Non-Profit

Goal to build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant future for Whitely Neighborhood By Ken Hudson— MUNCIE, IN—For nearly 60 years, the Whitely Community Council has served the Whitely neighborhood and the east side of Muncie, giving neighbors a voice and making the neighborhood a vibrant place to live, work, and learn. A historically African American neighborhood in Muncie, Indiana, Whitely Community Council serves over 2,900 residents. In response to the community’s growing need for better access to educational opportunities, food, and health care, Whitely Community Council purchased the property at 1208 E. Centennial Ave in 2018 to serve as…

By Amanda Holmquist— MUNCIE, IN – Eight-year-old Lincoln G., a second grader and a member of Pack 303 in the White River District, is discovering a world of adventure through Cub Scouts. Whether he’s learning new skills, exploring the outdoors, or simply having fun with friends, Lincoln is embracing the many opportunities Scouting has to offer. When asked about his favorite part of Cub Scouts, Lincoln’s enthusiasm is clear. “Playing with my friends, fitness, and learning the yo-yo,” he says. While coin collecting wasn’t his favorite, hiking ranks high on his list of exciting activities. His den has enjoyed adventures…

Editor’s note: This Easter message was originally published on MuncieJournal.com on March 30, 2018.  By Paul Ward— MUNCIE, IN—Do you ever feel like all hope is lost? Sit in front of the evening news and you’ll see violence, arguments, and injustice. No one offers any real change. No one offers any real hope. When we lose everything, we lose hope. During World War II an Austrian psychiatrist named Viktor Frankl was sentenced to the Auschwitz concentration camp. While he was living in the midst of pure misery, Frankl noticed that his fellow prisoners had different reactions to their circumstances. They…

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—The 10th annual Neighborhood IDEA Conference brought together more than 100 dedicated community members for a day of networking, workshops, and inspiration on March 8 at Ball State University’s L.A. Pittenger Student Center. This year’s sessions covered a range of topics, from political action and leadership development to project planning and community engagement. The event was hosted by Building Better Neighborhoods, Muncie Action Plan and Shafer Leadership Academy. Contributing sponsors include Ball State’s Office of Community Engagement, City of Muncie, Woof Boom, Ball Brothers Foundation, The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, HOPE, and the…

By Sara McKinley— MUNCIE, IN – Muncie Public Library (MPL) is proud to announce the receipt of a $10,000 Impact Grant from Tri Kappa of Muncie. This generous grant supports the library’s efforts to preserve local history and to enhance exhibits shared with the community. The funding is being used to purchase archival storage supplies and storage furniture, which will provide better protection for the library’s valuable local history collections. These enhancements will ensure that Muncie’s rich history is preserved for future generations to enjoy. Additionally, the grant funded the purchase of mobile exhibit panels that have been installed at…

By Mitch Isaacs, Shafer Leadership Academy— MUNCIE, IN—A group of high school students from the Muncie Youth Leadership Program is inviting the community to help shape the future of one of Muncie’s most symbolic landmarks: the Unity Bridge. The students, working in collaboration with city officials and community partners, have launched a brief public survey to gather input on the bridge’s role, public awareness, and future initiatives. The project is part of their leadership development curriculum, which challenges students to engage in hands-on civic experiences. “The Unity Bridge has the potential to bring people together and reflect the values of…

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Area leaders, experts in early childhood development, math and reading, postsecondary success and career pathways, gathered recently to breakdown the details that will fuel a five-year strategic plan for the Cradle to Career Muncie initiative. Collaborative Action Networks (CANs), which are outcome-focused, cross-sector teams, looked at what they’ve done, where the successes lie, and where the gaps remain. Cradle to Career Muncie is a collective impact model embracing a philosophy that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one. Behind each network are core services that prop up a thriving society, including not…

By Lynne Hatfield— MUNCIE, IN—The Mission Statement of the Delaware County Special Needs Prom/Events, Inc. is “to create social events that inspire and enhance self-esteem for individuals with special needs.  These social events will also educate the community on the unique and wonderful abilities of some very special individuals.” We have special needs adult children.  However, transitioning from school to adulthood has been very difficult.  Unfortunately, the adult special needs community is often forgotten and pushed aside.  It is because of this fact that our organization continues to evolve and go beyond our initial mission statement and expand our programming…

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE, IN – In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Shafer Leadership Academy invites employers, professionals, and community members to attend Autism at Work: Awareness, Accommodations, and Advocacy, a free community panel discussion on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W White River Blvd, Muncie, IN 47303. This interactive session will explore the experiences of autistic employees, best practices for workplace accommodations, and strategies for self-advocacy. Autistic employees bring valuable skills and perspectives to the workplace, yet many organizations struggle to create environments where neurodiverse individuals can truly thrive….