Local Organizations Receive Major Grants to Boost Health and Recovery

The Being for Others Health & Wellness Foundation finalized its third and final 2025 grant cycle on December 10, awarding funds to 16 community based projects across its eight county service area in Southwest Indiana. With this round, the foundation completed its pledge to invest just over $650,000 in local programs during 2025, directing resources to initiatives that address behavioral health, maternal recovery, food security, senior services, and youth support.

Grants ranged from $375 to $50,000 and included a $50,000 award to the Indiana Cooperative Development Center to establish a perinatal recovery housing cooperative, offering a potential model for mothers navigating substance use recovery while caring for infants. City of Jasper received $6,000 to support a Jasper Police Department Peer Support Program aimed at improving first responder wellbeing. Local family services also saw support, with Trotter House of Spencer County granted $10,000 for family support and pregnancy services, and North Spencer Community Action Center receiving $3,500 to restructure a client choice food pantry.

Senior nutrition and social connection programs were funded as well. Perry County Council on Aging was awarded $10,000 for meals and themed luncheons for older adults. Transitional housing and recovery efforts received direct backing through a $10,000 grant to The Oaks Transitional House and $10,000 to Daviess County Peer Recovery. The Pike County Prosecutor’s Office was awarded $10,000 for a Fresh Look Project that incorporates peer recovery supports into the criminal justice recovery pathway.

Education and prevention programs were a clear focus. Youth First, Inc. received $20,000 for a Student Assistance Program serving Daviess and Dubois County schools, while Dubois County CARES was granted $12,500 to expand eighth grade prevention programming. Centerstone of Indiana received $20,000 for school based mental health services and Daviess County Family YMCA received $2,629 for a language assistance device to improve access. Smaller awards included $1,750 to L4G, Inc. for Kids Hope mentoring at Huntingburg Elementary and $375 to Shoals Community School Corporation for the RoxStars Robotics Program. Orange County Food Trust received $10,000 to increase regional food access and Family Life Services of Washington received $10,000 for medical services provided by nursing staff.

For Dubois County residents these grants translate into expanded local supports in schools, improved access to mental health and recovery services, enhanced food assistance options, and practical services for older adults. The investments highlight the role of community based organizations in filling gaps left by limited public funding, and underscore ongoing needs for sustained support, coordinated services, and policies that expand access in rural and small town settings. More information about the foundation and its grantmaking is available from the Being for Others Health & Wellness Foundation.