According to a press release from the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, they have just completed two state-funded local projects totaling just over $1 million. These projects will address local needs in childcare programs and substance misuse recovery.
These grants are funded by the Indiana Family and Social Services administration and support the creation of new child care facilities, and the expansion of recovery programs that serve more than 3,000 residents.
Thanks to a $750,000 Employer-Sponsored Child Care Grant, both Francesville and Winamac have seen improvements in child care services. Caterpillar Corner was launched in Francesville, and the Winamac Early Learning Academy was launched in Winamac. This grant also helped provide tuition aid to families, and drew $92,000 in matching funds from local employers.
Executive Director Leeann Wright said that this project built “a support structure that will serve families for years to come.”
A second, $400,000 grant strengthened substance abuse recovery efforts through the county’s Community Action Plan. This funding supported a new Drug Treatment Court, prevention programs in local schools, and a fitness-based recovery initiative called Intrepid Phoenix.
Write said both efforts reflect Pulaski County’s ability to turn collaboration into long-term progress. “We’ve shown what our community can accomplish when we work together,” she said.
