From left, Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of LaGrange County Community Foundation; Jaime Cunningham, Operations Director of Community Health Clinic; and Deborah Jurgielewicz, Director of Program Development & Grant Administration of Community Health Clinic. Photos from LaGrange County Community Foundation.

News Release

LAGRANGE — 10 local nonprofits will expand their work – from health therapy to electrical education – through $110,000 in Community Impact Grants awarded this fall by the LaGrange County Community Foundation.

“These grants help fuel meaningful projects and programs that make a difference in our community,” said Octavia Yoder, executive director. “From educational opportunities to improving local recreational spaces, we’re proud to support nonprofits that strengthen LaGrange County every day.”

The Community Health Clinic in Shipshewana received $15,000 to provide early intervention occupational therapy services to children in the Plain Community, many of whom attend Amish or Mennonite schools that do not offer therapy.

“With funding from the Foundation, we can help children from the Plain Community by providing a program to prepare them for school, but it will also allow us to grow a larger school readiness program that is culturally sensitive,” said Deborah Jurgielewicz, Program Development and Grant Administration. The grant will cover evaluations, individualized treatment plans, parent education, home visits, and school screenings, ensuring children receive critical developmental support with little to no out-of-pocket cost.

From left are Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of LaGrange County Community Foundation and Cara Young, Lead CTE Instructor and Program Coordinator of Lakeland Jr/Sr High School.

Lakeland School Corporation, on behalf of the countywide Learn to Work Program, will use its $25,000 grant to prepare students for careers in LaGrange County’s largest employment sector – manufacturing. The program, a collaboration with Lakeland, Westview, and Prairie Heights schools, will launch an Advanced Manufacturing Industrial Maintenance Technician – Electrical pathway to give students the skills and credentials they need to succeed. Renovations at Lakeland Intermediate School will create a central training site for all three districts.

“We’re honored to receive this grant to support program renovations and expand hands-on learning, career exploration, and real-world skill development for students across all three LaGrange County schools,” said Traci Blaize, Lakeland Schools Superintendent.

The 2025 Community Impact Grant fall cycle grant recipients include:

• Science Central, Science 4U Outreach, $2,000.
• Junior Achievement of LaGrange County, In-School JA Programming, $5,000.
• LaGrange County Department of Parks and Recreation, Dallas Lake Improvements, $25,000.
• Lakeland School Corporation, Learn to Work Electrical Pathway, $25,000.
• Community Health Clinic, Early Intervention Occupational Therapy, $15,000.
• Elijah Haven Crisis Intervention Center, Shelter Repairs, $25,000.
• Stroh Volunteer Fire Department, Emergency Radio Communications, $5,000.
• Brightpoint, Health Insurance Navigation Services, $2,500.
• Helping Hands of Orange Township, LaGrange County Food Supplement, $3,000.
• Fort Wayne Ballet, Firefly Tour Community Ballet Performances, $2,500.

These grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who support the Foundation’s Caring Community Fund, field of interest funds, and community funds.

Gifts to the Caring Community Fund are currently being matched $2 for every $1 donated through Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VIII Initiative – tripling each contribution through the end of the year. With this match, a $100 donation becomes $300 available for community grantmaking.

The Foundation has until December 31, 2025, to raise $38,000 in eligible gifts to secure the full match from Lilly Endowment. If achieved, the match will add $525,000 in additional funding for LaGrange County. To date, the Foundation has raised 86% of the required match.

“Our Community Impact Grants reflect the passion of local nonprofits and the generosity of donors who care deeply about LaGrange County,” said Yoder. “It’s inspiring to see these investments at work, supporting neighbors, helping youth, and strengthening families. With the matching opportunity, it’s a powerful time to invest in the future of our community.”

To learn more, visit LCCF.net/Caring-Community-Fund.