NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation Provide Grant to Support Fight Against Poverty in Northeast Indiana

Auburn, IN – Fortify Life announces an innovative partnership with Northwest Indiana Public Service Company LLC, (“NIPSCO”) and the NiSource Charitable Foundation to fund a groundbreaking initiative that aims to address rural poverty and homelessness through collaborative data collection, analysis and community education. The NiSource Charitable Foundation’s $50,000 investment signifies a pivotal step toward generating greater awareness, empathy and actionable solutions.

The grant will support Fortify Life in implementing a data-driven educational program tailored to our communities' unique needs and dynamics. During a series of community round tables, regional and local stakeholders will focus on three “E’s”—Education, Engagement and Empathy—with topics including housing stability, food insecurity, transportation, employment, healthcare, childcare and more. The round tables will begin in August 2024 and conclude in early 2025. These educational sessions will focus on data collection and processes, as well as analysis of complex trends and patterns, with the ultimate goal of finding solutions to reduce poverty.

"We are deeply grateful to NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation for their generous support of our mission to empower communities through education," says Mitch Figert, Executive Director of Fortify Life. "With this grant, we have a unique opportunity to catalyze transformative change and build a more inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive."

Fortify Life will also create a PSA campaign featuring a series of short videos to highlight these important community issues, provide greater insight into each issue and develop actionable ways to engage in meaningful solutions. While the conversations are starting in DeKalb County, input will be solicited from regional stakeholders, and a public campaign will be shared throughout Northeast Indiana to foster collaboration—because poverty and homelessness do not stop at county lines.

“Fortify Life’s entrepreneurial and data-driven mindset to find collaborative solutions to address poverty and homelessness aligns with the NiSource Charitable Foundation’s mission to help create strong and sustainable communities,” said Dana Berkes, NIPSCO Public Affairs and Economic Development Manager. “We appreciate the opportunity to support this innovative approach.”

Understanding the data around rural poverty, coupled with collecting stories, will provide vital information to providers, funders and community stakeholders as they collectively work to support those living in poverty throughout Northeast Indiana.

The subject of the first round table will be housing stability. Community stakeholders interested in learning more about the initiative are encouraged to contact Fortify Life by emailing engage@fortifylife.org or by calling 260 226-8836.