Pictured, from left, are Becky Alles, K21 board member; Jenny Lucht, K21 board member; David Phelps, CCS board member; John Parker, CCS director of client services; Stephen Possell, CCS executive director; Rich Haddad, K21 president and CEO; and Steve Ross, K21 board Member.

KOSCIUSKO — K21 Health Foundation has chosen to provide a gift to Combined Community Services of $20,000 as a way of continuing their 20th-year celebration. CCS has assisted the residents of Kosciusko County by providing a variety of services including a food pantry, clothing pantry, and programs that promote self-sufficiency for almost 35 years.

CCS was founded by the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association in an effort to centralize and streamline assistance being provided by area churches, thus avoiding a duplication of services. The organization opened its doors in July of 1984 in a small building on Prairie Street in Warsaw, where it operated until moving into a new facility located on Mariners Drive in 2011. K21 provided a grant of $400,000 for the construction of the new location that was built to better serve the needs of CCS’s clientele.

“Low economic circumstances create many challenges and barriers for families to be healthy. In more recent grants to CCS, K21 has concentrated on programs and services that help families gain self-sufficiency, which increases their ability to support and pursue healthier lives,” said K21 President & CEO Rich Haddad. “CCS also works hard to offer clients healthier food choices through its food pantry, including low-sodium and heart-healthy items, along with local produce when available.”

Combined Community Services is located at 1195 Mariners Drive in Warsaw and is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.  For more information about the services they provide, call (574) 269-6019 or visit their website at www.combinedcommunityservices.org.

K21 Health Foundation exists for the benefit of Kosciusko County citizens to ensure health care services are provided, and to advance prevention and healthy living.  For more information about the K21 Health Foundation, call (574) 269-5188 or visit www.k21foundation.org.