Non-Profit

By Katie Lehman Ready Readers Supervisor, Muncie Public Library— Muncie, IN—If 2020 has taught us anything it is that a lot can change in a very short amount of time. For Muncie Public Library’s Ready Readers program, that amount of time was two weeks. In two weeks, we took a program that emphasized the power of individual face-to-face instruction without the use of technology, and made it entirely virtual. Since its creation in 2016, MPL’s Ready Readers program has provided free one-on-one individualized literacy and reading tutoring sessions to local children, both at the library and in the participants’ homes….

By Kimberly Murphy— So much has happened these last few years, it’s hard to know where to begin. I’ve gone from a struggling single mom to a woman confident in her abilities, a newly minted college graduate. I know I am on the edge of realizing my dreams. United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties and the programs they fund and support, have been with me every step of the way. I am grateful that I am evidence of how the work they do – the work you support with your dollars – can create positive change for not just…

By Kallie Sulanke– Muncie, IN– The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has awarded $52,000 to five non-profit organizations from the Maxon Foundation Fund. The Maxon Foundation Fund was established when assets of The Maxon Foundation were transferred to The Community Foundation. The Maxon Foundation was originally established by Maxon Corporation and the founding family as a way to give back to the community and support worthy causes in Delaware County.  The Maxon Foundation Fund generally awards grants to organizations and programs that support at-risk children and families in Delaware County. A Better Way Services, Inc. received $10,000…

By Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—When Debbie Edwards Thompson makes her rounds as a letter carrier, she often brings much more than the mail to children on her route. She delivers smiles. She delivers excitement. And, most importantly, she delivers opportunity. Because inside those packages are books that are part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides one book each month for children, from birth to age 5, enrolled in the program in Delaware, Henry and Randolph counties. Thompson, who has been a letter carrier in Muncie for 26 years, was serving on United Way’s Board of Directors when the organization…

By Susan Fisher, Member, Kiwanis Club of Muncie— Muncie, IN—August 2020 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Muncie. Chartered in 1920, the club, perhaps best known for its annual Christmas tree sales, has changed a lot over the years.  One thing hasn’t changed: the motto of “Serving the Children of the World.” The club spearheads fundraising efforts throughout the year to support its service projects. The service projects include supporting Riley Children’s Hospital since its founding, building the Kiwanis Lodge at Camp Redwing, presenting dictionaries to every third grader in Muncie, and presenting every local Head Start…

By Farmhouse Creative— Muncie, IN—The award recognizes a volunteer who has made an extraordinary volunteer commitment to continue the mission of Motivate Our Minds. The award was announced during the Motivate Our Minds virtual luncheon on August 7th. This was a great opportunity for community members to learn more about the organization as well as how Motivate Our Minds has been supporting students and families during the past few months. Ruth Freund was an extraordinary friend of Motivate Our Minds. Co-founder, Mary Dollison, was introduced to Ruth Freund when Motivate Our Minds established a proven track record of mentoring and…

By Jeffrey Scott— You might think today’s pandemic is causing others to give less and keep more for themselves. But it’s just not true, best I can tell. And I’ve talked to a lot of local business leaders and community advocates these last several weeks as co-chair of the 2020 United Way fundraising campaign for Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties. You’ll have a chance this year to contribute to the annual Day of Action/Caring in ways that are limitless and so important to the message we send about our community and our collective resolve. Normally, hundreds of us criss-cross our…

By Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 is United Way’s Day of Caring. Traditionally on this day, individuals from around the community gather to serve partnering non-profits by completing volunteer projects. This year, to ensure the safety of volunteers and our non-profit partners, Day of Caring volunteers will continue to make an impact for struggling, working families through virtual advocacy opportunities. Prior to the pandemic, ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) data showed that 43% of our communities’ households are under the ALICE threshold. That means nearly half of our families struggled to make ends meet. ALICE families live in every…