Non-Profit

Celebrating TRAC’s impact on early childhood, families, and the future of East Central Indiana By Emma Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—Some of the most important work in a community looks like a room full of people showing up to another meeting. But the meetings of TRAC (Training, Resource, and Advocacy Connector), East Central Indiana’s regional early childhood collaborative, were never just another calendar invitation. They were a place to share challenges, celebrate progress, and imagine solutions to problems no single organization or county could solve alone. As this season of TRAC’s work supported by Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funding…

By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation has presented its 2026 John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award to Cindy Sollars, board treasurer of Red-tail Land Conservancy. Sollars was recognized with the award at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on November 4. The Fisher Governance Award honors a nonprofit board member in Delaware County whose strategic leadership, planning, and oversight have strengthened their organization’s mission, financial health, and general effectiveness. Sollars joined the Red-tail board in 2021, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a CPA to her role…

New community campaign reveals the surprising ways Muncie and Delaware County businesses impact everyday life and the world beyond By Allison Robbins— MUNCIE, IN—The stairs leading to Air Force One. The ladder that helps firefighters reach a family trapped in a burning building. The small component that helps keep you safe in your car. Even the equipment that roasts your morning coffee. What do they have in common? They all have connections to businesses right here in Muncie and Delaware County. And that’s just the beginning of the story. Every day, we pass businesses and organizations without realizing the remarkable…

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—You may not always get to see the result of your kindness but never doubt that it leaves a mark. That was the message at last week’s annual YWCA Central Indiana HEELS fundraiser, which drew about 400 people and raised $125,000, including an unexpected large gift from a new donor. Lives are transformed not just by systems and shelters, but by people — people who choose to care, choose to give and choose to believe in someone else’s better future. The HEELS event supports the operational costs of YWCA Central Indiana. HEELS stands for Help, Empower,…

By Aidan Whiteman, Student Mentor— MATTHEWS, IN—“We are like one big family. When we want to have real conversations, we can. You don’t have to hold back with anyone—you can be yourself and don’t have to hide who you are or who you want to become.” – Kierstyn, a sixth year woodworking and media student. We invite you to visit our “family” and consider becoming a member at our open house on October 29th between 7-9 pm. We are Team 1720 PhyXTGears, an award winning, high-school level, community-based FIRST Robotics Competition team. FIRST© (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—On Election Day, hundreds of volunteers will work the polls. In honor of these volunteers, National Election Hero Day is Monday, Nov. 2. Election Hero Day is a nonpartisan, national celebration. “The League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County wants to thank our county clerk, election team, poll workers, voter registration administrators and others who fulfill their civic duty to ensure safe, secure and successful elections,” said Linda Hanson, president of the Indiana League of Women Voters and spokesperson for the Muncie-Delaware County League. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to…

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—Children struggling with reading, falling behind on homework, or having difficulty focusing in class may be facing challenges that reach far beyond school. Their adults may be worrying about rent, healthcare costs, or stretching a paycheck to cover basic needs. Families don’t experience challenges in silos, and that’s why Heart of Indiana United Way doesn’t address them that way. Heart of Indiana United Way serves Delaware, Madison, Henry, Randolph, and Fayette counties, where 44% of households struggle to make ends meet—despite most of them working. In Muncie, that number climbs to 55%. We know that children’s…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Election Day is almost here—Tuesday, Nov. 3. “Remember your voice is powerful, and your vote matters,” said Linda Hanson, Indiana League of Women Voters president and spokesperson for the Muncie-Delaware County League. “The League is here to support you with reliable election information.” Here are some important reminders about election safety. When voters have questions or concerns, they can contact Election Protection at 866-687-8683. Assistance is available in multiple languages. Voters also can call the Delaware County Voting and Elections Office, 765-747-7812, if a poll worker acts improperly. For example, a poll worker should not support candidates, ask voters…

By Nick Werner— MUNCIE, IN—  Muncie based Red-tail Land Conservancy’s Fall Creek Woods is a model for the power of partnerships when it comes to restoring wetlands and rebuilding resiliency into our landscape. Fall Creek Woods is a nature preserve along Mechanicsburg Road in eastern Henry County. In 2015, Red-tail Land Conservancy acquired about 70 acres to expand Fall Creek Woods, and the organization protected this new acreage with a conservation easement held by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Two years ago, Red-tail partnered with the DNR to restore those acres from row-crop agriculture to a natural wetland…