Jackson County Project Spotlight
Nominees
Anchor House, Inc. – Anchor House, Inc. has been a critical resource in Jackson County and has been a registered, recognized 501c3 under the name Anchor House, Inc. since its creation three decades ago. Under the Anchor House umbrella is a Family Assistance Center that provides emergency shelter to families with children, a second emergency shelter to individuals and families, as well as a food pantry to Jackson County Residents. In 2021, Anchor distributed over 14,000 individual pantry distributions, housed 35 families including over 80 children in its 8-12 week family shelter program, and provided over 4,200 nights of shelter to 285 unduplicated individualsthrough its East Shelter for individuals and families. The Anchor House mission statement is “investing into familiesand individuals through housing and resources, while fighting hunger in our community.” Anchor Houseemergency shelter services are available to those in Jackson County experiencing homelessness; the pantry is opento any Jackson County resident self-attesting to be at or below the median income for their household size.
Arc of Jackson County – The Arc of Jackson County is a local non-profit organization advocating for persons with disabilities. We are affiliated with The Arc of Indiana and The Arc of the United States.
Jackson County CASA of Indiana – Jackson County GAL/CASA is a volunteer-powered program which provides advocacy to child victims of abuse and neglect to ensure that they remain at the fore-front of the court proceedings and find a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. The program is funded through a variety of ever-changing sources.
Jackson County United Way – Jackson County United Way assesses needs, secures resources and strategically invests those resources to create measurable, lasting change in the areas of education, health and financial stability.
Mental Health America of Jackson County – “I’m Thumbody Special” program is for preschool age children 3-4 years in age. We have presented to preschoolers in Crothersville, Medora, Brownstown, and Seymour. It promotes self-esteem, and how to deal with feelings and emotions. It is never too early to teach them how to open up to trusted adults about their feelings in hopes they will continue this through life. Mental Health Awareness is the key at an early age to prevent them as teens to not bottle up their feelings. We have been serving over 600 students this year. Our hope is to continue this program to the children of our future. May this be a continued program with growth into the elementary, middle and high school. No child left behind!
Special Olympics Indiana Jackson County – Special Olympics Indiana is a nonprofit organization that provides sports opportunities for individuals with special needs ages 8 and up. The program is free to athletes to participate thanks to year-round fundraising efforts. Sports offered in Jackson County include track and field, horseshoes, bocce, softball, corn toss, bowling and basketball.