DCF Board Member Selects River Valley Resources for Proactive Grant

The organization’s 15 volunteer board members select a charitable organization to donate to each holiday season.

DCF Board member Michael J. Hollenbeck presents a $1,000 grant to Katie Walton, Director of Adult Education at River Valley Resources. Photo provided.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Dearborn Community Foundation Board member Michael J. Hollenbeck has recommended a $1,000 grant to River Valley Resources for educational supplies, classroom materials for student assessment, and testing costs related to adult education at the Dearborn County Jail and the county’s juvenile center.

The recommendation is part of the Foundation’s annual program, through which each of the organization’s 15 volunteer board members selects a charitable organization that makes a difference to receive $1,000. The grants, which serve Dearborn County residents, are funded through Unrestricted Endowment Funds, established by donors to provide flexibility to address changing community needs over the years.

“Education is one of the most effective tools to prevent re-offending,” said Hollenbeck. “Studies consistently show that incarcerated people who participate in educational programs are significantly less likely to return to incarceration than those who do not.”

Education provides skills, confidence, and hope, helping individuals build lawful, stable lives after their release, Hollenbeck added. “A criminal record makes finding a job difficult, but having GEDS, vocational certifications, or college credits help open doors.”

Education improves literacy, job readiness, and technical skills, making it easier for individuals to transition into the workforce, stressed Hollenbeck.

“Many incarcerated individuals have histories of educational failure or trauma. Adult education gives them a chance to succeed academically, sometimes for the first time,” he said.

Learning fosters self-discipline, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. It promotes positive identity change. Education also aligns with the rehabilitative purpose of the correctional system, helping transform incarceration from strictly punishment into an opportunity for growth and change.

“And it should also be said that education doesn't just affect the individual,” said Hollenbeck. “It has a ripple effect. Educated individuals are more likely to support and encourage education for their children, helping to break cycles of poverty and incarceration.”

In his role as a criminal defense attorney, Hollenbeck is aware of the positive and transformational work that River Valley Resources has been providing to the local incarcerated population for some time.

For more information on the program, visit rivervalleyresources.com.

Meanwhile, anyone can contribute to a DCF unrestricted endowment to help make impact grants like the 15 DCF Board members are recommending in 2025. For a list of the unrestricted endowments and to learn more about the Foundation, call 812-539-4115 or visit the Foundation website at dearborncf.org.