100 Women Who Care Elkhart County celebrates 10 years. Pictured from left are Sheila Terlep and Jenny Welch. Photo by Bryan Chris.

News Release

ELKHART — 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County usually awards one $10,000 grant each quarter, but the group tripled that this summer as part of its celebration of 10 years of giving.

Traditionally, the local women gather quarterly at the Matterhorn Conference Center to donate and then select a nonprofit for a $10,000 grant. Three of the nominees are drawn from a bowl, and one is selected to receive the money. This time, all three nominated organizations — The Samaritan Center, Saving Grace Advocacy and The Front Porch Foundation — received a $10,000 grant.

The Samaritan Center was founded in Elkhart in 1972, fueled by the belief that everyone can improve their relationships. The Silent Samaritan program offers faith-based counseling to women of all ages. CEO Randal J. Rhoade said that the $10,000 will allow about 15 women to each get 12 weekly sessions of mental health services.

This is the second time Saving Grace Advocacy has received a grant from 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County. The Elkhart-based organization focuses on assisting those with less access to basic resources. Director Chris Ulery says that, to this small organization, the $10,000 is an amazing amount that “helps so many people in our community that are marginalized or down on their luck.” The funds will go toward supplying the food, clothing, and toiletry pantries, as well as providing furniture.

The Front Porch Foundation in Mishawaka was established in 2022 with a mission to bring wellness to the community through therapeutic mindfulness exercises. Coach Julie Cotton nominated the group because she has seen a significant decrease in children’s stress levels. The organization plans to funnel the grant toward building its capacity, forming partnerships, and elevating its community impact.

100 Women Who Care Elkhart County has given more than $400,000 over the last decade.

The next 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Matterhorn Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis St., Elkhart. Any woman in Elkhart County is welcome to attend.