“We know that people across the Wabash Valley are facing increasing behavioral health challenges, and community partners are working hard to meet those needs,” said Dorothy Chambers, Executive Director of United Way of the Wabash Valley. “These mini grants eliminate barriers and help organizations expand access to supportive services, connecting more people to the care and relationships they deserve.”

The Behavioral Health Mini Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to support projects that increase access to behavioral health services or improve supportive environments for individuals. This year’s awards include:

Richard G. Lugar Center for Rural Health

Youth Mental Health First Aid — $10,000 Counties Served: Vigo, Vermillion, Sullivan, Parke, Clay, and Clark (IL) Funding will support free Youth Mental Health First Aid training for educators and school staff across the Wabash Valley. Participants will learn to identify signs of anxiety, depression, substance use, psychosis, ADHD, and other behavioral health concerns, and will receive a stipend for completing the certification. The training equips school personnel to recognize crises early and connect adolescents ages 12–18 to appropriate care.

Vigo County Education Foundation – Sarah Scott Middle School

Sensory Room Project — $2,936 County Served: Vigo The grant will help transform an unused classroom into a dedicated sensory room, giving students a calming, structured environment to regulate emotions, de-escalate when

overwhelmed, and re-engage in learning. The space will be overseen by school leadership and behavioral support staff, who will help students practice coping strategies and self-regulation.

Council on Domestic Abuse (CODA)

CODA Mental Health Program — $9,880 Counties Served: Vigo, Vermillion, Sullivan, Parke, Clay CODA will expand access to mental health counseling for shelter residents, clients, and staff by partnering with a local counseling provider to offer both in-person and telehealth therapy. Flexible, trauma-informed access to care remains a critical need for survivors of domestic violence, and this funding will support individuals seeking support.

Human Resources Center of Edgar and Clark Counties (HRC)

Breaking Barriers: School-Based Mental Health Access for Clark County Youth — $10,000 County Served: Clark (IL) HRC will continue placing embedded mental health therapists and recovery support specialists inside schools in Marshall, Casey, and Martinsville. Students receive on-site therapy, group counseling, crisis intervention, and substance use support during the school day—removing barriers related to cost, transportation, and missed class time.

University of Illinois Extension (Clark, Crawford, and Edgar Counties)

Mindful Me: Empowering Youth from the Inside Out — $2,000 County Served: Clark (IL) The grant will provide elementary schools with age-appropriate Social-Emotional Learning kits based on the Mindful Me curriculum. Each kit includes 10 lessons designed to help K–3 students develop emotional regulation, stress management, self-awareness, and mindful decision-making through stories and hands-on activities.

“By supporting programs that promote mental health and well-being, United Way of the Wabash Valley is empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building healthier, more resilient communities for everyone,” said Stacie Amerman, Director at Hamilton Center. “The funded programs will continue to provide meaningful support to community members by expanding access to counseling, crisis intervention, prevention initiatives, and other essential mental health resources.”

UWWV will announce the results of the second phase of its behavioral health grant initiative in February 2026. A total of $140,000 will be awarded to selected applicants, with grants of up to $40,000 each

United Way’s Success By 6 Impact Council is making available a total of $30,000 to be provided over 18 months from the grant start date. Applicants may apply for up to $10,000 for investment; however, awards exceeding $10,000 will be considered for truly innovative proposals. Through this investment, United Way hopes to foster the creation of new programs or expand existing ones that have a record of success.

From birth to age five, a child’s brain develops more rapidly than at any other time in life. And while genetics plays a significant role, scientific research makes clear that the quality of a child’s experiences in the first few years of life – positive or negative – helps shape how their brain develops. These early experiences have a lasting impact on a child’s health and ability to learn and succeed in school and in life.

The most important influences on a child’s development are their relationships with the adults in their life. Loving relationships with warm, responsive, dependable adults are essential to a child’s healthy development. Parents are their baby’s first teachers, and all parents want to do the best they can to support the healthy development of their young child. Yet parents don’t receive a “how-to” manual to guide them through the often challenging and overwhelming responsibilities in the first years of their child’s life. While resources exist to support Wabash Valley parents, often parents aren’t aware of them, or don’t know how to access them, or have other barriers that prevent them from connecting with help that can be beneficial to their young family.

Holly Curtsinger, director of ISU’s Early Childhood Education Center and co-chair of United Way’s Success By 6 stated, “Parents are their children’s first teachers. When parents are prepared with the tools and resources necessary, they create a stronger framework for long-term education attainment. This initiative helps create stronger outcomes for children, their families, and our community.”

On July 30^th at 5:00pm there will be an introductory meeting to learn about the investment and the application process. Attendance is strongly encouraged for application submission. Please RSVP to Dorothy Chambers at phone 812.235.6287 or by email dchambers@uwwv.org. The online application can be accessed on United Way of the Wabash’s Valley’s website and will close on September 30^th at 4:00pm. For more information and to apply visit uwwv.org/funding.

The Community Impact Staff member is a full-time position responsible for providing a wide range of support activities associated with the planning, coordination and implementation of impact council activities and projects in conjunction with the Community Impact Manager and Impact Councils.  The position works in partnership with volunteers and collaborative partners in implementation of effective community impact activities.

Essential Responsibilities

• Drive United Way work forward by being the staff liaison for multiple volunteer-led impact councils.
• Develop and continue a deep understanding of community needs as they relate to the work of United Way and become a convener and collaborator around issues the community is facing.
• Help develop and execute community grant funding, programs, and initiatives as they relate to assigned impact councils utilizing volunteer committees.
• Work with other Community Impact staff members to maintain measurements and data related to assigned impact councils.
• Assist with supporting activities on external grant applications and administration.
• Provide support to other Community Impact staff on special projects.

Critical Skills & Abilities

• Communication skills: Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; reads and interprets complex information; conveys information effectively; listens well.  Position requires extensive and independent contact/communications with volunteers.
• Demonstrated analytical skills: Able to gather relevant data using appropriate methodologies and analyze that data in such a manner that valid conclusions and insinuations can be drawn that assist in making important business decisions.
• Organization and planning skills: Able to manage multiple activities; determines urgency in a meaningful and practical way; creates plans; organizes and schedules people and tasks effectively.
• Influence and persuasion ability: Able to convince others in both positive and negative circumstances; uses tact when expressing ideas or opinions; presents new ideas to authority figures; responds to objections successfully.
• Strong project management ability: Able to develop plans that are effective in attaining established goals; garners resources and defines processes to complete project; manages progress and implements mid-stream changes, as needed.

Education and Experience

The successful candidate will possess a minimum of a 4-year undergraduate degree in preferably in a relevant field.  A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a non-profit human service, community development and/or civic sector-related positions preferred.

Hours and Compensation

• Full-time (40 hours per week), FLSA exempt position
• Monthly starting salary range of $3,000 – $3,200 based on candidate credentials and experience
• The position is eligible for UWWV benefits, vacation and holiday pay

Application Procedures

Please apply by emailing your resume and a cover letter to Abby Desboro, UWWV Co-Executive Director at adesboro@uwwv.org.  You may also mail or drop off hardcopies at:

United Way of the Wabash Valley
Attn:  Abby Desboro
100 S. 7^th St.
Terre Haute, IN 47807

We would like to hear how your education and experience meet or exceed the requirements of the position. Include in your cover letter your skills and experience in the following areas: teamwork, volunteer management, communication, and community involvement.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Apply early for first consideration.

The Data & Grants Coordinator is a full-time position responsible for overseeing UWWV data collection and reporting to support the effective development, monitoring and evaluation of community solutions. The position is also responsible for monitoring and coordinating grant deliverables associated with relevant UWWV programs and assigned projects.

Essential Responsibilities

• Implementing a comprehensive measurement process; collecting data from partners, programs, public databases and internally developed metrics
• Assist in developing and updating output/outcome indicators and maintaining regular updates to a Community Impact Dashboards for the organization.
• Working with staff and volunteers to coordinate completion of successful external grant proposals as investment opportunities.
• Maintain coordination of all external grant deliverables and financial requirements.
• Support impact council liaisons and Resource Development with work on special projects, programs and initiatives.

Critical Skills & Abilities

• Analytical skills: Able to gather relevant data and analyze in such a manner that valid conclusions can be drawn to assist in making business decisions.
• Accuracy and attention to detail: Able to develop or follow detailed procedures and ensures accuracy in documentation and data; carefully monitors processes.
• Communication skills: Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; reads and interprets complex information; conveys information effectively; listens well.
• Organization and planning skills: Able to manage multiple activities; determines urgency in a meaningful and practical way; creates plans; organizes and schedules people and tasks effectively.
• Computer skills: Proven experience with database, data collection and use, and spreadsheet analysis. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Education and Experience

The successful candidate will possess a minimum of a 4-year undergraduate degree in relevant field.  A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a non-profit human service, community development and/or civic sector-related positions preferred.

Hours and Compensation

• Full-time (40 hours per week), FLSA non-exempt position
• Hourly starting range of $ 15.50 – $16.75 based on candidate credentials and experience
• The position is eligible for UWWV benefits, vacation and holiday pay

Application Procedures

Please apply by emailing your resume and a cover letter to Abby Desboro, UWWV Co-Executive Director at adesboro@uwwv.org.  You may also mail or drop off hardcopies at:

United Way of the Wabash Valley
Attn:  Abby Desboro
100 S. 7^th St.
Terre Haute, IN 47807

We would like to hear how your education and experience meet or exceed the requirements of the position. Include in your cover letter your skills and experience in the following areas: teamwork, data management, communication, and report writing.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Apply early for first consideration.

The United Way’s Youth Success Impact Council awarded 3 programs for its successful student transition initiative. One grant award went to the Terre Haute Children’s Museum which has partnered with Sarah Scott Middle School to help incoming 6^th graders have a successful transition into middle school. By partnering with the museum, Sarah Scott Middle School has expanded on its participation in Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) through the Boomerang Project. WEB has successfully transitioned 6^th graders for over 25 years by addressing the three fundamental transition needs that every student has: Safety, Information, and Connection.

To help further the need for connection, Sarah Scott WEB coordinators wanted to find a way to keep incoming students together for longer than the standard one-day orientation, without adding stress to teachers. As a result, they used the student’s love for STEM which emerged because of their school’s Silly Science Day to turn Camp Curiosity into a weeklong camp.

The free weeklong camp known as Camp Curiosity: Basic Training brought together WEB Leaders, who are 8th-grade students, and incoming 6^th graders to further strengthen the relationship between them, so the 6^th graders would be more comfortable when school starts. Through connections and comfort at school, the hope is that students will have better attendance, grades, and behavior, and will become more involved once school begins. This is important because studies show that if students have a positive experience during this critical transition to middle school, the chances of them succeeding increase.

In the first year of the program, 23 students participated in the camp, which took place in June 2022. The students were from 4 different elementary schools. This allowed students to make connections with students from other schools, easing the pressure of meeting new people and making friends when school started. The camp took place at Sarah Scott to give the students a chance to become familiar with the building before school. Scotia Brown, principal of Sarah Scott Middle School, said, “I am so grateful for the United Way of the Wabash Valley and the Terre Haute Children’s Museum’s support because this program is truly going to make a difference in the lives of these 6^th and 8^th graders. I am so excited to see what the next few years hold as we continue to grow this program!”

Gianna, an 8th-grade mentor, shared, “It was really fun to participate in the camp because I got to connect with the new 6^th graders and be a role model for them.” She also shared, “My favorite part of camp was making the golf courses with the 6^th graders because I was able help to them.”

By focusing on teaching these specific skills, the program is working to help develop children’s social and emotional skills. Taradara, a published author, saw these skills in action during her last classroom visit. During this visit, she read a book called Do Unto Otters, which is about treating others how you would like to be treated. This message was put into action when she saw how a young girl’s peers reacted when she got emotional while telling a story. The peers reacted by consoling her and trying to make her feel better which emphasized the message of the book.

In addition to being a published author, Tradara McLaurine is a motivational speaker, a three-time alumna of Indiana State University, and a loving wife and mother. She has also worked in higher education for over 15 years. Her most recent accomplishment is publishing a book called I Want a Nickname this year. The story focuses on a young girl with a very unique name and her journey to find a nickname. The other books she has written are called Why Mommy Works and Why Daddy Works.

Her passion for writing and reading was one reason why she volunteered for the Reading Neighbors program. She said, “I got involved because I love giving back to the community, and it’s also so important for children to see women of color and people who look like themselves reading.” Overall, she loved the experience and said the kids get more excited with every classroom visit!

Earlier this year, Payonk informed the Board of his intent to retire, and proposed a progressive co-leadership model, recommending internal candidates for his succession. Co-Leadership structures are gaining popularity in the non-profit sector. The Board studied this structure, and the impact qualified internal candidates would have on continuing the United Way of the Wabash Valley’s momentum. The Board voted to promote Isbell and Desboro to lead the organization together. Each will report to the Board and be responsible for different aspects of daily operations, while working together to drive the organization forward on pivotal items like goals and strategies.

Hicham Rahmouni, Board President for the United Way explained, “After exploring the idea of co-leadership, and working with Abby and Danielle on how this could function for us, we are motivated to promote these exceptional individuals. Co-leadership will allow our organization to thrive in all aspects of community impact, community collaboration, and fundraising. The Board also expresses our deepest gratitude to Richard Payonk for his service and dedication to our United Way as well as our community as a whole.”

Isbell, current Resource Development Director and Desboro, Marketing and Communications Director, have served the United Way of the Wabash Valley for a combined 14 years. Together they have developed as leaders and grown with the United Way, achieving their Masters Degrees in Leadership Development and other distinctions including the Terre Haute Chamber’s 12 Under 40 recognition as up-and-coming leaders.

Desboro explained, “Danielle and I both look forward to the opportunity to continue serving our community through the United Way. Our love for our community and non-profit work runs deep as we’ve dedicated ourselves to create a better Wabash Valley for our children and the entire community. We are excited for the journey ahead and the future of the United Way.”

Isbell agreed, further stating, “Abby and I have been serving our community together for years. We have aligned visions for the United Way and look forward to growing the community relationships we have built. We’re also excited to demonstrate through co-leadership how care and collaboration work with like-minded leaders, it’s really been our United Way’s new model all along – so it’s a great fit.”  Isbell is referring to a recent multi-year transition in the organization’s operating model.

Under Payonk’s leadership, the United Way of the Wabash Valley transitioned from a legacy United Way into a collective impact organization with a long-term goal to reduce the number of struggling working families in the Wabash Valley. Payonk stated that these changes were driven by the community, referring to community and business leader listening sessions. “We’ve been able to realign our mission and processes to address the critical issues holding struggling working families back from success. I am grateful for the volunteers, dedicated donors, community organizations, our staff, and Board of Directors who have embraced this new way of operating. It has been a good change and really helped set us up for a bright future”

Over the past two years, the United Way of the Wabash Valley has issued over $3.1 million in targeted grants for initiatives and programs in the community, all with a clear focus on the root causes of generational poverty and household financial struggles. These investments marked a 30% increase over the 2-year period prior to Payonk’s tenure. During this period, the United Way of the Wabash Valley also achieved Charity Navigator’s 4-Star Rating. A leading national non-profit watchdog and evaluator, Charity Navigator’s top rating demonstrates United Way of the Wabash Valley’s transparency and financial accountability.  They are the sole non-profit in the Wabash Valley with this rating.

While Payonk credited Desboro and Isbell for the success of the organization, the feeling is mutual according to Isbell. “Abby and I want to thank Richard for his investment in us as leaders during his time at the United Way. We are grateful for his leadership and mentorship. We also want to thank the Board of Directors for their unanimous vote of support and trusting us to continue the positive momentum forward for our United Way.”

Payonk summarized “Our United Way is strong, but we still need community support to expand our impact and work. My time with the United Way dates back to the mid-1980’s when I began as a donor and volunteer. After a 30-year career in industry, I was excited to bring an engineering background to community building in this role. We did that. I think we are poised for success and it’s a great time for a transition in leadership. These are two extraordinary individuals that the community needs to know better. This is their time. I am confident Danielle and Abby’s experience and leadership will successfully carry our United Way forward. I hope the community provides them their full support.”

The United Way of the Wabash Valley will be planning meet and greet sessions over the next few months to introduce the new Co-Executive Directors to the community. There will also be a community celebration to thank Richard Payonk for his dedication to the United Way in the coming months.  More information on these events will be shared at a later date.

Over the past three years, United Way has been executing a Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) planning grant followed by an implementation grant.  These grants have taken an in-depth look at our rural communities in the Wabash Valley and their needs relating to substance use disorder and allowed organizations the opportunity to begin addressing the identified gaps in service.  This new HRSA implementation grant takes a focus on psychostimulant misuse and will allow United Way of the Wabash Valley to partner with nine organizations to build upon the work being done by implementing a set of core substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery activities grounded in evidence-based or promising practice models created for each of our community’s unique needs.

This grant will fund programming provided by United Way, Chances and Services for Youth, Hamilton Center, Next Step Foundation, FSA Counseling Center, Indiana State University, IU Health Bloomington – Positive Link, Mental Health America of West Central Indiana, Southwest School Corporation, and Northeast School Corporation.  This programming will include:

• Expanded counseling and life skills training programs
• Increased health and social service professionals in the area
• Over 2,000 students enrolled in new school-based, evidence-based, teacher-led prevention programs per year
• Increased HIV/HCV testing delivery
• Expanded treatment and recovery services

“This grant is another great example of United Way working together with community partners to tackle the tough issues like substance use disorders in our community,” stated Dana Simons, co-chair of the United Way Substance Use Disorders Impact Council and Executive Director of Next Step Foundation.  “The issues we are facing will not be solved by one organization working alone.  This grant allows multiple community partners to expand the services we are able to offer in the rural communities and build upon the great momentum our organizations are creating together.”

“Prevention is a very important part of addressing the substance use disorder issue in our community,” stated Myra Wilkey, co-chair of the United Way’s Substance Use Disorders Impact Council and the Executive Director of Mental Health America of West Central Indiana.  “This grant will allow us to expand our important prevention work in the rural communities.”

“Our Substance Use Disorders Impact Council is doing big things and this is a great win for our community,” said Richard Payonk, Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley.  “This grant builds upon the success of our other HRSA grants and will provide for even more in our community.  This grant demonstrates how United Way is working to bring organizations together in collaborative ways to provide unique solutions and tap into more resources for our community.”

The Neighborhood Improvement Project mini-grant program focuses on projects that are intended to enhance the “look and feel” of a neighborhood by addressing public safety, beautification projects, blight elimination, and/or government-service improvements or a combination of any of these categories.  The Council is awarding 14 projects across the Wabash Valley with awards ranging from $1,600 to $5,000.  The projects address a variety of areas and needs including creating neighborhood gathering areas, addressing safety concerns, and investing in neighborhood beautification.  Award winners include:

• 3 Sisters Investments – Light up Locust St. with The LAB – support of exterior lighting and improvements to the LAB.
• 14th and Chestnut Community Center – Playground improvement – new mulch, fence, and playground features.
• Bloomingdale Friends Church – Disc Golf Course – supports the creation of a new 9-hole disc golf course.
• Chances and Services for Youth – Booker T. Washington Park Splash Pad – drainage improvements to the existing splash pad.
• City of Sullivan Parks Department – Sullivan City Park Bandstand – renovations including new picture windows and landscaping.
• Crossroads Disc Golf Club – Forest Park Disc Golf Course Renewal – support of the renovation of a disc golf course in Forest Park including new baskets and tee pads.
• Farrington’s Grove Historical District – Beautification days – support for the neighborhoods established beautification day projects.
• Maryland Community Church – Hope Week Neighborhood Repairs – beautification and home improvements to 6 elderly, disabled, or low-income homeowners.
• Poland Community Lions Club – Lions Park – supports park renovations including revitalizing the basketball court, mulch, and playground improvements.
• Reach Services – Pathways Day Center – beautification and landscaping for the new Pathways Day Center
• Society of Trash Baggers – Love Where you Live – provides a lending library for reacher/grabber tools and gloves to support beautification efforts.
• Town of Mecca – Mecca Pride – Firehouse beautification with decals and flagpole replacement.
• Terre Haute Association of Realtors – Spencer Park Blacktop Camp – supports a one-week summer camp at Spencer Ball Park including family and tournament experiences.
• Youth Mentor Group of Vigo County YMCA – Fairbanks Park beautification project – murals, mulch, seating, and more around the YMCA and park.

Carey LaBella, co-chair of the United Way’s Strong Neighborhood Council stated that “This Spring the Strong Neighborhood Council was blown away by the response from community organizations who were inspired by last year’s neighborhood investments and put the time and effort into thinking of ways to invest in their own neighborhoods. We received double the number of projects from the first round. Our volunteer project reviewers had a tough time but narrowed the applicants to 14 projects that best aligned with our goals to improve the safety, appeal, and feel of the community.  These projects are a great example of neighbors working together to elevate their communities.”

Richard Payonk, Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley explained, “We were thrilled at the response to this investment opportunity and are pleased that we are able to invest in neighborhood projects across the Wabash Valley.  The Strong Neighborhoods Council is working hard to continue community building and I look forward to their upcoming plans and seeing these great projects come to life over the next few months.”

• Chances and Services for Youth – will provide Too Good for Drugs programming to 6^th-9^th graders in the Vigo County School Corporation to build up social and emotional competencies to reduce risk factors for substance abuse.
• Catholic Charities Ryves Youth Center – will expand the TIME for Me Mentoring Program to more children which provides substance use risk education and builds positive skills and behaviors.
• Mental Health America – will expand the Too Good for Drugs program to Sullivan County 4^th and 5th-grade students and pilot a Character Strong program for 3^rd graders in Sullivan Elementary that promotes positive brain health, self-worth, and positive character traits.

The United Way’s Substance Use Disorders Council focuses on well-rounded approaches to substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery solutions in support of United Way’s bold goal for the community to move 10,000 families out of financial struggles and into stability.  The Council understands the importance of instilling in youth-positive social and emotional skills while educating on the risk of substance use.  According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 90% of people who have an addiction started to drink alcohol or use drugs before they were 18 years old.  The knowledge provided from these programs will educate the children in our community on the risks associated with substance use.  To measure the prevention work in our community the Council will utilize the Indiana Youth Survey yearly data that reports the mean age of first time use and monthly use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

“These proven evidence-based programs are a vital asset to our community that will reach over 5,400 children across the Wabash Valley per year,” explained Jordan Orwig, the Substance Use Disorder Resource Team Chair.  “By developing crucial social and emotional skills in children, in combination with risk education of the dangers of substance use, it works to promote positive life decisions.  These positive decisions can begin to turn the tide on the effects that substance use disorder is having on our entire community.”

“This grant builds upon the work already begun by the United Way’s Substance Use Disorders Impact Council.  Their first two grants created Peer Recovery Specialists and provided mentoring in local county jails.  Both grants addressed those who were already suffering from substance use, but this grant provides a way to create stronger youth to help prevent substance use disorder in the Wabash Valley,” explained Richard Payonk, Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley.  “This Council has been hard at work this past year now investing over $250,000 into programs and initiatives for our community, in addition to executing a $200,000 planning grant that focused on substance use disorder solutions in our rural areas.  This overarching approach to substance use will be beneficial to our entire community.  We know that these programs will have a long-term positive impact on our community and United Way’s bold goal.”