Altrusa International of Warsaw, Inc. is celebrating the Altrusa organization’s 98th anniversary during the month of April. Altrusa is an international non-profit organization making local communities better through leadership, partnership and service. Members are civic-minded men and women who strive to create better communities worldwide.

Altrusa International was founded in Nashville in 1917, originally as the Altrusa Institute. At that time a record number of women were going to work during World War I and there was a need for women’s civic organizations. The organization was originally a classified service organization for women, but today they are an international network of women and men with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Member clubs are grouped into 15 Districts throughout the world.

The organization became international in 1935, and in 1946 Altrusa sent its first representative to the United Nations. The organization’s International Foundation was formed in 1962. It is dedicated to improving economic well-being and quality of life through a commitment to community services and literacy. In 1966 the organization began to look to America’s youth as the future of Altrusa and established ASTRA service clubs to encourage young people ages 13-21 to participate in community service.

The local Altrusa Club has been serving the Kosciusko County community for 41 years.

Club members founded The Beaman Home Shelter for the Abused in 1985 and worked with the late Judge Burner to establish CASA in Kosciusko County. The Court Appointed Special Advocates program appoints special advocates to speak on behalf of a child in abuse and neglect cases currently in the local juvenile court. They also provide scholarships and assistance to a single mother who is furthering her education in order to raise the standard of living for her family through Combined Community Services’ Project Independence Program.

Members also provide the front doors for Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity homes, have adopted a class at Lincoln School, provide support to Grace College Mentors for Kids, Bakers Youth Club, Kosciusko Literacy Services, American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Mobile Meals.

The active local club is part of Altrusa’s District Six comprised members in Ind., Ill. and Ky. Local club officers include Sue Creighton, president and district six board member; Jeanine Knowles, vice president; Beth Huffer, secretary and Christie Borzeniatow, treasurer.

Individuals interested in learning more about Altrusa and its service to the community may visit their website at www.Altrusa.org or Altrusa-Warsaw on Facebook. They may also contact the club at [email protected].