Under the leadership of the board of directors, a hiring process was conducted by a committee of board members and community stakeholders that worked with Indiana United Ways to find the best fit for the Executive Director role. This committee considered candidates from several states and with a wide variety of backgrounds. Ultimately, after thoughtful consideration, the committee and board recognized the talent and experience already existing within the organization and the capabilities Dorothy has to move United Way into the future. She has clearly demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a dynamic organization and driving meaningful change in our community, something she will certainly continue in the Executive Director role.

“We couldn’t be more confident in this decision,” said Amanda Hogue, Board President of United Way of the Wabash Valley. “Dorothy brings not only a deep knowledge of our mission and values, but also the vision, integrity, and collaborative leadership needed to guide us into the future. Her dedication to the people of the Wabash Valley is unmatched.”

Chambers brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, community development, and strategic planning. Her passion for the Wabash Valley and her collaborative, impact-driven approach have made her a trusted leader throughout the region.

“I am honored to be chosen as the Executive Director of United Way of the Wabash Valley,” said Chambers. “This organization has a long history of creating meaningful change in our community through collaboration and partnership, and I am excited to build on that legacy to ensure that families have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Together with our dedicated team, partners, and supporters, we will continue to invest in lasting solutions that make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.”

ISU’s University Student Success and Advising Center, in partnership with the Office of Financial Aid, will offer financial literacy workshops for Pell Grant-eligible students. These workshops will cover budgeting, saving, and financial planning, helping students set responsible financial goals, track expenses, and make informed spending decisions. Students will also learn about financial aid options—including loans, grants, and scholarships—and strategies for managing student debt after college to attain financial independence.

Grant funds will also support the creation of a Textbook Resource Library, providing textbooks for 100- and 200-level Foundational Studies courses and those with high drop, fail, and withdrawal rates. Located in Normal Hall’s Student Success and Advising Center, this library will offer tutoring and peer coaching services for additional support. Additionally, ISU will purchase short-term loaner laptops for students whose devices do not meet college-level technology requirements, ensuring access to essential academic resources.

Junior Achievement in Wabash Valley (JA) will use its award to facilitate Family Financial Literacy Nights for families, individuals, and children across United Way’s six-county service area (Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo, and Clark Counties). This new program will equip families with essential financial knowledge and skills to promote long-term economic stability. Adult participants will enroll in JA Young Adult Financial Literacy, a program covering budgeting, savings, taxes, credit, debit, and more.

Recognizing that access to affordable childcare is a significant barrier for many low-income families, JA will also provide financial literacy education to the children of program participants. This ensures that while parents gain the skills to secure their financial future, their children learn crucial financial concepts at an early age, helping to foster a generation of financially empowered individuals. By addressing both the immediate needs of families and the future of their children, this program aims to break the cycle of financial insecurity and build a more resilient, economically stable Wabash Valley.

United Way of the Wabash Valley volunteer Summer Long stated “I believe one of the most powerful ways to engage students is to let them take charge of their own learning.  Programs such as these not only allow students to engage in learning but allows families to participate and learn as well.  These types of programs are important to our community to help us feel united and continue to make the Wabash Valley a better place to raise a family.”

For more information about the Financial Freedom for All grant and United Way of the Wabash Valley’s efforts to promote financial stability, contact Michele Bennett, Community Impact Specialist, at mbennett@uwwv.org.

OVER $39,000 AWARDED THROUGH “ON THE PATH TO PTQ” FOR HOME-BASED CHILDCARE PROVIDERS

United Way awarded $39,689 through its On the Path to PTQ grant program, which supports home-based childcare providers seeking to improve their quality of care and progress within Indiana’s Paths to QUALITY™ (PTQ) system—the state’s voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early care and education.

The PTQ system helps families identify high-quality childcare programs and guides providers through increasing levels of standards, from licensing compliance at Level 1 to national accreditation at Level 4. Providers participating in United Way’s grant program receive up to $10,000 to support classroom improvements, professional development, and steps toward accreditation.

“Licensed home providers are essential to our region’s early learning ecosystem,” said Dorothy Chambers, Executive Director of United Way of the Wabash Valley. “We’re investing in their growth so more children can benefit from stable, enriching, high-quality early learning environments.”

Grant recipients include:

• ABC Preschool and Daycare
• Sammie’s Sunshine Academy
• Kidzplay
• Little Duckling Childcare
• Bailee’s Buddies

NEARLY $22,000 AWARDED TO TERRE HAUTE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM FOR GUIDED PLAY STEM PROGRAM FOR WIC FAMILIES

Through its Successful Parenting Initiative, United Way awarded $21,912 to the Terre Haute Children’s Museum to launch an innovative, research-backed program for families with children ages 3 to 18 months. The program teaches parents and caregivers the benefits of guided play—an evidence-based approach to early learning that supports brain development during the most rapid phase of a child’s cognitive growth.

The program specifically serves families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, who can face barriers to accessing high-quality developmental opportunities such as this new Children’s Museum program.

“We know that early exposure to STEM concepts and adult-guided exploration lay a foundation for lifelong learning,” said Michele Bennett, Community Impact Specialist at United Way. “This program gives families the tools to grow and learn together.”

About Guided Play and the Program

Guided play blends the child-led nature of free play with adult direction to scaffold learning. Research shows that when caregivers participate—by asking open-ended questions, modeling curiosity, and intentionally structuring environments—children develop stronger skills in language, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Yet, many adults lack confidence in how to support learning during everyday interactions. The Children’s Museum program addresses that gap by coaching parents and caregivers to become active learning partners through hands-on STEM activities, modeling, and take-home tools.

Key Features of the Program:

• Family engagement events at the Children’s Museum, featuring interactive play stations aligned with early STEM, literacy, and social-emotional learning.
• Take-home kits with “guided play” activity cards, prompts, and short videos created by local university students to reinforce learning at home.
• Access Pass sign-ups, helping low-income families afford Children’s Museum visits all year long.
• Special events, including a holiday Family Night and storytelling sessions with guest educators.

“With support from United Way, we’re empowering parents and caregivers to be confident co-learners,” said Holly Curtsinger, Director of ISU’s Early Childhood Education Center and co-chair of Success By 6. “It’s not just about helping children succeed in school—it’s about nurturing the parent-child bond and building strong, stable families.”

This program aligns directly with United Way’s Success By 6 coalition goal: to ensure every child in the Wabash Valley enters kindergarten ready to succeed—physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

For more information on these initiatives or United Way’s other early childhood efforts, visit uwwv.org or contact Michele Bennett at mbennett@uwwv.org.

Abby Desboro, Executive Director of United Way of the Wabash Valley, shared, “For over a decade, Terre Haute Chevrolet has been a steadfast partner in driving change across our community. Their generosity not only inspires our donors to give but also creates opportunities to uplift struggling families in the Wabash Valley. While awarding $10,000 to a generous donor is exciting, the real impact lies in the countless lives improved by their support through United Way.”

After two finalists—Allison Albright from First Financial Bank and Michael Newkirk from Novelis—gathered at Terre Haute Chevrolet to try their luck at selecting the correct box containing the prize money, Allison Albright from First Financial Bank emerged as the winner of the $10,000 cash prize.

Donors earned chances to win the $10,000 cash based on their donor support. New donors earned 1 entry for a donation under $25 and 2 entries for every $25 donation. Returning donors earned 1 entry for matching their last year’s gift and 2 entries for every $25 increase over last year’s gift. All donors received 20 additional entries for donations over $500. This year, there were over 10,000 entries from nearly 1,000 donors, including over 180 new donors to United Way.

Lynn Steward, General Manager of Terre Haute Chevrolet, shared, “At Terre Haute Chevrolet, giving back to our community is at the heart of who we are. This unique incentive allows us to support those who are making a difference by donating to United Way. Our partnership reflects the core of our culture—both personally and professionally—centered on helping others in the Wabash Valley. We’re proud to give back and make a meaningful impact in this way.”

Congratulations to Allison Albright and a heartfelt thank you to all the donors who participated and made a difference in the Wabash Valley!

Mayor Brandon Sakbun, explained, “Supporting our small businesses is essential to fostering a thriving and resilient community. With the help of ARPA funding, we are able to invest in local businesses that not only drive our economy but also create jobs and enhance the quality of life in Terre Haute. We are incredibly grateful for the ARPA funding that was made available and for the opportunity to invest in the future of our community. These grants will have a lasting impact, and we look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of our small businesses.”  

The Small Business Grant Program was developed to provide financial support for small businesses in the City of Terre Haute with the goals of retaining existing businesses and increasing growth and revenue.  The program focuses on multiple pillars of the See You In Terre Haute Community Plan, including economic development, quality of life, and talent attraction and retention.  These grants are intended to help small businesses grow and increase the overall resiliency of local businesses in the City of Terre Haute.  Businesses could apply for infrastructure enhancement, capital expenditures, service provider assistance, marketing, employee attraction, and workforce development.  The 26 grant awards range from $10,000 to $100,000 per grant.   

The grant process was highly competitive with over 60 businesses submitting formal applications seeking over $4 million in funding.  United Way of the Wabash Valley oversaw the grant and used its well-established process of evaluating grant applications. There were eight review teams comprised of 40 volunteers who evaluated and ranked the applications.  The review team volunteers represented many sectors of our community, including large and small businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and service organizations. To guide their evaluations, volunteers used a standard scoring rubric.  Of the 26 small business award recipients: 2 are veteran-owned, 8 are minority-owned, and 17 are women-owned. 

Award winners include: 

• Afterburner Brewing Company: $47,952: Production and distribution expansion with purchase of additional equipment. 

• Bar Botics: $56,919: Seating, equipment, shelving and advertising upgrades.  

• Bears Coffee & Roasting Co.: $32,000: Building upgrades.   

• Butta’s Better BBQ: $42,207: Operational enhancements with equipment purchases and increase awareness with branded signage.    

• Classic Man Fine Men’s Clothing and Consignment: $98,000: Store expansion including addition of a barber shop, point of sale, and sales training.  

• Common Ground CrossFit: $36,805: Facility and equipment enhancement and staff education.  

• Ferm Fresh: $84,757: Production and distribution expansion with purchase of additional equipment. 

• Happy Tails Pet Place: $86,000: Facility improvement and new equipment.  

• Harvest Bakery: $39,800: Business expansion with new equipment and building renovations to add new products and increase efficiency. 

• Highland Property Group: $75,000: Exterior building renovations to increase amount of commercial leasing space.   

• Lucia’s Taqueria: $32,300: Food truck business enhancement by repairing and upgrading one truck and purchasing a second.  

• Myers Surgical Associates: $100,000: Expansion of services with creation of an in-office surgical procedure room.  

• Nails by Nikki: $63,027: Renovation of currently unused space to convert into 6 suites to expand location service offerings.  

• Nancy Sauer School of Theatrical Dancing: $78,698: External and internal building upgrades to increase functionality and accessibility of the studio.   

• O’Laughlin Corporation: $71,175: Building upgrades for Charlie’s restaurant including a new roof and front awning remodel.  

• On Point Pedi, LLC: $45,000: Expansion of service offerings to include mobile pedicures specializing in foot care services directly to diabetic and senior clients in their home or living facility. 

• Pure Entertainment Mobile DJ Company: $39,100: Expansion of business with additional equipment and a new photobooth offering.  

• Sammie’s Sunshine Academy LLC: $78,000: Building renovations to allow for expansion of childcare facility.    

• Studio C Ink: $80,643: Building renovations to allow for expansion.  

• Tender Moments Play and Preschool: $51,871: Building renovations to allow for expansion of childcare facility. 

• Terre Haute Music School: $41,740: Office equipment, instruments, and seating upgrades.  

• The Ohio Building: $100,000: Building upgrades for business expansion. 

• Twentyeight Eight LLC: $19,000: New in-car simulator to provide expanded services. 

• Wabash Valley Fabrics: $16,300: New point of sale software and building security and camera system.  

• Wabash Valley Lock & Key: $24,477: Expanded service offerings with new equipment purchases and new signage.   

• Wes Enterprises: $59,229: Building improvements and equipment upgrades. 

Abby Desboro, Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley, explained “This has been an amazing opportunity to work with the City of Terre Haute to offer these small businesses ways to invest in themselves.  As the United Way we see small businesses as the life of our town.  They provide our community with jobs and drive our local economy.  These awards are a testament to the resilience and vision of small businesses. We are proud to support the small businesses of our community and can’t wait to see what amazing things these grants will create.” 

Mayor Brandon Sakbun expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, “The United Way and City of Terre Haute Grant Program provides vital funding opportunities for small businesses and nonprofits. These grants, made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act, will foster support to our nonprofit community and offer essential support to Hoosiers impacted by the pandemic and rising inflation. Programs like this embody the true spirit of local government, creating opportunities that benefit all.”

The Nonprofit Grant Program aims to alleviate operational pressures for nonprofits, enhancing their organizational capacity and

development to better serve the city’s most vulnerable populations. These grants are designed to promote efficiency and effectiveness, allowing organizations to fulfill their missions more sustainably. Eligible nonprofits applied for funding to support various initiatives, including organizational planning, staff development, capital expenditures, and infrastructure improvements. Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $50,000.

The following organizations received funding:
– 14th and Chestnut Community Center: $48,500 for a new commercial-grade walk-in refrigerator, freezer, and flooring to improve food distribution through their pantry.
– Art Spaces: $12,500 for website redesign and a new sculpture collection map.
– Camp Navigate: $38,108 for staff development and enhancements to technical and financial systems, including a marketing and donor management platform.
– Catholic Charities Terre Haute: $40,500 for property acquisition to upgrade agency facilities.
– Community Theater of Terre Haute: $20,360 for network infrastructure upgrades and enhanced security systems.
– Council on Domestic Abuse: $50,000 for renovations to a newly purchased building to expand shelter services.
–

Hamilton Center: $38,255 for new chairs to improve sanitation for staff and clients.
– Indiana Teen Challenge: $50,000 for a 12-passenger van to transport residents for work and organizational needs.
– Jonah Inc.: $27,200 for HVAC upgrades and lawn care equipment for affordable housing units.
– Mental Health America of West Central Indiana: $50,000 for strategic planning and infrastructure upgrades, including a new server.
– Next Step Foundation: $37,896 for continuous staff training through a “train the trainer” model.
– Pride Center of Terre Haute: $41,000 for staff training and upgrades to community center space and technology.
– Reach Services: $50,000 for building purchase assistance for therapy clinic relocation.
– Riverscape: $20,802 for a new donor management system and website enhancements.
– reTHink: $49,772 for interior and exterior renovations.
– St. Joseph University Parish: $44,684 for relocating the food pantry to a more functional space.
– Trees Inc.: $18,560 for donor and volunteer management systems.
– Vigo County Historical Society: $11,919 for security upgrades and a new interactive visitor kiosk at the Paul Dresser Home museum.
– Wabash Valley Recovery Center: $50,000 for professional development, equipment upgrades, and strategic planning.
– Western Indiana Community Action Agency: $49,944 for upgrades to the building’s temperature control system.

Abby Desboro, Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley, stated, “This partnership with the City of Terre Haute has created a fantastic opportunity for nonprofits to invest in their growth and effectiveness. Finding funding to enhance operations can be challenging for nonprofits, and these grants are essential for providing much-needed services to our community. We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and strengthening our nonprofit sector.”

Success By 6 recognizes that, in order to participate in Paths to Quality or achieve a PTQ high-quality rating, childcare providers often need financial assistance to overcome a particular barrier. Perhaps the childcare facility requires a new curriculum, or professional memberships, or new learning areas. Through this new grant opportunity, United Way invites childcare providers to request funds that will enable their program to overcome a barrier and take a next step toward a high-quality designation. This funding opportunity will not support general operating expenses or staff salaries.

United Way invites applications from licensed family childcare provider homes that operate year-round in Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, or Vigo Counties in Indiana or in Clark County, Illinois. Applicants must agree to participate in Paths to QUALITY or in the equivalent program in Illinois (for Clark County applicants). Award recipients will be expected to document their progress toward their PTQ goals.

“On the Path to PTQ” aligns with United Way’s long-term goal to increase access, affordability, and choice of high-quality childcare in the Wabash Valley. Over the past 5 years, United Way has helped to create more than 400 high-quality spots in childcare programs in its six-county service area and has supported the On My Way PreK scholarship program to make high-quality pre-kindergarten affordable to more families.

Holly Curtsinger, United Way’s Success By 6 co-chair, says, “Paths to Quality participation demonstrates a provider’s commitment to high-quality childcare and ensures a process of continuous improvement and professional development. PTQ levels are recognized statewide and can help parents identify providers that most closely align with their expectations for childcare.”

We’re raffling off two tickets to Taylor Swift’s sold-out Eras Tour at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, November 3rd, 2024. This is your chance to experience Taylor Swift live and enjoy an unforgettable night filled with her iconic hits!

Raffle Details:

• Ticket Prices: $25 each or 5 for $100
• Purchase Deadline: Sunday, October 7th, 2024
• Raffle Drawing: Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, at 12 noon via Facebook Live

How to Enter:

You can purchase your raffle tickets in person at the United Way of the Wabash Valley office (100 S. 7th Street, Terre Haute) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. We’ll also be selling tickets at various weekend events—follow our social media for updates on where to find us!

Every ticket purchase supports local families. All proceeds will help us continue funding programs aimed at improving education, financial stability, and health for families across the Wabash Valley.

Act fast! Don’t miss your chance to win this unforgettable experience.

The event kicked-off with networking and delicious food offerings from 24 local restaurants.  But the event’s marquee attraction, shopping, was a great way for attendees to walk away from the event with a new fabulous stylish purse. Participants tried their luck on a silent auction of purses and the purse package raffle with packages valued at more than $750.  Each raffle package featured a purse, stuffed with everything from gift certificates, event tickets, jewelry, and all the ways to spoil yourself.  In addition, the event held a live purse auction with five purse packages valued at over $1,000 each auctioned off to the highest bidder during the program.  All packages are donated by local businesses and organizations allowing all proceeds to benefit United Way’s Success by 6.

The event highlighted the work that Success By 6 has been able to do across the community since it originated from the proceeds of the Power of the Purse 20 years ago.  Over the years Success By 6 has done remarkable work for the children of the Wabash Valley.  Composed of passionate volunteers who are experts in the field of early childhood education, this group of individuals have developed grant programs to build literacy and other foundational skills, professional development and educational opportunities for early childhood professionals, and advocated tirelessly for our children.

During the event the United Way presented Claudia Tanoos, the founder of the Power of the Purse fundraiser, a special award recognizing her work over the years in establishing the fundraiser that has been able to benefit the children of the Wabash Valley.

Abby Desboro, Executive Director of the United Way of the of the Wabash Valley, explained, “The Power of the Purse is always a highlight of our year.  Seeing so many caring women come together to help support the littlest members of our community is always inspiring.  The funds raised from this event will help United Way continue our work through Success By 6 to enable children to have a lifetime of success by preparing them to enter kindergarten ready to learn.  From our literacy programs including Real Men Read and Dolly Parton Imagination Library, to helping childcares increase the quality of care they can provide, United Way is working to create a stronger Wabash Valley.”

The effort was made possible through a $5,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation.  Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley, Abby Desboro, stated, “Community partnerships can help facilitate help to those who need is most.  By working together, we are able to provide fans to a variety of families to offer a bit of relief to the extreme heat we face in the area and for the rest of the summer months.  We appreciate the support of the Duke Energy Foundation and our amazing partners who work hard every day to benefit others.”

“Indiana summers can be extremely hot, and some of the warmest days of the year are still ahead,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “Support for nonprofits like this, which have a mission to help our most vulnerable, can make a difference in avoiding heat-related illnesses and provide our senior and low-income customers with some comfort when temperatures rise.”