By Anna Skinner
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, the Westfield Chamber of Commerce presented its February luncheon in a different format, one that recognized various nonprofits in the community.
Legacy Fund President Terry Anker presented, and he allowed nine of the nonprofits to share their missions with the crowd.
“It truly is direct involvement in philanthropy that matters,” Anker said. “The things you’re doing matter enormously much more than you might imagine. A single dollar, a single step, a single thing can have a profound impact when aggregated by all the people in this room.”
Westfield Youth Assistance Program:
The first nonprofit to present was the WYAP. The program has been around since 2009. It serves youth ages 3 to 17 in various ways to keep them out of the juvenile justice system.
Open Doors of Washington Township:
Open Doors provides food and clothing to those in need in Westfield and Washington Township. The organization has served more than 13,000 families since its establishment in 2009. It is located at 110 Jersey St., but it is building a new, larger facility adjacent to the Monon Trail Elementary School, 19400 Tomlinson Rd.
Heart and Soul Clinic:
The Heart and Soul Clinic serves the uninsured or underinsured of Hamilton County by providing physical, mental and dental care. It has a volunteer staff and covers the cost of exams, labs and most prescriptions.
Hamilton County Leadership Academy:
Provides a leadership program to educate residents about Hamilton County through a commitment of time, energy and desire to be involved in the community. Many of the 630 graduates hold an elected position.
Trinity Free Clinic:
This faith-based health care clinic was established in 2000 and serves the underinsured or uninsured low-income residents of Hamilton County.
Grace Care Center:
This organization is operated out of Grace Church in Noblesville and provides a food pantry, English as a Second Language classes, referral services and vehicle services. Last year, the organization donated 47 cars, had 187 students in the ESL program, 45,000 volunteer hours, 400 volunteers each week and served more than 600 families weekly.
Janus Developmental Services:
Located in Noblesville, the organization provides individuals with disabilities opportunities to participate and contribute within their community. There are opportunities for education, employment training, independent living and information for individuals and families.
Student Impact:
This program has been serving fifth through 12th grade kids for 17 years. Executive Director Danyele Easterhaus said the faith-based organization builds relationships and provides leadership while providing for a healthy community.
Westfield Education Foundation:
The WEF was created in 1986 and provides scholarships and grants for students and teachers in Westfield Washington Schools. Its major fundraiser, the Underground Railroad Run, is scheduled for March 18.
For more, visit westfield-chamber.org.
