Healthy Hoosiers Initiative

05/20/2026

Check out what we’ve been up to 💙

➡️ We hosted the Chuck Vaught Memorial Symposium featuring three excellent speakers, including Dr. Peter Lee from Los Angeles, CA and the Family Health Center. We wrapped up with a great Community Q&A Panel featuring Nathan Gabhart (Daviess County Commissioner) and Aidan Mulvey from Boston, MA (Yale Psychology research assistant). Dr. Lee and Aidan also joined the FOP Lodge 101 Golf Scramble for National Police Week and toured our community. We met with the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department to expand our support for at-risk kids through scholarships, clothing, tutoring, mentoring, and pathways to college.

➡️ We also received a $28,500 grant from the Perdue Foundation to purchase a dedicated vehicle for transporting kids to after-school activities and enrichment programs! We will be working alongside multiple organizations to support them with transportation during school hours. Thank you, Perdue Farms! We are so honored.

➡️ Lastly! HHI President Chris Myers was awarded Region SRO of the Year for his outstanding work at Barr-Reeve and community initiatives with HHI. Here’s what HHI Founders Hawk and Kaitlyn had to say:

“I am proud to nominate Chris Myers for the Region SRO of the Year. Chris embodies the spirit of this honor through his visionary leadership and his steadfast dedication to the belief that school safety begins with student belonging and community support.

By starting the Student Scholars program under the Healthy Hoosiers Initiative, Chris has created a blueprint for supporting at-risk youth that strengthens the safety and culture of the school community. He identified the ‘opportunity gap’ and ensures students facing financial hardship have the same uniforms, equipment, and access as their peers — removing markers of poverty that can lead to disengagement, bullying, and isolation…”

Phew! Thank you to everyone who has supported us — the momentum is building! 💪

04/29/2026

We were touched to receive this heartfelt card from one of our 2026 Student Scholars. She’s using her scholarship to start cosmetology school — a big step toward her dreams!

We love seeing our students gain confidence and momentum, even when their journey had some bumps along the way. Whether it’s a four-year college, community college, or a trade/vocational program — the Student Scholars program is all about removing financial barriers so every motivated student can pursue the education and career path that’s right for them.

Learn more about the program and how you can support the next group of scholars:
https://www.healthyhoosiers.org/programs/student-scholars

03/23/2026

Exciting projects happening for HHI! Wanna learn more about our Student Scholars program? We’ll be giving you the platform to learn about it and how you can impact our community.

Also check out our first dinner event on May 15th. Tickets available here!: https://forms.gle/ZkGVWT4FtJfZ8V7f8

02/12/2026

We are still looking for help to get 2 of our student scholars to their after school activity in Washington. Please read below for more info. We will provide a gas gift card!

If we can’t find a volunteer, the girls will have to terminate the class. Please share!

Send a message to learn more

02/05/2026

Growing up in small-town Indiana, HHI Founders Hawk Royer and Kaitlyn Gabhart knew the odds were against rural kids like them making it to top-tier schools.

"Limited exposure to elite academics, transportation hurdles, and the pull to stay close to home—it all adds up to real inequity. Where you're from shouldn't dictate where you end up, but for too many, it does.

Fast forward: Hawk is now a medical student at University of Cincinnati building a better future in healthcare. Kaitlyn is a graduate student at Columbia University in New York City, pursuing mental healthcare.

That journey comes with its own battles—imposter syndrome hitting, expenses, being far from family. But we get it. We lived it. And we know there are capable, driven students who feel the same but don't know the first step: how to build a standout application, navigate the university process, or even believe they belong at the best schools in the country.

That's the why behind Student Scholars. We're bridging the gap for rural Hoosiers—providing scholarships and support so students can focus on their potential instead of the barriers.

Your zip code doesn't get to write your story. We're proof of that, and we're here to help rewrite it for the next wave of rural talent."

- Kaitlyn and Hawk

02/01/2026

Help us congratulate our Student Scholar, Kaelyn! 🎉

Kaelyn has accepted her offer to attend the University of Southern Indiana — her #1 choice! She plans to major in graphic design. What an incredible achievement!

She has been working hard in school, cheer, and gymnastics to strengthen her applications. Her grit and our support made it happen.

Kaelyn, we're so proud of you! Your determination inspires us all. Can't wait to see you shine at USI! 💙✨

Learn how our Student Scholars program supports rural Indiana students with mentorship, college prep, extracurricular access, and more: https://www.healthyhoosiers.org/programs/student-scholars

01/26/2026

Help Needed - Volunteer Carpool, starting Feb. 19th!

We are looking for a volunteer to help transport two kids from North Daviess to the YMCA in Washington for their Youth Martial Arts class!

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays

Start Date: Starting Tuesday, February 19th.

Time: Pick up around 3:30/3:40 PM at North Daviess Schools and dropped off at the YMCA in Washington, IN.

Commitment: At least 4 weeks(and longer, if you'd like!).

To show our appreciation for your time and help with mileage, we will be providing a gas gift card as a thank you! ⛽️

Please comment below or send me a DM! We really appreciate the community support. 🥋✨

Send a message to learn more

01/21/2026

We recently visited the LAPD again and learned from incredible organizations like The Watts 2 Boston Foundation and Justice for Murdered Children. Their missions include reducing community violence with the LAPD by providing kids with access to better schools, school supplies, victim support, and a clear path to college.

We were joined by Steve Sturgis of the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department to see how we could partner and use these models for our own Student Scholars Program.

Only about 13% of children in Daviess County go to a 4-year college. We’re on a mission to change that by removing barriers—providing academic support, access to extracurricular activities, and school supplies to help our at-risk youth succeed.

When we invest in our students, we invest in a safer, stronger community.

Learn more: https://www.healthyhoosiers.org/programs/student-scholars

01/08/2026

Student Scholar Update: From North Daviess to Florida! 🌟

Lily was awarded an out-of-state travel scholarship from HHI to visit her college of choice: Florida Southern College.

Lily is an ambitious student with a clear vision for her future in accounting. In her scholarship essay, she shared why she is aiming high:

"If I can go to FSC, I will get an enhanced learning experience. FSC is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which is a distinction earned by only the top 5% of business schools worldwide. This will show employers that I would be an excellent candidate for a job in accounting."

We are so proud to help bridge the gap and provide the opportunity for Lily to tour the campus, meet with other students, and see her potential future firsthand. Judging by the smiles in these photos, she fits right in (and definitely didn’t miss the Indiana winter weather)!

Congratulations, Lily! We are cheering you on as you finish your senior year. 🎓🌴

How can we support more local Daviess County kids like Lily? We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas— send us a message!

01/05/2026

UPDATE: If anyone is available for February carpool, please reach out 😊👏 

Carpool! 🚗

We are looking for a reliable volunteer to help transport two kids at North Daviess on Tuesdays and Thursdays

If you are already heading toward Washington in the afternoons, this would be an easy way to make a big difference in a student's day!

The Details:
🟢 Pick-up: North Daviess Schools.
🟢 Drop-off: The YMCA in Washington, IN.
🟢 Time: Around 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM (School dismissal).

Note: One-way only! You don’t need to worry about the return trip.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who loves mentoring or simply wants to give back to a local family while on their daily commute. Interested? Please send a private message to HHI for more information. We’d love to chat with you!