This story is part of a series on 1st Source Foundation’s grant program. Learn more about the program and the impact it has on communities across Northern Indiana here.
Since the 1970s, The Caring Place has served as a bastion of safety for those who have been victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Porter, Lake, and Starke Counties. As the only 24-hour emergency shelter in Porter County, the nonprofit works around the clock to provide survivors with the support they need to succeed.
“We help victims when they are fleeing dangerous situations and provide safe shelter,” President and CEO Jessica Luth said. “As they stay with us, we work on different ways to try to keep them from going back into those situations and how to succeed on their own.”
The emphasis on post-shelter success is one that Luth and the entire Caring Place team know is integral to the long-term success of those they serve. Many who need to use the shelter’s resources once can find themselves in need again down the road, and it’s Luth’s hope that return visits are as infrequent as possible. To accomplish this, The Caring Place is investing more into aftercare.
“On average, it takes someone seven times to leave for good. Our goal here at The Caring Place is really trying to reduce that number.” Luth said. “A lot of times, people go back because they don't have the financial support or the resources to be able to live on their own. That is putting people back in danger more than we ever would like. That’s why aftercare is a big push for us.”
An extensive aftercare program is a necessary next step in getting survivors back on their feet following a stay at The Caring Place. As a nonprofit organization, Luth and the team turned to the community for assistance in funding.
As a member of that community, 1st Source Foundation offered its support by awarding The Caring Place $25,000 towards aftercare resources.
“A lot of times when people leave, they leave with nothing or a bag. We asked 1st Source Foundation for help resetting lives, and they certainly delivered,” Luth said. “It's been amazing. What we asked for help in funding was pretty comprehensive, and it’s going to be super beneficial to survivors.”
The grant from 1st Source Foundation will help The Caring Place maintain an extensive aftercare program that helps survivors reset their lives following their stay at The Caring Place.
“Our aftercare starts with group sessions and check-ins with our past clients,” Luth said. “Transportation assistance is also part of this grant. We can get Uber cards or car repairs for families who might not have the funds otherwise that need to get to a job or daycare or anything else.”
While this is the first time The Caring Place has received a grant from 1st Source Foundation, 1st Source Bank has long recognized and supported the impact the shelter makes on the local community.
“The Caring Place continues to effectively serve a vital need in our community and 1st Source Foundation is proud to support the great work that they do,” said Matt Vessely, West Region President at 1st Source Bank.
As a fixture of its local community for the past four decades, The Caring Place has been supported by people from all walks of life who recognize the value of the organization’s services.
“We have such wonderful relationships with all of the different people in our community that understand how important these services are and that it is not just one demographic of people that we serve,” Luth said. “These are our community members, and it takes all of us to be able to help them. We are so grateful for our community and want to keep growing that relationship with them.”
As a nonprofit organization serving a wide and diverse area, The Caring Place is always accepting support in the form of monetary donations, item donations, and volunteer hours. Those interested in learning more about these giving opportunities should visit The Caring Place’s website to learn more.
The Caring Place operates a 24-hour crisis hotline for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It can be reached at 219-464-2128 (local) or 1-800-933-0466 (toll-free long distance).1st Source Foundation helps fund local projects making a significant impact on their community. Those interested in applying for a grant should visit 1st Source Foundation’s page to learn about eligibility, application requirements, and more.
