Ink Notes 7-21-24
Ink Notes
Girl Scout "Care to Share" Program Brightens Lives of Locals The stories behind three special cookie donations
(FORT WAYNE, INDIANA) – While the Girl Scout Cookie season will not return to the area until January, local Girl Scouts continue to spread joy and show appreciation to those who make a difference in the community with these sweet treats. Through the "Care to Share" program, consumers can purchase Girl Scout Cookies to be donated to military troops, local food banks, first responders, and other charitable organizations. Each year, hundreds of happy recipients enjoy these gifts, thanks to the dedication and hard work of local Girl Scouts.
Following the 2024 cookie sale, the Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana share the stories behind three special deliveries made by standout "Care to Share" cookie sellers.
Sammy K., a Girl Scout Brownie, chose ACRES Land Trust as her recipient. Sammy and her family frequently assist with clean-up projects for ACRES and have witnessed the significant impact of their work. Wanting to give back, Sammy worked with the ACRES outreach manager to coordinate her donation. Her favorite part about selling cookies is seeing smiles on people's faces, and her favorite thing about Girl Scouts is summer camp. Sammy is a proactive planner for her Troop meetings, with a passion for all things animals. She achieved her goal of selling 3,000 packages and earned an overnight trip to the Potawatomi Zoo in May.
Gracie T., a Girl Scout Cadette, chose Parkview Hospital Women and Children’s Center as her recipient. Gracie was born at Parkview Hospital and appreciates the hard work and long hours put in by the hospital staff, so she wanted to give them a well-deserved treat. She recalls a memorable cookie-selling moment when a single customer bought 20 boxes of cookies, making her feel like the best seller ever. Gracie loves making new friends and enjoying summer camp through Girl Scouts.
Caitlin E., a Girl Scout Junior, chose the Parkview Public Safety Department as her recipient. Inspired by her father’s service, Caitlin wanted to express her gratitude to first responders for their commitment to the community. During cookie season, Caitlin’s family help her promote her sales on social media through “Cookies with Cait” videos, which inform customers about her cookie goals, proceeds, the “Care to Share” program, and memories. This initiative helps customers feel more connected to their purchases and highlights that Girl Scouts are about more than just cookies.
The "Care to Share" program exemplifies the spirit of giving that Girl Scouts strive to instill in their members. By participating, consumers not only enjoy delicious cookies but also contribute to bringing joy to many deserving individuals and organizations. The Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana proudly support its members' hard work and commitment to making a positive impact in their community.
Additional 2024 “Care to Share” recipients included multiple USO of Indiana centers, Community Harvest Food Bank, Fort Wayne Community Schools, East Allen Community Schools, Southwest Allen Community Schools, Grisson Air Reserve Base, Erin’s House, Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne Fire Department, Stillwater Hospice, Renaissance Pointe YMCA (courtesy of Vulcraft Indiana), and several others.
Girls in grades K–12 are invited to embark on a journey filled with fun, friendship, and new experiences. Interested individuals can join, and adults can become volunteers by visiting.
To learn more about Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana, visit www.gsnim.org.
Day of Hope
The United Pastors of Fort Wayne is partnering with several local organizations within our community to provide a Day of Hope. We realize that so many people in our community are hurting and grieving the loss of loved ones and broken relationships, and many others are experiencing life challenges, so we want to offer hope, encouragement and resources to help individuals and families navigate through their journey.
This will be a free event and everyone is welcome to attend. The event will be held on Saturday, June 22nd, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., at True Love Baptist Church, 715 E. Wallace Street.
The United Pastors of Fort Wayne is composed of numerous local pastors from different churches and backgrounds, and is lead by Pastor Robert Bell of True Love Baptist Church.
Please come out and support this event!
Cooling Stations To Be Offered This Summer
The City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services and the Fort Wayne Area Planning Council on Homelessness announced cooling stations will be open beginning Sunday due to high temperatures forecasted to impact our area.
The following locations will serve as cooling stations for men, women, and families beginning Sunday and each day thereafter that reaches 90 degrees.
The Rescue Mission, 404 E. Washington Blvd., is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. regardless of temperature and serves meals as 7 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m.
The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St., Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and is on Citilink Bus Route 8
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4 p.m.
Inasmuch Ministry, 930 Broadway, Mondays from 4-7 p.m.
Allen County Public Library Main Branch, 900 Library Plaza
Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.
In addition, the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services and the Planning Council on Homelessness continue to look for other partners to assist with the summer weather plan in order to offer extended hours during evenings.
Updates to the plan will be posted at www.cityoffortwayne.org.
The public may also visit the Everyone Home website https://everyonehomefw.org/inclement-weather-resources/ for ongoing information as well.
Questa Marks Five Years Of Growth By Celebrating 2024 Graduates
Fort Wayne, IN -Questa Education Foundation is marking five years of growth by celebrating the 2024 spring and summer Questa Scholar graduates. Honoring these outstanding students from Northeast Indiana, Questa proudly welcomes nearly 100 new alumni. These graduates have earned their associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees across diverse fields, including business, engineering, education, information systems, and various healthcare disciplines, among others.
This graduating class marks a significant milestone in Questa's history, reflecting the foundation's commitment to providing access to postsecondary education. Over the past five years, Questa has doubled the number of scholars funded, demonstrating their remarkable growth and significant impact on increasing the region’s graduate retention rate.
As these graduates embark on their professional journeys, they join the ranks of over 1,000 Questa alumni, the majority of whom have chosen to make Northeast Indiana their home and contribute to its thriving economy. Eighty percent of Questa graduates return to the region to live and work, building our workforce and community.
Questa Scholars receive low-interest forgivable loans that are up to 50% forgiven if they live and work in northeast Indiana for five years following graduation. An additional 25% of their Questa loan can be forgiven when they attend and graduate from one of Questa’s regional partner institutions. In many cases, scholars graduate with 75% of their Questa loan forgiven. Students in a Career Scholars program are eligible to receive up to 100% forgiveness on their Questa loan.
Congratulations to all of Questa’s graduates.
Local support is essential to keep these talented graduates in the region. Funding for the Questa Scholar programs comes from local foundations, businesses, and individual donors. For more information on how you can fund scholars in your community, visit our website at www.questafoundation.org/partner-with-us or call us at 260-407-6494.
About Questa Education Foundation: Since 1937, Questa Education Foundation has been helping individuals access post-secondary education, graduate with less debt, and become contributing members of Northeast Indiana’s workforce. Questa’s vision is to lead the region with innovative solutions that empower lifelong learners to achieve their educational dreams with financial freedom, ensuring the future and success of Northeast Indiana.