2025 Hometown Grant Recipients Announced

Grants

The Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2025 Hometown Grant recipients. Hometown Grants serve to support impactful projects, initiatives and community events within Warren, Markle and Andrews.

“This year’s grant recipients reflect the heart and creativity of the Hometown Grant Program — local people leading innovative, impactful projects that strengthen their own communities,” noted Amber Rensberger, Foundation Program Manager. “What makes Hometown Grants truly unique is that they are by the town and for the town — designed, chosen and championed by the people who call it home. It’s community-led transformation at its best.”

Each program is overseen by a committee of local community leaders responsible for evaluating applications. The application is open to all organizations or projects that will benefit the respective hometown and its residents.

Warren Hometown Grant Recipients

Historic Warren Main Street received $1,500 to support a unique storytelling photo project, ‘Echoes of the Past, A Visual Journey’, which will be displayed on the north-facing wall of Warren Service and Supply located at 106 N Wayne Street. The visual narrative project serves to capture the history and moments in time to be shared among the community for generations to come. Photographs will be compiled into a vibrant photo exhibit that highlights the traditions, heritage and life in Warren. This project invites Warren’s older generation to share their lived experiences, and community youth will gain inspiration from real-life stories, fostering a stronger connection to the community.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Jeff Souder, Historic Warren Main Street Representative, Ben Warpup, Historic Warren Main Street Board Member, Becky Souder, Historic Warren Main Street Secretary/Treasurer, OIivia Bolinger, Historic Warren Main Street Board Member, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, Brady Smeckens, Community Foundation Board Member, and Jessica Sunderman, Historic Warren Main Street Board President.}

Once installed, the three large display boards will bring a sense of pride and belonging among residents. This also provides another form of public art and advances beautification and revitalization efforts in the downtown Historic District. Historic Warren Main Street hopes to see these storytelling photo boards serve as a blueprint for other communities looking to build connection across generations along with preserving the history of the community. ‘Echoes of the Past, A Visual Journey’ photo exhibition will attract visitors and promote tourism to the Warren area creating a long-term impact for the community.

Warren Health and Fitness was awarded $2,000 to cover the costs of an exciting snow machine, which will be used to provide snow for the Civic Center Hill during the winter months. The snow machine will allow community members to enjoy the beloved tradition of sledding all winter long, as the weather permits.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Diane Carroll, Warren Health and Fitness Gym Director, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, and Mike Haggerty, Warren Health and Fitness Executive Director.}

This project aligns with Warren Health and Fitness’ vision of helping people stay active and healthy, while having fun doing so. Thanks to the help of committed volunteers, the snow machine will ensure Warren and surrounding communities have access to a fun local sledding area in the heart of downtown Warren. This will provide an opportunity for families and community members of every age to continue making memories that last a lifetime.

First Baptist Church of Warren received $1,500 to support the impactful Salamonie Little Rebel Store. First Baptist Church of Warren and Salamonie Elementary school launched The Little Rebel Store in 2023 with the goal of supplying new shoes, clothing and hygiene items to students completely free of charge. Since its inception, there has been an incredible increase in the number of students visiting the Store. During the 2024-25 school year, the store assisted 72 students and provided 949 clothing items, 50 pairs of shoes and 204 hygiene items.

_{Front Row: pictured (left to right) is Ashton Ousley, First Baptist Church of Warren Administrative Assistant, Parker Ousley, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, Kim Park, First Baptist Church of Warren Member, and Porter Ousley. Back Row: pictured (left to right) is Dave Neuenschwander, First Baptist Church of Warren Member, Christy Neuenschwander, First Baptist Church of Warren Member, Steve Park, First Baptist Church of Warren Member, and Brady Smeckens, Community Foundation Board Member.}

The grant will allow dedicated volunteers to stock the store with supplies, while Salamonie’s committed team serves as ambassadors by identifying students in need of support. This strong partnership has allowed for the Little Rebel Store to have a substantial impact on the Warren community, families and individual children. By allowing students to participate in a confidential and personalized shopping experience, children can take pride in their wardrobe and personal hygiene.

Markle Hometown Grant Recipients

Markle Park Board was awarded $3,000 to aid in installation costs for brand-new playground equipment located at the beloved Walkway Park. The playground is easily accessible for a new subdivision with multi-family housing, as well as the Markle community overall. The playground provides a safe and fun environment for families to make countless memories together. The ideal park location is surrounded by an enjoyable walking path that spans .9 miles. The newly added playground equipment advances Markle Park Board’s goal of providing safe places for children to play.

_{Pictured (left to right) are Rick Asher, Markle Park Board President, Deeda Leffert, Markle Park Board Member, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, John Markley, Markle Police Chief, Jonathan Schuller, Sortera Technologies Engineer, and Nick Soule, Sortera Technologies Process Engineer.}

_{Left to right are Rick Asher, Markle Park Board President, Deeda Leffert, Markle Park Board Member, Amber Rensberger, Foundation Program Manager, Andrew Wigner, Wayne Metal LLC General Manager of Finance and Administration, and Matthew Doss, Markle Town Council President.}

BroxonBerry received $2,958 to support purchasing costs for a newly installed tool shed and essential tools for the Markle Community Garden. The garden is an impactful new initiative made possible through community collaboration. As a local produce business serving Markle, BroxonBerry identified the need for a tool shed and essential tools. This allows community gardeners to participate in the garden, regardless of skill level and access to tools.

_{Pictured (left to right) is Matthew Doss, Markle Town Council President, Ashly Dafforn, BroxonBerry Representative, Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, and Amber Broxon, BroxonBerry Representative.}

The Markle Community Garden is addressing an important need for access to local healthy food, and BroxonBerry believes the success of this year’s garden has the potential to create an everlasting ripple effect in Markle. As residents witness the success and benefits of the garden, they may feel more inclined to participate in the following years. In a tight-knit community, this project also has the potential to teach an entire generation of younger members how to invest their time and energy to reap the fruits of their labor. Additionally, the Town of Markle plans to donate any excess produce to the local food pantry to further benefit the community. Unused plots will be filled with sweet corn and easy-to-tend crops to be given to those in need. The convenient tool shed will ensure the garden remains well-kept and organized, benefiting Markle for years to come.

Andrews Hometown Grant Recipients

Huntington Area Recreational Trails Association (HARTA) received $4,000 to support the development of an Andrews Trailhead. Andrews is a key location on the Huntington County Bicycle Trail system, as it connects to the northwest and southwest routes, as well as to the Wabash County trails. The Wabash County bicycle route leads to the popular Wabash River Trail in Lagro. With the addition of a trailhead in Andrews, trail goers will be able to easily see their location as well as key points of interest. The trailhead will also contain a QR Code that will lead to the HARTA website to learn more about the trail system. The trailhead is designed for all users and will be ADA compliant. Trailhead benches will benefit over 1,000 Andrews residents while the kiosk and bicycle repair station will impact other trail users passing through.

*_{Pictured (left to right) is Nicole Gatchel, HARTA Vice President, alongside Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager.}*

The trailhead will bring attention to Andrews as a strategic location for residents and visitors alike. Having a complete and robust trail system is proven to bring economic development and improve quality of life among residents. This trailhead will serve as a meeting point and wayfinding system for trail users while also alerting residents to the existence of the network.

HARTA is in collaboration with the City of Huntington, the Town of Roanoke, and the Town of Andrews to construct these trailheads and provide visible promotion of our communities and area businesses.

Boys & Girls Club of Andrews was awarded $1,000 to cover purchasing costs for age-appropriate furniture. Since moving into the Andrews Lions site location, the Club has been using folding tables and chairs which are not adjustable. Furnishing the learning and activity areas with height-adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs and sensory-friendly seating will allow children of all abilities to participate in educational and recreational activities comfortably. By offering flexible furniture, their dedicated team can better accommodate the diverse physical and sensory needs of members, ensuring every child can focus, engage and thrive.

*_{Pictured (left to right) is Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager, alongside Karen Rice, Boys & Girls Club of Andrews Site Director.}*

This project will directly impact 35 youth, providing them with a space that enhances focus, comfort and participation. Whether a child uses a wheelchair, requires sensory-friendly seating or simply benefits from an ergonomic workspace, these furnishings will create a setting where all youth can reach their full potential. Additionally, the impact of this project extends beyond the Boys & Girls Club itself, as it benefits the entire Andrews community. By investing in inclusive furnishings, the Boys & Girls Club can foster an environment that reflects the values of accessibility, adaptability and equal opportunity. Families will feel reassured knowing their children have a supportive space designed for their success.

The Community Foundation of Huntington County is able to provide funding for impactful projects like these, thanks to the generosity of valued donors. Interested in investing in Huntington County through charitable giving? Donate now or contact us to start your philanthropic journey today! For more information on Community Foundation Grants, visit our Grants Page.