| From the CEO
After 13 years and 230,000 miles, I finally got a new car. I liked my old one. I knew where the knobs were and could change the heat without looking. My radio settings were where I liked them. I felt comfortable and confident when I drove. I knew it was coming. The cost of maintenance was increasing and the status quo was unreliable. A change was inevitable.
Books have been written and careers have been forged around change theory. For me, this change was about moving away from something that was known. Something comfortable. Fear of the new, the unknown, can be an obstacle to transitioning to something that could be better.
Change can come in small and manageable steps. In 2023 we continued to partner with area agencies and the social sector ecosystem to join our vision of building a more inclusive community. Whether in housing, employment, the arts, or any aspect of our infrastructure, we all benefit on the step-by-step journey of change.
With this end of the year newsletter, we have asked each foundation employee to share with you their highlight of the year. What was their favorite step towards the goal of a shared community?
My wish for you in the New Year is that you will join us on the journey. As with many changes in life, it starts with moving away from the passive and watchful position towards one of participation. Let’s grow our community!
Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. (thanks John Maxwell)….
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End of Year Highlights from the AWSF Staff
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Patti Hays, CEO
"Being part of a fully inclusive community doesn't happen overnight, but we're a little closer than we were in 2022. I saw Visit Fort Wayne identify accessibility as an attribute of our city. I heard city employees state a desire to have parks for everyone. Arts organizations & other public venues are working to ensure anyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy their services. This was a year where we heard a far-reaching group of people share our vision. When we can align that energy, we will harness some real power."
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Joni Schmalzried, Chief Program Officer
“There have been so many wonderful moments with grantees in 2023. One that inspired me was hearing from the Fort Wayne Dance Collective’s teaching artists as they shared their connections to disabilities and how it drives their work in Dance for Disabilities. It reminded me that everyone has an impactful story to share. I felt fortunate to be invited to hear theirs.”
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Mandy Drakeford, Program Officer
"I'm excited seeing the progress in affordable, accessible housing. NeighborLink is piloting a new home modifications program to help people with disabilities. Habitat for Humanity is implementing universal design for their next 18 homes. Housing Resource Hub is creating a universally designed pattern book to be used in housing developments throughout northeast Indiana."
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Lindsey Keller, Office Coordinator & Engagement Assistant
"My highlight of the year was celebrating Pay it Forward Day in April. It was great to see disability self-advocates get the opportunity to pay it forward to organizations they care about in their communities. The day was filled with joy for all involved."
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| Todd Jacobs, CFO
"I was able to attend the grand opening of the Travel Bee Coffee House located in North Manchester. This was the result of The Arc of Wabash’s Vantage Grant vision of creating community employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was great to see not only several clients of Arc of Wabash at the grand opening, but also many community members and leaders came out to support the new coffee shop."
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Vicki Lee Johnson, FINDER Vice President
“This year, I was excited to see New Mexico join the FINDER family, and Tennessee expand its FINDER program by adding a new technology feature. Since January, almost 18,000 people living in Indiana used FINDER to help someone with a disability. Being part of something that helps so many people motivates me to think bigger and do more.”
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Andie Mosley, Grants & Outreach Coordinator
“Audiences Unlimited received the Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant for an inclusion mural. People with disabilities were included in the design and creation. Public art is integral to our community, so it’s important that disabled people get to contribute. As a bonus, I drive by it on my way home every day!”
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Beth Rheinheimer, Accountant
"I'm the last step in processing all of our giving and am often creating reports on how we serve our mission with our funding. It's a great way to see the overall impact of philanthropy and the important work of nonprofits all over our region. This year I've started sitting in on staff grant discussions to learn more about our grantees and their programs. I've really enjoyed getting to know about their work."
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AWS Foundation News & Reminders
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Mighty Money Grants Now up to $5,000
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The Mighty Money request limit has increased to $5,000. This will allow us to better support those small requests in a timely manner. There are only a couple of extra questions, but still a small, easy application process with decision within a month. You can learn more about our Mighty Money grants on our website.
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Our facility was built with universal design principles, with the idea that we can provide a meeting space for all. We hope you find our rooms inclusive to all needs. Request one of our rooms on our website.
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