American Rescue Plan Award Supports Synergistic Direct-service Collaboration
GREENFIELD, IN – Meals on Wheels of Hancock County has robust plans for the nearly $730,000 in American Rescue Plan funds recently designated to help local nonprofits post-COVID-19.
As part of a $15 million award provided to Hancock County through the American Rescue Plan grant, the near-quarter-of-a-million-dollar funding empowers Meals on Wheels to collaborate with the Hancock County Community Foundation. The social service nonprofits teamed up to create the Circle of Care nonprofit hub, whereas Meals on Wheels will hold the title to HCCF’s current property at 312 E. Main St., Greenfield, as the anchor organization starting in 2023.
Meals on Wheels was recently awarded the gift, valued at $550,000. at the HCCF’s annual gala in November. Executive Director Lynda Kosh graciously accepted alongside Board Chair Andy Turner, and serving board members and staff in attendance.
“I am full of heartfelt gratitude and overwhelmed with emotion as the Circle of Care vision begins to take shape in reality,” Kosh said. “It is an honor to have the work of Meals on Wheels, and our staff, board and army of volunteers to be recognized in this manner.”
Kosh said Meals on Wheels will provide leadership for other Hancock County social service nonprofits to be housed in the new Circle of Care center in 2023. Families United for Support and Encouragement (FUSE), Hancock County Children’s Choir, Hancock County Firefly, Hancock County Leaders in Navigating Knowledge, Healthy 365 and WorkOne will join the hub.
“We are well able and up for the task to work alongside our nonprofit partners to provide much-needed services and care to our families, friends and neighbors of Hancock County in a shared, inviting and collaborative location,” Kosh said.
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County, which moved to the 312 E. Main St. location at the end of summer 2022, will manage the Circle of Care collaboration. Immediate duties include renovating the building into an accessible, collaborative nonprofit center. Kosh said the hub allows for multiple direct-service providers to create nonprofit synergy. This helps shrink barriers and creates “transformational opportunities” for the Hancock County community in one convenient location, with accessibility for clients with disabilities.
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About Meals on Wheels of Hancock County
Meals on Wheels of Hancock County was established in 2001 in Greenfield, Ind., to meet the needs of local aging and at-risk communities. The nonprofit’s mission is to help the citizens of Hancock County maintain an independent lifestyle through the delivery of nutritious meals in accordance with prescribed dietary needs, and provide a point of personal contact with the community.
