WARSAW — The parent organization of Altrusa International of Warsaw will celebrate its 100th anniversary on April 11.  Organized in Nashville, Tennessee in 1917, Altrusa was originally known as the Altrusa Institute.  At that time a record number of women were going to work during World War I and there was a need for women’s civic organizations.  Originally classified a service organization for women, today Altrusa is an international network of men and women with diverse backgrounds and experiences.  Member clubs are grouped into 15 districts throughout the world.  The local club is a member of District Six comprising clubs in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

Altrusa became international in 1935, and in 1946 its first representative was sent to the United Nations.  The organization’s International Foundation was formed in 1962.  It is dedicated to improving economic well-being and quality of life through community services and literacy.  In 1966 the organization began to look to America’s youth as the future of Altrusa and established ASTRA service clubs to encourage young people (ages 13-21) to participate in community service.

Altrusa is proud to be an international non-profit organization making local communities better through leadership, partnership and service.  Today members are civic-minded men and women who strive to create better communities worldwide and spend over 1 million volunteer hours working in local communities.  Members enjoy serving community needs unmet by other sources through hands-on efforts, working with other groups and fundraising events.

The local club will kick off a year-long celebration of organization’s 100th anniversary at their meeting on April 6 and will participate with other District Six members celebrating the event at the district’s annual conference at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth April 7-9.

Altrusa International of Warsaw, Indiana, Inc. has been serving the Kosciusko County community for over 44 years.  Club members founded the Beaman Home domestic violence shelter and outreach center in 1985 and worked with the late Judge Burner to establish Court Appointed Special Advocates in Kosciusko County.  CASA appoints special advocates to speak on behalf of a child in abuse and neglect cases currently in the local juvenile court.

Members also provide assistance to a single mother furthering her education in order to raise the standard of living for her family through Combined Community Services’ Project Independence program.  They also support Grace College Mentors for Kids, Bakers Youth Club, Salvation Army, Kosciusko Literacy Services and Mobile Meals.  In addition, members have adopted a class at Lincoln Elementary School and donate the front doors for Habitat for Humanity homes in Kosciusko County.

Individuals interested in learning more about Altrusa and its service to this community may visit Altrusa Warsaw on Facebook or email club members at [email protected].  The club’s next meeting will take place at noon on Thursday, April 6 at the KREMC building, 370 South CR 250E, Warsaw.  Anyone interested is welcome to attend.