Non-Profit

By Jud Fisher—  MUNCIE, IN —  In the heart of Muncie, there’s an organization powerfully reshaping the landscape—and the workforce—one house at a time and one life at a time. ecoREHAB, a nonprofit headquartered in Muncie’s Old West End, is on a mission to help revitalize the community’s neighborhoods through sustainable design, rehabilitation, and education. At the same time, the organization is building a new generation of workers prepared for high-demand jobs in construction trades. ecoREHAB was founded 15 years ago by Jonathan Spodek, a visionary Ball State University architecture professor, as a response to the housing crisis gripping the nation…

By Carly Acree-King— MUNCIE, IN—Nonprofit Support Network’s mission is deeply rooted in empowering nonprofit organizations throughout Muncie-Delaware County. We firmly believe that by providing organizations with the necessary resources, we can catalyze their ability to achieve their missions, serving our community with greater impact and effectiveness. As advocates and allies for the nonprofit sector, we recognize the critical importance of understanding our local community’s unique challenges, strengths, and opportunities. Understanding the significance of this, we’ve introduced the 2024 Muncie-Delaware County Nonprofit Landscape Survey to capture information about the nonprofits in our community and how we can best serve them. In…

By Keith Roysdon— DELAWARE COUNTY, Indiana – Imagine if you were nine years old, removed from an abusive or neglected circumstance and headed for foster care – but first, you had to wait for hours or even overnight in a cubicle in a welfare office. The multi-state Isaiah 117 Houses are intended to prevent that unwelcome layover at a child services office by offering a homelike accommodation for a child and their caseworker until a foster home is ready. With $200,000 in funding spearheaded from Delaware County Commissioner James King and the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission, an Isaiah 117 House…

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—More than 130 people attended this year’s IDEA conference March 2 on the campus of Ball State University. And during his opening remarks, Mitch Isaacs said they all had something in common. “We all love Muncie,” Isaacs, Executive Director of Shafer Leadership Academy, said. “We all love our community.” The Intentional Development and Education for Association (IDEA) conference brings together citizens and leaders representing Muncie’s neighborhoods to develop and strengthen community-building skills. IDEA presenters provide leadership training, share best practices for engaging residents, and connect neighborhoods with community resources. The event was hosted by Building Better…

By Colleen Cooper, Altrusa Foundation— MUNCIE, IN—The Altrusa Foundation of Muncie awarded a $10,000 one-time impact grant to Isaiah 117 House, a non-profit organization, building a house in Delaware county. This grant is awarded in celebration of the Foundation’s 40thanniversary, which also coincides with the Altrusa Club of Muncie’s centennial anniversary (2023). The grant’s purpose is to provide funding for educational and other charitable purposes. Isaiah 117 House reduces trauma in foster children by providing a safe, loving transition from family removal to foster care placement. Isaiah 117 House Delaware County is the local arm of this organization and is…

By Alyson Madsen— MUNCIE, IN—Lynne Hatfield could write a book about creating an event. Approaching the tenth anniversary of The Delaware County Special Needs Prom (DCSNP), Hatfield is excited to host this annual celebration of inclusion and fun. Open to revelers ages 16-70, the prom has grown vastly in its scope, continuing to wow those lucky enough to attend. Slated for May 18 at The Horizon Convention Center, eight-hundred people are expected to attend. The genesis of the prom began with Hatfield’s son Hayden, who has autism. From age 3 (he is now 31) Hayden attended Life Skills classes through…

By Kyle Johnson— DELAWARE COUNTY INDIANA—With the eagerly anticipated Total Solar Eclipse of April 8th,2024 a little over a month away, the Delaware County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) has been diligently preparing to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors during this extraordinary celestial event. Over the past year, DCEMA has engaged in comprehensive planning efforts, including attending state-wide seminars and conducting multiple meetings with local agencies and government representatives to address the potential impacts of the large influx of skygazers into the county. Recognizing the need for proactive measures, DCEMA will activate and staff…

By Meghan Andrews— MUNCIE, IN—Downtown Muncie, a beacon of vibrancy and community spirit, announces the launch of its dynamic new website, inviting residents and visitors alike to embark on a journey of discovery and connection. With the unveiling of DowntownMuncie.org, individuals can now “Find Your Place” in the heart of Muncie’s bustling downtown scene. The newly designed website serves as a central hub for exploring the rich tapestry of downtown Muncie, offering an array of resources, event listings, and interactive features to engage with the community like never before. From discovering local businesses to staying updated on upcoming events, the…