Published: July 3, 2015
By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The local pregnancy resource center,
Bella Vita, was
graciously awarded a grant of $500 yesterday. Thursday afternoon
representatives from the Starke County Community Foundation, Director of
Development Sarah Origer and their intern Rachel Lenig as well as the Northern
Indiana Community Foundation Executive Director Jay Albert presented the money
to Bella Vita representatives, Center Director Sarah Dedloff and Executive
Director Lorie Reading.
Reading said the grant will be used to purchase some items
that clients often ask for such as strollers and changing tables and it will be
spent to provide incentive for parents to return to the center. She explained
it will also be used to help with some module amendments, “We plan on using it
to help with our curriculum updates. Right now we’ve got some children that are
transitioning into toddler age so we need to update our toddler curriculum.”
Bella Vita provides assistance to expectant parents and
parents of children ranging from newborns to around two-years-old. Once a child
reaches an age where Bella Vita no longer feels they can be of service, they
typically refer parents to other establishments to continue assistance and
education.
During the Starke County 4-H Fair, Bella Vita will have a
booth in the commercial building where they will be hosting a raffle and
providing basic information about the organization and their endowment fund
through the Community Foundation.
If you or someone you know is faced with an
unexpected pregnancy Bella Vita can help you weigh your options and provide
helpful information and assistance. It is located at 52 West Lake Street and
holds hours Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 until 6 pm and Fridays from 9 am
until 1 pm. The phone number to reach somebody at the pregnancy resource
facility is 772-2877.
[front]: Sarah Dedloff, Lorie Reading, Sarah Origer & Rachel Lenig [back]: Jay Albert
