Non-Profit

By Kelley Phillips— ECI land trust with local artists and author have published a book of paintings and poetry. Muncie, IN – Red-tail Land Conservancy has published their first book, titled “A Brush with Nature,” in collaboration with the Union City Plein Air Painters and local children’s book author Laurie Lunsford. “A Brush with Nature” illustrates the actual forests, prairies, wetlands, and waterways of east central Indiana that have been preserved by Red-tail. In the book, the main character is a red-tail hawk who observes the changing seasons. Included in some of the paintings are hidden paint brushes that the…

By Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN—The YMCA of Muncie, in partnership with Muncie Community Schools, has been approved to receive state funding to support after school programs at East Washington Academy and Southview Elementary. Through the 1008 Student Learning Recovery Grant Program Fund, the Y will Provide after school support at no cost to the families in two elementary schools. After school support is essential to getting students back on track and reducing learning loss. The Y will provide support to students in literacy, numeracy, character development and college readiness through proven curriculum and programs. “There is a growing need for…

By Susan Fisher, MPL— Muncie, IN—Babies, kids, teens, and even adults can sign up for the Summer Reading Program (SRP) at Muncie Public Library (MPL). The 2021 program runs from June 14 through July 25. This year’s theme is “Tails & Tales” and kids will find fun and fascinating virtual and in-person activities and events, such as science programs, story times, and more. Most in-person events for children will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Kids can also pick up animal-themed take and make kits to enjoy at home. “Reading is such an important part of learning,” said Akilah S. Nosakhere,…

By Melissa Jones— Muncie, IN— In its first round of grants for 2021, Ball Brothers Foundation’s Board of Directors approved more than $3.3 million in funding, including COVID-19 vaccine distribution and messaging support to local health organizations, and recovery and rebuilding support to Delaware County schools. The COVID-19 vaccination support totals $250,000, with grants awarded to Ball State University, Delaware County Health Department, Delaware County Office of Information, IU Health Foundation, Meridian Health Services and Open Door Health Services. These grants were a part of Ball Brothers Foundation’s multi-phase funding effort. The third phase, “Operation Bright Light,” invited health organizations…

By Dominic Bordenaro, Data & Marketing Coordinator, Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie— Muncie, IN—The Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie is honored to have received a grant from the Ball Brothers Foundation totaling $300,000 over two years. This grant will help offset operating costs and allow the Clubs to pursue two goals set for the next two years: continue to provide great out of school time programs through ourYouth Development Professionals and strategically place the Clubs in a position of growth. The grant will be used to equip staff with tools, resources, and professional development training needed to foster…

By Miles Hill, Delaware County CASA, Staff Advocate— Muncie, IN—On Tuesday, June 22, 2021, the Delaware County Family Recovery Court will honor the two most recent participants to complete the program with a graduation ceremony. The graduates will add two to the program’s total graduate count of six. The Delaware County Family Recovery Court has been helping families who have been affected by substance use disorder since July 2019. The court operates under Circuit Court 2 with Judge Kimberly Dowling and Juvenile Magistrate Amanda Yonally presiding. The participants have open Department of Child Services cases where parental substance use was an…

By Akilah Nosakhere and  Susan Fisher from Muncie Public Library, Brittany Covert and Bridget Duggleby from Muncie Civic Theatre, and Stacy Wheeler from Classroom Connections of ECI— Muncie, IN—Muncie Civic Theatre (MCT) is partnering with Muncie Public Library and Classroom Connections of East Central Indiana to distribute free books at upcoming performances of The Wizard of Oz at Canan Commons in downtown Muncie. Classroom Connections of ECI (formerly the Back To School Teachers Store) recently received tens of thousands of new books to give to children in our community under their Books Kids Keep Program. “Children’s book distributions and ownership…

Editor’s note: Nominations are now closed.  By Michelle Kinsey— Muncie, IN—The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MACC), in collaboration with the City of Muncie, is pleased to announce it is accepting nominations for the 2021 Mayor’s Arts Awards. The Mayor’s Arts Awards recognizes the contributions to the cultural community by all visual, performing, and culinary artists, musicians, writers, poets, rappers, directors, producers, craftspeople, arts educators, arts patrons, arts professionals and volunteers, as well as organizations, institutions, government agencies, corporations, and businesses who work in or for the arts primarily benefiting the residents of Muncie. The goal of this program is…

By Angie Pool— Muncie, IN—The Cardinal Greenway is kicking off their Cardinal Summer series of events with the Cardinal 5K Run/Walk Saturday, June 26. It will be offered in both Muncie and Marion. The Muncie edition will be a timed, competitive race that will start and finish at the Wysor St. Depot (700 E. Wysor St.) and include the Hughes Nature Preserve, new Kitselman Bridge and trailhead, John Craddock Wetlands Nature Preserve, Cardinal and White River Greenways. Marion will offer a family friendly, fun run/walk that will travel from the Marion Depot (510 W. 10th St.) to the Miller Ave….