Local Women Investing in Ripley County's Future Through Women's Giving Circle

Thanks to the dedication and generosity of its members, $8,000 in grants were distributed to local nonprofits.

Pictured: Lea Ann King, Liz Leising, Mary McCarthy, Rebecca Rahschulte, and Kim Ryan. Photo provided.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - On April 22, the Ripley County Community Foundation’s initiative, the Women’s Giving Circle, warmly welcomed guests to a luncheon celebrating philanthropy and rallying support for programs addressing issues that predominantly affect women and children. The Women’s Giving Circle brings together women from varied backgrounds and generations, pooling their resources to effect significant change in the lives of women and children throughout Ripley County.

At the heart of the event was a panel of speakers who underscored critical issues that predominately impact women and families in Indiana. The panelists were Lea Ann King, Vice President of Legal Affairs & General Counsel for Toyota Material Handling North America; Liz Leising, President & CEO of Margaret Mary Health; Mary McCarty, Executive Director of Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission; Dr. Rebecca Rahschulte, Vice President for Academic Affairs & Associate Provost at Ivy Tech Community College; and Kim Ryan, President & CEO of Hillenbrand.

Panelists addressed the concerning state of maternal and natal care across Indiana and how Margaret Mary Health's strong commitment to women’s healthcare is focused on delivering exceptional care and support for mothers and newborns in Ripley County. The conversation also shed light on the fact that most of Ripley County resides in a childcare desert, where only one in three children has access to affordable and quality childcare, a situation that significantly impacts women's career paths and overall family well-being. Ivy Tech Community College plays a vital role in the region by providing accessible and career-changing higher education opportunities that empower local women to develop career paths leading to greater financial stability.

The true testament to the impact of the Women’s Giving Circle lies in the tangible results it produces. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of its 179 members, $8,000 in grants were distributed to local nonprofits, allowing them to address pressing needs and uplift the most vulnerable members of our community. This year’s recipients of $2,000 are:

Englishton Park is a residential summer camp for at-risk children aged 8-12. This grant will allow Englishton Park to serve Ripley County students who are facing significant challenges in every facet of their lives. This summer camp experience serves as a breath of fresh air as children learn the skills they need to cope with their situation and be successful in life.

Safe Passage, Inc. provides support to those who experience, or are survivors of, domestic violence. This grant will assist Safe Passage’s transitional housing efforts providing women with a safe, comfortable space to reside as they work to create a violence free life for themselves and their children.

Southeastern Indiana YMCA has a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a health spirit, mind, and body for all. This grant will support the YMCA’s partnership with the local libraries to promote early literacy and foster the love of reading through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. This grant will provide 64 children with an age-appropriate book each month for one year.

Summer Food for Kids of Batesville has a mission to combat food insecurity by providing nutritious food to children residing in the largest community in Ripley County. Grant dollars will assist their efforts to provide more than 170 children with proteins, canned goods, fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and pantry staples.

The Women’s Giving Circle is a force for positive change and will continue their efforts throughout 2025 and we invite you to become a member today and join us for a summer event. To become a member, and to stay up to date about upcoming events and initiatives, visit our website at https://rccfonline.org/impact/initiatives/womens-giving-circle/.