Heart of Illinois Community Foundation

Join us tomorrow morning on Byers & Co. as HICF Director of Scholarships & Grants Andrea Gerhard and Sunshine Supplies for Teachers, NFP Executive Director Crystal Hoadley discuss the power of investing in educators and students.

They’ll share how our organizations partnered to help teachers and classrooms recover following the tornado at DeLand-Weldon CUSD #57, provide updates on HICF’s Teacher Professional Development Microgrants, and highlight the important work Sunshine Supplies for Teachers is doing to support educators throughout our region.

Listen live during Byers & Co. or catch the podcast afterward at NowDecatur.com

A special evening celebrating leadership, service, and the future of our community.

Young Leaders in Action recently gathered at the Millikin Commons for its annual induction and graduation ceremony. We welcomed a new class of student leaders while recognizing our graduating seniors for their commitment to learning, serving, and making a difference.

Throughout the year, YLIA students explore philanthropy, volunteerism, and community leadership while building relationships with peers from schools across our region. Their passion, ideas, and willingness to serve give us great hope for the future.

A special thank you to Temethia Barbee Joyner, whose leadership, mentorship, and encouragement help make this program such a meaningful experience for our students.

Congratulations to our graduates, welcome to our newest members, and thank you to our participating schools, donors, parents and community partners who make this program possible.

Take a look at some of the highlights from the evening!

At last night’s Moultrie County Impact Giving Circle meeting, members continued their commitment to strengthening our community by selecting two local organizations to receive grants.

The first grant recipient was the Life Center of Sullivan whose food pantry serves individuals and families throughout Moultrie County facing food insecurity. They received grant funding totaling $3,000.

The second grant recipient was Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc. which operates the Moultrie County Senior Center. They received a $2,000 grant. The organization provides information, resources, activities, educational programming, nutrition services, and support for seniors, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities throughout our area.

The giving circle also celebrated another exciting milestone: the awarding of its first $1,000 scholarship to a graduating Sullivan High School senior. Congratulations to Mae Dawkins, who will attend Eastern Illinois University this fall to study Biochemistry.

The group also announced a new initiative for future meetings. Beginning this fall, meetings will be hosted at local nonprofit organizations, giving members a firsthand look at the impact being made throughout our community.

The next Impact Giving Circle meeting will be held at The Little Theatre on the Square on September 2 at 5:30 p.m.