I want to share a story with you. It’s a story of resilience, hope, and the power of giving back through the Choose Henry Flex Fund.

After years of navigating health and mobility issues, Wanda contracted covid. Already struggling with her lungs, she became fully homebound and disabled due to the aftermath of covid. Without family in the area to help her, she could not leave her house and attend her doctor’s appointments.

She was able to connect with SAWS, Servants at Work Inc. “SAWs helped me with a ramp so I could get out. I’ve been in and out of the hospital a lot. I wasn’t able to get there before they built the ramp for me,” expressed Wanda.

SAWs in Henry County is comprised of a great group of volunteers. Unfortunately, they hit a roadblock with competing projects due to access to the necessary items for a ramp. They had to coordinate with 68 other counties and travel all the way to Indianapolis just to get the tools to do a build.

In the spring of 2023, SAWs submitted a grant request to the Community Foundation to help fill in the gaps in their work by providing the necessary tools and a trailer for transportation.

The purchase of these items for local builds cuts hours off of each build in travel time, saves money on gas, and gives them the freedom to build when they are ready. Thanks to donors to the Choose Henry Fund, local volunteers are able to do their job, they are empowered, and they are constructing change.

Now, with her ramp, Wanda is able to attend not only her doctor’s appointments but also physical therapy. She shared, “I’ve been going to physical therapy now, which helps a great deal with my health. Having the ramp makes that possible for me!”

SAWs Executive Director, Tim Thurston emphasized his gratitude, “The help of the Foundation allows us to impact not just individual people but entire households and communities. With ramps, we can get people back out of their homes and into the community so they can attend family functions, church, doctor’s appointments, and out to dinner. It can also inspire people who have mobility challenges to come visit them because they’re able to come in.”

This story is just one example of the countless lives touched by the generosity of donors. Your support makes a difference in Henry County! Whether it’s a one-time donation or a monthly contribution, every dollar you give goes toward supporting our community.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Donate to an existing fund (The Choose Henry Flex Fund is a great way to maximize your impact!) that is already giving back to the community.
2. Create an endowed fund to support a cause you care about for years to come.
3. Share this message with your friends and family.
4. Follow us on social media and sign up for our e-newsletter.

Construct change in your community today!

Please join us by making your gift online or sending a check in the enclosed envelope. When you make a gift of $500, $250, $100, or any amount, you are constructing change in Henry County and making a lasting impact.

Wishing you grace and peace this holiday season!
Jennifer Fox,

President and Executive Director

 

P.S.  Ask me about how your gift to the Choose Henry Flex Fund can be matched—turning your $1 into $3!! Your year-end gift can increase grant making in Henry County and help with projects to impact our community.