Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Keith Roysdon— DELAWARE COUNTY, Indiana – Imagine if you were nine years old, removed from an abusive or neglected circumstance and headed for foster care – but first, you had to wait for hours or even overnight in a cubicle in a welfare office. The multi-state Isaiah 117 Houses are intended to prevent that unwelcome layover at a child services office by offering a homelike accommodation for a child and their caseworker until a foster home is ready. With $200,000 in funding spearheaded from Delaware County Commissioner James King and the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission, an Isaiah 117 House…

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—More than 130 people attended this year’s IDEA conference March 2 on the campus of Ball State University. And during his opening remarks, Mitch Isaacs said they all had something in common. “We all love Muncie,” Isaacs, Executive Director of Shafer Leadership Academy, said. “We all love our community.” The Intentional Development and Education for Association (IDEA) conference brings together citizens and leaders representing Muncie’s neighborhoods to develop and strengthen community-building skills. IDEA presenters provide leadership training, share best practices for engaging residents, and connect neighborhoods with community resources. The event was hosted by Building Better…

By Colleen Cooper, Altrusa Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—The Altrusa Foundation of Muncie awarded a $10,000 one-time impact grant to Isaiah 117 House, a non-profit organization, building a house in Delaware county. This grant is awarded in celebration of the Foundation’s 40thanniversary, which also coincides with the Altrusa Club of Muncie’s centennial anniversary (2023). The grant’s purpose is to provide funding for educational and other charitable purposes. Isaiah 117 House reduces trauma in foster children by providing a safe, loving transition from family removal to foster care placement. Isaiah 117 House Delaware County is the local arm of this organization and is…

By Alyson Madsen— MUNCIE, IN—Lynne Hatfield could write a book about creating an event. Approaching the tenth anniversary of The Delaware County Special Needs Prom (DCSNP), Hatfield is excited to host this annual celebration of inclusion and fun. Open to revelers ages 16-70, the prom has grown vastly in its scope, continuing to wow those lucky enough to attend. Slated for May 18 at The Horizon Convention Center, eight-hundred people are expected to attend. The genesis of the prom began with Hatfield’s son Hayden, who has autism. From age 3 (he is now 31) Hayden attended Life Skills classes through…