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I am proud to announce the official formation of the Peak Community Services Foundation. As of March, it is a free-standing incorporated entity. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of six highly qualified individuals: Larry Beach, Chad Geer, Linda Leasure, Millie Redweik, Janet Thomson, and Don Weikle. A seventh is yet to be appointed.

Peak Community Services has made a significant contribution to the Foundation. As a provider of services, we cannot assume the burden of support for the 150 individuals from Cass and Pulaski Counties, any of whom could be on waiting lists for 10 years. Depending on the type and level of service needed, the cost could run to millions of dollars each year. We can afford to do something.

The Board of Directors has made an outright donation of $130,000 to the Foundation; an additional $70,000 has been pledged to match other donations to the Foundation. The Board has also started a new tradition. A contribution of $5,000 will be made for every Board member who leaves the Board due to the six-year limit of service. The first contributions have been made in honor of Jim Callaghan, who served very capably as Treasurer, and Phyllis Maw, who served for six years, went off the Board for a year, and came back to serve nearly five more years.

You will receive regular information about the Foundation from the insert that begins to appear in this edition of the Newsletter. The first insert focuses on efforts of the Foundation to reach out to those individuals who are on waiting lists.

We hope you will continue to support Peak Community Services and the Foundation as we bridge the gap between waiting list placement and state funding for services.

Ellen Bland is the President of the Board

Recently, Peak Community Services was named the Non-Profit Business of the Year by the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce. This was a distinct and high honor for our organization, and I was pleased to accept the award on behalf of the staff and consumers of the agency.

It is not often that human services are recognized as an important part of the business community. Too often non-profit organizations are seen as an unnecessary expense, as nice but expendable. I am pleased that the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce recognized the vital role Peak Community Services plays in the community.

What is more “real world” than providing people who are often ignored the opportunity to live their dreams? People who choose the services and supports offered by Peak Community Services spend money at local businesses, work for local companies, and rent or own local housing. The impact of a non-profit ripples both socially and financially throughout the community. It is wonderful to have the Chamber of Commerce recognize and appreciate that fact.

Our training programs and support services are available in Pulaski County because of the hard work and dedication of local citizens such as the members of the Chamber. Fifty years ago, they recognized the need for services for people with developmental disabilities and welcomed them into their community. They supported our organization through taxes and through their generous donations.

We thank you for this award, and most importantly for your help and support.

Don Weikle is the Executive Director

1416 Woodlawn Avenue
Logansport, IN 46947
574-753-4104
1104 South US Highway 35
Winamac, IN 46996
574-946-6188
www.peakcommunity.com
peak@peakcommunity.com