacts approximately 70% of cancers diagnosed. This program provides education to those facing cancer as part of the patient navigation process— empowering Cancer Services of Grant County clients by elevating stress and anxiety, making the cancer journey as smooth as possible.

CARDINAL GREENWAY, INC. COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $34,000 DEER CREEK EMBANKMENT STABILIZATION PROJECT The embankment erosion at Deer Creek reached a critical stage. If not repaired, the trail would have to be closed between Marion and Jonesboro. The river would have undercut the trail and the asphalt would have fallen off into the river. Now the trail is again beautiful and safe.

CAREY SERVICES MARIE P. BROWN MEMORIAL FUND $6,700 EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM In addition to the tangible economic benefits, this program will help educate local residents and businesses that people with disabilities have many things to offer our community. They are talented, hard- working people who have goals and aspirations no different than most other residents. This program will provide long-term impact by placing people with disabilities in jobs, where they will be more fully integrated into the community, generating their own income and becoming taxpayers. This is Carey Services' basic mission; to help every client achieve their greatest level of independence possible.

CITY OF GAS CITY COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $15,000 The monument, located east of City Hall on Main Street in Gas City, includes benches, brick pavers and a GAS CITY VETERANS pathway leading up to the monument. MONUMENT PROJECT The monument is a way of showing appreciation for individuals and their families, recognizing all five branches of military.

EUCLID NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ROBERT B. PENCE AND DOROTHY B. PENCE ENDOWMENT FUND $3,200 REPLENISH TREE STOCK IN THE EUCLID NEIGHBORHOOD AREA The Historic Euclid Avenue Neighborhood has been a staple in the City of Marion for over 100 years. The tree-lined boulevard is home to many architecturally distinct homes and trees lining the street contribute to the character that has drawn people to live there over the last several decades. The historic nature of the neighborhood means that many of the original trees have aged and/or fallen. In order to preserve and maintain the historic beauty of the neighborhood for generations to come, the Euclid Neighborhood Association has planted new trees to supplement the old growth landscape that defines the area.

FAIRMOUNT POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $3,118 AEDS FOR THE FAIRMOUNT POLICE DEPARTMENT The Fairmount Police Department serves a community of 2,954 residents. Cardiac emergencies are more than likely to occurs, so improving this program was critical. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Over 350,000 people will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest this year. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere and at any age. An AED is the only effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest and is easy to operate for someone with no medical background.

FAMILY SERVICE SOCIETY COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $3,860 MARKETING OF THE SYSTEM OF CARE (SOC) PROGRAM Although the System of Care (SOC) focus is on youth with mental health or addictions, ALL children and families in Grant County would benefit from the support of the entire community. SOC connects our residents to the services and resources needed for a healthy life free from the stigma of mental health and addiction. $25,579 STRENGTHENED NETWORK CAPACITY BUILDING This grant will help provide a more robust, stable network for Family Service Society so its staff can spend more time caring for clients verses double-inputting data on patients through antiquated systems and working on non-integrated systems.

GAS CITY CONCERTS IN THE PARK, INC. COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $5,000 INDIANA ARTISTAN SERIES The Gas City Concerts in the Park Series has grown each year for the past 17 years. Last year, attendance exceeded 25,000 attendees. The concert series has become a Tuesday destination in East Central Indiana. They are committed to the task of rediscovering Hoosier performers, musical genres, and reconnecting our community with its musical roots.

GRACE HOUSE FOR TRANSITION & RECOVERY WARD AND MAXYNE ARNOLD MEMORIAL FUND $5,000 BETTER EQUIPPED PROGRAM Better Equipped focuses on current maintenance projects like fixing leaking faucets, repairing or replacing siding, and replacing carpet using the skillsets of the men in Grace House. This project will be sustainable by keeping up the maintenance of the house while engaging men in bettering themselves through service.

GRANT COUNTY RESCUE MISSION IRVING FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND $10,000 Main Shelter Third Floor Renovations When residents from GCRM leave and become contributing members of society it helps Grant County. They can have jobs and therefore more spending power in the community. Also, taxpayers will save money if fewer people are homeless. The more people we can assist in reintegrating into society, the better our society and community become. Creating a better environment in the living area for these men has assisted them in moving through rehabilitation so that they assimilate quicker. Depression and loss of identity and self-worth are common for those experiencing homelessness. This grant emphasized to these men that they are worthy of a nice space. They are able to care for a nice space and are better equipped to do likewise when they leave the program.

GRANT COUNTY SHERIFF & POLICE DEPARTMENTS COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $18,700 VESTS FOR 65 DEPUTIES The grant provided 65 Grant County law enforcement officers with the necessary equipment to keep them safe and bring them home to their families at the end of their shift. These officers have taken a vow to serve and protect our community. This was one way we were able to give back to them–to protect and serve our local officers by providing funding for new Iron Rifle Plates and Vests.

GRANT CO. SHERIFF'S DEPT CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $5,000 MANHOOD 101 PROGRAM The Grant County Sheriff’s Department Chaplaincy Programs provide inmates with the opportunity to better themselves, their future, and their families. The Manhood 101 program has proven to be one of the best programs to help inmates better themselves, future, and family. Since inception, thirty inmates have gone through the program. Of those who have been in the program for a substantial period of time, only five have returned to jail. The first year results have proven its effectiveness by sending inmates out with a purpose, a church, and (hopefully) a job.

HELPING HAND IRVING FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND $10,000 ROOF REPAIR Helping Hand has been in existence for over 30 years, providing much-needed assistance to the rural poor of Jefferson and Monroe townships. The roof was leaking substantially, endangering employees, and damaging the thrift store goods. A building that holds important goods and materials used by countless community members should be safe and clean to use. This grant helped pay for the cost of a new roof which allowed Helping Hand to continue serving Grant County.

HOOSIER SHAKES INC. WARD AND MAXYNE ARNOLD MEMORIAL FUND $5,000 LAUNCHING HOOSIER SHAKES, INC. Hoosier Shakes benefits Grant County in a number of ways, including culturally, economically, and educationally. This company creates opportunities to introduce Shakespeare to folks who have never attended a live theater performance while also reintroducing theater patrons to a fresh approach on wonderful classics. Hoosier Shakes provides an affordable theatrical experience for all patrons, regardless of ability to afford a ticket (often referred to as a \"pay what you will\" model).

HOPE CITY IRVING FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND $36,000 HOPE CITY FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR YOUNG ADULTS Hope City is a transitional housing for young adults ages 18-26 years old who have either \"fostered out\" of the system, who do not have safe and suitable housing, or are homeless. Hope City’s motto is \"mentor before mending\", which simply means that they want to take in this age-group and mentor them before they become broken adults. The strategy is to offer transitional homes staffed with trained house parents and wrap services around the kids who live there. Hope City teaches domestic skills such as cooking, grocery shopping, and cleaning. Residents also participate in a giving back program through community service work. Once a month they receive training on communication skills, conflict resolution, Thinking for a Change curriculum, etc... House parents are also trained through the Nurturing Parenting program. Hope City also offers spiritual counseling as well as addictions counseling through the Celebrate Recovery Program and through a partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University’s Counseling Clinic. The goal is that when a resident leaves Hope City they will be a well functioning adult who will be an asset to the community and contribute to its success!

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $9,280 NEW ELEMENTARY PROGRAMS Imagine a generation where young people, no matter their background, have the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve postsecondary success—a generation that is armed with the confidence and understanding to take control of their financial futures, their careers, and the tools that are required to achieve their dreams. Year after year, Junior Achievement’s programs prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs that make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace.

MARION COMMUNITY GARDENS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $4,000 IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN THE CURFMAN COMMUNITY GARDEN In the past six years, the Marion Community Garden Association has distributed around 15,000 lbs of produce to the Marion community. The community plots at each garden are given to local neighbors, sold at the Open Air Market, or given to local charities. The issue of properly watering the produce weighs into how many vegetables are produced per square feet. This project will increase the amount of produce given back to the community in the upcoming years.

MARION COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORP NED J. PULLEY ENDOWED FUND $2,500 MARION HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONS TOGETHER UNIFIED ATHLETIC TEAMS Because of this grant, MCS teams have brand new uniforms and warmups for their basketball and track seasons. MCS was able to showcase them at a recent varsity basketball game when they played during the halftime periods. The student athletes were so proud!

MARION DESIGN CO. WITH THE CITY OF MARION COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $6,000 CITY OF MARION WEBSITE Marion Design Co. worked side by side with the City of Marion to develop, design, and implement a new brand. Along with the city’s new brand, MDC fully designed a new, multi-layered robust website. This grant allowed for the second phase to be completed in the final build, development, and launch of the website. The new City of Marion website increases the positive perception of the community by making the resources, assets, and the identity of the community visible.

MARION HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $20,000 MARCHING BAND UNIFORMS The long-term impact of these uniforms and the Marion Giant Marching Band program gives another avenue for these kids to shine for years to come. $10,000 BUILDING THREE ENDOWMENT FUNDS The goal to raise 6 million dollars for the arts, academics, and athletics endowments not only serves kids at Marion Community Schools in perpetuity, but it will lessen the yearly fundraising burden on Grant County businesses.

MARION HIGH SCHOOL HOOAH PARENTS BOOSTER CLUB INC. IRVING FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND $5,000 JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORP EDUCATIONAL TRIPS These cadets were better able to understand the cost of Freedom after visiting the War Memorial. Many were visibly moved by the stories of Hoosier veterans. The cadets on the competitive teams (Raiders and Drill/Color Guard) were provided the opportunity to compete at the highest level where their leadership, training and team work were put to the test. Cadets gained confidence and recognition that enhanced their self-esteem, and developed their leadership abilities. Cadets were also able to honor our school, community and nation through the presentation of the National Colors during numerous community events. But mostly, the cadets learned the necessary skills that support JROTC efforts to develop the next generation of leaders for our community and nation. Additionally, this grant demonstrated to the cadets that there are caring individuals willing to help them achieve success.

MARION PUBLIC LIBRARY AND MUSIUM COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $10,000 Design and Installation of Gas Boom Interactive Exhibit The discovery of natural gas paved the way for Indiana to become an industrial state and what laid the foundation for the automobile industry in Marion and Grant County in the 20th century. The Gas Boom was chosen to be featured as the first phase of the museum, “History Made Here: Experience our Characters and Culture” because it was a significant moment in history that helped Marion and Grant County grow.

MARION PAL YOUTH JUDO COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $10,000 JUDO UNIFORMS, ENTRY FEES, MATS, AND PROGRAM EXPENSES Youth and adults who learn discipline and respect for others become better contributing members in the community. Judo participants learn valuable lessons in self-defense. Not only does it teach techniques but instills confidence, control, and an awareness of their surroundings. This grant covered fees for children who could not afford to participate in the Marion Youth Judo classes otherwise—including Judo uniforms, mats, medical supplies, membership insurance, promotion fees, and entry fees for national tournaments.

MIDWEST CASE MANAGEMENT, INC. ROBERT B. PENCE AND DOROTHY B. PENCE ENDOWMENT FUND $5,000 STRENGTHENING FAMILIES PROGRAM The purpose of this program was to find an alternative for parents and children who are charged with skipping school or excessive tardiness. As the law in Indiana stands, parents can be charged with a misdemeanor and go to jail and/or get a fine if their child is truant. Children can be found delinquent, and as a result, the kids could spend time locked in detention. Truancy is a high risk situation that leads to a lack of school connectedness and foretells a life of alcohol and drug abuse as well as crimes like theft, daytime burglary, and even crimes of violence. The judges and prosecutor decided that they would use social programs like Strengthening Families to improve attendance and prevent the harsh penalty of splitting up families and sending parents or children into custody.

M-POWERING YOUTH L. HEWITT AND AMELIA CARPENTER ENDOWED FUND $5,000 M-POWERING YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP Throughout history sportsmanship and teamwork have been taught through organized athletics. This program and a collection of city professionals, encourages children from all walks of life to see that every professional was once just like them. John F. Kennedy said, \"Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”. These children will always recall being in the relaxed presence of professionals and understand they are all human beings trying to help each other succeed.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION NORTHERN INDIANA L. HEWITT AND AMELIA CARPENTER ENDOWED FUND $3,200 SUMMER CAMP FOR GRANT COUNTY CHILDREN WITH MDA Children are the future of any community. Through the MDA Summer Camp, these children with muscle-wasting disease are given the opportunity to develop important life skills such as confidence, independence, and social ability. Along with promoting a great sense of self-esteem and achievement, these children will bring a brighter future to Grant County. This local camp is held each summer at Camp Potawotami in Wolcottville, Indiana and is provided at no cost to the families. These children get to enjoy a week with others just like them, taking part in recreational activities including sports, arts and crafts, horseback riding, boating and swimming.

OAK HILL UNITED SCHOOL CORP COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $2,000 HOOFPRINTS TO HOPE THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS Having fun and educating students is what Hoofprints to Hope is all about! This grant allowed Oak Hill students to participate in the therapeutic horseback riding lessons via Hoofprints to Hope. Significant improvement was shown in many of their skills including riding posture, self confidence, and social skills. Words cannot express how many benefits were noted for these kids. They loved the experience and it taught them so many things that simply cannot be experienced with a textbook.

SCIENCE CENTRAL COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $5,000 ₄SCIENCE U OUTREACH PROGRAM This grant gave approximately 500 Grant County elementary and middle school students the chance to “spark their imagination” as they participated in demonstrations and labs through an interactive, educational, and fun Science₄U outreach program.

SERVICES FOR THE VISUALLY AND HEARING IMPAIRED COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $2,000 CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING UNIT Services for the Visually and Hearing Impaired, Inc. assists person with a vision and/or hearing loss to retain self-confidence, maintain independence and continue to be active and productive citizens of their community. Their original central air unit was more than 25 years old and had begun shorting out to the point they were unable to use it at all. By improving the quality of the temperature at the office it allowed the staff to more efficiently provide service to their clients. In other words, they spent more time working for the benefit of their clients and less time sweating!

ST. MARTIN DE PORRES COMMUNITY CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $4,041 TRAINING IN BASIC COMPUTATIONAL THINKING SKILLS This training is designed to provide basic computational thinking skills (e.g., problem solving using computer programming) to the children who visit St. Martin Community Center. In 2016 on average over 370 children per month came to St. Martin as accompanied by caregivers who visit St. Martin’s food pantry. The main motivation for this educational program is the prevalence and importance of computational thinking in the current and foreseeable workplace. Since many of the children who visit St. Martin are at or below the national poverty level, acquiring computational thinking skills is a viable and attainable avenue towards gainful employment and away from the cycle of poverty.

THE KINWELL ACADEMY L. HEWITT AND AMELIA CARPENTER ENDOWED FUND $10,000 COMMUNITY SERVICE ORIENTED JOB TRAINING PROGRAM A partnership with the City of Marion, this job training program is a perfect fit! This grant allowed The Kinwell Academy to hire a supervisor for the program to take some of the burden off of the city maintenance crew. These students loved working with the city. They grew in responsibility as well as character. This program will have a significant impact on their futures.

THRIVING FAMILIES, THRIVING GRANT COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $10,000 BEAUTIFYING THE 5TH STREET COMMONS The Quality of Life Working Group chose this project as a quick impact project to get the ball rolling for collective impact! This particular project is part of the Marion 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The project is on a main thoroughfare, so it is visible and will hopefully be a building block for more involvement from the community in the Thriving Families initiative. Grant County is working together in a new way with the potential to see real change across the county.

UPLAND AREA GREENWAYS ASSOCIATION IRVING FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND $10,000 PAVEMENT FOR THE FIRST MILE OF PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE TRAILS IN UPLAND This grant allowed the Association to enhance the long-term nature of the trail and provide the first bike riding and walking trail in Upland, Indiana. This trail became a connecting point to the Cardinal Greenway 60-mile trail system. Having a trail system in Upland builds community by encouraging local residents of all ages to connect with one another while they enjoy nature by walking, biking, and running. The trail also attracts people county and state wide.

WHITE'S RESIDENTIAL & FAMILY SERVICES CHARLOTTE E. BARTON MEMORIAL FUND $1,000 GROWING TEENS FOR LIFE Repairing one of the germination tables used in the Growing Teens for Life entrepreneurial initiative enabled White’s Residential to continue with their programing plan as scheduled. Without the germination table, Master Gardeners would not have been able to instruct students in what is a very important part of the program, qualifying them for STEM-related funding and educational credit. In addition, students were informed of the Community Foundation of Grant County’s concern for their success. They will be returning to the community knowing of this support and care. The impact of this knowledge cannot be over-emphasized.

WILSON-VAUGHAN HOSTESS HOUSE, INC COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $6,447 PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF SECURITY SYSTEM The Hostess House is a local, historic treasure that has been available to the community for many years. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988. Furthermore, Samuel Plato, an early African-American Architect, designed and oversaw construction of the Hostess House. The State of Indiana Landmarks Associations has recognized him and the House with Landmarks Signage placed in front of the House. The Hostess House is a local treasure laden with irreplaceable architectural pieces, if lost, will be gone forever. Having this type of safety and security will provide a level of protection for the Hostess House facility and property for many years into the future.

WONDERSPACE COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $9,925 HIGH-QUALITY, SAFE, AND INCLUSIVE PLAY IN GRANT COUNTY According to Safe Kids Worldwide, falls are the number one unintentional injury to children with special needs. With this grant, WonderSpace is able to purchase 100 Great Mats soft play indoor flooring tiles and ramp edging certified for a fall from a height of 4 feet. These mats set up and tear down easily for their indoor/mobile play concept while also providing a safe and soft play landing in the event of falls. Such safety is an undeniable concern for parents and guardians of children regardless of the child’s abilities. WonderSpace provides a safe and inclusive environment where all families in our diverse community can feel welcome and play. Safety and inclusion go hand-in-hand.

GRANT COUNTY FAMILY YMCA COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND $10,000 BLIGHTED PROPERTY ELIMINATION AND DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT The YMCA acquired the property rights of three structures on Washington Street near the YMCA Coliseum. These homes were vacated and left in varying degrees of disrepair. The elimination of these structures allowed the YMCA to replace them with green space that will showcase the beauty of the downtown district. This project sows the seed of a brighter tomorrow here in Grant County. The immediate benefit is an improvement in our downtown cityscape.

LILLY ENDOWMENT INC. GIFT VII MATCH HOW DOES IT WORK? $1 YOUR GIFT + $2 LILLY ENDOWMENT MATCH GIFT VII IMPACT $3 This match automatically TRIPLES the impact of your generosity—a great opportunity to fulfill your charitable wishes while enabling local community initiatives to come to life through the Community Foundation’s grantmaking.  This means your $100 gift gets matched with an additional $200—which then becomes $300! $500 becomes $1,500! $5,000 becomes $15,000! And so on… Call us today to learn more about ways to give that may offer a financial benefit to both you and your family. We would enjoy meeting with you to discuss the things that make your generosity and charitable giving goals so unique. 505 WEST THIRD STREET, MARION, IN 46952 · 765-662-0065 · WWW.GIVETOGRANT.ORG