(LAGRANGE) - Ten local nonprofits will expand their work through $110,000 in Community Impact Grants awarded by the LaGrange County Community Foundation.
Foundation Executive Director Octavia Yoder says these grants help fuel meaningful projects and programs that make a difference in the community. From educational opportunities to improving local recreational spaces, Yoder says they are proud to support nonprofits that strengthen LaGrange County every day.
The Community Health Clinic in Shipshewana received $15,000 to provide early intervention occupational therapy services to children in the Plain Community, many of whom attend Amish or Mennonite schools that do not offer therapy.
Lakeland School Corporation, on behalf of the countywide Learn to Work Program, will use its $25,000 grant to prepare students for careers in LaGrange County's largest employment sector: manufacturing. The program, a collaboration with Lakeland, Westview, and Prairie Heights schools, will launch an Advanced Manufacturing Industrial Maintenance Technician - Electrical pathway to give students the skills and credentials they need to succeed. Renovations at Lakeland Intermediate School will create a central training site for all three districts.
The 2025 Community Impact Grant fall cycle grant recipients include: Science Central, Science 4U Outreach, $2,000; Junior Achievement of LaGrange County, In-School JA Programming, $5,000; LaGrange County Department of Parks & Recreation, Dallas Lake Improvements, $25,000; Elijah Haven Crisis Intervention Center, Shelter Repairs, $25,000; Stroh Volunteer Fire Department, Emergency Radio Communications, $5,000; Brightpoint, Health Insurance Navigation Services, $2,500; Helping Hands of Orange Township, LaGrange County Food Supplement, $3,000; and Fort Wayne Ballet, Firefly Tour (Community Ballet Performances), $2,500.
These grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who support the Foundation's Caring Community Fund, field of interest funds, and community funds.
(top photo left to right) Community Health Clinic: Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of LaGrange County Community Foundation; Jaime Cunningham, Operations Director of Community Health Clinic; and Deborah Jurgielewicz, Director of Program Development & Grant Administration of Community Health Clinic.
(bottom photo left to right) Lakeland School Corp: Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of LaGrange County Community Foundation and Cara Young, Lead CTE Instructor and Program Coordinator of Lakeland Jr/Sr High School