Staunton, IND. – The Wabash Valley Community Foundation recently awarded a $5,000 grant from its Community Builders Institute to the Staunton Community Center.
In 2022, the Community Foundation implemented the Clay County Community Builders Institute to address “Quality of Life Placemaking.” This Institute was designed to encourage interactions between Clay County residents by marketing the county’s assets. Community teams were formed, with six tours serving the communities of Poland/Bowling Green, Center Point, Staunton, Cory, Brazil and Clay City. At each tour, participants were able to interact in-depth with the people at the heart of their towns. Each community team participating in the Institute received a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation to support the individuals, families and businesses in their towns. It was the decision of each team how they wished to use the grant for the betterment of their communities.
The Staunton community team consisted of Larry Tempel, Lisa Webster, Jon Hendrich, and Jim Smith. The Staunton team chose to give their Community Builders grant to the Staunton Community Center. Staunton Town Council President, Andy Kirchner, says the funds will be used to purchase new chairs for the center and build planter boxes around the center’s sign in the front of the building. The Staunton Community Center was open for public use in 2010 and is used by many in Clay County. Upgrades and replacement of equipment will make the facilities more appealing to the public.
Supportive connections are formed when people are involved in their community, resulting in thriving and prosperous towns. The Wabash Valley Community Foundation and the participants in the Community Builders Institute are continuously working together for the betterment of not only the communities of Clay County, but for individuals, families and neighbors alike, helping to create a better tomorrow.
The Community Builders Institute is open to the public. Anyone interested in volunteerism, philanthropy, or even just in their community is encouraged to participate in 2023. If you are interested in participating in the Community Builders Institute, please contact Jonathan Eilbracht at jonathan@wvcf.org or 812-232-2234.
The Wabash Valley Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity created by
and for the people in Clay, Sullivan and Vigo counties. The Community Foundation
enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the
organizations and issues they care about – immediately or through their estate plans.
Individuals, families, businesses and organizations may give to existing funds or
establish a charitable fund at the Community Foundation by contributing a variety of
assets. For more information on the Community Foundation, please contact
812.232.2234 or visit www.wvcf.org.