Four Local Projects Receive Accessibility Grants 

The Community Foundation is pleased to announce four recipients of Accessibility Grants totaling $28,970. These grants fund projects that will provide more inclusivity to all in Huntington County. Accessibility grants are made possible thanks to the contributions of WindSwell Foundation (Previously AWS Foundation) and Pathfinder Services, two organizations with a long history of fostering inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.  

Through funding from Pathfinder Services, the Community Accessibility Fund awards funding to those who demonstrate a clear plan to overcome physical barriers in buildings and infrastructure that prevent people with disabilities from fully accessing the use and benefits afforded to all. The Community Accessibility Fund supported the following local projects:  

Threshold Improvements: HomeCraft received $1,000 to support the reconstruction of the store’s entrance door threshold. The newly constructed threshold will provide a smoother entrance surface for shoppers with mobility limitations, such as those requiring a wheelchair or walker for assistance. These improvements will provide a safer entrance for all individuals by removing the slight step-up which will become a mild, graduated incline. In 2024, HomeCraft welcomed approximately 4,000 visitors. With an accessibility grant, they hope to provide a safer, easier and more enjoyable experience for community members and visitors alike.  

Accessible Sidewalk: Historic Warren Main Street received $9,000 to support the installation costs for an accessible walkway along the east side of Riverside Park. With no sidewalk currently in place, pedestrians, including those using wheelchairs, walkers and canes, must walk along an uneven grassy edge close to the street. This presents both a safety hazard and a significant barrier to access, particularly for individuals with limited mobility. By creating an accessible pathway, the project will provide access for residents and visitors of all physical abilities, improve safety, encourage greater use of the park, and reflect the community’s values of inclusion, historic preservation and walkability. 

To preserve the historic character of downtown Warren, Historic Warren Main Street will supply historic bricks for use in the project. This ensures the new sidewalk both enhances accessibility and reflects the charm and heritage of the downtown district. The east side of the park is a heavily used area during community events, summer concerts and festivals. This project directly supports the long-term vitality and safety of downtown by ensuring everyone, regardless of age or ability, can participate in and enjoy Warren’s vibrant community. 

Brown Family Sidewalk & Patio: The Brown Family received $9,070 to cover installation costs of a new sidewalk and patio which will allow their daughter, Penny, with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, to safely access and play in the family’s backyard. The family enjoys the outdoors as they often garden, cook out and play outside. However, Penny is often unable to access their beautiful backyard in her wheelchair, which limits her ability to independently move and play outside. The sidewalk will connect her ramp in the front of the house to the backyard, which is currently a barrier for her. The new patio will allow her to participate in activities and enrichment while still being able to stay in her wheelchair. Thanks to the Accessibility Grant, Penny will be able to keep her mobility, keep her independence and have access to all backyard activities.  
 
The WindSwell Foundation (Previously AWS Foundation) Accessible Communities Fund awards funding to those who apply and demonstrate a project that fits within these guiding principles: focus on encouraging potential rather than identification of limitations, social settings that include family and friends, age-related peer groups and potential for new friends, aligns with ADA standards, exceeds through the principles of Universal Design, enhances and supports education and employment potential contributing to greater independence for an individual and collaboration that increases potential for greater opportunities.  

The WindSwell Foundation (Previously AWS Foundation) Accessible Communities Fund, alongside the Pathfinder Services Community Accessibility Fund, supported the following local project: 

ADA-Compliant Door: United With Love was awarded $9,900 to replace its current food pantry door with an ADA-compliant automatic door system. The existing door presents a physical barrier for individuals with wheelchairs or walkers, as well as those with limited mobility or strength. This upgrade will remove a critical barrier and affirm the organization’s commitment to serving every neighbor with dignity and respect. On average, 900 individuals access the United With Love food pantry each month. Installing a new ADA-compliant door is a vital step in making the space more welcoming and inclusive and ensuring that everyone can access the services, support and community that they provide. 

“Accessibility is not just about physical improvements – it’s about dignity, independence and belonging,” noted Amber Rensberger, Community Foundation Program Manager. “This year’s recipients reflect the heart of this work. From a business making its entrance more welcoming, to nonprofits improving access within public spaces, and even a family ensuring their daughter can move more freely at home, each project is a meaningful step toward making Huntington County a place where every resident feels included and empowered.” 

The Foundation’s 2026 Accessibility Grant Cycle I will open December 1, 2025. Private businesses, schools, individuals with infrastructure needs, churches, non-profits and government entities are eligible to apply. Find more information on Community Foundation Grants here.