As the assistant director of La Porte County Meals on Wheels, Amanda Fowler plays a vital role in meeting needs and creating companionship throughout the community.
Before her job at La Porte County Meals on Wheels, Fowler aspired to one day run a business. She graduated from Purdue University North Central (now Purdue University Northwest) with a bachelor's in accounting, an associate in organizational leadership and supervision, and an associate in human resources.
After graduating, Fowler decided to take on the role of a stay-at-home mom and dedicated much of her time to her family. She even volunteered in her kids’ school, Lake Hills Elementary, where she held many positions with the parent group — from president to treasurer — for over 13 years, taught Junior Achievement for over 13 years, and led a Girl Scout troop for seven years.
As her kids grew older, Fowler found herself with the opportunity to work for La Porte County Meals on Wheels, where she has worked for just over five years now. She even recently completed the Non-Profit Leadership Academy offered through Indiana University, provided by Health Foundation of La Porte.
For Fowler, no two days on the job are the same. Some days are routine, involving activities such as onboarding new clients, fundraising and grant writing, or overseeing volunteer management. Other days, however, can be a bit more demanding.
“I never know how my day is going to go coming into work,” Fowler said. “Each day I am reminded that what I do makes a difference. Our work is making our community a better place and brightens so many individuals' days.”
Fowler enjoys learning new ways to care for older generations. It is important to her that she and her volunteers have the knowledge to make a positive impact on the community.
“By taking the time to understand older generations, lending them a helping hand, and prioritizing their social wellbeing, we’re able to offer them companionship and support,” said Fowler. “Our clients have lived lives that are just incredible. They have seen things and been through things that no one could imagine, unless you take the time to get to know them.”
One of Fowler’s favorite parts about working for La Porte County Meals on Wheels is being there for clients — not just by providing meals, but also building a sense of connection and community.
“We're able to help them when they need it. They may be unable to leave their home, go to the store, or prepare themselves a meal, and we are able to take the burden off of them,” Fowler said. “So many of our clients also struggle with social isolation. Sometimes they just need human connection, and we can offer them that lifeline and support.”
Maintaining a healthy balance between work and family is important to Fowler. She loves that her job enables her to create more time for her family.
“Our program has allowed me to stay focused on my family,” Fowler said. “I can leave work early to attend my children’s sporting events or ensure they’re picked up from school if they’re ill. It allows me to still be present and a great mom for my kids.”
Throughout her time working at La Porte County Meals on Wheels, Fowler has gained new family members in those who she works with. Both volunteers and clients have become an integral part of her family's network of support.
“My family has grown, as volunteers check in on my children, and even my clients will call to ask about how the baseball season is going. This has enabled me to expand our support system while also offering my family’s support to them,” Fowler said.
Outside of work, Fowler often volunteers on her kids' sports teams: gymnastics, baseball and football. She is also currently part of Lake Hills Parent Group and Michigan City High School Booster Club, as well as a volunteer with Junior Achievement and an active committee member of Lakefront Career Network.
“I feel that it's important to grow in community and spread empowerment,” said Fowler. “It’s an amazing way to give back.”