Greater Lafayette doesn’t fall short when it comes to lending a helping hand. Aside from the community members, many local entities have made it their mission to empower and support the individuals they serve. Are you looking for opportunities to volunteer and serve your community? Or maybe you’re interested in making a donation of some sort? Check out TRC’s list of just some of the many organizations and how they’re making an impact on our community one person at a time.
Food Finders Food Bank
www.food-finders.org
Headquartered in Lafayette, Food Finders Food Bank was founded in 1981 with the purpose of collaborating with other organizations to provide food for people in need and to educate, advocate, and address food insecurity around North Central Indiana. Every year, Food Finders distributes more than nine million pounds of food to various non-profits throughout 16 Indiana counties.
One of the many programs Food Finders offers is its Mobile Food Pantry program. A mobile food pantry truck travels around the region and provides 40-50 pounds of food for each family, up to 140 families.
For more information about Food Finders and the programs they offer, visit their website listed above.
Bauer Family Resources
https://bauerfamilyresources.org
Founded in 1929, Bauer Family Resources is a non-profit that serves children and their families right here in the Greater Lafayette area. Some of those services include youth development, school-based youth programs, case management, Head Start and Early Head Start, and Safe Sleep.
Bauer’s mission statement is “Creating brighter tomorrows by strengthening children and families today.” As a non-profit, Bauer is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for setting the strategic direction of the agency and being fiduciaries of the money entrusted to further Bauer’s mission.
United Way of Greater Lafayette
www.uwlafayette.org
The United Way’s mission includes fighting for health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community, including right here in Greater Lafayette. The non-profit stands by its “Cradle to Career” commitment, equipping people with the tools and resources they need to live their best possible life from childhood throughout adulthood. Some of these programs include Kindergarten Countdown Camp, Read To Succeed, and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
YWCA of Greater Lafayette
www.ywcagreaterlafayette.org
The YWCA of Greater Lafayette’s mission includes eliminating racism and empowering women. The YWCA offers several programs such as the Women’s Cancer Program, which helps increase access to health screenings and preventative healthcare among minority women. The non-profit also offers recreational programming aimed at building confidence in school-aged girls.
And for those looking for new employment, the YWCA recently opened the Dress for Success campus here in Lafayette. Each client will receive a personal consultation and interview proper attire for their first interview. Once the client is employed, she will receive up to five additional work wear ensembles, accessories, and grooming products.
The Wabash Center
Founded in 1953, the Wabash Center is a comprehensive service provider for those with disabilities or special needs, helping in providing a quality of life for those they serve and their families. The non-profit offer dozens of program and resources for all age groups. Some of those programs include supported living, youth services, and community stewardship.
The Wabash Center also offers employment to people with disabilities who prefer an environment where assistance is available or where they can work alongside peers. Some opportunities available include light assembly and kit building which is supplied to companies such as Wabash National, CAT Logistics, Simple Life Cycle, and others.
LTHC (formerly Lafayette Transitional Housing Center) Homeless Services
www.lthc.net
Since 1989, LTHC has served as a starting point for anybody who is experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis here in Greater Lafayette. The agency offers housing options and resources to help its guests get back on their feet. The non-profit offers a plethora of different programs and aims at educating and teaching the public about how to help put an end to homelessness once and for all.
Some of the programs offered include: Homeless Services Program, Day Resource Center, Rapid Re-Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, Services for Veteran Families, and the Engagement Center.
Lafayette Urban Ministry
www.lumserve.org
The Lafayette Urban Ministry is an organization of more than 45 churches that serve as a social safety net right here in Greater Lafayette. LUM has been dedicated to serving low-income residents, taking an active role in working to change social injustices and improve the quality of life for low-income Hoosiers. LUM offers a variety of services for children, families, and others in the community including the Good Samaritan program, the After School Program, the LUM Protein Food Pantry, and several community events including a 5K and camp.
Junior Achievement of Greater Lafayette
https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/junior-achievement-of-northern-indiana/home
Junior Achievement has helped empower more than 1,500 young people here in Greater Lafayette, setting them up for future economic success by enhancing the relevancy of education. JA offers several education programs for young people in elementary school all the way through high school, helping prepare them for real world experiences including generating wealth and managing it, how to create their jobs and make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace.
Tippecanoe Arts Federation
www.tippecanoearts.org
The Tippecanoe Arts Federation (better known as TAF), is an umbrella organization and arts council for 14 Indiana counties, including Tippecanoe County. The non-profit provides educational opportunities in the visual, performing, and literary arts, outreach programs for underserved communities and youth, and operational expenses to help local art organizations function. TAF plays host to many community events and art groups and serves as the Region 4 Arts Partner of the Indiana Arts Commission, providing grants, information and referral services, and technical assistance to individuals and organizations.
*For a list of more entities in and around Greater Lafayette, visit https://business.greaterlafayettecommerce.com/list/ql/non-profit-and-community-686