News Release

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — More than $160,000 was awarded to 20 local organizations and agencies in the most recent Community Fund grant cycle.

Living in Transition Effectively, based in Milford, was among the grantees. “We prepare individuals to reenter society, including recovery and treatment programs,” said Tammy Cotton, LITE’s executive director and program coordinator.

“We help them find housing, health care, jobs and whatever else they may need to get back on their feet.”

This spring, LITE plans to open a new recovery home, LITEHouse, for women in their program. The Community Fund grant enables LITE to purchase office equipment and furniture for their house manager, who will live in the home with the residents.

“During their stay, we will address their substance use issues by offering a structured, purposeful program,” said Cotton. Classes include cooking, book studies, life skills, community service, 12-step meetings and more. The LITEHouse staff are equipped to tailor the experience to each resident according to her needs.

Local organizations and agencies also receiving funding: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana Inc., City-County Athletic Complex, Combined Community Services, Community Apple Orchard Corporation, Fellowship Missions, Greater Warsaw Cooperative Preschool, Hope’s Harbor Family Hospitality Homes, Junior Achievement Serving Wawasee, Kosciusko Community YMCA, Milford Police Department, Ryan’s Case for Smiles, Ryan’s Place Inc., Syracuse Parks & Recreation Department, Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum Inc., Turning Point Inc., Warsaw Area Career Center, Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department, Warsaw Police Department and the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory.

Community Fund grants are awarded based on a competitive grant application process. Nonprofit organizations serving Kosciusko County are eligible to apply in seven areas of interest: arts and culture, human services, civic projects, recreation, environment, health and education.

The next grant application deadline is Wednesday, March 1. For more information and to access the application, visit kcfoundation.org/grants/community-fund-grants