Non-Profit

By WaTasha Barnes Griffin— MUNCIE, IN – Shawnee Heights Baptist Church has announced the closure of its doors after years of serving the Muncie community. As part of its final act of service, the church has generously donated $50,000 to the YWCA Central Indiana to further its efforts in providing essential support and services to unhoused women and children throughout the region. The donation comes as the church’s congregation reflects on its mission to serve those in need and its commitment to empowering vulnerable populations. Through this gift, Shawnee Heights Baptist Church aims to support the YWCA’s continued programming, which includes…

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—The strength of a community lies in its ability to listen, learn, and act together. At Heart of Indiana United Way, alongside our Community Foundation partners, we’ve had the privilege of engaging with community members to hear their hopes, challenges, and visions for the future. These conversations underscore the value of public knowledge and input in guiding decisions that impact local families, businesses, and organizations. When decision-making bodies, such as city councils and county governments, prioritize listening to the voices of the community, they create opportunities for transformative change. Public input offers invaluable insight into the…

By Bob Scott— MUNCIE, IN—A fourth quarter grant from Indiana Michigan Power and the AEP Foundation blessed Muncie Mission with a new vehicle for pick-ups and deliveries. The panel delivery van will support the Mission’s efforts to rescue food donations from local restaurants, food producers, and distribution centers, as well as move clothing, furniture and household items among ministry locations. “This gift is truly a blessing, especially now during the busy holiday season,” said Bob Scott, VP of Development at Muncie Mission. “We’ve already used the van to pick up donations from canned food drives, winter clothing collections, and Christmas…

By Nick Werner— MUNCIE, IN — The Soup Kitchen of Muncie is proud to announce the appointment of Kristina Houk as its new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2025. Houk brings a wealth of experience in kitchen management, community outreach, marketing, and relationship building, as well as a deep commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting the Muncie community. Houk succeeds Loretta Parsons, who retired after 13 years as Executive Director and 20 overall years of remarkable service to the Soup Kitchen. Under Parson’s leadership, the Soup Kitchen rebranded to improve marketing and outreach efforts, built new partnerships, navigated the…

By Lauren A. Schregardus— MUNCIE, IN—On Tuesday, December 10, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Comfort Cases, and Isaiah House 1:17 joined forces at the Ross Community Center in Muncie to host a heartwarming event aimed at improving the lives of foster care children throughout Delaware County. Approximately 40 local individuals including volunteers from these organizations, alongside local community partners, gathered to pack 200 backpacks filled with essential and comforting items for children entering local foster care. The backpacks, which included pajamas, socks, blankets, stuffed animals, books, activity materials, and hygiene kits, will be distributed to foster care organizations across…

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Research shows 90 percent of brain development occurs within the first five years of life. It’s one reason why early childhood engagements like play matters. That’s just one statistic that is driving the local Cradle to Career Muncie support network, a national movement that has emerged locally. C2CMuncie is made up of 9 Collaborative Action Networks each led by a local nonprofit, whose cross-sector team members focus on a timeline that goes from pre-kindergarten to career. These agencies and their teams have worked for more than two years to break down the data and plan a…

By Krista Flynn— MUNCIE, IN — Muncie Action Plan (MAP), in collaboration with Shafer Leadership Academy, Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs, 8twelve Coalition, Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, and Habitat for Humanity, would like to announce the renewal of the CenterPoint Scholars Program. Thanks to a second generous grant from CenterPoint Energy, this groundbreaking initiative will continue to empower community leaders and foster meaningful change in Muncie’s vibrant neighborhoods. The CenterPoint Scholars Program is a year-long leadership academy designed to cultivate a dedicated group of resident leaders who are passionate about improving their neighborhoods. Through…