Riley Children’s Foundation, the fundraising organization supporting Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, has granted $8,000 to family-focused initiatives in the Warsaw area.

Joe’s Kids, Inc. will receive $3,000, Boomerang Backpacks/Warsaw Schools will receive $2,500 and the Town of Winona Lake will receive $2,500 for the Limitless Park Fund. Each organization will receive grants during a check presentation led by Warsaw Riley Regional Leadership Committee and Riley Children’s Foundation Board of Governors member Rebecca Kubacki.

The mission of Riley Children’s Foundation is to secure the health and well-being of children everywhere. In accordance with that mission, the Community Grants Program was established to make a difference in communities throughout Indiana. This year, Riley Children’s Foundation has granted $70,000 statewide to focus on initiatives that benefit children.

Riley Children’s Foundation worked with the Warsaw Riley Regional Leadership Committee regarding nominations and to select the grant recipients.

Joe’s Kids, Inc. ($3,000), Boomerang Backpacks/Warsaw Schools ($2,500), and Town of Winona Lake / Limitless Park Fund ($2,500) will each receive grants during a check presentation led by Warsaw Riley Regional Leadership Committee member Rebecca Kubacki at 3 p.m. on August 13, 2014 at 3 p.m. at Edgewood Middle School.

Joe’s Kids, Inc. – $3,000
Joe’s Kids serves children between the ages of 0-18 years who have developmental delays caused by a wide variety of diagnoses including but not limited to: sensory processing disorder, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, stroke, and other genetic and developmental disabilities. They are currently treating approximately 100 children per week with an additional 90 on the waiting list for services. Due to poor reimbursement rates in pediatrics, fundraising is necessary. The grant will help cover the financial cost to treat the children on the waiting list, ensuring they can access necessary care in their home community.

Boomerang Backpacks/Warsaw Schools – $2,500
Boomerang Backpacks mission is to nourish low income elementary students on weekends by providing backpacks full of food and to inspire high school students to experience community service through project based learning and gain an understanding of helping others in need. Boomerang Backpacks serves students within four Warsaw Community Schools, with a vision to add 1-2 additional schools. Additional benefits of Boomerang Backpacks include improving attendance at school on Fridays when the students receive their backpacks, and improving student achievements on Mondays since the students are able to eat over the weekend. The grant will purchase food for the children served by Boomerang Backpacks.

Town of Winona Lake / Limitless Park Fund – $2,500
The vision of Winona Lake Limitless Park is to create a place that embraces the natural beauty of the surrounding environment and engages everyone in “limitless” play. The master plan utilizes universally accessible equipment and infrastructure that goes beyond minimal ADA guidelines to create inclusive recreation for people of all abilities. Currently, Winona Lake Park meets minimal ADA standards; however, the playground is inaccessible by anyone with mobility impairments. In addition, Winona Lake has no adaptive water entry access. Winona Lake Limitless Park’s motto, “Where Fun Has No Limits,” means allowing children who have been traditionally sidelined to play side-by-side with their peers.

Riley Children’s Foundation worked with the Warsaw Riley Regional Leadership Committee regarding nominations and to select the grant recipients.