Heart of Indiana United Way
50-Year Anniversary | Community Partner Spotlight
This month's 50th anniversary featured partner is Heart of Indiana United Way. For nearly 100 years, United Way has fought for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. Heart of Indiana United Way was formed in 2021 when two organizations, United Way of Delaware, Henry, and Randolph Counties and United Way of Madison County, which also served Fayette County, joined forces to transform and improve more lives in Indiana.
Heart of Indiana raises money through annual fundraising campaigns to support local non-profit initiatives and invest in programs like the THRIVE Network and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library that advance learning and provide pathways out of generational poverty. All money raised in the region stays in the region.
Open Door Health Services has been a grateful recipient of many United Way grants over the years, most recently to support Open Door’s Covering Kids and Families team, which helps community members enroll in affordable healthcare coverage. United Way also supports the work of the 8twelve Coalition, which is housed within Open Door. Heart of Indiana also invests in local non-profits through training and networking opportunities.
In 2023, Open Door community health workers and employees from other non-profits completed THRIVE training as part of the Heart of Indiana’s THRIVE network. The high-impact training prepares non-profit staff members to serve as coaches for financially insecure community members, helping them create and achieve educational, employment, and financial goals. The Open Door Connections initiative embeds two community health workers at neighborhood-based partner sites in the Muncie community; both “neighborhood ambassadors,” as they are known in the community, are THRIVE trained.
Miriam Castillo, an Open Door community health worker, said THRIVE training gave her new perspective when meeting with patients. “I now understand more about people’s behaviors and emotions, especially in vulnerable situations,” said Miriam. “I can create a safe space for patients by having an open mind to their situation and showing empathy. The training matched perfectly with my role as a community health worker and applies even beyond my professional life.”
Recognizing the immense impact of United Way’s work in East Central Indiana, Open Door is proud to be one of the most significant contributors to United Way’s annual fundraising campaign, raising $215,000 for the organization since 1997. During campaign time each fall, every Open Door department creates a fun and unique way to raise money. Past Open Door fundraisers include Bingo nights, raffles for themed gift baskets, baby picture matching contests, sale of limited-edition Open Door t-shirts, and a wide variety of food items like desk-side guacamole, lunchtime mashed potato bar, authentic Indian dinners for two, and homemade cheesecake. Many employees say it’s their favorite time of the year.
“Open Door’s workplace campaign has grown exponentially over the years, even during COVID,” said Denise King, Director of Resource Development at Heart of Indiana. “They are by far the largest contributor among non-profit organizations outside of the hospital and university. Every year, the Open Door campaign accomplishes what we hope for all workplaces: that fundraising can involve creativity, teambuilding, and fun.”
To further support United Way fundraising efforts, Open Door has lent several employees to participate in Heart of Indiana’s Loaned Executive program. Loaned executives receive training in leadership development and non-profit fundraising, then meet with organization and business leaders to share United Way’s mission, vision, and opportunities for investment. The goal is to expand the impact of Heart of Indiana’s annual campaign while preparing the next generation of non-profit leaders and board members.
“Open Door is always willing to step in wherever they are needed. They are deeply committed to pursuing better lives, better health, and better financial stability for our neighbors, as we are,” said Jenni Marsh, Heart of Indiana CEO. “In fundraising, we talk about contributing time, talent, treasure, and testimonials. Open Door is generous with all four. We are grateful for the 50 years that Open Door has served our community and we look forward to more collaboration in the years ahead.”
Thank you, Heart of Indiana United Way, for investing in our community and supporting organizations working toward greater stability and quality of life for all residents.
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Open Door Health Services operating in East Central Indiana! While caring for community members under different names during that time, the organization has seen a rich history of patient-focused care and intentional relationship-building with community partners.
To celebrate this history, each month we're featuring the story of Open Door's partnership with an area organization. Thank you for helping us celebrate the impact we make TOGETHER on quality of life.