DeKalb County Project Spotlight 2025 Nominations

Alliance Industries, Inc. – DeKalb Association for Developmentally Disabled

Alliance Industries is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization providing employment for people with disabilities in a supportive environment. Our 40 plus employees perform such services as light assembly and packaging for area industries in DeKalb and Noble Counties. To support our work input, operating expenses and continued employment for our employees, we receive funds through donations, grants, and fundraising. Our longevity in the community is a testament to our commitment to providing a safe and productive environment for those with disabilities.

BYEA – Filling Station Youth Center

A non-profit 501(c)3, Christian organization that was established in 1995 to provide a place of fun, fellowship, activities and moral guidance to youth.

Catholic Charities RSVP Food Pantry

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) that matches senior citizens with community service project like the food pantry. They also share the Warmth Coat giveaway, school supplies, Vita Tax program. They would use the funds to purchase food for the pantry.

Concord Volunteer Fire Department

Small-town volunteer fire department in St. Joe, IN made of 32 men & women who love serving their community.

DeKalb County Council on Aging (Heimach Center)

DeKalb County Council On Aging, housed at The Heimach Center in Auburn, strives to improve the quality of life for our seniors and others in our community. They provide services and programs to meet the needs physically, mentally, and emotionally of all individuals. There are daily events at the center that anyone can participate in, a monthly luncheon that is free to the attendees, special trips scattered throughout the year, and other events and services to keep our seniors engaged and involved. A vote for DCCOA is a vote for continued growth for this wonderful organization.

DeKalb High School Baron Business Fair

The Baron Business Fair is a science fair style event, where students will give their elevator pitch and answer questions about their own student run ventures. Students create and run their business throughout the course of the school year. At the Baron Business Fair student compete for seed funding prizes to grow their businesses.

Dekalb Relay for Life

A nonprofit event raising money for American Cancer Society. Their main goal is funding cancer research to find a cure. They have a 24 hour phone service to answer cancer patients’ questions and help them find treatment, and find rides to treatment. They also have a wig program.

ESL Classes
The ESL classes (English as a second language) at St. Andrew Evangelica Church in Auburn. Teacher is Ruby from Colombia. Many or most of the students are from Venezuela.

Image of Hope

Image of Hope is located in Auburn, IN and provides a place for the soul to rest and heal. Through equine therapy, a pond, small animals and other opportunities on the grounds, Image of Hope works individually or in group settings to build confidence and trust. The Hearten House is blessed to be able to have a group session weekly with Image of Hope where our newer residents are able to experience equine therapy. It is a highlight of the week for many! Image of Hope continues to afford experiences like no other. We are fortunate to have them in DeKalb County!

LIFEWISE Academy-Garrett
This is our main source to getting the word of God back in our school it so desperately needs they are growing fast and would love it to keep growing stronger and in more grades.

Neighbor Link – DeKalb

In 2006 we started as Steps of Care and transitioned to an affiliate of NeighborLink in 2007, our mission has remained the same: to provide practical expressions of God’s love to our neighbors in need. Christ’s love for us compels us to love Him; His love for people motivates us to love our neighbors well. By serving others, we believe we are fulfilling this mission as Christ intended.

The NeighborLink DeKalb County platform has two primary functions: Project Posting and Volunteer Sign-Ups. The Project Posting function allows neighbors to post projects for themselves or others who could use a helping hand. Once a project has been posted, our volunteers can evaluate, select, and organize work groups as needed.

St. Martin’s Health Clinic

St. Martin’s Healthcare, Inc. provides quality medical and dental care for acute and chronic conditions, Optometry and medication assistance services to uninsured and underinsured residents in 4 counties in Northeast Indiana. It is a full-service clinic that meets the needs of its residents and is impacting many individuals and families who would otherwise have no access to healthcare. All services provided at the clinic are at no charge to our patients.

Fortify LIFE
Fortify LIFE is a foundation dedicated to providing a safe haven for homeless individuals in DeKalb County. At Fortify Home, our residents stay for an average of 3-6 months. Unlike most shelters that separate females and males, causing additional hardship, we prioritize keeping families with children intact. This approach is unique, and we are one of the few shelters in northeast Indiana adopting it.

They assist their residents in accessing the support they need to make positive changes in their lives. Our programming includes instruction in physical and mental health, financial literacy, employment skills, and other topics designed to help individuals achieve stability.