Non-Profit

By Jenni Marsh—  MUNCIE, IN—In compiling this year’s annual report, our team was amazed by the extraordinary impact Heart of Indiana United Way was able to achieve over the past year—thanks to:  • Donors—there were 3,350 of them! • Volunteers—1,306 volunteers gave their time and talent! • Champions—used their voice to advocate for neighbors and friends!  Our mission has always been to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person. Our commitment to fostering stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities remains unwavering. Each day, we strive to bring about positive change by connecting people, pooling resources, and…

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— INDIANAPOLIS, IN—If you are a frequent viewer of MuncieJournal.com, you may remember many of the stories we’ve published about the work of the Red-tail Land Conservancy. On Wednesday of this week, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) awarded a 2023 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence to Red-tail Land Conservancy during the annual Partners for Pollution Prevention Conference and Tradeshow in Indianapolis. “This is the highest environmental award in the state,” said Kelly Phillips, Communications and Outreach Manager for Red-tail. “For nearly 30 years, the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence has recognized Indiana citizens, government agencies,…

By Bob Scott, VP Development— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Mission Ministries, Inc. will host a groundbreaking ceremony for Project Greathouse, the construction of five new recovery cottages, on Friday, September 22 at 3:00 pm. The homes will be built adjacent to the Mission’s men’s residential facility located at 1725 S Liberty St. Project Greathouse will provide supportive housing for men who have completed the residential recovery program at Muncie Mission. Already seven neighborhood homes have been renovated as recovery housing for 14 men. The latest home, located at 405 W Memorial, will be open for tours during the groundbreaking celebration. Following the…

By Eliza Guion— MUNCIE, IN — Over the next several years, five new launches are scheduled to be constructed along the White River in Muncie, allowing for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing from the city’s east to west gateways. The addition of these launches comes on the heels of five decades of work by individuals and organizations to improve the water quality in the White River, one of East Central Indiana’s most important natural assets. As the health of the river has improved, so too has interest in related outdoor recreation. “In increasing numbers, canoeing and kayaking are thriving as outdoor…

By Jessica Gestwicki— MUNCIE, IN – Boy Scout Troop 22 will be dishing up heaping helpings of BBQ and fixings at its 30th Annual Hog Roast fundraiser at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 11am to 6pm. Proceeds will help the troop prepare for a challenging backcountry experience at Philmont Scout Ranch, BSA’s high-adventure base in New Mexico. Funds will also offset rising participation costs so scouting opportunities remain available to all. Besides the great food, Scouts will be collecting worn, tattered, or faded flags for the Scouts’ “Retire Your Flag” Drive. They will be demonstrating skills…

By Brian Wolfe— MUNCIE, IN—Each year, East Central Indiana’s Robert Cooper Audubon Society celebrates individuals and organizations who make noteworthy contributions to conservation and environmental education in our region.  Help us celebrate a local conservation hero by submitting a nomination to Annette Rose at rosenflowers@hughes.net by September 23rd. When submitting your nomination, please describe the nominee’s contributions and provide contact information.  Nominations are due by September 23.  Award nominees need not reside in our chapter’s seven­county region or be affiliated with the Audubon Society, but their work should have an impact on our region. Categories for this year’s awards are: Robert…

By Scott Smalstig— MUNCIE, IN—With a standing room only crowd of over 200 people at Ivy Tech’s downtown Muncie Community Room, Recovery Café Muncie conducted its second annual fundraising breakfast, captivating all in attendance with stories of love, acceptance, and success. “We can’t thank our sponsors and donors enough,” said Lisa Roossien, Recovery Café’s Executive Director. “We doubled the number of attendees from last year, and we are so proud that our story is resonating with the community. We are at 106% to goal and climbing. Donations are still coming in and welcome!” The success of the breakfast and the…

By Janet Roepke and Elizabeth Douglass— MUNCIE, IN—We propose that the first Saturday in September each year be celebrated as Shondell Day in Delaware County. On Saturday September 2, 2023, a group of former Burris volleyball players announced a new scholarship in honor of Muncie’s Steve Shondell. Mr. Shondell led the school to 21 Indiana state championships and four national championships in girl’s volleyball – making him one of the nation’s winningest high school volleyball coaches. In announcing the scholarship, former Burris player Liz Douglass called it “a tangible way for his grateful players and admirers to help cement his legacy and…

By Molly Flodder— MUNCIE, IN—When Hillcroft Services, Inc. and the Ross Community Center discovered they will be hosting similar events on Saturday, October 14, they decided to join forces and encourage their own shoppers to visit each other’s venue. Both events, set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Muncie will highlight the work of local artists and merchandise of area vendors. Hillcroft’s Shop & Share will be at their facility at 501 W. Airpark Drive. The Ross Community Center’s Art and Gift Fair will take place at the center at 1110 W. 10th Street For Hillcroft, the event will mark the…