Rush Countians of all ages are in good hands, thanks to your generosity. Cycle I Community Grants totaling $77,553.21 were awarded to eight organizations. Additionally, First5 received $35,000 for annual support in January. That’s an investment of $112,553.21 in our community already this year.
- The Boys & Girls Club of Rush County focuses on youth development – specifically academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good citizenship. In 2023, they served 1287 Rush County youth ages 5-19. That’s 68% of our community’s school aged population. A grant of $18,476.15 will purchase and install 24 high-definition security cameras to improve safety for the children, staff, and guests. These cameras complement their recently completed front door safe entry project.
Why this grant matters: Cameras deter mischievous behavior. The current system is more than 15 years old. Footage is blurry at best and additional cameras are needed. The new high-resolution system will also include real-time monitoring via staff computers, enhancing overall security and reducing risk. In addition to serving more than 180 kids each day, the Club building is available for community use and can be rented during non-member hours. The new system will benefit all.
- The Porch of Recovery is a new nonprofit that empowers individuals with substance abuse and mental health disorders through finding health, home, purpose, and community. With a $2,993 grant, they will provide safe, sober, recreational activities for those in recovery.
Why this grant matters: Their goal is to provide supportive social activities that their clients might otherwise not be able to afford or make the effort to arrange for themselves. This shows them how to have fun while in recovery and helps them build a safer community.
- By promoting independence, encouraging social interaction, and improving overall wellbeing, the Rush County Senior Center is supporting the 55+ community. Since moving to the Love Community Center, they have seen participation skyrocket with an average monthly attendance of 279! A grant of $6,000 will purchase supplies to expand activities, including their popular Friday meal program, coffee bar, and the addition of evening programs while maintaining minimal cost for their participants.
Why this grant matters: By staying active, learning new skills and meeting new friends, seniors can improve mobility, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, combat loneliness, isolation, and even cognitive decline.
- Whitewater Adult Education serves approximately 20 Rush County students per year in obtaining a diploma. Rushville currently only administers the HiSET exam. A grant of $3,500 will provide specialized equipment and desktop computers to offer the GED exam, as well, and will cover fees for the students.
Why this grant matters: Taking both tests will better prepare students for success in the workplace and ultimately in life.
- Servants at Work (SAWs) is an organization that utilizes volunteers to construct no-cost ADA-compliant ramps for disabled, low-income people. A grant of $4,000 will help provide at least two ramps for Rush County residents, dramatically improving their quality of life.
Why this grant matters: These ramps provide safety and independence to those in need so that they can stay connected to medical appointments and social networks as well as gain an overall improved outlook on life.
- The Rush County Historical Society keeps the history of Rush County alive. A grant of $5,000 will be used to educate Rush County 4th graders and purchase laptops to expand their mission. Did you know that Indiana History is no longer taught in 4th grade curriculum? This grant will help the Historical Society work with Rush County Schools to provide Rush County history to students. With ADA limitations at their museum, the laptops will make the exhibits on the second floors accessible to all through video.
Why this grant matters: Learning Indiana’s history provides students with a sense of place and connects them to our past. History helps us understand the world. The use of technology is a compelling and cost-effective way to provide accessibility to the museum.
- Since 2020, Girls Inc. has been providing valuable and effective life skills lessons to both girls and boys in grades 5-8 during the school day. They cover topics like puberty, healthy relationships, cyber bullying, and vaping in a safe, interactive space. A $10,000 grant will continue this programming into the 2025-26 school year.
Why this grant matters: Parents may not have the expertise in some of these areas or know how to talk about them with their children. Having trained instructors and a safe, non-judgmental space to ask questions further develops students’ understanding of important issues.
- The Rushville American Legion Post 150 supports veterans, their families, and the military. They’ve extended assistance to their community, too, offering their space as a disaster relief center. A grant of $27,584.06 will be used to purchase and install a generator, transfer switch, and cement pad, keeping the facility powered during a potential disaster.
Why this grant matters: With the increasing frequency and intensity of storms, disaster preparedness is key for any community.
When you make a gift to any one of our 34 unrestricted, permanent Community Grants Funds, you make a promise to the future. Our community’s everchanging needs and interests will have your ongoing support. Your generosity coupled with the power of endowment enhances life in Rush County forever! In good hands, indeed.
