Decatur Chamber of Commerce

United Way of Adams County Awards $44,350 in Community Grants and Invites Children to Register for Clothe a Kid and Imagination Library

9 local nonprofits receive community-directed grants in support of youth opportunity and healthy community, plus registration for United Way’s youth programs is open

(Decatur, Ind., June 1, 2026) – During the month of May, the Board of United Way of Adams County announced grantees for its 2026 grant year. Community grants are fueled by the generosity of employees participating in United Way of Adams County’s annual workplace campaign and generous contributions from other individuals and local businesses. A total of $44,350 was awarded to 9 local health and human service agencies. All grants advance youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, or community resiliency in Adams County. These grants complement United Way of Adams County’s own direct programs serving youth, including Clothe a Kid and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

United is the Way to Youth Opportunity.

Together, United Way and its community partners help young people realize their full potential.

Youth Opportunity grants awarded by United Way of Adams County in 2026 totaled $11,900.

Grantees included Alive and Well Teens, Anthony Wayne Boy Scouts, and North Adams Fill Your Backpack Bash.

Programs funded by United Way of Adams County will increase access to learning and skill building activities through scholarship assistance, ensure all children have access to books and school supplies that prepare them for learning, and support mental wellness among Adams County youth.

The work of United Way’s partners builds upon United Way of Adam County’s own signature initiative, Kids Strong in Adams County, which is anchored by the Clothe a Kid program. Clothe a Kid ensures all children have access to appropriate school clothing at the start of each school year. Applications for Clothe a Kid are currently open at unitedwayofadamscounty.com and will be accepted through July 8.

In addition, United Way of Adams County raises and manages funds to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program promoted in collaboration with Adams Public Library. The Imagination Library provides books for any child between birth and age 5 and ensures families can build literacy rich home environments that prepare children for kindergarten. Families register through Adams Public Library or online at imaginationlibrary.com. There is no cost for families to participate because local organizations like United Way of Adams County cover the wholesale cost of books and their distribution to local families. To support the program with a donation, go to unitedwayofadamscounty.com.

Between grants and direct programs, United Way of Adams County will invest an estimated $14,500 in advancing youth opportunity across Adams County.

United is the Way to Healthy Community.

Together, United Way and its grantees are improving health and well-being for all.

Healthy Community grants awarded by United Way of Adams County in 2026 totaled $32,450.

Grantees included Adams County Senior Citizens Club, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Decatur Operation Help, Family Centered Services, Hero Meals, and The Salvation Army.

Programs funded by United Way of Adams County will contribute to the health of residents by ensuring access to healthy food, providing community navigation, case management, and mental health supports, enhancing inclusion and a sense of belonging for seniors, and providing emergency financial assistance for households struggling to meet essential needs or facing high medical costs.

For details on programs funded at each United Way grantee, contact Jessica Thieme, Executive Director for United Way of Adams County at 260-728-2056.

About United Way of Adams County

Part of the global United Way network, United Way of Adams County is an independent 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that has served Adams County since 1991. United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive, and it achieves this through a combination of direct programs, community investments, its Day of Caring, and advocacy efforts that advance youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resiliency in Adams County. For more information about United Way of Adams County, visit unitedwayofadamscounty.com or call 260-728-2056.

Media Contact

Jessica Thieme
Executive Director
United Way of Adams County
260-728-2056
[email protected]

🌟 Member Spotlight: Adams Health 🌟
At the heart of our community’s health and wellness is Adams Health —a trusted provider delivering compassionate, high-quality care across every stage of life.
Adams Memorial Hospital is a critical access hospital recognized for excellence in patient safety and experience, to their award-winning senior living communities Adams Woodcrest and Adams Heritage, this network truly offers a full continuum of care.

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• Strickler Cancer Institute

🚀 Investing in the Future of Care
Adams Health continues to lead with innovation—recently introducing advanced technology including a new MRI and a state-of-the-art surgical robot to enhance precision, improve outcomes, and support faster patient recovery.

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📍 Address: Mercer Ave, Decatur, IN
📞 Phone: (260) 724-2145

Thank you, Adams Health, for being a trusted provider and making a difference in our community every single day!