LAWRENCEBURG, Ind., DECEMBER 21, 2023 – The Dearborn Community Foundation (DCF), Inc. recently awarded a $1,000 Proactive Grant to Youth Encouragement Services, Inc. (YES Home).
In its 25th year of helping donors make a difference, DCF is awarding 15 proactive grants of $1,000 each throughout 2023 to charitable organizations that serve Dearborn County residents. Each of the Foundation’s 15 volunteer Board members is recommending a grant. The money comes from the Foundation’s Unrestricted Endowment Funds, established by donors to provide flexibility to address changing needs in the community over the years.
The YES Home, located in rural Dearborn County, is a residential group home for youths ages 13-18 that provides a structured, nurturing environment for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. The YES Home instills hope and empowerment in a safe environment, offering choice and respecting life experiences.
DCF Board member Mike McLaughlin recommended the grant to YES Home because “the type of assistance they provide to the youth of our community cannot be found in any other organization and they perform this service on a limited budget,” he said. “The youth they serve are the unknowing victims most of the time and anything we can do to help I believe are funds well spent.”
It’s important YES Home continue to receive these types of donations that allow the staff to determine the best needs for the kids, McLaughlin said. “For instance, the challenges the YES Home faced with the COVID lockdown was unexpected and challenging, yet the staff did an incredible job of doing what was best for these kids during that time. “
YES Home Executive Director Amy Phillips said the organization is “completely grateful” for being a recipient of a DCF proactive grant. “The YES Home cannot meet the needs of our youth without the support of these types of grant funds. Being able to meet the needs and even some wants of our youth help them feel cared for and valued.”
Phillips said YES Home will utilize the DCF grant funds to meet the needs of youth, including making sure they have winter clothing. Some of the funds might also help provide the youth with some fun activities throughout the holidays, she said.
To learn more about the YES Home and to make donations, visit www.yeshome.org, or call 812-926-0110.
Anyone can contribute to an unrestricted endowment at DCF and help make impact grants like the 15 DCF Board members are recommending in 2023. For a list of the unrestricted endowments and to learn more about the Foundation, call 812-539-4115 or visit the Foundation website at dearborncf.org. If you are interested in contributing to DCF, visit our website’s “Give Now” page to donate online and to learn about other giving options.