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Adams County, IN
Designated Funds
Designated Funds can be tailored for donors who want to support one or more specific organizations today, but recognize the world may change. If, in the future, the chosen organization ceases to exist, the ACCF can redirect income to organizations with similar missions. Designated Funds are endowed funds. As a result, income from the endowment provides the funds necessary each year for distribution to the chosen organizations.
Acres Land Trust Nature Preserve
This fund is set up specifically to serve as an added support for environmental/ nature preserve. ACRES Land Preserve is located in Allen County, but has parcels and preserves in Adams County, Indiana. This fund was established in teh Adams County Community Foundation to encourage questions and invite more land owners to consider meeting with them to learn more about the advantages of working with the ACRES Nature Preserve.
Adams County is 80+% farmland and that is a particularly attractive component of life in Adams County. The wide open spaces and acres of farmland make residing in Adams County a very desireable place to live. The only way the wide open spaces can be assured is to consider willing a portion or the complete farm to a nonprofit who can assure the land-owner that the land will be used and preserved for the future well-being of the community. Some families have donated the woods, creek, or low-land, or land that connects to an historical location or facility. By setting up arrangements for this tax-deductible contribution (at current market value), this may actually allow that a greater amount of inheritance is passed along tot he families' heirs. Donors are encouraged to consult their financial advisor or the Foundation can provide you with contact information for a financial advisor who could discuss the details of this with you. One of the most recent contributions with a location in Adams County to the ACRES Land Trust Nature Preserve is the Munro Land parcel located near Geneva. ACRES hopes to add land to the preserve in the future, as 20-acres is small for a nature preserve. the preserve is especially beautiful in the springtime, when there is an impressive display of wildflowers. The preserve has a loop trail of 0.5 mile.
Indiana is ranged 45th of the 50 states in protecting land in its natural state and for public enjoyment. All of the states surrounding Indiana (Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky( have saved 6% of their natural areas for the benefit of their citizens. Indiana has protected only 2%.
At this time, ACRES has only one nature preserve in Adams County, the Munro Nature Preserve located west of Geneva. The Munro Preserve is 20 acres in size and ACRES hopes to hav ethe preserve eventually dedicated as a state nature preserve. Located on the very northern edge of the Limberlost Swamp, the Munro Preserve was originally part of a farm owned by Gene Stratton Porter. The Brushwood Schoolhouse is located at the preserve, which was written about in Girl of the Limberlost.
Mrs. Esther Munro Cooper remembered seeing Gene Stratton-Porter at the Bank of Geneva when she was growing up. She said that Mrs. Stratton-Porter was always dressed in finery of beautiful lace and gorgeous fabrics. Mrs. Stratton-Porter would take her horse and buggy from Geneva and drive to Mrs. Snow's house, a friend. There Mrs. Stratton-Porter would change from her beautiful finery and put on hip wader boots, pants, a work shirt and strap a gun to her belt. She would then head south into the sawmp to take photographs and do nature studies.
One of the oldest land trusts in the country, ACRES was founded in 1960. The name originally meant Allen County Reserves, but when the first preserve donated was the Edna W. Spurgeon Reserve in Noble County, the name was shortened to an acronym -ACRES.
Dedicated to preserving land in northeast Indiana, ACRES has grown to 57 nature preserves located in 13 counties and protecting more than 4,000 acres. The majority of ACRES' nature preserves are dedicated under the Indiana Nature Preserves Act, which give them greater protection under the law.
With more than 1,000 individual, family, and business membership, ACRES offers programs throughout the year for membership and the public. ACRES goals:
1. To offer environmental education programs for local schools
2. Providing nature preserves for recreation, scientific study, and enjoyment for the public
3. Protecting natural areas and the increasing rare plants and animals of northeast Indiana.
Adams County is 80+% farmland and that is a particularly attractive component of life in Adams County. The wide open spaces and acres of farmland make residing in Adams County a very desireable place to live. The only way the wide open spaces can be assured is to consider willing a portion or the complete farm to a nonprofit who can assure the land-owner that the land will be used and preserved for the future well-being of the community. Some families have donated the woods, creek, or low-land, or land that connects to an historical location or facility. By setting up arrangements for this tax-deductible contribution (at current market value), this may actually allow that a greater amount of inheritance is passed along tot he families' heirs. Donors are encouraged to consult their financial advisor or the Foundation can provide you with contact information for a financial advisor who could discuss the details of this with you. One of the most recent contributions with a location in Adams County to the ACRES Land Trust Nature Preserve is the Munro Land parcel located near Geneva. ACRES hopes to add land to the preserve in the future, as 20-acres is small for a nature preserve. the preserve is especially beautiful in the springtime, when there is an impressive display of wildflowers. The preserve has a loop trail of 0.5 mile.
Indiana is ranged 45th of the 50 states in protecting land in its natural state and for public enjoyment. All of the states surrounding Indiana (Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky( have saved 6% of their natural areas for the benefit of their citizens. Indiana has protected only 2%.
At this time, ACRES has only one nature preserve in Adams County, the Munro Nature Preserve located west of Geneva. The Munro Preserve is 20 acres in size and ACRES hopes to hav ethe preserve eventually dedicated as a state nature preserve. Located on the very northern edge of the Limberlost Swamp, the Munro Preserve was originally part of a farm owned by Gene Stratton Porter. The Brushwood Schoolhouse is located at the preserve, which was written about in Girl of the Limberlost.
Mrs. Esther Munro Cooper remembered seeing Gene Stratton-Porter at the Bank of Geneva when she was growing up. She said that Mrs. Stratton-Porter was always dressed in finery of beautiful lace and gorgeous fabrics. Mrs. Stratton-Porter would take her horse and buggy from Geneva and drive to Mrs. Snow's house, a friend. There Mrs. Stratton-Porter would change from her beautiful finery and put on hip wader boots, pants, a work shirt and strap a gun to her belt. She would then head south into the sawmp to take photographs and do nature studies.
One of the oldest land trusts in the country, ACRES was founded in 1960. The name originally meant Allen County Reserves, but when the first preserve donated was the Edna W. Spurgeon Reserve in Noble County, the name was shortened to an acronym -ACRES.
Dedicated to preserving land in northeast Indiana, ACRES has grown to 57 nature preserves located in 13 counties and protecting more than 4,000 acres. The majority of ACRES' nature preserves are dedicated under the Indiana Nature Preserves Act, which give them greater protection under the law.
With more than 1,000 individual, family, and business membership, ACRES offers programs throughout the year for membership and the public. ACRES goals:
1. To offer environmental education programs for local schools
2. Providing nature preserves for recreation, scientific study, and enjoyment for the public
3. Protecting natural areas and the increasing rare plants and animals of northeast Indiana.
APLS Geneva Book Fund
Bill and Eleanor Morris were community activists. Bill was a long-time school administrator in the Geneva and South Adams School Systems. Eleanor was an extremely talented musician, playing piano and organ at Geneva First United Methodist Church and Berne Trinity United Methodist Church. Eleanor also served as the first Executive Director at the Adams County Community Foundation. She was an officer of the Adams Public Library Board of Trustees and a lifetime member of the Friends of the Library. This fund will provide on-going support for the APLS, Geneva Branch.
Agape Respite Care Fund
In early 1980s, Roberta (Bertie) Lehman organized a group of mothers who had young children with disabilities. They met monthly in the First Mennonite Church in Berne to offer support to one another. It became obvious to these mothers that the challenges they faced in raising their children were more demanding and stressful than those of the typical parent.
The group identified a need for qualified, caring individuals, who understood disabilities and who could take care of their children so they could have a break.
In 1992, with the help of the First Mennonite Church, Agape Respite Care was established to provide temporary intermittent care for families who had a child with physical and/or mental disabilities. the mission of Agape today is: to provide care and support services across the lifespan for individuals with physical and mental disabilities to enable them to remain in their chose community. The program has helped children remain with their families rather than being placed in foster care, group homes or institutions. Respite care deters abuse and neglect, supports siblings and parents, offers time for everyone in the family to pursue opportunities for social, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being.
Whether the care is provided at the Agape House or in the individual's home, the caregivers engage the children in activities to meet their individual needs, interests, and abilities. Meals and snacks are prepared according to the child's dietary needs. Medications are administered according to the child's prescription from their doctor with the signed consent from the parent.
Agape Respite Care has become a lifespan respite model. Presentations about the Agape have been offered at national and international conferences respite and care-giving conferences. Agape has assisted in the development and start of the Easter Seals Arc Respite Home on Broadway St. in Fort Wayne and with the beginning of Family Options in Celina, Ohio. Materials developed by Agape are being used across the nation and in other countries.
If you are interested in learning more about the Agape Respite or have questions, please call : 26-589-3351. If you are interested in adding to the Agape Respite Fund, checks can be sent to: ACCF-Agape Respite Fund.
The group identified a need for qualified, caring individuals, who understood disabilities and who could take care of their children so they could have a break.
In 1992, with the help of the First Mennonite Church, Agape Respite Care was established to provide temporary intermittent care for families who had a child with physical and/or mental disabilities. the mission of Agape today is: to provide care and support services across the lifespan for individuals with physical and mental disabilities to enable them to remain in their chose community. The program has helped children remain with their families rather than being placed in foster care, group homes or institutions. Respite care deters abuse and neglect, supports siblings and parents, offers time for everyone in the family to pursue opportunities for social, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being.
Whether the care is provided at the Agape House or in the individual's home, the caregivers engage the children in activities to meet their individual needs, interests, and abilities. Meals and snacks are prepared according to the child's dietary needs. Medications are administered according to the child's prescription from their doctor with the signed consent from the parent.
Agape Respite Care has become a lifespan respite model. Presentations about the Agape have been offered at national and international conferences respite and care-giving conferences. Agape has assisted in the development and start of the Easter Seals Arc Respite Home on Broadway St. in Fort Wayne and with the beginning of Family Options in Celina, Ohio. Materials developed by Agape are being used across the nation and in other countries.
If you are interested in learning more about the Agape Respite or have questions, please call : 26-589-3351. If you are interested in adding to the Agape Respite Fund, checks can be sent to: ACCF-Agape Respite Fund.
Carl & Mary Baker Fund
Carl and Mary Baker trusted the St. Joseph Cemetery Board with the responsibility to care for their tombstone and for the maintenance and care for the cemetery grounds.
Baxter-Marbach/ APLS-Decatur Fund
The founding contributors, Connie (Constance) Baxter and Terry Marbach, were born and raised in Decatur and Union Township. The Children's section of the Decatur Public Library was important to them in their early years. "This fund is established to 'give back' to current and future generations of children so that they may also benefit from the Children's section as we did" they note.
BHS Class of 2004 Fundraising Fund
This fund was established with the intention to commission a sculpture to be placed on the campus of North Adams Community Schools.
Dr. & Mrs. Charles Beall Fund
Johnny Appleseed would be proud. Dr. Charles 'Mike' Beall, Professer of Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Denver, taught them there from 1966-1982-, serving as department head for several years. Before moving to Colorado in 1966, he was teh first head of the Political Science Department at Eastern Illinois University of Wyoming. He has also held visiting professor positions at five Western colleges and universities.
What does this have in common with the Johnny Appleseed tradition and Adams County? Dr. Beall is a native Hoosier, born and raised in Fort Wayne (where Johnny Appleseed is buried). He received his degrees from DePauw University and Indiana University, and he always had a great appreciation for the beauty of the state and for the interest in nature that his family had shown. Mike has donated thousands of dollars in support of tree planting in Longmont, Colorado, which is on the Eastern treeless plains of that state. He has also personally planted hundreds of trees himself wherever he has lived, always remembering the woodlands of Indiana.
Mike also wants to make sure that his heritage is remembered. Althouhg he has never lived in Adams County, he has deep rotts in this area, and he has visited Decatur numerous times. He recalls visits to "Cousin Fannie" in the notable Dugan home when he was a small boy. Adams County residents know the Dugan home as the Adams County Museum, maintained by the all-volunteer staff and the Board of the Adams County Historical Society. MIke's father, Charles G. Beall, M.D., lived with the Dugan's when his mother, Jeanne Porter Beall died in childbirth when he was a young boy.
Geneve Stratton-Porter husband, Charles Dorwin Porter and brother-in-law to Marion Beall. Mr. Beall married Charles' sister; Jeannie Porter-Beall. Charles, a druggist in Geneva was born in Decatur, Adams County, in 1850.
What does this have in common with the Johnny Appleseed tradition and Adams County? Dr. Beall is a native Hoosier, born and raised in Fort Wayne (where Johnny Appleseed is buried). He received his degrees from DePauw University and Indiana University, and he always had a great appreciation for the beauty of the state and for the interest in nature that his family had shown. Mike has donated thousands of dollars in support of tree planting in Longmont, Colorado, which is on the Eastern treeless plains of that state. He has also personally planted hundreds of trees himself wherever he has lived, always remembering the woodlands of Indiana.
Mike also wants to make sure that his heritage is remembered. Althouhg he has never lived in Adams County, he has deep rotts in this area, and he has visited Decatur numerous times. He recalls visits to "Cousin Fannie" in the notable Dugan home when he was a small boy. Adams County residents know the Dugan home as the Adams County Museum, maintained by the all-volunteer staff and the Board of the Adams County Historical Society. MIke's father, Charles G. Beall, M.D., lived with the Dugan's when his mother, Jeanne Porter Beall died in childbirth when he was a young boy.
Geneve Stratton-Porter husband, Charles Dorwin Porter and brother-in-law to Marion Beall. Mr. Beall married Charles' sister; Jeannie Porter-Beall. Charles, a druggist in Geneva was born in Decatur, Adams County, in 1850.
Boys & Girls Club of Adams County
In 1990, Dick Wemhoff sensed a need for young boys to connect and grow while participating in structured after-school activities. He began sharing his vision and, through generous donations, founded the Boys Club of Decatur offering creative programming a the Villa Lanes Bowling Alley owned by the Mies family.
Over the years, the Club has experirenced much growth and allowed girls into it's programming through its affiliation with boys & Girls Clubs of America. Faithful support from Adams County residents has also contributed to this growth.
BGCAC (Boys & Girls Club of Adams County) currently operates at two locations- the Decatur Club a tthe site of the former Erie Railroad depot building and the South Adams Club (established in 2003) at the Senior Center in Berne.
With over 1,000 youths served since the inception of these clubs, the Club's goal is for every youngster in Adams County to enjoy the benefits of belonging. Not only is the Club a safe place for kids to go after school and on most non-school days, but it is also a place where each child has the opportunity to grow socially, emotionally and academically.
Over the years, the Club has experirenced much growth and allowed girls into it's programming through its affiliation with boys & Girls Clubs of America. Faithful support from Adams County residents has also contributed to this growth.
BGCAC (Boys & Girls Club of Adams County) currently operates at two locations- the Decatur Club a tthe site of the former Erie Railroad depot building and the South Adams Club (established in 2003) at the Senior Center in Berne.
With over 1,000 youths served since the inception of these clubs, the Club's goal is for every youngster in Adams County to enjoy the benefits of belonging. Not only is the Club a safe place for kids to go after school and on most non-school days, but it is also a place where each child has the opportunity to grow socially, emotionally and academically.
Boy Scout Campership Fund
The Boy Scouts of Adams County benefit from this fund. Since 2001, the money generated from this fund has helped the Boy Scouts purchase equipment, help maintain the Boy Scouts' meeting facilities, and help fund Scouts for their participation in the High Adventure Outdoor event.
Blair & Deborah Brown Educator Fund
Blair and Deborah Brown met because of Manchester College. Even though they are both Manchester graduates, they did not meet while at school; rather, they met at a Manchester alumni event prior to 1983; however, they both opted to attend this event for varying reasons. By happenstance, they were seated next to one another. Both were single, working professionals.
Blair was a Decatur attorney while Deborah was a Bluffton-Harrison elementary teacher. Fast forward to 2018, they celebrated their 34th anniversary.
Because they value education, they are establishing this fund to provide mini-grants for public school activities. Each year, the Blair and Deborah Brown Adams Central Mini Grant Fund will award a grant to Adams Central to support education.
The Adams County Community Foundation will accept the Blair and Deborah Brown Educators Grant Application in January and October each year. The grant applications MUST be received in the ACCF by 4:00pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the appropriate month.
This fund can be used by Adams Central teachers and staff for field trips, school supplies, and sports related financial support
Blair was a Decatur attorney while Deborah was a Bluffton-Harrison elementary teacher. Fast forward to 2018, they celebrated their 34th anniversary.
Because they value education, they are establishing this fund to provide mini-grants for public school activities. Each year, the Blair and Deborah Brown Adams Central Mini Grant Fund will award a grant to Adams Central to support education.
The Adams County Community Foundation will accept the Blair and Deborah Brown Educators Grant Application in January and October each year. The grant applications MUST be received in the ACCF by 4:00pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the appropriate month.
This fund can be used by Adams Central teachers and staff for field trips, school supplies, and sports related financial support
Community Harvest Food Bank of Adams County Fund
The Community Harvest Food Bank was established in 1983 in response to the closure of the International Harvester plant that sent tens of thousands into unemployment. Social Service agencies, churches, and faith based organizations were overwhelmed with requests for assistance and people were finding it difficult to feed their families. During the first year of operation, Community Harvest distributed 200,000 pounds of food to the hungry. In 1983, the food bank became incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. By 1985, Community Harvest distributed its first million pounds of food. Today we are the regional food bank for Northeast Indian, proudly serving the counties of Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley.
The annual allocation from this fund will be used to provide financial support for the Community Harvest Food Bank, Farm Wagon that delivers food to Adams County.
The annual allocation from this fund will be used to provide financial support for the Community Harvest Food Bank, Farm Wagon that delivers food to Adams County.
Adams County Council on Aging
Transportation is offered to Adams County residents age 60 and older and disabled adults. Lift equipped vans transport those persons who use a wheel-chair. Donations are appreciated. Homemaker services are available to those who meet guidelines.
Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast IN, Inc. provides case management for the homemaker program. There is also a meal option. If you are interested in learning more about this programs, please call their office.
Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast IN, Inc. provides case management for the homemaker program. There is also a meal option. If you are interested in learning more about this programs, please call their office.
Adams Wells Crisis Center Fund
Adams Wells Crisis Center is dedicated to eliminating domestic violence and sexual violence in Adams County and Wells County through education outreach, and direct client services.
Real estate professional Sharon Barger was working in subsidized housing in Adams County when she found herself dealing with desperate women abused by their partners, who needed housing and safe shelter. Recognizing the lack of safe shelter within the Adams County area for abused women, this group incorporated in 1997- originally as the Adams County Crisis Shelter. It was set up to be a not for profit emergency shelter programs.
Though Sharon's experience was prompted by her interaction with the clients in subsidized housing, it was clear to her, this was not her only audience. Safe housing was needed for a growing population.
Unfortunately, that necessity for shelter far outweighed its availablity, so when she couldn't find safe housing for her clients she got together with her friends and associaties with expertise in various areas and the crisis shelter was established.
Since 2000, the Crisis Center has been staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year; ensuring that intervention and advocacy is available to victims of domestic abuse at all times.
In 2002, the group officially included Wells County and changed its name to Adams/Wells Crisis Center (AWCC). Their mission: to create hope in the hearts of victims of domestic violence and assist them in securing their independence.
The Adams Wells Crisis Center provides emergency shelter, clothing, and essential and supportive care in a safe and secure environment. Though an extensive referral network of resources in Adams and Wells Counties, assistance with basic needs are addressed, including: housing, employment, training and job placement, education and counseling. Weekly support groups are offered for residential and non-residential clients, focusing on topics such as: parenting, money management, financial assistance, childcare issues, Domestic Violence & Safety Planning education, stress management, developing a support network, assertiveness training, and social/relational skills. AWCC employs full-time and part-time staff persons to provide intervention/advocacy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Their case manager provides case management services for clients who need to work through legal, law enforcement, and social services systems. Clients are typically without funds, isolated from friends and family, and generally considered to be in poverty. All support services, including group meetings, are offered to residential clients and non-residential (outreach) clients free of charge.
Real estate professional Sharon Barger was working in subsidized housing in Adams County when she found herself dealing with desperate women abused by their partners, who needed housing and safe shelter. Recognizing the lack of safe shelter within the Adams County area for abused women, this group incorporated in 1997- originally as the Adams County Crisis Shelter. It was set up to be a not for profit emergency shelter programs.
Though Sharon's experience was prompted by her interaction with the clients in subsidized housing, it was clear to her, this was not her only audience. Safe housing was needed for a growing population.
Unfortunately, that necessity for shelter far outweighed its availablity, so when she couldn't find safe housing for her clients she got together with her friends and associaties with expertise in various areas and the crisis shelter was established.
Since 2000, the Crisis Center has been staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year; ensuring that intervention and advocacy is available to victims of domestic abuse at all times.
In 2002, the group officially included Wells County and changed its name to Adams/Wells Crisis Center (AWCC). Their mission: to create hope in the hearts of victims of domestic violence and assist them in securing their independence.
The Adams Wells Crisis Center provides emergency shelter, clothing, and essential and supportive care in a safe and secure environment. Though an extensive referral network of resources in Adams and Wells Counties, assistance with basic needs are addressed, including: housing, employment, training and job placement, education and counseling. Weekly support groups are offered for residential and non-residential clients, focusing on topics such as: parenting, money management, financial assistance, childcare issues, Domestic Violence & Safety Planning education, stress management, developing a support network, assertiveness training, and social/relational skills. AWCC employs full-time and part-time staff persons to provide intervention/advocacy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Their case manager provides case management services for clients who need to work through legal, law enforcement, and social services systems. Clients are typically without funds, isolated from friends and family, and generally considered to be in poverty. All support services, including group meetings, are offered to residential clients and non-residential (outreach) clients free of charge.
Decatur Cemetery Fund
Decatur Police Department Community and K9 Fund
With effort to raise money and apply for grants to support the K9 program and to better serve our community, the Decatur Police Department established this fund in the ACCF to manage the fundraising efforts, apply for community grants, and to accept contributions and grants that support the Decatur Police Department through the Adams County Community Foundation, a 501c3 entity.
(as appears on the Decatur Police Department website):
The Decatur Police Department serves a population of 10,331 people and is staffed by 20 Full Time Officers, Reserve Officers, a Chief Clerk, and an Administrative Secretary. We are a 24/7, 365 days a year department. We are located at 112 S. 7th Street in Decatur.
Since going to a county dispatch system in August 2013, our office is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. After hours and on weekends, an officer may be dispatched by contacting central dispatch at the Adams County Sheriff Department. Some of the services we provide, in addition to normal law enforcement work, are: Gun Permit Applications / Golf Cart Permits / Vehicle VIN Checks / Local Background Checks for Employment / Drop Box for Unwanted Medications.
(as appears on the Decatur Police Department website):
The Decatur Police Department serves a population of 10,331 people and is staffed by 20 Full Time Officers, Reserve Officers, a Chief Clerk, and an Administrative Secretary. We are a 24/7, 365 days a year department. We are located at 112 S. 7th Street in Decatur.
Since going to a county dispatch system in August 2013, our office is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. After hours and on weekends, an officer may be dispatched by contacting central dispatch at the Adams County Sheriff Department. Some of the services we provide, in addition to normal law enforcement work, are: Gun Permit Applications / Golf Cart Permits / Vehicle VIN Checks / Local Background Checks for Employment / Drop Box for Unwanted Medications.
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