LaGrange County Community Foundation awards $60,500 in grants

The LaGrange County Community Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant on Jan. 4 to support Night to Shine, a prom experience for individuals with special needs hosted by the LaGrange First Church of God. The event will be held Feb. 9 at the Farmstead Expo Barn in Shipshewana. From left are Night to Shine committee members from LaGrange First Church of God Ben Stuckey, Ingrid Lochamire, Kyle Coalson, Allisa Brown, LCCF executive director Jennifer Tuttle, Tara Watts and Lauren Harris.

Night to Shine, Youth for Christ among grant recipients

By Octavia Yoder | Program Officer

In December 2017, the LaGrange County Community Foundation awarded a round of funding totaling $60,500 for 12 projects benefiting LaGrange County.

The community foundation grants help local charities and nonprofit organizations provide services to LaGrange County families and individuals in the areas of arts and culture, health and human services, environment, recreation and education.

Ahead of Night to Shine in February, guests are invited to visit the Prom Closet and pick out a special dress or suit to wear for the evening.

In February, LaGrange First Church of God will host the second annual Night to Shine event in Shipshewana – a prom night experience for individuals age 14 and older with special needs.

Night to Shine is one of the 12 programs supported by a community foundation grant. The guests attend free of charge and are paired with “buddies” to experience an evening of music, dancing, games and activities. The church received $5,000 to help with the event.

Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana received $5,000 to support the LaGrange County Farm Wagon. The mobile food pantry makes weekly stops in LaGrange and Wolcottville with fresh produce.

Youth for Christ of Northern Indiana also received $7,500 to support the Campus Life programs in LaGrange County schools.

LCCF executive director Jennifer Tuttle, left, awards a $7,500 grant to Youth for Christ of Northern Indiana for the Campus Life programs at Westview and Lakeland schools. Joining Tuttle are Campus Life student Riley Rosendaul, Campus Life director Gerald Yoder, Campus Life student Xavier Tennant and Campus Life director Heidi Yoder.

Other grant recipients include:

  • Veterans Headstone Project, Replacement of damaged headstones, $2,120.
  • McMillen Health, K-12 preventative health education, $5,000.
  • WNIT, Education Counts Michiana, $10,000.
  • Lakeland High School, LaGrange County College Visit Program, $2,500.
  • Early Childhood Alliance, Parents as Teachers program, $5,000.
  • Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House, Housing for LaGrange County families, $5,000.
  • Agape Childcare Ministry, Education materials and supplies, $3,380.
  • Science Central, Science 4U Outreach program, $5,000.
  • Otis R. Bowen Center, Opioid Treatment Center, $5,000.