Purdue's Health and Human Sciences recognizes Indiana community organizations with award

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Five Indiana organizations have been recognized with the 15th annual Inspiring Families and Building Communities Award, given by Purdue University's College of Health and Human Sciences.

The award honors organizations that have directly impacted a community and improved the well-being of Indiana families. The winning organizations are Starke County Preschool of Northern Indiana Community Foundation Inc.; Hope Springs Safe House; Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Posey County; Caring Parents Program of Family Service; and Ryan's Place Inc. The winners will receive a certificate of recognition and a cash award.

* The Starke County Preschool offers one-year stipends for low-income 4-year-olds from Starke, Fulton and Miami counties to attend preschool. From 2013-2015, 138 children received a scholarship.

* Hope Springs Safe House is the only domestic violence shelter in a four-county area including Warren and Fountain counties. From April 2014 to March 2015, the safe house provided 1,680 safe-bed nights for 20 adults and 22 children.

* Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Posey County provides mentoring for at-risk youth, and more than 100 children have been served since 2011. Mentored children showed improved self-confidence, a caring attitude and academic performance.

* Caring Parents Program offers the Period of Purple Crying education to all mothers who give birth at Columbus Regional Health. This educational visit includes information on infant crying, soothing techniques, anger management, Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma and other important topics. 

* Ryan's Place Inc. was established in 2002 to provide support services for children, teens, young adults and their families who have experienced the terminal illness or death of a loved one. The program serves the northern Indiana and Southern Michigan area.

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Denise Buhrmester, director of communications in the College of Health and Human Sciences, 765-496-3663, dmbuhrmester@purdue.edu