Non-Profit

By: Jessie Fisher—  Muncie, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts had an incredible year providing arts education to over 2,000 youth and adult students in Delaware County and the surrounding areas. The organization is looking forward to continuing its goal of providing high quality, low-cost arts education to all in 2018. The next 12 week session of arts classes will begin the week of February 5 with classes for youth and adults in visual arts, dance, theatre, music, martial arts, fitness, and more! Cornerstone’s youth classes start with ages one and continue through high school. Classes offered this spring include: ballet,…

By: Rodney Wilson— Donors of all blood types urged to give blood, platelets this holiday season Ft. Wayne, IN— The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give more life to patients now and into the new year by giving blood or platelets. Donations decline during the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day when busy holiday schedules cause regular donors to be less available to give and many blood drives may be canceled due to severe winter storms. Last year, nearly 64,000 fewer blood and platelet donations were given through the Red Cross during the seven weeks from…

By: Eric Halverson— Muncie, IN – Miller Poultry, a longtime local Kroger supplier and Indiana company donated $12,000 worth of poultry products (6,800 pounds) on Dec. 14, to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana in Muncie. “The reason we do this is to give back to the communities that support us throughout the year,” said Ken Rains of Miller Poultry.  “These are tough times for some, they may be struggling to make ends meet. We want to offer those who are in need a protein source for their holiday meal. Our faith and compassion for people leads us to…

By: Kristen McConnell— The YMCA of Muncie is offering new membership categories and pricing to enhance their community service. Muncie, IN– The YMCA of Muncie announced at a press conference, a recent demographic and community needs study prompted a revamp of membership categories, rates and the financial assistance process. The Y, which operates 3 membership locations, a child develpoment center and a summer resident camp, will now have four membership categories, each at the most affordable rate possible. They will also recognize specific prequalifiers, including: SNAP, TANF, CHIP, HIP and SSI,  that will provide immediate approval of financial assistance, removing barriers…

By: Lauren Hansen— Muncie, IN—On Tuesday, December 5, Cornerstone Center for the Arts hosted its Annual Donor & Community Reception. This is the third year for the event which recognizes the founders of the organization with awards named in their honor. This year, Cornerstone served over 2,000 students in educational programs, awarding almost $13,000 dollars in financial aid to families in need. This year, the event specifically recognized the efforts of all Board Members since the creation of Cornerstone Center for the Arts in 2004, and our Executive Directors. These individuals were instrumental in the merger of the arts programming…

Muncie, IN—The Youth Opportunity Center recently hired two new staff members: Elizabeth Kester as Director of Customers Relations, and Paul Ward as Spiritual Life Coordinator. Elizabeth Kester, of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, joins the YOC team with several years of experience in customer relations. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University in 2004. Upon graduation, she began her career as Donor Relations Manager at Christ’s Haven for Children and quickly climbed the ladder to become Director of Public Relations & Marketing for the company. At the YOC, Elizabeth will be responsible for meeting with clients across Indiana…

By: Jud Fisher— Muncie, IN—Over twenty non-profit organizations were awarded Ball Brothers Foundation Rapid Grants totaling nearly $100,000 during the second half of 2017. “BBF’s Rapid Grant program allows our foundation to quickly respond to funding requests in Muncie and East Central Indiana. Non-profit organizations can apply for up to $5,000 in funding, and organizations typically receive funding approval or denial within a week of submitting a proposal. We understand that unanticipated needs often arise, and Rapid Grants are an excellent way for us to channel resources to help non-profits to address critical issues, innovate, and take advantage of new…

By: Frank Baldwin— Muncie, IN—The 87th annual Muncie Mission free Christmas dinner for residents and community guests will be Sunday, December 17th.  A Christmas celebration service will begin at 11:30 a.m., dinner will follow at 12-noon.  Everyone is welcome. Last year, 200 Christmas dinners were served at the mission for residents and guests by staff and volunteers.  Additionally, 225 meals were delivered by volunteers to those homebound in Muncie. “Everyone should be able to experience Christmas dinner, but for many that is not an option. It is our honor to be able to provide Christmas dinner for any person who…

By: Sarah Shaffer, Education and Marketing Coordinator—  Muncie, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts will conclude its fall class session with its Fall Celebration on Sunday, December 10. This recital will include dance and music performances as well as a student art gallery. The show will begin at 2 p.m. in the E.B. Ball Auditorium followed by light refreshments in the Colonnade Room on the first floor of Cornerstone. The event will continue until 5 p.m. Celebration will highlight the work of this session’s youth and adult dance and private lesson music students. Information about the upcoming spring class session will be available…