$500 Grant Awarded to Bella Vita

The local pregnancy resource center, Bella Vita, was graciously awarded a grant of $500 yesterday. Thursday afternoon representatives from the Starke County Community Foundation, Director of Development Sarah Origer and their intern Rachel Lenig as well as the Northern Indiana Community Foundation Executive Director Jay Albert presented the money to Bella Vita representatives, Center Director Sarah Dedloff and Executive Director Lorie Reading.

Reading said the grant will be used to purchase some items that clients often ask for such as strollers and changing tables and it will be spent to provide incentive for parents to return to the center. She explained it will also be used to help with some module amendments, “We plan on using it to help with our curriculum updates. Right now we’ve got some children that are transitioning into toddler age so we need to update our toddler curriculum.”

Bella Vita provides assistance to expectant parents and parents of children ranging from newborns to around two-years-old. Once a child reaches an age where Bella Vita no longer feels they can be of service, they typically refer parents to other establishments to continue assistance and education.

During the Starke County 4-H Fair, Bella Vita will have a booth in the commercial building where they will be hosting a raffle and providing basic information about the organization and their endowment fund through the Community Foundation.

If you or someone you know is faced with an unexpected pregnancy Bella Vita can help you weigh your options and provide helpful information and assistance. It is located at 52 West Lake Street and holds hours Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 until 6 pm and Fridays from 9 am until 1 pm. The phone number to reach somebody at the pregnancy resource facility is 772-2877.