LaGrange Co. Community Foundation Awards Fall Grants
By: Mike Stiles -
Friday, November 15, 2024
(top photo) The Farm Place left to right: Jeremy Burgi, Board Member, The Farm Place, Margaret Malone, Founder, The Farm Place, Octavia Yoder, Executive Director, LaGrange County Community Foundation, Sue Keenan, Board Member, The Farm Place, Stacy Merrifield, Board Member, The Farm Place, Jennifer Laughlin, Board Member, The Farm Place, and Arlene White, Board Member, The Farm Place.
(bottom photo) LaGrange Communities Youth Centers left to right: Leanna Martin, Program Director, LaGrange County Community Foundation, Octavia Yoder, Executive Director, LaGrange County Community Foundation, Jennifer Martin, Executive Director, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers, Jamesi Lemon, Board Member, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers, and Rebekah Troyer, Board Member, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers.
(photos courtesy of LaGrange County Community Foundation)
(LAGRANGE) – Eight nonprofit organizations in LaGrange County received money to help them in their mission to serve the public.
The LaGrange County Community Foundation has awarded $75,975 in grants to eight nonprofit organizations as part of its 2024 Fall Community Impact Grants Cycle. These grants will support a diverse range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for LaGrange County residents, from health and human services to education, environmental stewardship, and arts & culture.
One of the funded projects is an innovative rain garden initiative led by the Mongo Community Development Association, who received $1,475. This community-led project will improve the natural landscape around the Mongo Post Office, and improve water management, helping to keep the sidewalk in a low-lying area dry and accessible.
Alongside the rain garden project, The Farm Place was awarded $25,000 to help complete its Animal Companionship Center in LaGrange. The facility will offer families involved in foster care and court systems private meeting spaces where children can connect with case managers, mental health professionals, and participate in supervised visits. Additionally, animal companionship during these visits will provide emotional support, fostering a nurturing environment to help families through difficult times.
In addition to these projects, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers has been awarded $25,000 to support its expanding summer programs. Each year, its summer camps in art, conservation, drama, and music reach full capacity, offering valuable educational experiences for youth during the summer months.
Also receiving grants for 2024 are: Brightpoint: Covering Kids and Families of Brightpoint Health Insurance Navigation Services, $5,000; Hope's Harbor: Overnight Accommodations for LaGrange County Families, $5,000; Kate's Kart: Book Gifting Program at Parkview LaGrange Hospital, $2,500; Lima Township: Howe Town Park Bathroom Facilities, $10,000; and Science Central: Science4U Program, $2,000.
Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation says each of these organizations play a crucial role in meeting essential needs and enriching LaGrange County. She says the Foundation is proud to support these efforts and to be part of the positive change happening across LaGrange County.
