Community Foundation of Whitley County

10/21/2026

We are happy to share information from the Questa Education Foundation in partnership with Transform Consulting Group for young adults who recently graduated from college or will graduate soon.

First, if you are graduating soon or are a recent graduate, you are encouraged to fill out Questa Education Foundation and Transform Consulting Group’s 15-minute Graduate Mindset Survey as part of their Postsecondary Graduate Mindset Study. Share your goals, your plans, and what's shaping your next steps after college.

This survey will close November 13, 2026, and your input will help Questa Education Foundation better support college students and graduates across Northeast Indiana.

In addition, Questa Education Foundation and Transform Consulting Group invite Northeast Indiana college graduates from the past 1-2 years who are working or looking for work to join a 1-hour virtual conversation about your expectations and experiences in the workforce.

This virtual conversation will take place via Zoom on Thursday, November 5, 12–1 p.m. Space is limited to 10–20 participants, so register by Tuesday, November 3: https://doodle.com/sign-up-sheet/participate/
0b6335c0-bff0-4ec6-a803-c2b9da5a9d04/select

Questions? Contact Dylan Hopper at Transform Consulting Group: [email protected]

There will also be a 1-hour, small-group conversation for students graduating from college in the next 12 months about expectations and experiences entering the workforce. This opportunity will be hosted in two separate sessions, and participants can select the one that works best:

📍 In person: Thursday, October 29, 1–2 p.m., IDEASpace, Helmke Library, Purdue University Fort Wayne. Register by Monday, October 26: https://doodle.com/sign-up-sheet/participate/aaf35494- d7a2-4de7-b79e-3389c4de70e3/select

💻 Virtual (Zoom): Wednesday, October 28, 5–6 p.m.
Register by Monday, October 26: https://doodle.com/sign-up-sheet/participate/24a778d2-06f6-4663-bb0f-e5363abdc61d/select
Space is limited to 10–20 college students per group.

10/15/2026

From granting $490,000 to community projects to helping establish a new fund, the Community Foundation of Whitley County's October newsletter has plenty of exciting news.

You can access the newsletter through the link below!💛

The Community Foundation of Whitley County (CFWC) is pleased to announce the first round of grants awarded through funding received from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of the ninth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT IX) initiative. A total of $490,000 has been awarded to three projec...

10/07/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 🩷🎗️

Statistics about breast cancer are sobering. The Indiana Department of Health reports 1 in 3 women will develop breast cancer during their life and it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Whitley County. In addition, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in Whitley County.

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month there is no better way to bring attention to this disease than to promote the importance of lifesaving screenings.
Mammography screening uses an x-ray of the breast to look for tumors in women who don’t have symptoms. This screening method allows for the earlier detection of breast cancer, which, when followed by timely treatment, can help reduce deaths due to the disease.

“Early detection is the key in diagnosing breast cancer and starting treatment,” said September McConnell, Foundation Executive Director. “In the early stages a lump is small and can be missed in a self-exam, which is why screening mammograms are important to everyone. However, some can’t afford the test.”

The Community Foundation’s Giving Circle for Women’s Health is offering certificates for free mammograms to Whitley County residents who do not have health insurance, are underinsured, or who would not otherwise be able to afford the lifesaving screening.

Depending on risk factors, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for those at average risk should be done biennial for women aged 40 to 74 years.

“Research shows that when breast cancer is detected at an early stage there is an estimated 98% survival rate. That is why we offer the free mammograms, to improve the detection rate and improve health outcomes,” said McConnell.

Through a partnership with Parkview Whitley Hospital both men and women who are Whitley County residents can get the vital screening at no cost. The procedure is quick, safe and has minimal discomfort.

If you or someone you know cannot afford the screening would like to request a certificate, contact the Foundation at 260-244-5224 or email [email protected]

10/05/2026

We would like to share that unfortunately the SHINE event scheduled for Sunday, October 25, is canceled.

If you know anyone who planned to attend, we would deeply appreciate it if you let them know about the cancellation. We look forward to future opportunities for SHINE to impact our community!

10/02/2026

On Tuesday, September 15th, we had the honor of recognizing 22 local residents at our 31st annual Heart of Gold Awards.

Each year, the Community Foundation of Whitley County hosts the Heart of Gold Awards to recognize community members who make an impact and help make life a little kinder for those around them. Awardees are invited to enjoy a night of celebration and receive an engraved, heart-shaped medallion from their nominator.

We are proud to share our 2026 Heart of Gold honorees: Niki Anderson, Karen Bandelier, Clay Bates, Shelbi Brown, Miranda Brunner, Jordan Esterline, Joe Gottschalk, Kent Hill, Liz Hill, Darcy Hoopingarner, Julie-Jensen Kelley, Dick Kyler, Dale Leedy, Mark Parker, Samina Qureshi Beckmann, Aimee Ray, Robert Reilly, Jim Rose, Gary Rubrake, Leann Snyder, Nub Waugh, and Abby Weber.

Honorees Jordan Esterline, Julie Jensen-Kelley, Robert Reilly, and Abby Weber were given special recognition for their decades of volunteerism. They will each have the opportunity to direct a $1,000 grant to their Whitley County charity of choice.

We are so grateful to our amazing community members who make this event possible by nominating others and sharing their kindness, time, and talents with our community! 💛

09/25/2026

We are so excited to share information about a free SHINE Event for Whitley County Girls Ages 12-14 and their Moms -- a great opportunity for Empowerment, Connection, and growth!💛

Whitley County Girls ages 12-14 and their mothers/guardians are invited to a fun-filled afternoon aimed at building confidence, teaching self-care, and establishing healthy relationships. The event, hosted by the Youth Services Bureau and underwritten by the Community Foundation of Whitley County, will take place on Sunday, October 25, from 2-4 pm at Indian Springs Middle School. Registration is required. Space is limited and will be open on a first-come basis to the first 100 registered pairs (moms/guardians and girls).

Being a young girl can be tough sometimes! SHINE stands for Supporting Her Identity through Next-Level Empowerment. Coordinated by community volunteers, the event will feature mental health specialists leading engaging activities that promote positivity. The program will also include a session on healthy parenting techniques for adults.

Door prizes, goody bags, t-shirts and delicious refreshments by Purdue Extension Homemakers will make it an afternoon to remember! Come be encouraged, inspired and empowered to shine together!

09/21/2026

From the 31st Annual Heart of Gold Awards to a new Community Fund, there is so much exciting news to read about in the Community Foundation of Whitley County's September Newsletter!💛

The Community Foundation hosted its annual feel-good event on Tuesday, September 15th, recognizing 22 local residents for their hearts of gold. “The Foundation champions the spirit of philanthropy, and this year’s recipients have shared their time, talent and treasure in a variety of ways,” sa...

09/08/2026

We are excited to share this educational opportunity on behalf of the TechBridge Initiative, INC.

The TechBridge Initiative is offering free computer classes on the second and last Tuesday of each month at Peabody Public Library. These meetings are held at 2pm and 6pm, respectively. The classes are open to individuals of all ages and skill levels. To learn more, visit the TechBridge Initiative of Whitley County page: facebook.com/techbridgein/

09/08/2026

We would like to remind those eligible for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship that applications must be completed and submitted by Thursday, September 10, 2026, to be considered. To learn more and apply, visit our website: cfwhitley.org

We would also like to highlight our 2018 Lilly Scholar, Olivia Vieyra, and her accomplishments.

Olivia Vieyra graduated from Columbia City High School in 2018. She attended Ball State University and graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and a concentration in Business Law.

She then enrolled at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. While a full-time law student, Vieyra worked part-time as a legal intern in the Legal Services Division at the Indiana Department of Revenue.

In May 2025, she earned her Juris Doctor. After graduating, she passed her bar exam and moved back to Whitley County to join the law firm of Bloom Gates Shipman & Whiteleather LLP.

“The Lilly scholarship allowed me to make my dream of moving away from home to attend college a reality. It also allowed me to graduate with my undergraduate degree debt-free, which in turn gave me the freedom to pursue my J.D. without the added pressure of financial strain. Ultimately, the scholarship has been instrumental in helping me achieve both my academic and career goals” said Vieyra. “I’m looking forward to finding ways to give back to the community that has done so much for me!”

09/06/2026

The Community Foundation of Whitley County will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

We hope that all of our community members are enjoying Labor Day weekend!🇺🇸💛