The Farm Place received a grant for the second phase of its Animal Companionship Center. Pictured left: Jeremy Burgi, board member of The Farm Place; Margaret Malone, founder of The Farm Place; Octavia Yoder, executive director of the Community Foundation of LaGrange County; Sue Keenan, board member of The Farm Place; Stacy Merrifield, board member of The Farm Place; Jennifer Laughlin, board member of The Farm Place; and Arlene White, board member of The Farm Place. Photos provided by the LaGrange County Community Foundation.

Press release

LAGRANGE — The Community Foundation of LaGrange County awarded $75,975 in grants to eight nonprofit organizations as part of its Fall 2024 Community Impact Grant cycle.

Grants will support a range of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of LaGrange County residents, from health and human services to education, environmental management, and arts and culture .

One of the funded projects is a rain garden initiative led by the Mongo Community Development Association. This community-led project will enhance the natural landscape around the Mongo Post Office and improve water management, helping to keep the sidewalk in a low-lying area dry and accessible.

Along with the rain garden project, The Farm Place received $25,000 to help complete its Animal Companion Center in LaGrange. The facility will provide families involved in the foster care and court systems with private meeting spaces where children can connect with case managers, mental health professionals and participate in supervised visits. Additionally, the companionship of animals during these visits will provide emotional support, fostering a nurturing environment to help families through difficult times.

“Each of these organizations plays a critical role in meeting critical needs and enriching LaGrange County,” said Octavia Yoder, executive director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. “We are proud to support these efforts and be part of the positive change happening in LaGrange County. »

The second phase of the Animal Companionship Center will focus on furnishing the interior of the facility with furniture, kitchen essentials and office equipment to create a welcoming and functional space for families to heal and heal. thrive.

In addition to these projects, LaGrange Communities Youth Centers received $25,000 to support their expanding summer programs. Each year, its summer camps in art, conservation, theater and music reach capacity, providing educational experiences for young people during the summer months.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation remains committed to supporting organizations that make a significant impact on the lives of residents and is excited to see the difference these grants will make in the months to come.

The Fall 2024 Community Impact Grant recipients are:

• Light point: Covering Children and Families with Brightpoint Health Insurance Navigation Services, $5,000
• The Port of Hope: Overnight accommodation for LaGrange County families, $5,000
• Kate’s kart: Book Giveaway Program at Parkview LaGrange Hospital, $2,500
• LaGrange Community Youth Centers: 2025 Summer Camp Programs, $25,000
• Canton of Lima: Howe Town Park washroom facilities, $10,000
• Mongo Community Development Association: Mongo Post Office Rain Garden, $1,475
• Scientific center: Science4U program, $2,000
• The Place de la Ferme: Animal companion center: interior phase 2, $25,000

Each year, the Community Foundation calls for proposals for projects that support local nonprofit organizations in their mission to serve the LaGrange County community. The Grant Advisory Committee evaluates applications and recommends funding to the Board of Directors for approval.

Community Impact Grants are made possible through donor contributions to the Foundation’s Caring Community Fund, Unrestricted Funds, and Focus Area Funds. For more information on grant opportunities, visit Lccf.net/grants.

LaGrange Communities Youth Centers received a grant for summer camps. Pictured from left: Leanna Martin, program director, LaGrange County Community Foundation; Octavia Yoder, executive director of the Community Foundation of LaGrange County; Jennifer Martin, executive director, LaGrange Community Youth Centers; Jamesi Lemon, board member of LaGrange Communities Youth Centers; and Rebekah Troyer, board member of LaGrange Communities Youth Centers.