The Kosciusko County Community Foundation surprised the Beaman Home Board of Directors at their May meeting with a matching grant challenge of $50,000. From left: Suzie Light, KCCF executive director; Sue Creighton, BH board vice president and campaign co-chair; Tracie Hodson, BH executive director; Hal Harting, BH board president; and Zoe Howard, KCCF board member.
(Photo provided)

On Tuesday, May 21, Kosciusko County Community Foundation presented the board and staff of Kosciusko County Shelter for Abuse (The Beaman Home) with a $50,000 challenge grant toward the construction of a new emergency shelter and outreach center. The grant will match, dollar for dollar, individual and business donations that are raised between Thursday, May 16, and Wednesday, July 31.

The Beaman Home has been providing safe, emergency shelter for victims of domestic abuse out of their current location for the past 28 years. The current shelter is a 100 year old, three bedroom home with 13 beds. Two bedrooms are located on the second floor accessibly by a steep, narrow staircase. The third bedroom on the lower level is reserved for victims with disabilities and/or mothers with infants. Often families have to share a small bedroom with other families, causing them additional stress and anxiety and making confidential staff/client discussions nearly impossible.

The new, secure facility will be located near the Warsaw Police Department, will accommodate up to 40 residents and will include staff offices, conference and counseling space, as well as a space designed especially for children to learn, play and exercise.

“We are so grateful to the Kosciusko County Community Foundation for their faithful support of Beaman Home’s programs and services. By matching all incoming gifts, dollar for dollar, from now until July 31, their challenge grant is just what our campaign needs to reach our short term goal of securing $1 million by Thursday, Aug. 1! We are confident our generous community will rise to the challenge and help Beaman Home raise the $50,000 needed to match the Community Foundation’s generous gift,” says Tracie Hodson, Beaman Home’s Executive Director.

Those interested in making a gift or organizing a fundraising event/activity to help Beaman Home meet the $50,000 challenge should contact Mrs. Hodson by calling 574-372-3503 or by emailing [email protected].

Since 1968, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc. has brought caring people and charitable endeavors together for the good of the community. The Community Foundation is a public charity, and gifts made to the Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information about the Community Foundation, visit www.kcfoundation.org, call 574-267-1901, or visit our office at 102 E. Market St., Warsaw.