Thriving Local Updates

We were blown away by the response to our Wabash private screening last week, and we wanted to offer the same opportunity in Marion and Kokomo! Join us for a FREE private screening of Angel Studios’ newest movie called “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” before its official release date on July 4! Angel Studios is well known for its TV show “The Chosen”.

• MARION: Monday, June 17^th, 2024 at Hanfield Global Methodist Church in Marion (6:00 pm - doors open; 6:30 p.m. - movie starts)
• KOKOMO: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Crossroads Community Church – South Campus (off 931) in Kokomo (6:00 pm - doors open; 6:30 p.m. - movie starts)

We all know that the Christian community can move mountains through God and we want to raise awareness about foster care and how the church can change the trajectory of our local children's lives. Members of the Kokomo and Marion Christian community are invited to join us for this pre-screening event.

About the foster care crisis nationally: It only takes one person to make a lasting impact on a vulnerable child's life. You can be that person to make a difference. Did you know that there are currently over 400,000 children in the foster care system and 125,000 children waiting to be adopted in the United States alone? Josiah White's Foster Care Program cannot meet the need with the number of children removed by The Department of Child Services. Josiah White’s receives over 100 placements of weekly referrals for children who are removed from their homes. We are in a foster care crisis; the result is children who do not have homes sleeping in DCS offices, shelter care, or residential facilities.

About the movie: Sound of Hope: Story of Possum Trot is based on a true story from a small town in East Texas. The pastor's wife, the first lady, felt God tugging on her heart, calling her to foster, and followed the path before her to learn more about fostering. That one small church adopted 77 of the most difficult-to-place children in Texas and changed their lives while introducing them to God. They were just ordinary people who saw the need and felt God calling them to care for his children. Watch the trailer here.

Would you be willing to attend personally or represent your nonprofit, church, or ministry? We realize there will be scheduling conflicts and ask if you would also share this information with others you know within the Christian community in Marion and Kokomo. The hundreds of thousands of children in the system are our future. The mission field is right outside your door. Are you willing to be the one to step up and make a stand for these children? Below is a link with the invite information to our June 17 and 18 pre-screening and the Sound of Hope trailer link. Help us turn vulnerable children into VICTORIOUS children!

 ***Due to the subject matter of this PG-13 rated film, it is not appropriate for children. ***

RSVP quickly to join us for one of the two private pre-screenings in Marion and Kokomo. NOTE: The registration link for each screening in Marion and Kokomo have different links. Please select the screening you will be able to join us for!

• June 17 private pre-screening in Marion: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIZuChYqzLreZr3x1NwH9z7AFEn248Me5r0pbKWIKj8rsTGA/viewform?usp=sf_link
• June 18 private pre-screening in Kokomo: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9htpFgWeRaAX6DP1nsYw1fmhchN-706p6KeAvxO3yUc5cXQ/viewform

Watch the trailer here:

https://www.angel.com/press/release/angel-studios-acquires-feature-film-possum-trot-slated-for-july-4-2024

Questions: Michelle Jackson, Foster Care Advocate, Josiah White’s | Foster Care, Office-260-563-1158, Cell-765-293-9113

About Thriving Local Updates: Thriving Local Updates is a news and blog feature of ThrivingKokomo.com. Members of the Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council are invited to share information with one another of events, programs, opportunities, and news. Any information submitted must be from actively engaged organizations or churches of the coalition.

Local Update from Courtney Butler, Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce: 

We hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather we are having! The Kokomo Chamber has many opportunities to celebrate our Howard County businesses with business and fun! Check out all events at www.greaterkokomo.com/events !

Tuesday, June 18^th 4:00-5:00 p.m.

June Small Business of the Month Reception: The Productive Assistant

The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our new Small Business of the Month Award sponsored by Budget Blinds and Today's the Day Coaching & Hypnosis! Come help us celebrate our June Small Business of the Month: The Productive Assistant! Networking and light refreshments will be available from 4-4:30pm, and the presentation of award(s) will be at 4:30pm.

The Productive Assistant

1836 S. Plate St

Register here

Friday, June 21^st 8:30-10:00 a.m.

Member Meetup Breakfast Sponsored by Budget Blinds!

New and current members are invited to join us for this Member Meetup Breakfast. Learn how you can make the most of your Chamber membership, learn more about the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, and network with other members of the Chamber. Make sure to bring lots of business cards!

Inventrek Technology Park, Shared Drive

700 E. Firmin Street, Kokomo

Register here

Wednesday, June 26^th 10:30-5:00 p.m.

Kokomo Chamber Golf Classic

We are currently SOLD OUT for teams!! However, we are in need of volunteers and door prizes. Please fill out the form for volunteers here: https://volunteersignup.org/BWLCA or email me if you would like to donate a door prize.

We are also selling golf balls for our ball drop that morning! The grand prize has several gift certificates and items from local businesses, valuing over $100! More details here!

Chippendale Golf Course

1047 Golf Course Ln

Event Details here

Tuesday, July 9^th 9:00-10:15 a.m.

Women’s Business Council Meeting

Please join the Women's Business Council for their monthly meeting! They meet monthly to connect, mentor and develop businesswomen in our community to achieve the highest levels of success by providing educational and networking opportunities for growth and achievement in all stages of business. Any woman of the Chamber is welcome to attend!

Elite Banquet & Conference Center

2820 S. Lafountain Street

Register here

Wednesday, July 17^th 1:00-1:30 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting: Security Federal Savings Bank

Join us at Security Federal Savings Bank as they celebrate their 90th anniversary with a ribbon cutting!

1600 E. Boulevard

Register here

Wednesday, July 17^th 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Business After Hours: Ivy Tech Community College

Join us at Ivy Tech Community College for a Business After Hours event! Food and drink will be provided, and Chancellor Heicher will give remarks at 5:15 p.m.

Rozzi's Catering will be providing food along with beer and wine.

Ivy Tech Community College (Hingst Hall)

1815 E. Morgan St.

Register here

Wednesday, July 24^th 4:00-4:30 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting: Stage Consulting Group

Join us as we celebrate Stage Consulting Group and their new office location with a ribbon cutting!

3541 S. Lafountain

Register here

Tuesday, July 30^th 10:00-10:30 a.m.

Ribbon Cutting: Heritage Kingdom Children's Boutique

Join us as we celebrate Heritage Kingdom Children's Boutique and their grand opening with a ribbon cutting! They will have 50+ unique outfits/prints and 100+ configurations in stock! Children's gear, educational toys for all ages and even including clothing, bedding and much more!

1313 S. Home Ave., Suite B

Register here

We hope to see you in June! Please let me know if you have any questions!

Thank you!

About Thriving Local Updates: Thriving Local Updates is a news and blog feature of ThrivingKokomo.com. Members of the Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council are invited to share information with one another of events, programs, opportunities, and news. Any information submitted must be from actively engaged organizations or churches of the coalition.

From Dr. Lorelei Walker, Sr. Director of Community Resilience, United Way serving Howard and Tipton Counties and Our Kids First Initiative:

Community Leaders and Role Models,

I’m thrilled to invite you to our Community Leader Gathering next week. During this time, we will update everyone on the Our Kids First Initiative, including opportunities to participate and partner.

Event Details:

• Date: June 12th, 2024
• Time: 6 pm-8 pm
• Location: Kokomo Thriving Center, IWU; 1916 E. Markland Ave, Kokomo, IN, 46901
• RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/JYUNXAc1QF

At this event, we will discuss the "Our Kids First" campaign and gather input from community leaders. Your participation and insights are invaluable to shaping a community where every child can thrive and every family feels supported.

I've attached a flyer with more information about our campaign, including a QR code to distribute to others interested in joining this initiative.

We will have food, too! Please RSVP by clicking the link above.

Because together, we'll be ok.

Contact:

• Dr. Lorelei Walker | Sr. Director of Community Resilience
• United Way Serving Howard & Tipton Counties
• Our Kids First Initiative
• Fully Funded by the Indiana State FSSA
• (765) 457-4357 x1005 | LIVE UNITED®

Community Leader Gathering Invite

Stakeholder Conversation Description

About Thriving Local Updates: Thriving Local Updates is a news and blog feature on ThrivingKokomo.com. Members of the Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council are invited to share information with one another of events, programs, opportunities, and news. Any information submitted must be from actively engaged organizations or churches of the coalition.

Local Update from Pamela Kemper, Arise Ministry

Clinicians/Therapists, Community Mental Health Agencies, Social Services, and Local Ministries:

Dear Friends,

This letter comes to you with URGENCY! The Arise Mental Health Ministry of the Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church of Kokomo IN. needs your help with our next endeavor! In the Month of March, you were asked to Save The Date! That date was June 1st for our Community Event that will be held in Foster Park. Again, We Need You!

Arise Mental Health Ministry would like to formally invite you and/or a few representatives of your Company/Ministry/Agency/Restaurant to set up your information in Foster Park on June 1st as we reach KOKOMO-OUR CITY OF FIRST TOGETHER!

THOUGHTS, “There’s not enough time, KHS is Graduating, It’s too hot!”

Well, let me ask you this… “Have you ever asked yourself”:

• Is there a Mental Health issue growing in my community?
• Can the knowledge of Mental awareness help our ministry efforts?
• What do we do if Mental Health issues show up at our church? In our families? In our community?

“Because they will, they have!”

The Goal of the day. This is a family day! Parents bring the entire family out! Vendors from local mental health agencies, ministries, local social service agencies will be in attendance. Our goal is to equip those who come with information, connect them with their next step needed, give them something to encourage them (a small gift/pamphlet/smile ) HOPE! We will provide them with information and essential giveaways to all. There will be speakers, food, fun, music, and information to equip them for the journey. Let us lock hands and make this day a success. We are counting on you! Table Sign-Up/Agreement on next page.

Simply complete it, Scan It/or photo, and email the attachment to: ariseministry2020@gmail.com. Please refer all questions here also.

Warm Regards,

Pamela Kemper, MSW

Event Flyer

Vendor Application

Community Letter Invite

About Thriving Local Updates: Thriving Local Updates is a news and blog feature on ThrivingKokomo.com. Members of the Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council are invited to share information with one another of events, programs, opportunities, and news. Any information submitted must be from actively engaged organizations or churches of the coalition.

Local Update from Cheryl Simmons, Carver Center

Closing the GAP: Reading and Math Summer Program

• Grades Kindergarten through 5th
• Application available at Carver Community Center
• Registration deadline May 21st, 2024

Learn more about the Carver Center: http://www.kokomocarver.org/

About Thriving Updates: Thriving Updates is a news and blog feature of ThrivingKokomo.com. Members of the Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council are invited to share information with one another of events, programs, opportunities, and news. Any information submitted must be from actively engaged organizations or churches of the coalition.

Local Update from Paul Drazich, Executive Director, Turnabout Community Resource Center

Turnabout is hosting the Lifeline Turnabout Fall 2024 Banquet, "Becoming a Lifeline to Struggling Individuals" on August 9, 2024. 

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Banquet begins at 6 p.m.

Location: Jeff Stout Community Center, Russiaville, IN

Learn more: https://turn-about.org or contact Turnabout

Contact: 

• Paul Drazich, BS, ACBC, ACBC Addiction Specialization, CABC, Executive Director, Turnabout Community Resource Center
• P O Box 31; 190 N. Unioin Street; Russiaville, IN. 46979
• 765-753-5003 (Office)
• 765-431-2686 (Cell)
• paul@turn-about.org

About Thriving Updates: Thriving Updates is a news and blog feature of ThrivingKokomo.com. Members of the Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council are invited to share information with one another of events, programs, opportunities, and news. Any information submitted must be from actively engaged organizations or churches of the coalition.

Local Update from Sherry Rahl, Executive Director, Kokomo Urban Outreach

Come get your tickets for Thursday, May 9th, 2024 for Kokomo's Funniest Comedian!

Kokomo Urban Outreach has tickets for $10. Come to 1701 S. Locke St. to the UP™ building between 1 pm to 6 pm to get your tickets. Can get tickets at the door. Food and Drinks will be available for purchase! Proceeds for this show will go toward us.

#ComedyforaCause #KUO #prevention

Location is Rhine Hall: 507 N. Union St. Kokomo, IN

Many good comedians including Randy Maurer, Principal, Eastern Elementary School

Bring on the laughs! Reach out to KUO at 765-457-1983.

About Thriving Updates: Thriving Updates is a news and blog feature of ThrivingKokomo.com. Members of the Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council are invited to share information with one another of events, programs, opportunities, and news. Any information submitted must be from actively engaged organizations or churches of the coalition.

Local Update from Courtney Butler, Chamber Manager, Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce is excited to share with you all the amazing events happening in the month of May! Check out all events at www.greaterkokomo.com/events.

 

Wednesday, May 8^th 10:30-11:00 a.m.

Ribbon Cutting: The Jungle Mexican Cantina

Join us at The Jungle Mexican Cantina as they celebrate their new location grand opening with a ribbon cutting!

1527 Home Ave.

Register here

 

Wednesday, May 15^th 9:00-3:00 p.m. (ONE WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER!!)

2024 Women’s Business Council Leadership Conference

The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce and the Women's Business Council is excited to announce our 2024 Annual Leadership Conference! This year's theme is Growth, Progress, Success: Navigating the Future with Vision and Purpose.

Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo

1815 E. Morgan St.

Registerhere

 

Thursday, May 16^th 11:00-11:30 a.m.

Ribbon Cutting: Jackson Street Commons 10^th Anniversary

Join us at Jackson Street Commons as they celebrate their 10th anniversary with a ribbon cutting!

322 E. Jackson Street

Register here

 

Thursday, May 16^th 4:00-5:00 p.m.

May Small Business of the Month Reception Celebrating CrossFit Kokomo!

The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our new Small Business of the Month Award sponsored by Budget Blinds and Today's the Day Coaching & Hypnosis! Come help us celebrate our May Small Business of the Month: CrossFit Kokomo! Networking and light refreshments will be available from 4-4:30pm, and the presentation of award(s) will be at 4:30pm.

1080 S, Dixon Road

Register here

 

Tuesday, May 21^st 10-10:30 a.m.

Ribbon Cutting: Financial Builders 60^th Anniversary

Join us as Financial Builders celebrates their 60th anniversary with a ribbon cutting! 

2828 S. Lafountain St.

Register here

 

Wednesday, May 22^nd 5:30-8 p.m. (Registration opens at 5:30 with first round starting at 6)

YPN Trivia Night

Come out for a Young Professional Network Trivia Night! The theme is..... SITCOMS! Better brush up on those F.R.I.E.N.D.S, New Girl, Parks and Recreation, and The Office episodes because your team will be tested on all your sitcom knowledge. 
Come with friends and co-workers and compete to win the $100 grand prize. It is $10 a person to participate so make sure whoever you want on your team gets registered; teams can be no larger than 4. Each person must register before the event. There will be time to order food and drinks as well (no food or drinks included in pricing)! 

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant (back patio room)

2006 S. Plate St.

Register here

 

Thursday, May 30^th 4-4:30 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting: Foster the Need

Join us to celebrate with Foster the Need as we have a ribbon cutting for their brand-new boutique!

3113 W. Boulevard

Register here

About Thriving Updates: Thriving Updates is a news and blog feature of ThrivingKokomo.com. Members of the Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council are invited to share information with one another of events, programs, opportunities, and news. Any information submitted must be from actively engaged organizations or churches of the coalition.

Local Update from Dr. Lorelei Walker, Sr. Director of Community Resilience, United Way Serving Howard & Tipton Counties

Please see the attached fliers. One is for the internship, and one is for community partners who will participate in hosting a conversation.

Internship: If you know of any emerging adults who would benefit from this professional development opportunity, please encourage them to apply. Next week's single-day training has a tight turnaround, but it will be a great experience. Please distribute this flier to as many groups as possible who would be interested in circulating it to their community. We aim to recruit 20 'Community Champions', which isn't that many if we put the call out.

Community Partners: The other flier is to recruit for the community conversations. Please circulate this far and wide so we may begin scheduling them. These partners will host a conversation and get a lot of visibility as partners in this campaign.

• Our Kids First - Community Partners Recruitment Flyer
• Our Kids First - Facilitator Recruitment Flyer

About Thriving Updates: Thriving Updates is a news and blog feature of ThrivingKokomo.com. Members of the Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council are invited to share information with one another of events, programs, opportunities, and news. Any information submitted must be from actively engaged organizations or churches of the coalition.

Local Update from Michelle Jackson, Josiah White's

It only takes one person to make a lasting impact on a vulnerable child's life. You can be that person to make a difference. Did you know that there are currently over 400,000 children in the foster care system and 125,000 children waiting to be adopted in the United States alone? Josiah White's Foster Care Program cannot meet the need with the number of children removed by The Department of Child Services. Josiah White’s receives over 100 placements of weekly referrals for children who are removed from their homes. We are in a foster care crisis; the result is children who do not have homes sleeping in DCS offices, shelter care, or residential facilities.

The movie Possum Trot is based on a true story from a small town in East Texas. The pastor's wife, the first lady, felt God tugging on her heart, calling her to foster, and followed the path before her to learn more about fostering. That one small church adopted 77 of the most difficult-to-place children in Texas and changed their lives while introducing them to God.

They were just ordinary people who saw the need and felt God calling them to care for his children.

Because the Eagles Theatre is graciously partnering with us to make this Private pre-screening possible, we can seat 440 influential leaders! We need a massive grassroots show-of-force for children in theaters when this film opens on July 4th. We ask that someone from your church or organization attend this May 28th private screening. We realize there will be scheduling conflicts and would ask that you please send someone in your place. The hundreds of thousands of children in the system are our future. The mission field is right outside your door. Are you willing to be the one to step up and make a stand for these children? Below is a link with the invite information to our May 28th pre-screening and the Possum Trot trailer link. Help us turn vulnerable children into VICTORIOUS children!

https://www.angel.com/press/release/angel-studios-acquires-feature-film-possum-trot-slated-for-july-4-2024 

About Thriving Updates: Thriving Updates is a news and blog feature of ThrivingKokomo.com. Members of the Kokomo and Howard County Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council are invited to share information with one another of events, programs, opportunities, and news. Any information submitted must be from actively engaged organizations or churches of the coalition.