For the homeowner, the project meant sleeping a little easier at night. The smoke alarms throughout her home had stopped working, but replacing them was not something she could safely do on her own. Through Wabash Valley Neighbors Helping Neighbors (WVNHN) and its partnership with the American Red Cross, Indiana State University students installed free smoke alarms throughout the house.

When community members need a helping hand, WVNHN’s website connects volunteers with opportunities to make a difference. This spring, that mission was strengthened through a partnership between United Way of the Wabash Valley and Indiana State’s Bachelor of Social Work program, creating meaningful experiences for both residents and future social workers.

Under the leadership of Professor Lakisha M. Bradley, seniors in Indiana State’s Macro Social Work Practice course completed 12 community-based projects in partnership with United Way and WVNHN. Over a nine-week period, student teams worked alongside community members and organizations to address real needs throughout the Wabash Valley.

The course is designed to move students beyond the classroom and into the community, where they can apply social work skills in meaningful ways. Students learn to listen to community needs, assess available resources, organize projects, build relationships, navigate challenges, and better understand how policy and systems impact the lives of individuals and families.

“The purpose of these projects is to help students understand how positive change happens at the community level,” Bradley said. “Through hands-on experiences, they learn that effective social work requires collaboration, advocacy, and a willingness to listen to the people they serve.”

For student volunteer Adyson Littlejohn, the experience highlighted the impact of the program.

“Working directly with this program was an amazing experience,” Littlejohn said. “They do well with communication and help in any way needed. This program is making great strides to make everyone feel included, supported, and valued. I’m excited to see where this program goes. Keep up the great work.”

The partnership demonstrates how small acts of service can create lasting change, not just for those receiving assistance, but for the next generation of social workers.

Another group of students restored a well-loved table that had seen better days. That homeowner had hoped to refinish the piece herself, but age made the work too difficult. So, students rolled up their sleeves, carefully sanding away years of wear before applying fresh stain that brought the wood back to life.

What began as a furniture restoration project quickly became something more. As they worked, conversations flowed across the table’s surface — stories about family, memories attached to the piece, and reflections on life in the Wabash Valley. By the time they were done, the table was renewed, but so too was the homeowner’s sense of connection.

“Wabash Valley Neighbors Helping Neighbors is built on the belief that communities are strongest when neighbors support one another,” said Schelia Romanelly, Senior Program Coordinator of WVNHN. “This partnership with Indiana State University gives students the opportunity to see that impact firsthand while helping local residents remain safe, independent, and connected. Together, we’re building stronger communities and inspiring future leaders to serve with compassion.”

The projects serve as reminders that sometimes the most meaningful work isn’t just repairing what’s broken. It’s showing up, listening, and reminding someone they’re not alone.

To address these essential needs and honor those who served, United Way of the Wabash Valley partnered with Duke Energy and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 9 to host a Veteran Stand Down in May. The event brought together veterans, volunteers, service providers, and community organizations for a day dedicated to connection, support, and resources.

The concept of a Stand Down dates to the Vietnam War, when military personnel were provided time away from combat to rest, receive medical care, address personal needs, and reconnect with fellow service members in a safe environment. In 1988, a group of Vietnam veterans in San Diego adapted the model to serve veterans experiencing homelessness, creating the nation’s first homeless veteran Stand Down. Since then, communities across the country have embraced the concept to help veterans navigate challenges and connect with critical support services.

The Wabash Valley Veteran Stand Down continued that tradition by creating a one-stop shop where veterans could access a wide range of services. The event featured 32 resource tables representing organizations focused on healthcare, housing assistance, employment opportunities, benefits navigation, mental health services, financial assistance, and other programs designed to support veterans and their families. Union Family Medicine Outreach Clinic set up a pop-up clinic to provide free medical assessments and care.

Veterans had the opportunity to meet directly with service providers, ask questions, receive referrals, and learn about resources that could improve their quality of life. Attendees also received hot meals and care packages filled with essential items, ensuring immediate needs were met while fostering a sense of dignity and appreciation.

UWWV served 45 veterans during the event, with the help of 30 dedicated volunteers who assisted with registration, hospitality, logistics, and resource navigation. Their commitment helped create an environment where veterans felt welcomed, respected, and supported.

While the event provided immediate assistance to veterans, its impact extended beyond a single day. The Stand Down also strengthened relationships among veteran-serving organizations throughout the region. By bringing providers together, the event created opportunities for collaboration, resource sharing, and stronger referral networks that will continue benefiting veterans.

“They sacrificed so much to serve our country. They deserve access to the resources and support they need to thrive,” said Trent Andrews, United Way of the Wabash Valley Operations Specialist who coordinated the event.  “The Veteran Stand Down is about more than connecting people to services. It’s about creating a community where veterans feel seen, valued, and supported. We’re grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation, Union Family Medicine, DAV Chapter 9, our volunteers, and our community partners for making this event possible.”

These immersive experiences help students connect classroom concepts to real-world applications, introducing them to the idea that they play active roles in their communities and their financial futures.

Over the past four years, United Way of the Wabash Valley has awarded nearly $150,000 in grants to Junior Achievement in Wabash Valley to fund several programs that equip participants with essential financial management skills. An $80,000 commitment to JA Biztown and Finance Park helps ensure students from elementary school to high school are better prepared for those realities.

As students grow, so do the financial decisions they will face. In this program, students explore income, career pathways, budgeting, credit, insurance and investing, and they apply what they learn in a simulation that takes place on a creatively designed “Main Street” located at the Vigo County School Corporation’s Learning Lab.

JA BizTown and Finance Park participation have expanded rapidly, serving more than 4,300 youth across the Wabash Valley. Many students said the experience was transformative and helped them understand how education connects to income and how financial decisions shape long-term stability.

“Exposure to financial literacy is crucial to financial success long-term,” Executive Director Dorothy Chambers said. “I’m proud of the partnerships and initiatives we have supported to ensure that our families gain financial confidence that will last for generations.”

United Way’s investment in financial literacy grows beyond students to help entire households. Through Junior Achievement’s new Family Financial Literacy Workshop, funded by a $70,000 Financial Freedom for All grant by United Way, families receive practical education on budgeting, saving, taxes, credit and debt management.

This ongoing initiative spans Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo, and Clark counties. To ensure families can participate without barriers, financial literacy is also offered to children while their parents participate. This intentional design ensures learning happens across generations, strengthening the financial foundation of the entire household.

Eighty-five percent of adult participants reported a better understanding of budgeting and credit after completing the program. Topics such as taxes, debt, credit cards and credit scores were especially impactful, families said, leaving them with practical strategies to build a stronger financial future.

These programs represent more than individual learning opportunities. They form a comprehensive approach to building financial stability across generations. Through partnerships with Junior Achievement in Wabash Valley and local school systems, United Way of the Wabash Valley is helping create a continuum of financial education: a child gains early awareness of their future role in their community, a teen develops the skills to make informed financial decisions, and a family gains the tools to build lasting stability.

United Way of the Wabash Valley continues to strengthen the region, through both ongoing investments and past impactful initiatives, bringing partners together, removing barriers, and creating pathways to prosperity.

They’re helping children learn to build confidence, solve problems, and discover the world around them, all during the years that shape lifelong success.

At United Way of the Wabash Valley (UWWV), supporting those educators is a key part of building a stronger future for children, families, and communities throughout the region.

Each year, that work is reflected through the organization’s Childcare Provider Resource and Professional Development Event. Hosted by UWWV’s Success By 6 Coalition, the free event brings together early childhood professionals from across the Wabash Valley for a day centered on connection, learning, and support.

This year’s event, cosponsored by Ivy Tech and Indiana State University, featured professional development sessions, community resource tables, and opportunities for educators to connect with one another and share ideas. While the event lasts just one day, its impact stretches far beyond the conference room, reaching classrooms, childcare centers, and families across UWWV’s six-county service area.

For childcare providers, opportunities to step away from the classroom and invest in their own growth can be difficult to find, especially while balancing staffing shortages, rising costs, and the everyday demands of caring for young children. Events like this create space for educators to recharge, collaborate, and gain new tools they can bring back to the children and families they serve every day.

“In addition to supporting children, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant region for generations to come,” Executive Director Dorothy Chambers said. “By equipping childcare professionals with resources, training, and connections, we’re strengthening the systems that help every child and family thrive.”

That investment is making a measurable difference across the region. Over the past five years, UWWV has helped fund more than 550 new high-quality childcare seats, expanding access for families while helping strengthen workforce stability for employers and communities alike.

At the same time, UWWV supports literacy initiatives that are helping children build a strong foundation in the first five years of life. Through programs like Real Men Read and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, each year more than 6,300 children are supported in learning to read, while over 59,000 books are being distributed to classrooms and homes throughout the Wabash Valley.

By investing in educators, literacy, and childcare access, United Way helps create stronger opportunities for children and families in our region.

One in three children in the region is touched by United Way-supported programs each year, from early literacy and childcare access to broader youth opportunity initiatives that help children succeed both in and out of school.

Every child deserves the chance to explore, learn, and thrive. By investing in educators and expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities, UWWV is helping create a Wabash Valley where children — and the communities around them — can grow stronger together.

Strong communities are built by leaders who reflect the people they serve and who understand the experiences, challenges, and opportunities within their neighborhoods and are prepared to create meaningful change.

The African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI), a United Way of the Wabash Valley initiative, is helping cultivate the next generation of Black leaders across the Wabash Valley.

This year, AABLI welcomed its fourth cohort: 26 emerging and established professionals committed to strengthening our communities through service, leadership, and civic engagement. Cohort members are taking part in a 5-month experience designed to expand board leadership skills, build professional networks, and create opportunities for lasting community impact.

Since launching, the institute has graduated 58 leaders who are serving local organizations, boards, and workplaces in various capacities throughout the region.

“AABLI is dedicated to expanding representation in leadership roles in the Wabash Valley,” Executive Director Dorothy Chambers said. “Adding diverse perspectives helps produce better outcomes for everyone. This is especially true in nonprofit and social sector spaces because there’s a better understanding of what’s actually happening in communities, and what we’re trying to support.”

AABLI is facilitated by Camille Wallace, founder and principal consultant of Global Perspective Culture Company. With a curriculum specially designed by Wallace for AABLI, workshop sessions focus on topics of board governance, civic engagement, leadership development, and problem-solving. Participants engage in case studies and real-world application designed to prepare them for leadership roles across sectors. AABLI also provides opportunities for cohort members to learn valuable lessons from experienced leaders. Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to deepen their understanding of community leadership while also developing the confidence and tools to lead effectively.

For many cohort members, the experience is about more than professional growth. It is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen community connections and discover new ways to create impact for future generations.

“We designed this program to give participants real opportunities to grow as community leaders,” said Camille Wallace. “The conversations are honest and designed to activate leaders in the Wabash Valley. The program challenges participants to think differently about the role they play in creating lasting change.”

That focus on long-term community impact aligns closely with UWWV’s broader commitment to building healthy communities across the Wabash Valley. By investing in leadership development, United Way is helping create pathways for future generations to thrive.

When young people see leaders who look like them serving in visible, influential roles, it expands what they believe is possible for their own futures. Programs like AABLI help strengthen that representation while building networks of leaders dedicated to improving outcomes across the region.

As the newest cohort moves through the program, the impact of AABLI continues to grow far beyond the classroom, shaping nonprofit organizations, civic spaces and communities throughout the Wabash Valley.

“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

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!