LAWRENCEBURG, Ind., NOVEMBER 20, 2025 – Dearborn Community Foundation Board Member Mike McLaughlin and his family are great believers in the healing work the James B. Wismann YES Home (Youth Encouragement Services, Inc.) provides abused, neglected and abandoned children, giving them a structured, nurturing environment.

That is why he recommended the Foundation award a $1,000 Proactive Grant to the support agency.

The grant is part of the Foundation’s annual program, through which each of the organization’s 15 volunteer board members recommends a $1,000 contribution.

The grants to charitable organizations that serve Dearborn County residents are funded through Unrestricted Endowment Funds, established by donors to provide flexibility to address changing needs in the community over the years.

“The YES Home makes an incredible impact on youths who have been placed in very difficult life situations,” said McLaughlin, who, for many years, has actively supported the group and its home in Manchester Township.  

The grant will be used for general purposes, he said, stressing the organization provides home life and education to youths. The YES Home, or Youth Encouragement Services, was opened in 1981, when there was nowhere, except jail, for neglected children to be placed. Children who had committed no crimes were being punished.

For more on the YES Home, visit YesHome.org.

Anyone can make contributions to an unrestricted DCF endowment to help make impact grants like the 15 DCF Board members are recommending in 2025.

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.