Category Archives: News & Events

Community Impact in Action: LaGrange County Community Foundation Awards $75,975 to Nonprofit Initiatives

The LaGrange County Community Foundation has awarded $75,975 in grants to eight nonprofit organizations as part of its 2024 Fall Community Impact Grants Cycle. These grants will support a diverse range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for LaGrange County residents, from health and human services to education, environmental stewardship, and arts & culture. 

One of the funded projects is an innovative rain garden initiative led by the Mongo Community Development Association. This community-led project will improve the natural landscape around the Mongo Post Office, and improve water management, helping to keep the sidewalk in a low-lying area dry and accessible. 

Alongside the rain garden project, The Farm Place was awarded $25,000 to help complete its Animal Companionship Center in LaGrange. The facility will offer families involved in foster care and court systems private meeting spaces where children can connect with case managers, mental health professionals, and participate in supervised visits. Additionally, animal companionship during these visits will provide emotional support, fostering a nurturing environment to help families through difficult times. 

Each of these organizations play a crucial role in meeting essential needs and enriching LaGrange County. We are proud to support these efforts and to be part of the positive change happening across LaGrange County, said Octavia Yoder, Excutive Director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation.

Phase two of the Animal Companionship Center will focus on outfitting the facility’s interior with furniture, kitchen essentials and office equipment to create a welcoming and functional space for families to heal and thrive. 

In addition to these projects, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers has been awarded $25,000 to support its expanding summer programs. Each year, its summer camps in art, conservation, drama, and music reach full capacity, offering valuable educational experiences for youth during the summer months. 

The LaGrange County Community Foundation remains committed to supporting organizations that make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and is excited to see the difference these grants will make in the coming months. 

The 2024 Fall Community Impact Grant recipients are: 

  • Brightpoint: Covering Kids and Families of Brightpoint Health Insurance Navigation Services, $5,000 
  • Hope’s Harbor: Overnight Accommodations for LaGrange County Families, $5,000 
  • Kate’s Kart: Book Gifting Program at Parkview LaGrange Hospital, $2,500 
  • LaGrange Communities Youth Centers: 2025 Summer Camp Programs, $25,000 
  • Lima Township: Howe Town Park Bathroom Facilities, $10,000 
  • Mongo Community Development Association: Mongo Post Office Rain Garden, $1,475 
  • Science Central: Science4U Program, $2,000 
  • The Farm Place: Animal Companionship Center: Phase 2 Interior, $25,000 

Each year, the Community Foundation invites proposals for projects that support local nonprofits in their mission to serve the LaGrange County community. The Grants Advisory Committee evaluates applications and recommends funding to the Board of Directors for approval. 

The Community Impact Grants are made possible by the generosity of donors contributing to the Foundation’s Caring Community Fund, unrestricted funds, and field of interest funds. For more information about grant opportunities, visit Lccf.net/grants. 

Nonprofit workshop ‘Board Basics’ offers essential training for board members

The LaGrange County Community Foundation will present a nonprofit workshop, Board Basics, on Friday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Community Foundation.

Designed for both new and seasoned board members and nonprofit leaders, Board Basics provides practical insights into the core responsibilities of nonprofit board service. Led by Mike Stone of Stone Consulting, this three-hour session will cover essential aspects of board member roles, effective governance structures, and best practices in board and committee management.

Mike Stone brings a wealth of experience to the workshop, having launched Stone Consulting in 2005 after a successful career in higher education and as a former executive director of a community foundation. His expertise in nonprofit strategy development, facilitation, and conflict mediation has empowered numerous organizations to align their boards, staff, and volunteers toward shared goals.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members
  • Effective Board and Committee Structures
  • Key Principles of Board Governance

The session includes refreshments and a boxed lunch, with a registration fee of $20 covering food and workshop materials.

For more details and to register, visit Lccf.net/nonprofit-workshop.

About LaGrange County Community Foundation Since its founding in 1991, the LaGrange County Community Foundation has been dedicated to fostering generosity, leadership, and service across LaGrange County. The Foundation connects people to charitable initiatives and supports nonprofits in creating meaningful, sustainable impacts in the community.

Finalists announced for LaGrange County’s 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

The LaGrange County Community Foundation named the finalists for the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. From left are Morgan Riegsecker, Grace Heyerly, Gavin Engle and Annagail Warrener of Westview Jr-Sr High School and Arlene Thompson of Lakeland Jr/Sr High School.

LAGRANGE ­— Five LaGrange County high school seniors have been named finalists for the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

This prestigious award recognizes an outstanding high school senior from LaGrange County who exemplifies service, leadership, and academic excellence. The recipient will receive a full-tuition scholarship for four years to any accredited college or university in Indiana, along with a $900 annual stipend for books and equipment.

The finalists are Gavin Engle, Grace Heyerly, Morgan Riegsecker, and Annagail Warrener from Westview Jr-Sr High School, and Arlene Thompson from Lakeland Jr-Sr High School.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation received 33 scholarship applications from students representing all three high schools in LaGrange County. To ensure impartiality, identifying details such as name, school, and gender are removed during the evaluation process.

The Foundation’s Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee assesses applications based on academic performance, involvement in community and school activities, work experience, leadership, and essay responses. The top five students with the highest scores are then invited to participate in the finalist round.

On Monday, the Community Foundation hosted a scholarship workshop for all finalists, helping them prepare for their upcoming personal interviews. During the workshop, students also completed an impromptu essay, which will contribute to their overall evaluation.

The Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee will conduct personal interviews with all finalists on October 21. This year, students will also be required to create and present a digital presentation about themselves to share with the committee, marking a new addition to the process. The scores from this finalist round, including the interview and presentation will be combined with their overall application score to determine the 2025 nominees who will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana for final selection of the LaGrange County recipient.

Announcement of the recipient will be made in December. The four remaining finalists will each receive a $4,000 scholarship from the Lambright Leadership Scholarship Fund, established by Kevin and Carrie Lambright of Shipshewana in 2013.

The scholarship program is offered each year by the LaGrange County Community Foundation, and other Indiana community foundations across the state to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

Explore the Future: Join Us for an Open House to Unveil the LaGrange County Master Trails Plan

LaGrange County Community Foundation, in collaboration with LaGrange County Trails, is hosting the Big Idea Open House on September 26, from 6-8 p.m. The event will showcase preliminary concepts for the LaGrange County Master Trails Plan, an initiative aimed at enhancing and expanding trail infrastructure throughout LaGrange County.

The Big Idea Open House will be held at the LaGrange County 4-H Fair Community Building, located at 1030 E 075 N, LaGrange. This event offers residents a chance to review and provide feedback on the preliminary goals and objectives that are shaping the future trail network in LaGrange County. Attendees can explore a display detailing the priorities and maps for ongoing trail development, informed by feedback from previous open houses in July and August. The display is expected to take about 30 minutes to explore.

In July and August, residents provided feedback at one of three open houses to gather input on LaGrange County trails. The Big Idea Open House on September 26 will showcase the initial input from the community.

This event marks a pivotal step in the development of the LaGrange County Master Trails Plan, an initiative aimed at enhancing safety, promoting outdoor recreation, and fostering connectivity through planning an expanded and well-designed trails network.  The plan will provide a strategy for developing and expanding multi-use biking and hiking trails. Currently, LaGrange County has seven miles of multi-use trails.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation, supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Phase VIII, hired HWC Engineering to bring the trails vision to life. The Foundation, in collaboration with LaGrange County Trails, and community stakeholders, is supporting the development of a trails “roadmap” that will enhance the quality of life in LaGrange County and provide a guide for community leaders to improve trail infrastructure and programs.

Big Idea Open House Highlights:

  • Preliminary Concept Display: Attendees will have the opportunity to view and provide input on initial design concepts for future trails.
  • Format: Guests are welcome to attend at their convenience and stay as long as they wish during the event.
  • Interactive Stations: Engage with the HWC Engineering planning team and provide feedback through interactive stations.
  • Community Forum: Speak with representatives of LaGrange County Trails and the LaGrange County Community Foundation staff to learn about initiatives to support trail development in LaGrange County.
  • Refreshments and Activities: Enjoy complimentary fall refreshments, along with a kid’s activity area.
  • Date & Time: September 26, 2024, from 6-8 p.m.
  • Location: LaGrange County 4-H Fair Community Building, 1030 E 075 N, LaGrange.

“We are excited to share the preliminary concepts for the Master Trails Plan and gather feedback from the community,” said Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. “Support for continued trail development across the county is a key priority in the county’s comprehensive plan and we are committed to helping identify that roadmap.”

“Community input is crucial in ensuring that the Master Trails Plan meets the needs and aspirations of LaGrange County residents. We encourage everyone to join us at the Big Idea Open House and help us shape the future of our trails,” Yoder added.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation encourages all residents to invite their neighbors and share this event within the community.

2023 Lilly Scholar Kamryn Miller Reflects on Her College Journey 

Kamryn Miller, a recipient of the 2023 LaGrange County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, recently spoke about how the scholarship supported her college journey. 

A graduate of Westview Jr.-Sr. High School, Miller will begin her sophomore year at Taylor University in Upland studying mechanical engineering. The scholarship provides full tuition for four years of undergraduate study, and a $900 stipend each year for books and equipment. 

“Receiving this scholarship has been a huge blessing to me, and I am beyond grateful for the financial burden that this relieves. This scholarship has been one of the many ways that the people around me have been willing to pour into my life and encourage me, and it deepens my desire to give back to the community,” Miller said.  

In high school, Miller was involved in girls’ basketball, Student Council, National Honor Society and show choir.  

Lilly Endowment scholars are selected for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership.  

“To the students looking to apply for the Lilly Scholarship, I highly encourage you to really consider how much your community has impacted your own life. Think of the many people who have gone above and beyond to encourage you and help you succeed, and you will find that the more you become aware of these moments, the more you will desire to impact others in the same way,” Miller added. 

Applications for the 2025 LaGrange County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship will be accepted through September 12 at 4 p.m.  

To qualify, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.7, live in LaGrange County and attend a public school in LaGrange County to apply. To view the full scholarship program details, visit Lccf.net/LillyScholarship. 

LaGrange County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Application Opens July 26

LaGrange County’s 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application opens on July 26, 2024.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in LaGrange County. The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), is offered locally in LaGrange County through the LaGrange County Community Foundation.

The scholarship provides one full-tuition award and a $900 annual stipend for required books for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a bachelor’s degree at any eligible Indiana Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.

To be eligible to apply for the LaGrange County award, students must:

  • Graduate from a LaGrange County high school by 2025 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2025;
  • Intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana;
  • Be a resident of LaGrange County; and
  • Have a minimum grade point average of 3.75.

Applications must be completed and submitted by September 12, 2024, at 4 p.m. to be considered.

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: academic achievement, demonstrated service to others, leadership ability, motivation to succeed, employment history, extracurricular involvement, and essay responses. Two recommendations must be submitted with the application: one from a teacher and one from a community member. A personal interview will assist in determining the scholarship recipient.

Five students will be selected as finalists and be invited to the interview round in October 2024. Following the interviews, the LaGrange County Community Foundation will nominate one local graduating senior for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship; their name will be submitted to ICI for final approval. The scholarship recipient will be announced in December.

The finalists not selected for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship will receive the Lambright Leadership Scholarship, a $1,000 four-year renewable scholarship.

Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in LaGrange County and apply for the scholarship by visiting LCCF.net/LillyScholarship.

Trailblazing Insights: A Conversation with Jeff Wingstrom, President of LaGrange County Trails

Jeff Wingstrom, a 41-year resident of LaGrange County, recently talked with us about his work as president of LaGrange County Trails. Wingstrom grew up in LaPorte, Ind., and graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in biology. He retired from the Indiana State Department of Health as an environmental scientist after 45 years. He and his wife of 50 years, Marilyn, have three children and six grandchildren. They enjoy biking, reading and all watersports.

Q: What started your love for bike trails in LaGrange County?

A: My wife, Marilyn, and our children always loved riding our bikes; however, as our roads became busier and with larger vehicles, we stopped riding. One day we rode the Pumpkinvine Trail, and I realized there was a safe, enjoyable way to bike instead of on our dangerous county roads. That is when I fell in love with the idea of more bike trails in our county.

Q: How did LaGrange County Trails get started? What’s your mission?

A: We started with a small group of citizens and stakeholder meetings to discuss how to begin developing bike trails. This led, in December of 2018, to incorporation, our first meeting in January of 2019, and obtaining our 501(c)(3) non-profit status later that summer. Our nonprofit is comprised of a nine-member board whose mission is to create countywide, public, non-motorized multipurpose, bike/pedestrian recreational trails in LaGrange County. Our motto is: “Connecting people with nature.”

The Hawpatch Trail is our first planned trail, which will be constructed for the safety and quality of life of our community, not only for those who will benefit today, but for succeeding generations.

Q: Why did LaGrange County Trails decide to pursue a new trail system in Topeka?

A: It is estimated 800 workers bike into Topeka five days a week. This would get many of those workers off dangerous and busy county roads and provide them with a safe way to commute to work. There are several Amish schools along the route, giving those children a safer way to get to school. The proposed 17-mile bike/pedestrian Hawpatch Trail will connect Wolcottville, Topeka and Millersburg, spanning three towns and three counties, so not only commuters, but recreational bikers and pedestrians will have a safe place to exercise.

We also chose this route because the Norfolk and Southern Railroad Company owns approximately 90% of the land and we thought it would be relatively easy to acquire.

Q: What is the status of the Hawpatch Trail?

A: At this time a purchase agreement has been negotiated with the Norfolk and Southern Railroad and we are waiting for their signature. After that, the land will be surveyed, which will take at least six months and then we will close on the property.

Q: What is your future hope for trails in LaGrange County?

A: Bike trails are being developed all over our state and our nation. They provide proven economic benefits to the communities that have them. People come from all over to ride, walk and run on trails. Communities consider them as one of their best assets. Property values increase when they are located near a trail. My hope is we can develop a trail system in LaGrange County that will connect our towns and parks and connect to the trails being developed in our adjacent counties. I hope they will provide years of safe recreational opportunities for everyone and will provide a way for locals and visitors to explore and learn about our communities.

Q: What legacy do you hope to leave?

A: That to the best of my abilities and with the help of many other people, LaGrange County Trails develops something current and future generations will use to discover the beauty and unique character that is our county.

Q: What are ways people in LaGrange County can help?

A: They can advocate for bike/pedestrian trails to their elected officials and to their friends and neighbors. We are currently working with the LaGrange County Community Foundation on developing a county wide bicycle/pedestrian trail plan. They can participate in and attend the public meetings and give their input on the location of future trails at one of the three upcoming forums:

Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Plan Public Meetings

  • LaGrange, The Garage Community Center, July 25, from 6-8 p.m.,
  • Shipshewana, Wolfe Community Building, August 6, from 3-5 p.m.,
  • Mongo, Mongo United Methodist Church, August 6, from 6-8 p.m.

Lastly, but most importantly, they can donate to the Hawpatch Trail Fund at the Community Foundation. Thanks to a generous grant from Lilly Endowment, the LaGrange County Community Foundation will match donations for the trail $1 for $1 through Dec. 31, 2025.

Community Spirit: A Recap of Our Annual Celebration

The LaGrange County Community Foundation hosted its Annual Celebration on the evening of Thursday, June 13, bringing together volunteers, donors, and community partners to honor philanthropy in LaGrange County.

Held at the Farmstead Inn & Conference Center in Shipshewana, the event was attended by approximately 150 community members. The evening began with the invocation by Russell Hepler, followed by dinner catered by Fireside Craft Burgers & Brews.

Invocation by Russell Hepler

Insights were shared by a panel of nonprofit leaders in a “Fireside Chat,” moderated by Executive Director Octavia Yoder. Panelists included Sonja Giggy from LaGrange County Hope, Inc., Kim Hayes from The Garage, Mary Woodworth from LaGrange County Arts, Jeff Wingstrom from LaGrange County Trails, and Andy Linder from Mongo Community Development Association. They shared stories of their organizations’ impact in the county and encouraged community involvement.

The event also recognized recipients of the spring Community Impact Grant awards, presented by Leanna Martin and Octavia Yoder, which included: Clothes & Food Basket of LaGrange County, Community Harvest Food Bank, Meals of Hope, Inc., Northeastern Indiana CASA, RespectTeam, Stroh Volunteer Fire Department, and The Salvation Army – Elkhart, LaGrange County & Steuben County. A total of $74,557 was distributed through the Community Impact Grants program to support the valuable work of these organizations in LaGrange County.

2024 Spring Community Impact Grant Recipients

Former teacher, local author and speaker Brenda Lazzaro Yoder delivered the keynote for the evening. She spoke on how LaGrange County has something the rest of the world longs for but doesn’t have – that something is community and relationships, it’s helping your neighbor but expecting nothing in return, it’s leaving footprints on the community that will last a lifetime.

Brenda Lazzarro Yoder, Keynote Speaker

The evening concluded honoring the 2024 Heart of Gold award nominees. Speaking and presenting for the 15th Annual Heart of Gold award was the 2011 recipient of the Heart of Gold Award, Rhonda Bartlett.

Nominees honored were Andy Linder of Mongo, Brett Bateman of Howe, David Hostetler of Shipshewana, Jean Martin of Shipshewana, Jenny Landez of Wolcottville, Karen Reinking of Wolcottville, Kent Andrews of Howe, Laura Hartman of LaGrange, and Madison Bateman of Howe.

Kent Andrews was named the the 2024 Heart of Gold award recipient. Andrews has volunteered as firefighter for 40 years, and has a heart for serving his community. He helps his elderly neighbors in all seasons with things such as mowing, raking leaves and snow removal. Recently, Kent helped build and install a Free Little Library in the town park. His nominee said, “Kent helps anyone who needs help even before being asked. Kent is always helpful, civic minded, trustworthy.”

Kent Andrews receives the 2024 Heart of Gold Award
2024 Heart of Gold Award Nominees

Overall, the celebration was a testament to the strong community spirit and generosity that defines LaGrange County, making it a truly special place to live.

Staff day in South Milford

The LaGrange County Community Foundation staff visited South Milford in May to see two recent grant funded community projects.

On this trip, they visited two new spots: Coffee & Cream and the South Milford Veterans Memorial Park.

Coffee & Cream of South Milford

Coffee & Cream opened their doors on May 25 at 8015 E 750 S in downtown South Milford. Jeff and Andrea Wolheter had a vision for this 130-year-old historic building. They wanted to bless people in the community with amenities such as a place to meet, eat, drink, and have high speed internet.

The LCCF staff made the trip to visit Coffee & Cream after awarding the nonprofit a Community Impact Grant for $12,500 for coffee and drink equipment in 2023. And not just because of the grant. But because, well, coffee…

Coffee & Cream did not disappoint with a good range of coffee and drinks, ice cream and baking goods. There is something for nearly everyone. They have a nicely laid out seating area, a variety of booths, tables and chairs, and very comfy lounging chairs. Decor and lighting says high-end coffee shop. They also have free internet!

Their mission is to enhance their community by fostering an environment that feels like home with great tasting food and drinks, loving and hospitable service, and building a sense of connection and community.

From what the LCCF staff experienced, they are reaching that mission.

South Milford Veterans Memorial Park

After a visit to the coffee shop, the staff walked the short distance to the South Milford Veterans Memorial Park.

The park is situated on the south side of the railroad viaduct on SR 3. The park was created when the original Veterans Memorial Monument needed to be moved from the intersection of SR 3 and 750 S for road improvements and visibility.

The monument, erected in 1923, was created to honor men from the community who served their country. In addition to the monument, a second war memorial included a case holding a 1895 machine gun and several Civil War cannon balls.

The South Milford Community Improvement League worked tirelessly to rebuild the Veterans Memorial Monument and create the new memorial park. The Community League celebrated the dedication of the South Milford Veterans Memorial Park on August 19, 2023.

The park features the rebuilt Veterans Memorial Monument, memorial plaques, a shaded area, benches for sitting and reflecting, a pavilion and memorabilia. The park is a wonderful addition to South Milford and great way of honoring veterans.

2023-2024 Youth Philanthropy Recap

LIFE is a youth philanthropy program of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. LIFE members gain experiences in community service and charitable giving. The students also provide oversight to youth grant funds at the Community Foundation.

During the 2023 – 2024 school year LIFE offered one grant cycle, awarding $17,495 to youth serving organizations and school projects.

The meetings were packed full of grantmaking decisions and planning for LEAP. They broke into event committees to conquer and divide. LEAP is a one-day event for youth, grades 9 -12, from all three public high schools to learn about philanthropy, community service and leadership. The event had two guest speakers: Seth Maust from Five Star Life and Octavia Yoder with the Community Foundation.

The students began their community service projects in December by delivery generosity cards. Students who participated in LEAP helped create these impactful cards of gratitude for local nonprofits, fire departments, police, and for the businesses who financially supported the LEAP event. In February, LIFE visited with residents at the Waters. They connected while playing games and visiting.

Jamelle Godlewski from Lead and Impact shared about seven habits of highly effective people and helped the students create personal mission statements.

Gwen Owsley was a member of LIFE and Westview’s junior class representative. For the past two years, she served as co-recorder. She was instrumental in helping fundraise for the LEAP event. We were deeply saddened by her unexpected passing. Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all those who loved her. We will remember her bright smile, joyful demeanor, and her enthusiastic spirit in all that she did.

LIFE closed the 2023-2024 school year with the May retreat. They completed a final community service project at the Garage Community Center in LaGrange, packing meals for LaGrange County Hope.

As we plan for next school year, we hope to continue encouraging philanthropy in our community and peers, experience community service and charitable giving through grantmaking.