WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – Fresh Start Housing, a long-term transitional housing program is redefining how support services address homelessness and financial instability.

The program uses a curriculum-driven approach to financial literacy, focusing on behavioral change, education, and what its founder calls “crisis time consciousness.”

Fresh Start Housing operates as a 15-month program, designed to function similarly to an academic trimester system. “This program is 15 months, which is the equivalent of a trimester system in the educational environment,” said Sandra Roussel, CEO and founder of Fresh Start Housing. She added that the model is intentionally designed.

A central component of the program is redefining what financial literacy means beyond basic budgeting skills. The curriculum is a combination of counseling and understanding who they are in relationship to money.

“A lot of people think that budgeting, checking accounts and things like that is financial literacy, which is actually numeracy,” she said.

Instead, she described financial literacy as a more complex system involving behavior, cognition, and environment. “Financial literacy is more complex as it works with individuals’ cognitive abilities, behavioral habits, social connections, and connectivism,” Roussel said.

Roussel emphasized that many participants come from generational poverty or unstable housing situations, requiring a different educational approach than traditional financial planning.

“When they’re in crisis, they think differently,” she said. “Because when you’re in crisis, you’re trying to alleviate the immediate need of your situation.”

Roussel said she does sit-down interviews with people interested in the program, determining that a face-to-face interaction can determine much more than an application with paperwork.

“To speak to somebody and speak to them sincerely as to what they want, and what they want in their life, I can determine whether or not they’ve motivated and they’re ready to transform their life into something more conducive to stability,” said Roussel.

Fresh Start Housing prioritizes immediate shelter before employment or long-term planning. The program is not intended to function as temporary rental assistance or conditional housing.

“That’s why it’s not a rental, because you can’t hold a roof over somebody’s head as a bartering tool,” she said. “That needs to be their safety and their security so that they can go forth and prosper.”

Participants typically begin employment soon after entering the program and attend weekly one-hour curriculum sessions.

Rather than enforcing strict rules, Roussel says the program emphasizes self-awareness, reflection, and minimal direct intervention. She described working with participants to identify behavioral patterns behind financial decisions, including spending habits tied to stress or instability. Participants are expected to take responsibility for their own progress.

“It wasn’t by me telling her what to spend her money on, it was waking her up to her own behavior and her own habits,” Roussel said, describing one participant’s progress. “And never once telling her not to do it.”

Roussel frames the program’s ultimate goal as a shift from survival mode to long-term planning. By the time participants graduate, they’re stabilizing.

“The goal is not living paycheck to paycheck. The goal is actually wealth attainment,” Roussel said. “They’re learning all the rules of how to gain genuine wealth.”

Upon graduation, most save between $5,000 and $13,000.

Beyond housing, Roussel hopes to influence how financial literacy is taught in broader educational systems. She added that traditional education often overlooks students experiencing crisis.

“There is crisis time consciousness in every human being who’s being educated, and it needs to be addressed.”

Roussel also shared that her approach is rooted in personal experiences with homelessness during her youth.

“I myself was homeless from the age of 14 to my early 20s,” she said.

She credited that experience with shaping her ability to understand participants’ behavior and needs. After more than 17 years, Roussel estimates that she has worked with over 400 individuals through the program.

When asked about the broader takeaway from her work, Roussel pointed to judgement and empathy, also adding that individuals should not place interpretations on the choices of others in crisis situations.

“You can’t judge,” she said. “You shouldn’t judge. You really shouldn’t.”

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – Karen Pipes, board chair of United Way of Whitewater Valley, has been awarded the prestigious Castaldi Award by the Indiana Association of United Ways.

The honor recognizes her outstanding leadership and longstanding commitment to the United Way mission at both the local and state levels.

Pipes received the award during the Volunteers of the Year Recognition Banquet held in Indianapolis.

The Castaldi Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional volunteer leadership and dedication to advancing the work of United Way organizations across Indiana.

Currently serving as board chair, Pipes served in a significant role at the state level as a past board chair for Indiana United Ways.

RICHMOND, Ind. – Jon York became the new CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County in February 2026.

York, a Richmond native, has more than 20 years of experience in the Boys & Girls Club Movement, both as a professional and former member. He joined the Club at age six and started his first job there at 14.

“I was 14 at Scott Boys Club there on South 8th. I worked here in the clubs for eight years,” York said.

He credits the organization with helping to shape his life, noting that nearly two-thirds of alumni report similar experiences.

As an adult, York has held leadership positions across several counties, including CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Rush County and interim CEO for Boys & Girls Club of Montgomery County in 2024 and Hancock County in 2025.

York said returning to Wayne County allows him to give back to the community that helped him grow.

“I never thought I’d be somebody who could create a legacy, but that’s actually an opportunity for me,” he said.

From growing up in the Club and then taking on different career roles, York has seen the evolution of the organization. “It went from the Boys Club to the Boys and Girls Club during my time,” York explained. “I think when I grew up, there was a lot of activities. Now it's programs. It’s intentional repeated attendance and you're building from a curriculum.”

The Clubs offer open programming, allowing children to choose activities. “I always say they vote with their feet,” York said. “They vote to choose to come here or they vote to choose to join our programs while they're inside the club.”

York said his priorities as CEO include youth development and creating hands-on opportunities to prepare young people for trade school, college, or the workforce.

“Our mission is to help our kids realize their potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. And they become our neighbors, they become our coworkers, they become our employees, they replace us in the community,” he said.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County employ 80 staff members and work with volunteers and community partners. The organization serves children and teens ages 6 to 18, offering after-school programs and spring and summer break activities. Membership costs $15 a year, with additional fees for extended hours during breaks.

Wayne County has five club sites for all ages, a teen center at the McDaniel Unit, a professional development and training center, and a campground in Fayette County.

“It only takes one generation to change the trajectory of a family,” York said. “I'm that generation for my family. My son has a different starting point in life than I had because of my opportunities at the Boys and Girls Club.”

Nonprofit organizations across Wayne County have several upcoming opportunities to secure funding through regional and statewide grant programs supporting health initiatives, arts programming, literacy efforts, historic preservation, and youth development.

With deadlines approaching in February and March, local organizations are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and submit applications for programs that align with their missions.

Among the first deadlines is the Reid Health Community Grants program, which focuses on projects addressing mental health and substance use, as well as wellness and healthy lifestyle initiatives. The application deadline is Friday, February 20. The funding aims to strengthen community health outcomes throughout the region, including Wayne County.

Congregations and houses of worship with significant repair needs may consider applying for the Indiana Landmarks Sacred Places Grant. Applications will be accepted through June 15, and an informational webinar is scheduled for February 19 to guide prospective applicants through the process. The program assists religious institutions in preserving historic structures that serve as community anchors.

Art-focused organizations also have an opportunity through the Indiana Arts Commission, which will offer two funding cycles in 2026 for public-facing, short-term arts projects or series of arts activities. The spring application deadline is March 5, covering projects scheduled between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

Literacy-focused afterschool programs may apply for funding through the Indiana Afterschool Network. The competitive Build Grant has a deadline of March 13, while the smaller, non-competitive Launch Grant will accept applications through September 30. Both grants are designed to strengthen youth literacy programming across Indiana communities.

Historical organizations are also eligible for support through the Indiana Historical Society’s Heritage Support Grants, which provide funding for collections stewardship, capacity building, sustainability initiatives, and planning efforts. The deadline for Mini Grants is March 30, with larger Project Grants also available.

Additionally, the Indiana Youth Institute offers year-round professional development funding of up to $750 per award for youth workers. Organizations may receive up to three awards per fiscal year, helping strengthen youth-serving programs at the local level.

Organizations interested in applying should visit each funding organization’s website for full guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application materials. 

Image credit to Josh Smith.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – For Susanna Tanner, photography is about creating a space where people feel safe enough to be themselves.

Tanner owns Susanna Tanner Photography in Richmond, located off Straightline Pike.

While working behind the camera for more than 20 years, Tanner said photographing people has become more than just taking photos; it’s a transformative journey of self.

“I think when anybody comes here, what I want them to know is that it’s a safe place. There have been all kinds of emotions expressed here, and I want people to realize that it’s OK for that to happen here,” she said.

She aims to create an environment where clients feel comfortable enough to let deeper emotions surface.

“Maybe allowing for that to happen is what helps give images a more soulful feel,” she added. “It’s really more about whatever is on the inside being allowed to show.”

Image credit to Mark Brim.

From Television to Portraiture

While Tanner spent several years in photography, it was not where her career originally began. When it came time to declare a college major, she chose television, focused on working behind the camera. She eventually made her way back to Richmond and decided to change the way she captured stories.

“I really just switched cameras,” Tanner said. “A lot of the principles are the same, but I just switched the kind of camera and started photographing people. I guess it’s always been about people.”

While working other full-time jobs, Tanner mainly focused on wedding photography. In 2020, she decided to shift her photography style to portraiture and working with people one-on-one, at a slower pace.

50 Over 50

The focus on people led Tanner to open her own photography studio, where she offers a range of experiences from magazine style portraits to headshots and branding, and personalized sessions.

Her studio work has since evolved into a project she calls 50 Over 50, which centers on photographing women over 50 and sharing their stories and words of wisdom with younger generations. In 2023, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce honored Tanner with the Champion of Diversity Award for 50 Over 50 Vol. 1.

Tanner said the project began as a way to raise her voice against the injustices she felt as a woman in her 50s.

“It really started as a way of me raising my voice against some of the injustices that I was feeling as a woman in her 50s and starting to understand how it felt to be in an age group where you were starting to become more invisible. I know how I felt about myself and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. I wanted other women to find that voice and to give them an outlet to say just because I’m over 40 doesn’t mean I’m done. It doesn’t mean that I’m not still beautiful. I still have things to contribute to my community and to the world.”

What started as a way to celebrate physical transformation, with professional hair and makeup and a full photoshoot, quickly shifted into storytelling.

During consultations, women shared the personal reasons behind booking a session. Often, their reasons included overcoming major life changes or wisdom they wished they’d had earlier in life.

Tanner realized these stories needed a platform.

“That just kind of shifted into along with a photoshoot, let’s give people a platform to tell their story or a part of their story,” she said.

When women worry they don’t have a story, Tanner reassures them that everyone does. It’s simply a matter of identifying what part of their life could impact someone else.

“We have women in the group who have gone through cancer, loss of a body part, loss of a person, some major change. Maybe they lost their community,” Tanner said. “It is a lot of loss, but loss is change. How did that person deal with change?”

Image credit to Christina Mavity.

50 Over 50 Vol.1 is available on Tanner’s website, where portaits and audio interviews are available. The audio interviews were concluded in partnership with Kate Jetmore, who collaborated on the project.

Vol. 2 is currently underway, with no set completion date. Tanner keeps the project open until she feels it is complete. Once finished, she plans to turn the series into a book.

Participation is open to anyone interested, there is no selection process.

“It’s a way to be a part of your legacy,” Tanner said. “To share your story and your images, but to also pass on how you were able to overcome something. What useful advice do you have for somebody else?”

Inside the Studio

Tanner said portrait photography goes beyond technical skill. It requires trust.

“Having an artistic eye certainly helps but putting people at ease and making them feel comfortable while you’re putting a lens in front of their face is probably one of the biggest things I’ve learned over time,” she said.

Before any session, Tanner meets with clients to understand expectations and the deeper reason behind wanting photographs. Lighting plays a central role in her creative process, but she also leaves room for creativity and spontaneity.

“I’ve learned over the years that you allow for that space for the unknown to happen,” she said, “because ultimately, you’re going to get something even better than what you had imagined.”

One of her ongoing challenges is helping people recognize the value of professional photography in a digital age, and helping them look beyond small insecurities.

“How do you help people see beyond that and see the whole picture?” she said. “I feel like one of my jobs is to share what I see.”

She understands the vulnerability involved, both for her clients and for herself.

 “I invite people to come back to look at their photographs and that’s really tough. I feel very vulnerable because they could totally reject my work. I want them to like how they look. I want them to be happy and have a positive experience.”

Photography as a Lifelong Connection

Tanner said her connection to photography began early in her childhood. Her father was a hobbyist photographer, and family slideshows were common when guests visited.

“In third grade, I was on vacation with my parents and we went to this amazing kid pool, and I had a squirt gun that looked like a camera,” she said. “I walked around and asked people if I could take their pictures and then they would get squirted. It’s just been on ever since.”

Her advice to aspiring photographers is to practice consistently and invest in learning the business side of the work.

“Be discriminating with yourself,” she said. “Look back at your pictures and study your exposures and see how you can improve. If you’re going to run a business, you need to get business education.”

Image credit to Aaron J. Young.

When it comes to growth, Tanner finds meaning in the space she’s evolved into and the community she has created through her work.

“I feel much more comfortable spending time with people where the emotions run a little deeper. I feel honored when somebody allows for that to happen,” she said. “That’s not a place I would have been comfortable with when I was 25.”

“I’ve gotten to know so many women. So many women that trust me and I have full trust in them. It’s become a little community of its own, which I’m really proud of.”

RICHMOND, Ind. - Bridges for Life Inc. is hosting an outreach event for residents struggling with housing.

The event will offer several resources and services including hot meals, hygiene products, and medical services.

It’s scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28 at Central United Methodist Church in Richmond from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Find more information on the Bridges for Life, Inc. Facebook page.

RICHMOND, Ind. - Reid Health has named Field Support Engineer Darryl Goodwin as its January Ambassador.

Goodwin is known for building strong relationships across the organization and often travels to off-campus facilities to help staff with their technological needs.

Colleagues say he’s quick to respond and always willing to help whenever it’s needed.

Find the full story on Reid Health's page.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – United Way has been part of the community for nearly a century, and as needs grow, the organization’s message remains simple: “we’re still here.”

United Way of Whitewater Valley serves Wayne and Union counties, focusing on youth opportunity, mental health, and seniors living on fixed incomes.

“We want everyone to be financially secure, to have a healthy community, and also just generally to be a resilient community. So those are the areas that we look to lift up those that are struggling,” said Tamara Brinkman, President at United Way of Whitewater Valley.

How United Way Works

United Way works as a funder, thought leader, and a convener, gathering donations during campaign season and distributing them to organizations addressing local needs. The organization does not fund individuals directly but connects residents to agencies that can help.

“We don't have programming on our own, but we bring groups together to talk about the needs. We bring donors together at a variety of levels to fund those needs, and then we monitor where the money goes and how the organizations are doing with those programs,” said Karen Pipes, board chair.

Company donors include First Bank Richmond, Ahaus Tool & Engineering, 3Rivers, and Wayne County offices, among others. An annual grant cycle opens funding to nonprofits each year.

“Historically we got money from employee campaigns, meaning a group of people could come together at one dollar or five dollars a paycheck and come out with $10,000, which is pretty impactful,” Pipes said.

Funding also comes from individual donors and family foundations, with a strong emphasis on year-end giving. 

Pipes said the organization is working to rebuild its brand identity. “We've kind of lost a little bit of our identity and we've been trying really hard the last 18 months to talk to donors, talk to those employee campaigns, but also engage people on the board that can talk to their circles and make sure that they know that United Way is still here,” she said.

Community Needs

United Way uses the national ALICE data tool to track families who work full-time but still cannot afford basic expenses. Locally, half of all families struggle to meet basic needs. For single-parent households with children, the number rises to 70 percent, and more than half of residents age 65 and older face similar challenges.

Brinkman said rising costs are hitting older residents especially hard, because many seniors rely on fixed incomes that don’t increase with inflation. With the county’s population skewing older, these struggles are becoming more common.

“We're going to be in that senior space. We're going to keep pushing into that because they're just aging further. And then, you know, we need to get more young people into the community,” she said.

Currently, few programs specifically address senior needs, as most services are geared toward youth. Pipes said United Way uses data to determine where funding should go: “We take those numbers and we look at our community and say who are the partners we can fund and they apply for our funding that we have available.”

Impact in Action

One example of United Way’s impact is the introduction of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBR) into Wayne County Schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trauma-informed curriculum, developed by Texas Christian University, helps teachers understand and respond to student behavior rooted in trauma.

“It's understanding the behavior that's causing disruption in the classroom and the teachers and everybody else,” Brinkman said. “There's a reason why that child is acting that way. This is really meant to give teachers a tool to help them get that kiddo kind of regulating themselves again.”

“So rather than just scolding the child or punishing them for the outburst, you're trying to understand what their need is and then once you can get them in a regulated state, then you can have the discussion if there's consequences,” Pipes said.

The program has also been offered to local nonprofits including Birth to Five, Girls Inc., and JACY House.

The STRIDE Center

United Way also invested $50,000 in the new STRIDE Center, calling it a major win for Wayne County’s mental-health infrastructure.

Kelly Benedict, Centerstone’s Director of Crisis Services in Indiana, said the mission of the STRIDE Center is simple but critical: helping people experiencing mental health or substance-use crisis find immediate safety and stability, ideally without involving law enforcement, jails, or emergency rooms.

“STRIDE is a key part of Centerstone’s broader crisis care continuum as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic,” she said. “By offering timely, compassionate support, STRIDE helps reduce strain on hospitals and first responders while providing care that is more appropriate and person-centered.”

The center offers walk-in crisis assessments, short-term stabilization, and supportive de-escalation in a safe environment. Staff help individuals identify next steps and connect them to community resources, including outpatient treatment, housing support, and shelter services. Patients can also be referred to higher levels of care, such as acute hospitalization. There is also a remote mobile unit available to serve youth, so that kids aren't coming into the same facility as adults.

Benedict said the partnership between Centerstone and United Way emerged from a shared commitment to expanding crisis-care access. United Way’s financial support made it possible to renovate the building and open the center in February 2025. “The support turned a critical gap in services into a community resource for those in need,” she said.

The Center is open all day, every day of the year. Community involvement has been essential to the center’s success. Benedict said Centerstone collaborated with law enforcement, the fire department, the health department, and United Way before opening the facility. “We meet regularly to review progress, celebrate successes, and work together to address any challenges,” she said. “We are all really proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Misconceptions and Changing Giving Habits

Pipes and Brinkman said one of the biggest misconceptions about the organization is that many residents don’t understand what United Way does. Rather than donating to a single program, contributions support a collective network of vetted nonprofits, ensuring accountability.

They also noted that fundraising has also changed over the years. In the past, nonprofits receiving United Way support were restricted from raising money during the fall campaign season, but those rules no longer exist, and now nearly every nonprofit is competing for the same limited dollars.

At the same time, habits are shifting. Longtime employee donors often retire, and younger generations tend to prefer hands-on volunteerism over financial giving.

“A lot of people want to do a volunteer event and, you know, run the food line or do something tangible. And yet giving here is tangible because we can maximize that dollar that you give us and flow it through to the organization you want to,” Pipes said.

Pipes added that residents don’t realize how much outside funding United Way brings into Wayne County, money that would not reach the community otherwise.

Looking Ahead to 100 Years

As United Way approaches its 100^th anniversary in 2028, Pipes and Brinkman said they are working to reinforce the value of collective giving across their board and into the community.

“If you give $5 to us aside from that it's going to get matched and we're gonna put it to the greatest need, you're helping more people than you even realize with $5,” Pipes said.

You can find more information and ways to give on the United Way of Whitewater Valley website.

RICHMOND, Ind. – Freezing temperatures have Richmond’s overnight warming center working to stay open for those in need.

The center, located at LifeSpring Church South, 501 S. 7^th Street, first opened in 2022. It activates whenever temperatures drop to 25 degrees or below, offering space for up to 20 guests.

Photo submission by Carl Rhinehart.

“Each guest will receive a hot meal when they arrive and also a hot meal before they depart the next morning,” said EWC Director Carl Rhinehart. “Guests receive a cot to sleep on with warm blankets and a pillow. We have clothes, hats, gloves, toiletries, wash clothes, and other items that guests may need while at the warming center or when they go back out.”

The center’s ability to open depends on volunteer support. “If we don’t have enough volunteers to safely run the center, we will not open,” he said.

At least three volunteers are needed per shift to handle setup, meals, transportation, and cleanup. While occasional funding allows for one or two staff members to be compensated, Rhinehart said the operation is primarily volunteer-driven.

Guests must arrive by 9 p.m. and remain inside overnight, with exceptions for those discharged from hospitals or brought in by law enforcement.

The warming center is sustained by grassroots support, including Oak Park Pentecostals, LifeSpring Church, and donations from local churches, businesses, and individuals. Funding varies year to year, making long-term stability a challenge.

“Community members donate supplies, meals, and their skills to the mission of the warming center,” said Rhinehart. “A consistent funding source for the next 3-5 years would be monumental in helping us recruit and retain individuals for key positions that would ensure that the warming center is able to meet the needs of the people and the mission despite the number of volunteers available.”

Rhinehart emphasized the center’s role in keeping people safe. Without it, he said, individuals may seek shelter in abandoned buildings or outdoors, sometimes resorting to unsafe fires to stay warm.

“Without the warming center, some individuals may fall victim to the elements, losing limbs or their life,” he said.

For Rhinehart, the mission goes beyond shelter. “Each night they spend in the warming center, is a night spent off the streets,” he said.  “Homelessness, despite being difficult to measure, is real in Richmond and throughout Wayne County,” Rhinehart said.

Volunteer hours are 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm, 10:00 pm - 2:00 am, 2:00 am - 6:00 am, and 6:00 am - 8:00 am.

For anyone wanting more details about Richmond’s Emergency Warming Center, there are a few ways to connect. You can follow the center’s Facebook page, Emergency Warming Center – Richmond, IN, call 2-1-1 for statewide assistance, or reach out directly through Facebook or by email at ewcrichmondin@gmail.com. 

RICHMOND, Ind. – The first-of-its-kind recycling hub in Wayne County is aiming to educate residents on how to reduce their carbon footprint, especially during the holiday season.

Penny Ausmus opened the East Central Indiana RE Hub in September 2024. The nonprofit offers recycling options beyond the city’s own program and has quickly become a resource for items that typically end up in the trash.

Ausmus’ interest in recycling began when she was a child. Today, she leads the Green Club at Centerville High School, a role she’s held since 2008. She’s also on the Family Earth Day Committee.

“I was one of the kids that rode her bike around, picked up glass bottles and cashed them in,” Ausmus said. As she grew older, she was drawn to climate-change reporting and noticed how few recycling options were available locally.

She also observed that many community recycling dumpsters were short-lived, often shut down after being overwhelmed by improper dumping.

“People dumped couches, TVs, garbage,” she said.

The turning point came two years ago when Ausmus stumbled across the Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub on Facebook. After visiting, she was struck by how quickly the operation had grown.

“They started right after the pandemic on one floor of an old factory. And when I went down there, they were on four floors of an old factory,” she said. “It was two and a half years ago when I went down there and I fell in love.”

That visit inspired what would become Wayne County’s first recycling hub. The hub started at a smaller location before moving to an old factory just off North Eighth Street near the Depot District, with 10,000 square feet. After a little more than a year into operation, it is already planning a 5,000-square-foot expansion, expected for early 2026. This past year, the site saved 16 tons from the landfill.

The RE Hub accepts a mix of traditional recyclables as well as items typically destined for landfills, including furniture and books.

Accepted items include cardboard, ink cartridges, cell phones, CDs and cases, VHS tapes, computer accessories, household batteries, eyeglasses, plastic bread clips, aluminum cans, bubble wrap, brown kraft packing paper, Styrofoam, shoes, and tennis shoes. Shelves throughout the building display reusable items including Christmas décor, lamps, and more. The public is welcome to come in and purchase items.

“I tell people before you throw something away, ask, is there more life in it? Can it be reused? And if you answer yes, bring it here and see if we'll shelve it,” Ausmus said. “And then we let the public in here to shop and then we ask them to stop, and we weigh it before it goes out. We charge a dollar a pound.”

Typically, Ausmus relies on around eight to ten volunteers a week to help, though the number varies and some weeks, it can be less. With the expansion underway, Ausmus said more help is needed. Volunteers help sort bottle caps, tape household batteries for shipment, and separate plastic shopping bags, among many other tasks.

“I need more hands because it's a bigger place,” she said.

While the hub encourages residents to continue using the city’s recycling program, it serves as a supplemental resource for items that municipal recycling doesn’t accept.

“I've got ways for the majority of that stuff to get recycled one way or another,” Ausmus said. “It's not going to the ground.”

Education remains one of the hub’s primary missions. Ausmus regularly works with students across age groups and often thinks of her six grandchildren when explaining why the work matters.

This fall, the organization won a $5,000 grant from Earlham College through a local competition. The money will fund a mobile trailer designed to travel to communities throughout Wayne County to collect recyclables. The goal is to launch the trailer by May 2026.

For Ausmus, changing the county’s recycling habits won’t happen overnight. But she believes progress begins with awareness and thinking about how recycling can fit into daily routines.

“When you don't see it, you're not around it, it's so easy just to shrug it off and do your everyday routine,” said Ausmus. “What you got to do is just take baby steps into changing your routine. Just start with one item. Figure out one item that you use, see if it can be recycled, and then there. It makes it a lot easier.”

The RE Hub is open Thursdays from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., located at 262 Fort Wayne Avenue in Richmond.

 More information can be found on the hub's website.

Richmond, IN, December 5, 2025 – Every December, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County offer a holiday gift to their members and the community: The Carla Stidham Christmas Shop. The Carla Stidham Christmas shop is a week-long event where Boys & Girls Club members can “purchase” and wrap gifts for their families and loved ones. Members earn “Santa Bucks” to exchange for their gifts through good behavior and program attendance in the week preceding the shop opening. In 2024, the Club served 553 kids and sent over 2,600 gifts throughout the community thanks to the program.

“The Carla Stidham Christmas Shop is the highlight of the year for many of our Club Kids,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County Chief Operating Officer Rebeckah Hester explained. “Kids take pride in being able to give back to their families and find the perfect gift for their loved ones. It teaches them to think of others during the holidays and to cultivate a spirit of generosity.”

While the shop may only come once a year, it represents a year-long project for the Club’s Christmas Shop Committee who source donations and discounts to fill the space with items from toys to tools and jewelry. Local businesses including Ahaus Tool & Engineering, Better Homes & Garden First Realty Group, Blue Buffalo, Earlham College & Athletics, Ivy Tech, Manpower, Natco, and VanVleet Insurance ran donation drives in 2025 to stock the store.

The shopping experience also relies on the holiday spirit of over 200 volunteers who help Club members select and wrap presents. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County Events & Administrative Coordinator Lauren Murray at lmurray@bgcrichmond.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County’s Board of Directors named the program in memory of Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County Lifetime Board Member Carla Stidham. Stidham created the Christmas Shop program after joining the board in 1995 and remained an organizer and champion until her passing in May of 2024. The program has grown exponentially since its inception, and the Club has been able to extend this unique gifting opportunity to other youth-serving nonprofits including Achieva Resources and Girls Inc.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County is “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.” Members of the Club, ages 6-18, have access to dedicated, trained professionals who provide guidance in adopting healthy lifestyles and pursuing educational objectives. Currently, the Club serves youth at six locations: the Jeffers, McDaniel, First Bank, Wayne Bank, and Hagerstown units; The CLUB Teen Center; and their 168-acre Camp Guy located on the Whitewater River. Since 1957, the Club has been striving to equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in life. For more information, visit www.bgcrichmond.org.

Photo and article submission by Kathryn Glen.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – What began as a simple idea last spring has grown into a powerful vision at Girls Inc. of Wayne County.

A group of fifth- through seventh-grade girls came together with a plan: to build a community pantry outside their Richmond facility. The project was part of a leadership and community action initiative, and the team included Oakley, J’lee, Taylor, IvyLynn, Trinity, Kinley, Aubree, Jah’Kyah, and Sophia.

“We wanted to help the community,” the group explained together. “We decided we wanted to do a community pantry so whoever is in need, they can take it. They don’t always have to pick things; they can donate too.”

The idea was sparked by noticing a need close to home. With determination, the girls turned inspiration into action, launching a fundraising campaign that quickly surpassed expectations. Their original goal was doubled, raising $3,000 to bring the pantry to life.

After researching designs online, the group chose gray with pink accents. Construction took time and some outside help, but by November 8, the pantry was complete and ready to serve.

Through this project, the girls learned valuable lessons in teamwork and communication. “We also learned how to work together, because we all had to work together,” they said.

Since the installation, the pantry has already been restocked three times, a clear sign of its impact. Donations for the pantry arrive in different ways: some are placed directly inside, while others are brought into the building. To keep the pantry supplied, the girls rely on outside support. 

“We don't have the resources for that,” said Darian Schmaeng, Teen Program Manager at Girls Inc., who oversaw the project, noting that outside donations play an essential role in keeping the pantry full.

Today, the pantry offers essentials such as HotHands, gloves, hats, socks, canned goods, and feminine hygiene products.  

To carry that spirit even further, the group recently began leaving blue notes of kindess for those who stop by, with uplifting reminders like "never give up" and "you are strong, smart, and bold."

When asked what they wanted the community to know, the girls shared a simple message: helping is free.

“They’re always free to donate the food. They’re always free to help other people,” they said.

Schmaeng said the pantry will be up permanently. 

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. - Rebecca Gilliam doesn't just work in Wayne County, she was born and raised here. After nearly five years as executive director of the Wayne County Foundation, she's helping guide it into a new era of community-focused leadership.

"I grew up here. My family is from here. My mother actually grew up here," Gilliam said. "So I have roots in this community. Where better to utilize the talents, I've been given right in my own backyard?"

Rebecca's career path didn't begin in community philanthropy. She came from a nonprofit background, with previous work in museums and program delivery. Returning to Wayne County gave her the opportunity to take part in something deeper. "It's an opportunity to give back. Come here and be a part of something that is really dedicated to bettering, enriching, and helping to create a thriving Wayne County," she said.

Whether working with individuals, families, or nonprofits, Rebecca's days are spent matching people's passions with real needs in the community. Much of the work happens behind the scenes, helping direct donor funds, advising on impactful grantmaking, and guiding long-term community planning. 

Under Gilliam's leadership, the Foundation has moved beyond being just a passive grant maker. Through Forward Wayne County, the Foundation is helping to tackle bigger challenges in the community related to educational attainment and quality of life. Another major effort involves the development of a county-wide strategic investment plan.

“We're only important if we're doing the work that is good for the community," Gilliam said. "Just existing doesn't matter but being able to deliver on the donor's wishes on needs in the community, providing leadership to grow, change, and improve the community, that is why we exist."

Image provided by the Wayne County Foundation website.

WAYNE COUNTY – Nonprofit organizations are transforming lives in Wayne County. From providing meals and essential support to empowering families and children, these organizations embody the spirit of giving back. Their work reminds us that when a community comes together, real change happens. Supporting them means strengthening Richmond’s foundation of care and compassion.

Across Wayne County, several nonprofit organizations continue to provide critical services and community support for families, children, and individuals in need. From early childhood education to food assistance and crisis intervention, these groups work year-round to address both immediate needs and long-term community well-being.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County
With multiple locations across the county, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County offer youth ages 6 to 18 a safe and structured environment for after-school and summer programs. The organization focuses on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and leadership development. Programs such as SMART Kids, Keystone Club, and the Positive Alternatives Program for suspended students highlight their wide-ranging impact on local youth.

Circle U Help Center
Serving the Richmond community, Circle U Help Center operates a food pantry and provides hot meals on a weekly basis. The organization also runs a Saturday meal delivery program for homebound residents. Supported by local donors, churches, and the United Way, Circle U plays a vital role in combating food insecurity and offering direct aid to vulnerable populations.

JACY House
As a child advocacy center serving Wayne County and surrounding areas, JACY House provides a safe, supportive environment for children who are victims of abuse. The center offers forensic interviews, victim advocacy, and connections to medical and mental health services. JACY House also provides educational programs to help prevent child abuse.

Birth to Five
Birth to Five supports families with young children through free home visits, developmental screenings, and school readiness programs. Founded in 1991, the organization helps parents navigate the early years of child development while connecting them to vital resources in the community. Their work is grounded in the belief that strong early childhood support leads to lifelong success.

United Way of Wayne County
Now in its 100th year, United Way of Wayne County continues to serve as a hub for local charitable efforts. The organization funds more than 20 programs through 14 partner agencies and administers the U-CAN (United Community Assistance Network) program, which provides crisis assistance for housing, utilities, medical needs, and more. United Way plays a central role in linking residents with the services they need to overcome hardship and build long-term stability.

These organizations represent just a portion of the network working to strengthen Wayne County through service, support, and community partnership. Residents interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more can visit the organizations’ respective websites or contact them directly.