January 12, 2009

Nominations sought for Inspiring Families, Communities Award

The award, sponsored by Purdue's College of Consumer and Family Sciences, honors organizations that support or unify families and directly impact the community. Organizations that affect the whole family are encouraged to apply. Any youth program serving both caregivers and children also will be considered for the award.

"We believe that healthy families are vital to the well-being of all communities," said Karen DeZarn, award committee coordinator and Purdue's Consumer and Family Sciences Extension assistant program leader. "We want to reward and recognize people who have helped Hoosier families and communities."

DeZarn said a $1,000 award will be given to the organization of the winner's choice. An award up to $500 will be given to a select group of finalists.

Nominations will be accepted until March 31. Self-nominations of an organization, program or collaboration are welcome. All nominations must have the signed endorsement of a local community foundation officer. To obtain a nomination form, call (765) 494-8252 or go to https://www.cfs.purdue.edu/IFBCaward.

Nominees and finalists from previous years are encouraged to reapply. Past winners include organizations that have unified family members or have helped people become more knowledgeable and self-sufficient by connecting families with their communities.

Last year the first-place winner was The Partnership for Healthier Johnson County's "Ready or Not, Here I Come" program in Franklin. The Starke County Youth Club, Inc., in Knox was a finalist and received $500.

For more information, contact DeZarn at (765) 494-8252, kdezarn@purdue.edu

Writer: Greg McClure, (765) 494-9394, gmcclure@purdue.edu

Source: Karen DeZarn, (765) 494-8252, kdezarn@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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