(Ripley County, IN) – On April 21st the Women’s Giving Circle, an initiative of the Ripley County Community Foundation’s, warmly welcomed guests to a luncheon celebrating philanthropy and rallying support for programs addressing issues that predominantly affect women and children. The event underscored the power of collective giving and the vital role women play in strengthening Ripley County’s future.
At the heart of the event was a panel discussion featuring local women whose individual and collective efforts have transformed Ripley County. The discussion highlighted how the Women’s Giving Circle shines a light on the women who are building community with and for one another – creating a place where women’s accomplishments are acknowledged, celebrated, and championed. By lifting up these stories, the Women’s Giving Circle reminds women of their collective strength, sparks inspiration, and ensures that the impact of local women never goes unnoticed.
The panel was moderated by Cheryll Obendorf, Executive Director of the Rising Sun Regional Foundation and co-owner of Novel HeARTs Bookshop, who skillfully guided the discussion to highlight the diverse passions and perspectives shaping the community. Obendorf led a conversation featuring panelists Lin Phaneuf (Community Impact), Jolene Rockwood (Arts & Culture), Lisa Tuveson (Mental Health), Holly Wehr (Community Development), and Jane Yorn (Victim Services).
Together, the panelists shared insights from their work, ranging from the evolution of the Women’s Giving Circle and the power of women-led philanthropy to the importance of arts, mental health support, downtown revitalization, and victim services. Their stories emphasized the impact of listening to community needs, building supportive partnerships, and empowering women to lead change, illustrating how collective efforts continue to strengthen and uplift Ripley County.
GRANTS
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 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:
Batesville United Methodist Church – will use this grant to support its Luke 4:18 Free Meal Program, which serves over 225 individuals across Ripley County by providing meals, spiritual support, community connection, and practical assistance to those in need. Offered completely free of charge, the program removes barriers and ensures that every person is respected and
appreciated.
Milan CARES Inc. – will use this grant to support the Milan CARES Central 2026 Summer Camp – Milan CARES (Change.Action.Resources.Empowerment.Support) Central provides free out of school tutoring and mentoring, nourishing snacks, summer programming offering breakfast, lunch and weekend food bags, and monthly family engagement opportunities this program wraps at-risk youth and their families in consistency, care, and opportunity. Beyond improving math, reading, and writing skills, Milan CARES Central builds confidence, resilience,
and a sense of belonging through meaningful social-emotional learning experiences.
Milan Food Pantry – will use this grant to provide feminine hygiene products to its clients. The Milan Food Pantry’s greatest unmet need in 2026 is access to feminine hygiene products – essential items whose costs have risen sharply over the past year due to inflation and tariffs on imported materials. National reporting shows prices for tampons and pads have increased significantly, placing an added burden on households already struggling to afford food and utilities. These products are not a luxury: they are critical for dignity, wellness, school attendance, and workplace participation. Yet they are rarely covered by assistance programs and often donated inconsistently.
SEI Voices for Children, Inc. – will use this grant to purchase and assemble Comfort & Connection Kits, which will assist its CASA Volunteers in building connections with their clients. Comfort & Connection Kits will provide simple yet powerful items like fidget tools, journals, and snacks to help children feel safe, open up, and be heard.
“The Women’s Giving Circle’s grant program is a powerful example of what happens when women come together to invest in solutions close to home,” said Amy Streator, Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation. “These grants are a direct reflection of our members’ shared values and their belief that strategic, local philanthropy can strengthen lives, restore dignity, and build a more resilient Ripley County.”
WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED
A highlight of the annual event was the announcement of the new Ripley County Women’s Giving Circle Scholarship, created to support a non-traditional college student enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College who is a Ripley County resident and a single parent returning to school to advance their education and career opportunities.
The Women’s Giving Circle is intentionally investing in education because research consistently shows that educating women and girls lifts families out of poverty and strengthens the entire economy. According to data reported through STATS Indiana, more than 16 percent of families with children in Ripley County are led by single mothers, underscoring both the need for targeted support and the potential for transformative impact. The Women’s Giving Circle chose to partner with Ivy Tech Community College because it is truly “in our backyard” and deeply committed to
student success, particularly for adults balancing work, family, and education. Ivy Tech provides comprehensive support services to help students overcome barriers to staying enrolled,
completing their coursework, and earning credentials that lead to higher paying jobs with benefits—creating lasting opportunities for families and the broader community.
The Women’s Giving Circle gratefully recognizes its Title Sponsor, Edward Jones Financial Advisors Cindy Cottingham and Joni Dunn, along with Community Sponsor, The Rockwood Family Foundation, for their generous support. Their commitment and investment play a vital role in sustaining and strengthening this initiative, ensuring the Women’s Giving Circle continues to make a meaningful impact in Ripley County.
JOIN THE WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE
The Women’s Giving Circle is a force for positive change and will continue their efforts throughout 2026 and we invite you to become a member today and join us for a summer event in August, also new this year, our Social Events (June & September): $30 per ticket for all attendees (members and guests) flower arranging in June, and a Paint and Sip in September. 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/.
To learn how you can create opportunities in your community, contact the Ripley County Community Foundation, which is located at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN, can be reached by phone at (812) 933-1098 or via email at office@rccfonline.org.
(Ripley County Community Foundation press release)
