We were given the opportunity to volunteer at Maplewood Nature Center.
When we arrived we were met by a lady named Leslie Arnold who explained her position at the park as a naturalist.
She instructed us as we started service. The group split up and some worked on tidying up the sugar shack.
The rest took the center’s pet turtle named Tuck on a walk and cleaned his habitat.
Leslie guided us on a nature trail through the parks’s forest. We got to witness the maple trees at the peak of Autumn. Their leaves were the colors of rust.
After the walk, we began to work again. Some of us raked leaves while others cleaned and organized the building.
We enjoyed our time at Maple Wood not only participating in service but getting to learn more about LaGrange County.
Breanna Baker
This post was submitted and written by Breanna Baker, LIFE member. Breanna serves as Recorder on the Executive Team and is a part of the LIFE Marketing Committee.
If you would like to support LIFE and their philanthropic and community service efforts consider donating to the LIFE ENDOWMENT FUND or the LIFE OPERATING FUND.
The LaGrange County Council on Aging received a COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant earlier this year to support its services.
In partnership with Aging & In-Home Service of Northeast Indiana, the COA delivered 51 emergency COVID-19 packs to local residents. The emergency packs contained food, face masks, gloves, batteries, coupons, sanitizer, and emergency information.
With limited funds and transportation services, the COA adjusted their schedule and delivered groceries to senior citizens and provided prescription delivery services during the stay at home order.
During the crisis, L-CAT was able to provide local transportation to seniors for donations.
Nothing like this has ever happened in my lifetime and I sure hope it never does again, but you have to be strong and have the desire to push on in order to help as many people as possible during trying times. Every dollar helps in this situation and this grant assisted us to continue serving members of our community.
Cheri Perkins, Executive Director of LaGrange County Council on Aging
Established in 1975 by Eva Connelly, the COA is a resource for services that improve the quality of life for older adults of LaGrange County to enable them to retain their independence and provide safe accessible public transportation for all residents.
To make a donation to the Good Samaritan Fund, which supports COVID-19 relief efforts click here.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the five finalists for the 2021 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship award.
Finalists for the 2021 award are Alexis Miller, Westview Jr. – Sr. High School, Amelia Johnston, Prairie Heights High School; Hallie Mast, Westview Jr. – Sr. High School, Mary Hostetler, Westview Jr. – Sr. High School; and William Clark, Westview Jr. – Sr. High School.
The scholarship is awarded to a well-rounded LaGrange County graduating senior who exemplifies service and leadership in their community, while maintaining a commitment to academics. The recipient will receive a full tuition scholarship for eight semesters to the accredited Indiana college or university of his or her choice as well as a $900 yearly stipend for books and academic fees.
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.
After a competitive application process that evaluated academics, community and school activities, leadership, and written essays, the Community Foundation’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Committee interviewed five outstanding finalists on October 15, 2020. The results of the interview round will be combined with the application round to determine the 2021 nominee, which will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana for selection of the LaGrange County recipient who will be announced in mid-December. The four remaining finalists will each receive a $1,000 renewable four-year scholarship from the Lambright Leadership Scholarship Fund, established by Kevin and Carrie Lambright in 2013.
The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are 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.
LaGrange County Community Foundation named Erica Cook of Wolcottville the recipient of the 2020 Heart of Gold Award on October 16 with a surprise announcement.
Unlike in years past when the announcement was made at a special dinner celebration, the Heart of Gold Award was announced with an in-person surprise entourage and released to the public via video.
Erica thinks of others before herself and is never afraid of any hard work, which may be a part of the process of being involved. She is continually looking for ways to make LaGrange County a better place.
Tami Maxey, nominator
A longtime volunteer, Cook is most recognized as a person serving individuals often providing basic needs and words of encouragement. Cook is often seen throughout the community volunteering in youth activities, events like Night to Shine, and fundraisers, like Kingdom Road Golf Outing. Cook, recently spearheaded Shine LaGrange, an online positivity campaign to bring awareness to businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19.
Cook and her husband, Peter, own and operate, Cook’s Bison Ranch. Cook has served as a guardian for children in need, serves at the LaGrange Church of God, and is a past board member of the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce. Cook established the nonprofit, Kingdom Road Project, Inc., whose mission is to spread the love of Christ to those in need through charitable giving and support of Christian ministries throughout the world.
The Community Foundation received five nominations for the eleventh annual award. The 2020 nominees included Brittany Cowley of LaGrange, Larry Miller of Wolcottville, Stan Clark of Wolcottville, and Terry Andrews of Howe. Click here to read more about each outstanding nominee.
In honor of the nominees, the Community Foundation will provide matching gifts (up to $500) to five select funds, through October 31.
After delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, renovation at our new facility has now started. Lehman Construction of Shipshewana will complete the project.
The project will feature a new addition, increased parking space, and complete renovation of the building’s office and lobby space. The project is on target to be completed by the end of 2020. The Community Foundation anticipates moving into the new facility in mid-January of next year.
The facility will contain 3,000 square feet of office space, including an 800-square foot community room available for nonprofit use. The community room will be equipped with multi-media technology and will seat 30 people comfortably and provide space to host small gatherings and meetings. The community room will be available free of charge to local nonprofits and civic groups.
We are excited to provide a community space for our nonprofits. The addition will be an asset to the community, handicap accessible, and provide a gathering space for our community.
Octavia Yoder, Executive Director
The Community Foundation had been setting aside funds for several years, which allowed the organization to purchase the property using available cash – no mortgage was required. A portion of the cost of the building was funded using a gift the Foundation received at the beginning of 2019.
Greater visibility, lower long-term costs and enhanced accessibility were the deciding factors in the move.
It is important to the Foundation to honor those who have been a vital part of it, it is because of their dedication we are able to fulfill our mission. The new headquarters will be a beacon for LaGrange County not just today but well beyond into the future.
Neal Wolheter, Board President
The new facility is on track to be open February of 2021.
If you’d like to support the Community Foundation, donate to the LCCF Operating Endowment.
A mere three months ago the most interaction I had with the LaGrange County Community Foundation was applying for scholarships online. Fast forward to now, I have gotten to know the amazing women behind the scenes, how much work they put into everything they do; they make it look a lot easier than it is.
Over the last two and a half months, I have been introduced to new people, concepts, and opportunities. I felt like my job was actually important, unlike other internship horror stories I have heard. I was entrusted with some larger projects, which at first seemed daunting, but ended up working out great and really helped me connect to the Foundation and some members of the community.
I really have felt like an important member of the team. I never knew how much the Foundation really did; pieces of it are weaved into areas I would have never expected, like the Parks Department or the Hawpatch Trail. I did not realize the magnitude of help that the Foundation was capable of providing. In some instances, pieces the community would fall apart without the support of the Foundation to keep it going.
I have a newfound love and support for our community and its members. I also have a greater understanding of how things work at a nonprofit, which is making me rethink my future goals.
Overall, I have enjoyed my time here. As it comes to a close, I want to thank Leanna, Octavia, and Laurie for their wisdom and skills they have shared this summer and the members of the community who helped me realize the amount of love there is for this county.
Enjoying the sights at Menno Hof and the Jack Stark Nature Preserve was a very eye-opening experience for me in several ways as I near the end of my internship here at the Community Foundation.
The museum was incredible; as a life-long native to the area, it was interesting to learn so much new information about the history. The culture, history, and ways of life of the inhabitants of LaGrange County is a major part of what makes us so unique. You can see exactly what I’m talking about just driving out to Menno Hof and looking around beautiful Shipshewana, which I highly suggest. The museum itself is fun and interactive, with the tornado exhibit being my favorite. I won’t spoil too much! It was a fantastic tour, and well worth it for any family to check out for an afternoon.
The Jack Stark Nature Preserve is a striking area. Walking the trails near the gorgeous, untouched section of the Pigeon River is a great hiking experience. It really feels like you are in the middle of nowhere. Make sure to bring some boots!
Overall, getting to go out and see the tangible impact of the Community Foundation was the best part of the day. It is awesome to meet the real people, projects, and community-building organizations that we are supporting. Especially during this interesting summer, seeing how the foundation makes an impact, changes lives, and educates the area really reinforced how great I’ve felt about my work here. Where else can you do all of that for your friends, strangers, and neighbors alike?
Because of the support from the Foundation, Menno Hof will continue to serve thousands of people each year. The preserve will be protected and managed with the community’s best interest in mind for years to come. These are just two of dozens and dozens of examples of the Foundation’s work.
Just a few months ago, I did not really know about the true impact of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. Now, as I have worked with the incredible staff and witnessed how we have assisted around the community throughout the pandemic, I know exactly all the good they do. Go out and see it yourself (safely, of course)!
Community Impact Grants are available to nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County. These grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have supported the unrestricted and field of interest charitable funds at the Foundation.
Duff Lake Fen at Pine Knob Park
Grant applications will be due September 3, 2020.
The Community Foundation seeks proposals for innovative or creative projects with significant impact on the community.
Nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County are eligible to apply in six areas:
The LaGrange County Community Foundation awarded Community Impact Grants totaling $45,940 in June to 11 projects and programs benefiting LaGrange County.
Through Community Impact Grants, the foundation aims to support nonprofit needs and provide innovative programs and services in LaGrange County.
Veterans Headstone Project was among the 11 organizations that received funding. The Community Foundation awarded Veterans Headstone Project $6,015 for the American Flag Holder Program – World War II, a project that identifies and repairs or replaces American flag holders. The grant will support the replacement or repair of 274 veteran’s gravesite flag holders.
The LaGrange County Historical Society also received a $5,000 matching grant to support the preservation of a stained glass window at the LaGrange County Historical Museum. Founded in 1967, the Historical Society maintains a collection of LaGrange County history at 109 South High Street in LaGrange. The grant will support the removal of a stained glass window on the south side of the building. The next stage is to repair and reinstall the window. Kokomo Glass originally installed the stained glass windows in 1909.
Each year, the Community Foundation accepts proposals for charitable projects and programs that help local nonprofit organizations provide services to LaGrange County families and individuals. The Grants Advisory Committee reviews the submitted grant applications and made recommendations to the Board of the Directors who approve the grant awards. The grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who have supported the unrestricted and field of interest charitable funds at the Community Foundation.
The 2020 Community Impact Grant Spring awards include:
Kate’s Kart, Kate’s Kart Book Distribution at Parkview LaGrange Hospital, $2,500
Science Central, Science Central Study Trips & Outreach Programming, $5,500
LaGrange County Historical Society, Window Preservation, $5,000
In 2020, applications for the fall Community Impact Grants will be accepted on Sept. 3. Click here to learn more.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire and sustain generosity, leadership and service. Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation connects people to charitable causes and provides resources to nonprofits to make a lasting and sustainable impact.
We have partnered with the LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau to bring “Make It Your Own Mural Fest,” a regional mural festival that will bring 11 new murals to 11 counties of Northeast Indiana this September to LaGrange!
From now till July 11 we need your help in raising $3,000 to support a mural right here in LaGrange. 3Rivers Federal Credit Union will match every gift made through the campaign dollar for dollar (up to $1,500).
