Rainbow Years Learning Ministry is a childcare and preschool program of Shore Church in Shipshewana.
We recently visited Portia Amstutz, director of Rainbow Years Learning Ministry in Shipshewana to see the progress on their $1 million renovation project. Rainbow Years is a ministry of Shore Church, providing year-round daycare and education to children from birth to age 11.
Rainbow Years renovated their space to add more childcare seats. At one point, their wait-list exceeded their capacity.
In June, Rainbow Years received a Community Impact Grant of $21,736 to purchase materials and equipment for its updated facility.
We were excited to see their new space!
Rainbow Years can currently take around 90 kids, ages birth to 11 years old. With the help of the grant, they were able furnish two new classrooms, giving each age level a class of their own. They not only were able to furnish the two new rooms, but they also replaced some old items throughout the facility.
New classroom furnished with the grant funds received.
The grant helped purchase new sleeping cots, glider rockers, furniture for the teacher’s work room and main office, refrigerator and microwave for the teachers, a washer and dryer unit, cribs, changing tables and toys. It also helped create an indoor “recess” area.
They also created a fun, comfortable space for school-age kids to meet before and after school, as well as in the summer.
When we asked Portia what is meaningful about her work; she said the impact they have on the children. She said it’s because the most critical time for learning is before age 5 – it’s an important job!
Cribs and a glider rocker are a few of the many items added to the infant room.
The Foundation is excited to partner with nonprofits like Rainbow Years to help improve the early education of the youngest children in our county.
Community Impact Grants help nonprofits to be more effective, efficient and self-sustaining. The Community Foundation looks to fund innovative or creativeprojects addressing community needs like Rainbow Years.
Currently, Rainbow Years currently has about 18-20 spots open for childcare! In the next few weeks, they will be able to accept Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers for low-income families. This program will make their childcare even more affordable for more families.
You can learn more about their programs and availability at RainbowYears.org.
Portia Amstutz reading to some of the children at Rainbow Years Childcare Ministry.
From left are the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists Xai Leu, Jace Lang, Taylor Jerdon, Christien Noward and Braden Rogers.
Five LaGrange County high school seniors have been named finalists for the LaGrange County 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The prestigious award goes to an outstanding high school senior in LaGrange County.
The finalists include Taylor Jerdon (Lakeland High School), Jace Lang (Westview High School), Xai Leu (Lakeland High School), Christien Noward (Westview High School), and Braden Rogers (Westview High School).
The scholarship is awarded to one LaGrange County graduating senior who demonstrates service and leadership in their community, and a commitment to academic excellence. Among the finalists, one LaGrange County resident will be awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which will pay their full-tuition at any Indiana college or university, plus required fees. The recipient also will receive $900 per year for books and required equipment.
The Community Foundation received applications from all three high schools in LaGrange County. The Community Foundation’s Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee reviews and evaluates applications based on academics, community and school activities, work history, leadership and written essays. Identifying information about the student, such as name, school and gender, are removed during the application process. The finalists are then invited to a personal interview with the committee.
All finalists participated in a personal interview with the Foundation’s Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee on October 17. The results of the interview round are combined with the application round to determine the 2024 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 the Lambright Leadership Scholarship – a $1,000 award, renewable for up to three years. The Lambright Leadership Scholarship was 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.
Since 1991, the LaGrange County Community Foundation has been a charitable partner in LaGrange County, helping connect donors to their charitable dreams and building permanent community funds.
Miles Perkins was one of the nine community leaders who believed in the importance of building long-term permanent funds for LaGrange County, thus helping start the LaGrange County Community Foundation.
Miles served as a founding board member and first President of the LaGrange County Community Foundation in 1991, and on the Board of Directors from 1991 to 1997. After his retirement, he worked with the Foundation to establish the Stroh Community Fund in 2000, and the Prairie Heights Perkins Family Scholarship Fund in 2009.
Paul Johnston, a long-term Board member, served the Foundation from 2005 to 2013. He served 4 of those years as Board president during which the foundation gave a grant to support the Pond Lil project at Dallas Lake Park. Pond Lil, located on the south border of Dallas Lake Park, totals 44 acres. The property was purchased by the Foundation from a private seller in 2012. The LaGrange County Parks Department secured grant funding from the state to purchase the property from the Foundation in 2013. This property increased the Dallas Lake Park size to 140 acres. The Foundation was instrumental in the purchase of this property under Paul’s Leadership.
Both men had a heart for volunteerism and service. Their legacy has forever changed the landscape of LaGrange County for the good.
We talked to two LaGrange County nonprofits who received a Community Impact Grant in 2022 to hear about their experiences applying for funding and any tips they had to share with fellow nonprofits seeking grant funding.
Purdue Extension: Blender/Spin Art Bike
Purdue Extension of LaGrange County received a Community Impact Grant of $3,075 to purchase a Blender/Spin Art Bike for youth programming. The bike is used to educate children on healthy food choices and the impact on mental and physical health. The bike has a smoothie and blender attachment, allowing students to see create their own smoothies while biking; the bike also also has a spin art attachment and students can create unique works of art.
The Blender/Spin-Art Bike has frequently been on the road since being introduced to LaGrange County. It’s made appearances at several schools, community libraries, camps, and other events, and has been very popular in each location.
Brittany Gilger, LaGrange County’s 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator, answered a few questions about the grant process that might be beneficial to future applicants.
How did receiving a Community Impact Grant impact your organization?
Receiving the grant for the Blender/Spin-Art Bike from the Community Foundation helped Purdue Extension and LaGrange 4-H deliver innovative programming to youth and adults in LaGrange County focused on topics such as healthy living and STEAM (science, technology, engineering and math).
Would you encourage others to apply? Did you think the application process was difficult?
I would encourage others to apply for the grant. I think it is a great way to get funds/resources for your organization through a local foundation that wants to serve the community. The grant process was easier than others that I have worked with and the Community Foundation was always available to help answer any questions that I had.
If there was one thing that you could share about your experience applying for the grant what would that be?
The Community Foundation has been a wonderful group to work with. They have made the process simple. I love that they have partnered with us in a shared mission of serving LaGrange County.
Want to experience a Blender/Spin-Art Bike demonstration?
Contact Brittany about the program and schedule a demonstration at your event, school, or youth program. You can reach Brittany at the Purdue Extension office at 260-499-6334 or email her at bgilger@purdue.edu.
Community Health Clinic: Building Project
The Community Health Clinic hosts their official Open House to the public on Saturday, September 9, from 2-6 p.m. in Shipshewana.
The Community Health Clinic in Topeka received a $40,000 Community Impact Grant toward their new facility in Shipshewana, a $4 million project.
Blake Andres, the Director of Development & Planning, recently gave a tour of the facility to a few of the Foundation staff. The 25,000 square-foot facility is almost near completion. The staff is currently moving into the building; some of facility will be furnished over time as the need arises and programming increases.
The staff was impressed by the simple, yet high-tech facility. The Community Health Clinic was conscious of cost and designed the building plan with future growth in mind. With large windows throughout the facility, there is not a bad view of Shipshewana.
It was great to see Blake’s enthusiasm and excitement for the project, and to hear how the new facility will elevate the level of care for people with genetic diseases.
Blake shared his thoughts on the grant process and any helpful information he could pass along to potential grantees:
The Community Health Clinic’s new facility features large windows throughout, letting in beautiful natural light and creating a calming atmosphere.
“Since seeing our first patient in 2013, The Community Health Clinic has been operating out of 3600 sq. ft. of leased basement space which in recent years, has become mission limiting. Early in our capital campaign planning for a new facility, we were fortunate to have some helpful conversations with the Foundation. They encouraged us to apply for a Community Impact Grant.
Our successful grant application had a significant impact on the trajectory of our project. Of course the funds were helpful, but of equal importance, engagement with LCCF helped us leverage the interest of other potential contributors.”
Based on his experience, Blake would encourage other community-based organizations to apply. Here are few of this suggestions:
Take the time to review the grant guidelines carefully and scrutinize your proposed project to see if your proposed project outcomes match the Foundation’s current priorities.
Reach out to the Foundation staff to confirm your organization’s eligibility and answer any questions you may have about the overall granting process.
The process is not difficult, but should not be rushed. Communicate with the Foundation team and assemble your draft application materials early in the grant cycle. Give yourself and your work colleagues the time to carefully evaluate your draft narrative and supportive materials.
Arianna Smith received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in the winter of 2017, during her senior year at Lakeland High School. She recently shared with us some of her experience in applying and what she has been able to accomplish since receiving the Lilly Scholarship.
What did you study in college?
I majored in Computer Science and minored in Law & Society at Purdue University.
How did the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship change your life?
It’s had an unbelievable impact. It gave me the opportunity to attend an amazing college program that I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. During my time in college, I made great friends & connections and I had really meaningful personal & professional experiences. I learned so much and I wouldn’t have been able to without the support of the scholarship.
Where did you attend college? What were some highlights from your college experience?
I attended Purdue University in West Lafayette. Some highlights include yearly Friendsgiving (at the dining court or friend’s apartments); taking dance and art classes for fun; mentoring and teaching other students as a lecturer and Teaching Assistant; and meeting people from all kinds of backgrounds.
What are you doing today?
I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Computer Science in fall 2022. I now live in Seattle, Washington, where I’m a software engineer at Microsoft. I’m about to have my one-year anniversary at work, and I love my job!
What would you like to tell students who are considering applying for the LECS?
If you’re thinking of it, do it! LECS is an amazing opportunity to grow and experience new things. You can accomplish more than you can imagine with it. LECS also provides you with a community of people that you can look to for support, so if you ever feel unsure, you’ll have that network to lean on.
Arianna Smith grew up in Howe, Ind. She received the LaGrange County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in 2017, and now lives in Seattle, Wash., and works for Microsoft.
When completing the application, what tips would you give to students?
Really think about what you are passionate about and why, and try to communicate that at every stage of the application. Ask your friends, family, teachers, etc. for advice about your application at every stage. It can be intimidating to share with others, but it will be worth it in the end.
How engaged are you in your community today? What do you find important in life?
I’m engaged with my community in Washington through volunteering and mentoring, and I think about my community back home all the time. The support that I received (financial, emotional, mental – all of it!) has allowed me to feel confident in setting and pursuing my goals. I’m incredibly grateful for all of the people in my life who have known and encouraged me, and I feel stronger and more sure of myself when I remember that they believe in me. That community support and encouragement is what I find most important in life, and it’s something that I want to be able to provide to others as well.
Receiving the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship can open doors for students. It’s exciting to see what recipients like Arianna are able to accomplish with the help of the Lilly Scholarship.
Students graduating from a LaGrange County high school with a minimum GPA of 3.75, and plans of attending an Indiana accredited college or university in the fall 2024, are eligible to apply for the Lilly Scholarship.
Specific information about the application requirements are available at Lccf.net/LillyScholarship. Applications are due September 8, 2023.
The Salvation Army is bringing its mobile food pantry to LaGrange County providing a nonperishable food box and frozen items to families. One is available per household, every 30 days.
Food pantry locations:
July 27, Topeka Fire Department, 11a.m. to 1p.m.
August 31, LaGrange Town Hall, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
September 21, Howe Fire Department, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
October 26, Topeka Fire Department, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This year’s Annual Celebration took place on Monday, June 12. It was a combination of delicious food, great information from some nonprofits, some encouragement to “take that extra step” because “we were born for such a time as this” from guest speaker Jason Schackow, and a celebration of volunteerism.
We are thrilled to have so many people who want to volunteer for the Community Foundation, whether on our board, on a committee, or other. We can’t say thanks enough or give anything that would be enough to express our gratitude for their time.
We also named our Spring Community Impact Grant recipients as well. The following organizations will receive grant funds of $71,736:
LaGrange County Arts will receive $5,000 for the second annual LaGrange County Arts Festival. The June 24 event will showcase artists specializing in theatrical, literary, visual and musical arts.
St. Martin’s Healthcare will receive $25,000 for its mobile health clinic. The organization provides healthcare to uninsured and underinsured people in LaGrange, Noble, Steuben and DeKalb counties. Their mobile clinic will visit LaGrange County at least once a week to see patients.
Community Dental Clinic in Topeka will receive $20,000 to help purchase an oral scanner helping their organization provide more effective dental care.
Rainbow Years Learning Ministry will receive $21,736 to help purchase materials, furniture, equipment, toys/activities for the childcare’s upgraded facilities. Rainbow Years Expansion Project will be adding 25 more childcare seats.
We were thrilled to celebrate our 10 nominees for the Heart of Gold Award. What a unique group of people, who all do a variety of volunteerism, and a beautiful example of what the people in this county can do. See more about their stories HERE.
The highlight of the evening was naming our 2023 Heart of Gold recipient. All of the nominees could be given the award, because in their own ways they do so much for those around them.
Amy Whited of LaGrange was chosen as our Heart of Gold Award recipient. Whited, an art teacher at Lakeland Intermediate School, was nominated for the award by her mentor and friend, Mary Woodworth. Whited credited her mentor for encouraging her to pursue a creative path.
Known to serve quietly in the background, Whited is involved in volunteer activities for youth – especially in art. She is a 25-year member of Tri Kappa Mu, a local women’s sorority focused on philanthropy, and helps organize the annual Tri Kappa Art Month. A board member of LaGrange Communities Youth Centers, she leads and instructs an annual summer art camp for elementary students. She volunteers with Camp Watcha Wanna Do and LaGrange Night to Shine. This past year, she was instrumental in helping support a new arts organization – LaGrange County Arts.
Overall the evening was a success!
Thank you to the following for all you did in helping us make the 2023 Annual Celebration a night to remember!
George’s Taco Shack for the dinner.
Shawna Rae’s for the cupcake spread.
Braden Rogers for the music.
MY Events LLC, Megan Yoder for the photo backdrop.
Kari Lipscomb for photography.
Farmstead Inn & Conference Center, Andrea Boval for the facility.
Mariah at SRMA for the tablecloths.
Judy at Country Garden Center for the table flower pots.
Isaac Rogers at Irog Media for the Heart of Gold Nominee video.
Lavern at Teaberry Wood Products for donating the engraved basket given to the Heart of Gold Award recipient.
Action Quick Print for the printed material.
Carrie at Extreme Graphics LLC for the volunteer T-shirts
Our panel of speakers: Jared Beasley from Community Health Clinic; Portia Amstutz from Rainbow Years Learning Ministry; and Kathy Dunafin from Elijah Haven Crisis Intervention Center.
Our guest speaker: Jason Schackow, Lakeland Jr/Sr High School principal.
Speakers and presenters for the evening: Octavia Yoder, Executive Director at the Foundation; Leanna Martin, Program Director for the Foundation; and Tony Bontrager, President, LCCF Board of Directors & Renea Boots, Vice President, LCCF Board of Directors.
Trevor Thain and Renea Boots, LCCF Board of Directors, for helping at the registration tables.
Tony & Lauren Bontrager and the staff’s husbands for helping with cleanup afterward.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation staff for all of the behind the scenes decisions that helped make this a great event.
Written by: Sarah Hostetler, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager
LIFE is a youth philanthropy group supported by the LaGrange County Community Foundation. LIFE members gain experiences in community service and charitable giving. The students also provide oversight to youth grant making funds at the Community Foundation.
During the 2022 – 2023 school year LIFE offered two grant cycles, awarding $19,676 to youth-serving organizations and school projects. We focused on after school programming and was able to award $4,000 in this area supporting LCYC after school photography program and Prairie Heights new e-sports program.
Our meetings were packed full of grant making decisions and LEAP planning. We 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. We have guest speakers, breakout sessions, and some serious fun planned!
We began our community service projects in November with leaf pick up. We worked with LaGrange County Council and Aging to pick up leaves from local homes. In March we connected with LaGrange County Parks & Recreation to help them prepare for Maple Syrup Days. Cleaning, organizing, and setting up table and chairs for the event proved to be a very productive afternoon.
Jamelle Godlewski from Lead and Impact shared about leadership and what type of leaders there are. Rustin Krapfl of Agape Missions of LaGrange County shared the six lessons in leadership. Both guest speakers provided great insight on necessary skills for leadership.
And the last LIFE event took place at The Trading Post Outfitters. We completed one last community service project, trash pickup along the river.
As we plan for next school year, we hope to continue encouraging philanthropy in our community and peers.
The Heart of Gold Award honors everyday LaGrange County residents who go above and beyond and embrace the call to volunteer service. We are excited to announce that we received 10 nominations for the award during the month of April.
The 2023 Heart of Gold nominees include:
Alexis Grossman of Wolcottville. Alexis is the president of Tri Kappa Mu and a member of the LaGrange County 4-H Fair Board.
Alice Bremer of LaGrange. Alice runs the Boomerang Backpacks program at Prairie Heights Schools. She volunteers with the Mongo Lions Club and serves as a Leo Club sponsor.
Amy Whited of LaGrange. Amy has been a member of Tri Kappa Mu for the past 25 years and volunteers in several art programs. She volunteers with LaGrange County Arts, Night to Shine, and serves on the board of LaGrange Communities Youth Centers.
Heather Evenson of Wolcottville. Heather donates her time and is an active board member with LaGrange County Miracle Tree.
John Schmidt of LaGrange. John donates his time and energy to helping people in his neighborhood, and serves at his church, Brighton Chapel.
Keith James of Howe. Keith is an active board member of The Farm Place, helping raise funds and create awareness. He uses his photography to help promote LaGrange County. Keith, along with another individual, launched the Hometown Heroes banner project in LaGrange County, honoring military and first responders from LaGrange County. Keith is a LaGrange County Chamber board member. He also serves as an Elder at his church, Brighton Chapel.
Kevin Myers of LaGrange. Kevin serves on the LaGrange County 4-H Fair Board, LaGrange County Farm Bureau, and he is an active member on the board for the LaGrange County Council on Aging.
Mike Brudney of LaGrange. Mike donates his time to running the LaGrange Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, taking every Saturday night away from his family and his own interests to help people in LaGrange County.
Randy Merrifield of LaGrange. Randy is a mentor through the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) program, spending quality time with troubled kids, and getting them involved in activities to keep them out of trouble. He also volunteers with Agape Missions of LaGrange.
Samantha Davis-Kania of LaGrange. Samantha donates her time to LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity, serving on the board for the last 8 years. She also serves on the LaGrange United Methodist Church Outreach Committee.
In selecting the award recipient, the award committee considers nominees who share their time for the sake for others, render a service that changes lives, work to create positive change, inspire others to volunteer and more.
All nominees are eligible to make a $500 grant to the LaGrange County nonprofit of their choice in their name; the award recipient is eligible to make a $1,000 grant.
We will be announcing the recipient of the 2023 Heart of Gold Award at our Annual Celebration on Monday, June 12. The deadline to register for our celebration is Monday, May 29. If you are interested in attending, please go HERE.
LaGrange Partners is an interagency meeting for nonprofit organizations and entities providing services to LaGrange County residents. Partners provides a forum for learning about resources, discussing current issues, networking, and keeping up to date on existing services.
The meeting is open to nonprofit staff, board members, volunteers and interested community members who want to connect and learn more about the nonprofit sector in LaGrange County.
LaGrange Partners meets every other month in various locations, from 11:30am-1pm. The meeting format includes time for lunch, agency announcements, networking, and a featured presentation on a focus topic. Each of the focus topics are scheduled for the year. You can find that schedule HERE.
LaGrange Partners is facilitated by the LaGrange County Community Foundation.
If you’d like to find out more information, or to sign up for the next meeting on Tuesday, June 13, go HERE. You can also see past minutes, resources, and agendas at that link as well.
