“The generosity of so many women has made it possible for the Women’s Fund to do some remarkable things,” said Kathleen Walsh, Impact Porter County grant committee chair. “This year is no different, we are once again able to award over $50,000 in Women’s Fund grants to worthy organizations.”
Impact Porter County, the women’s giving circle associated with the Porter County Community Foundation, presented four Women’s Fund grants to local organizations at its annual membership dinner on June 25. Jacob’s Ladder Pediatric Rehab Center and Project Neighbors were each awarded a high-impact grant of $25,000. The other finalists, Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County and Dayspring Women’s Center, each received a $2,500 grant.
“This is a big step in the right direction of making this facility sustainable and addressing the housing crisis for low income women,” said Paul Schreiner, Project Neighbors executive director. The grant will help Project Neighbors with its current Neighbors Place project, which is transforming the former HealthLinc Community Health Center in Valparaiso into 18 affordable studio apartments for single women.
Jacob’s Ladder will use the grant funds to provide the Respite Program for moms of special needs children. The program will offer much needed support and training for parents along with a therapeutic day program for their children. “I do believe when the families graduate (from the program) they will be in a much better place,” said Mariann Frigo, Jacob’s Ladder executive director. She noted that this program will also evolve into the creation of mom-led support groups.
“The impact of these grants is far reaching as we continue to improve the lives of women and children,” said Walsh. “This support of women’s causes, provides a helping hand to hundreds of local women and families throughout Porter County.” She noted that Impact Porter County has now awarded over $350,000 in Women’s Fund grants since its inception.
Impact Porter County is an active giving circle of women helping women through the Porter County Community Foundation. This dynamic group makes a lasting impact by awarding significant grants that improve the quality of life for women and children in Porter County. To learn more about Impact Porter County and to view Women’s Fund impact stories, visit online at www.portercountyfoundation.org or contact the Foundation at 219-465-0294.