On June 29, Combined Community Services received a  Dekko Foundation grant of $150,000. With this grant, CCS was able to complete its building project and capital campaign debt free.

Since CCS continues to operate on donations from the community and does not use any tax dollars for its programs, the grant will enable more services to the individuals and families that it serves.

The new CCS facility will allow more residents in Kosciusko County to access a variety of programs including assistance for food, clothing, utilities, mentoring and self-sufficiency programs. The self-sufficiency programs will be directly impacted by allowing more families to move beyond dependence to independence and more fulfilling lives.

“Because your project results align so strongly with our priorities, we are pleased to have the opportunity to offer this investment,” said Sharon Smith, Dekko Foundation program director upon awarding the grant.

CCS Executive Director Stephen Possell stated that, “When we, as an organization, took this project on, we were told that it would probably take 3 to 5 years to complete this fundraising project. It took us 18 months. Community support for what we’re doing has been really positive.” He added, “Clearly Kosciusko County reaches out to help its most needy residents.”

CCS Board President Robyn Palmer also said, ”We are truly blessed to be in a community that shares the same vision as our organization: where CCS can fulfill its mission of helping neighbors help neighbors. The new facility and the programs that will be able to be expanded are a direct result of the generosity of our community and our many supporters and will result in CCS being able to change and impact many lives because of this.”

Possell and his staff are excited by the possibilities that they see in the 13,000-square-foot space that will allow more support to persons living in poverty, whether it be situational or generational.

Since its founding in 1984, Combined Community Services has been a clearinghouse for services and referrals for families in Kosciusko County. CCS continues to provide various programs that are aimed at providing both short term crisis assistance, and long term programs to assist people in reaching their goal of self-sufficiency. The CCS mission continues to be combining community services to provide comfort, hope, and resources for neighbors in need.