TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – United Way of the Wabash Valley announced $134,160 in behavioral health impact
grants during its 2026 Annual Meeting at the Terre Haute Convention Center, where 250 community
and business leaders gathered to review 2025 results and outline priorities for the year ahead.
The awards complete the second phase of a $168,976 total behavioral health investment for 2025. The
funding supports programs designed to reduce barriers and expand access to services across the six
counties United Way serves.
The following organizations received two-year impact grants:
• Chances and Services for Youth — $40,000
o To expand CASY Counseling’s capacity to serve more individuals, children, and families,
with a focus on children ages 0-10 and perinatal mental health.
• Naveen — $20,000
o To support the launch of a new psychiatry graduate medical education (GME) residency
program, strengthening the mental health workforce in the Wabash Valley.
• Ruth House — $40,000
o To expand Ruth House’s staffing and operational capacity, allowing the rural Sullivan
County-based recovery residence to safely serve more women.
• Wabash Valley Recovery Center — $34,160
o To support a full-time Peer Recovery Coach, training, and space to expand recovery
services in Clark County, Illinois.
Additionally, in December United Way awarded $34,816 in one-year mini-grants to five behavioral
health providers.
“Behavioral health affects every sector of our community,” said Executive Director Dorothy Chambers.
“By aligning donor support with local expertise, we are expanding access to services where they are
most needed.”
During the annual meeting, United Way reported that it directly invested $2.48 million in local programs
in 2025 across its focus areas of Youth Opportunity, Financial Security and Healthy Community.
According to the organization, one in three children in the Wabash Valley was impacted by United Way–
supported programs last year. Twenty-eight families became homeowners through its home down
payment assistance program, and nearly 500 volunteers completed 285 home repair projects through
Wabash Valley Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Overall, 1,367 volunteers supported United Way initiatives
in 2025.
Board President Amanda Hogue said the results demonstrate sustained regional collaboration.
“United Way’s strength lies in collective action,” Hogue said. “Our donors, corporate partners,
volunteers, and nonprofit collaborators are driving measurable change across the Wabash Valley.
Today’s announcements demonstrate that when we align resources around shared priorities, we can
create lasting solutions.”
The meeting also included recognition of community partners and donors, including Michael Collins
(Solomon Award), the Terre Haute Human Relations Commission (Impact Champion Award), Ashley
Wadsworth and Carey LaBella of the Vigo County Public Library (Richard D. Newport Award), and Novelis
(Live United Partner Award).
The event was presented by First Financial Bank, with additional support from Gold and Silver corporate
sponsors representing businesses across the region.
Looking ahead, United Way leaders outlined expanded engagement efforts for 2026, including
community conversations across its six-county footprint, refreshed outreach initiatives, and the launch
of a new young professionals giving circle.
“United Way isn’t a single campaign or event,” Chambers said. “It’s a network of people and
organizations committed to building a stronger, more resilient region. The momentum we’re seeing
today is a signal of what’s possible when we move forward — united.”
To get involved in United Way’s work or donate to support its mission, visit www.uwwv.org or call (812)
235-6287.