Non-Profit

By: Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has awarded $54,888 to seven non-profit organizations from the Maxon Foundation Fund. The Maxon Foundation Fund was established when assets of The Maxon Foundation were transferred to The Community Foundation. The Maxon Foundation was originally established by Maxon Corporation and the founding family as a way to give back to the community and support worthy causes in Delaware County.  The Maxon Foundation Fund generally awards grants to organizations and programs that support at-risk children and families in Delaware County. A Better Way Services, Inc. received…

By: Molly Flodder— Muncie, Indiana—When the members of Survivor Voices, singers in the cancer survivors’ choir, give public testimonials, they are quick to point out that their cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery were among the hardest days, months and even years of their lives.  In fact, a few singers still have active cancer cases, but are grateful when they are in remission.  All members of the choir support the mission of providing hope, inspiration and encouragement to people and their caregivers who deal with cancer or other tough life issues. Testimonials will be among the program order at the joint…

By: Erin Moore, Member of the Muncie Community— Muncie, Indiana—“She promised herself better and never looked back.” These words of inspiration are painted in bright blue letters in the “Chameleon Connection,” a newly designed space for the YWCA of Muncie’s Complimentary Overnight Temporary Shelter (C.O.T.S.) program. Outfitted with beds, comforters, end tables, lamps, and brightly painted walls and artwork, the space – which used to house exercise equipment – now provides a warm and welcoming space for women and children who need shelter for the night. The space is named in honor of Krista Sides, owner of Chameleon Salon Suites…

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, Indiana. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has awarded $69,208 in grants to five non-profit organizations from the Harry and Janet Kitselman Fund. Harry and Janet Kitselman were residents and civic leaders in the Muncie community.  Per Mr. and Mrs. Kitselman’s wishes, a fund was created to administer and distribute funds for the good of the people of Muncie, Indiana, and the surrounding community with fine arts, recreation, children, and the history of East Central Indiana as the areas of focus. The following organizations were recipients of a Harry…

By: Tara Whitehead— Yorktown, IN—A head tilt to let you know they’re listening, a furry paw on your hand to show you how much you are loved, a wagging tail to let you know just how excited they are to be near you. Dogs are more than pets, they are family, and they take care of us as much as we take care of them. This is why we Bark For Life. The 5th Annual Bark For Life of Delaware County will be held Saturday, September 29th at Morrow’s Meadow in Yorktown from 9am to Noon.  Participants will enjoy visiting with…

By: Muncie OUTreach Board Members: Brett Ellison, Board President; Amanda Latz, Board Vice-President; Mary Bradley, Board Secretary; Carol Bradshaw; Greg Durbin; Sue Errington; Dave Franklin; Joe Mook; Steve Sneed; and Emily Wornell— Muncie, Indiana—At Muncie OUTreach, we exist to keep kids alive. We mean this literally—many of the kids who attend our weekly meetings have attempted suicide.  Their feelings of self-hatred, resentment, and despair are the natural consequence of being bullied at school, as the targets of cruel homophobia and transphobia, with no one to turn to. We exist to show kids hope exists.  We welcome kids to show up as their whole selves, with no judgment or shame, to our…

By: Melissa Jones— Muncie, Indiana — BY5 research estimates that, in Delaware County, between 1,610 and 2,440 0–3-year-olds in lower-income families suffer from diaper need. In an effort to reduce this number, BY5 Early Childhood Initiative is launching a diaper drive during National Diaper Need Awareness Week, which runs from Sept. 24–30, to support all the diaper banks in the Diaper Bank Network, which will open later this fall.  The Diaper Bank Network will provide families in need the opportunity to have access to necessary diapering products via diaper banks throughout the county. WIC, SNAP and EBT programs do not…

By: David Huhnke, Community Relations Manager, Old National Bank— Muncie, Indiana– The Community Champions Fund is pleased to announce that it has awarded grants to five organizations totaling $27,875. Community Champions Fund is subsidized by Old National Bank’s 100 Men Who Cook event to support organizations within the community to provide programming, services, and activities that endeavor to reduce violence as well as provide security and care for victims of violence.  Since 2015, Community Champions Fund has awarded over $320,000 to 36 different organizations. The Community Champions Fund will consider support to not-for-profits, civic, business, and government organizations to support…

By: Juli Metzger & Mike Rhodes Photos by: Amanda Kishel, Lorri Markum & Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Voices (Re) United, together again for the first time since 2007, stirred memories and emotions Thursday night, as thousands packed onto Walnut Street in downtown Muncie all for a single cause —live united to end generational poverty. The United Way of  Delaware County officially kicked off its 2018 campaign, announcing a goal $1.43 million. In last year’s campaign, United Way surpassed its goal by nearly 20 percent, raising $1.4 million. Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler addressed the crowd from the stage and said, “This is…