North Manchester Project Spotlight 2026 Nominations
Community Services of North Manchester d/b/a Manchester Soccer Club
Community Services of North Manchester d/b/a Manchester Soccer Club is a youth sports organization providing soccer opportunities for children from kindergarten through junior high in the North Manchester area. Through seasonal leagues, tournaments, camps, and community partnerships, the club supports player development, school athletic programs, and community engagement through sports.
Daniel’s Place
Daniel’s Place is a nonprofit organization focused on providing respite care across the lifespan of persons with physical and intellectual disabilities. They care for guests of any age.
Daniel’s Place gives short-term care to people whose disabilities are such that they need continual assistance. Respite allows for time off from caregiving responsibilities while providing a safe, comfortable place for loved ones. As little as 4 hours of respite per week has been shown to make significant differences in caregiver lives.
Both our guests and their families will benefit from respite care. After taking a break, caregivers are able to give more and enjoy doing it! Individuals who stay at Daniel’s Place have an opportunity to learn that they can count on others for help. They can also form new friendships, experience new environments, and have fun!
Laketon Lions Club
The Laketon Lions Club is a community service organization that raises funds to support local programs such as the Manchester Community Schools music department, the Manchester Public Library Summer Reading Program, and the Center for History, along with state and international Lions Club projects. Through volunteerism and fundraising, the club helps strengthen community resources and services.
Manchester Alive
Manchester Alive Main Street Chamber Alliance is a community development organization focused on promoting economic vitality and enhancing quality of place in North Manchester. Through collaboration, downtown revitalization, and business support, the organization works to strengthen the local economy and community connection.
Manchester Early Learning Center
Manchester Early Learning Center provides early childhood education and childcare services that support school readiness and child development in the North Manchester area. Through nurturing care, learning activities, and family engagement, the center helps young children build strong foundations for future success.
Manchester Symphony Orchestra
The Manchester Symphony Orchestra, now in its 87th season, is a community-based orchestra founded in 1939 in partnership with Manchester University. Supported by donors and patrons, it provides live orchestral performances that enrich the cultural life of the community.
NMPL Friends of the Library
NMPL Friends of the Library supports the North Manchester Public Library in its mission to provide innovative, engaging, and accessible programs for the community. The organization helps enhance library services that go far beyond traditional resources, including programs for children and families, live music, movie nights, hands-on workshops, wellness and movement classes, and creative technology opportunities such as 3D printing.
Through fundraising and community support, Friends of the Library helps expand access to unique resources like museum passes, STEM kits, mobile hotspots, and special events that bring people together. By supporting these initiatives, NMPL Friends of the Library helps ensure the library remains a vibrant community hub where learning, creativity, and connection come to life for all ages.
North Manchester Fire Department
The North Manchester Fire Department provides a community-wide fire prevention program each October, with a strong focus on educating local students and schools during National Fire Prevention Week. Through school visits and community outreach, firefighters teach important safety topics such as home fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and how to respond in the event of a fire.
While specific programming details may vary year to year, the department’s efforts align with standard fire safety education practices used across Indiana fire agencies, emphasizing hands-on learning, public awareness, and youth engagement. By investing in early education and community outreach, the North Manchester Fire Department helps promote safety awareness and preparedness throughout the community.
North Manchester First Brethren Church Coats For Our Community
North Manchester First Brethren Church’s “Coats for Our Community” program provides winter coats to children and adults in need throughout North Manchester, in partnership with Manchester Community Schools. Funded through church fundraising and supported by volunteers and community partners, the program distributes coats, hats, and gloves each fall to help ensure local families stay warm during winter.
North Manchester Public Library
North Manchester Public Library is a community hub offering books, programs, and innovative resources for all ages. Through educational events, technology access, and family programming, the library provides a welcoming space for learning, creativity, and community connection.
Travel Bee Coffee Shop
Travel Bee is a nonprofit coffee shop operated by ARC and located in the heart of North Manchester. More than just a coffee shop, Travel Bee provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with special needs, helping them develop workplace skills, build confidence, and learn important adult responsibilities. Through hands-on experience in a supportive environment, participants gain valuable job training and independence while serving the community. Travel Bee creates an inclusive space where individuals can grow, connect, and contribute, making a lasting impact on both its employees and the North Manchester community.