BABE program honored by Whitley County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors
(Talk of the Town photo by Michelle Culbertson) A larger group of BABE board members and staff as well as representatives of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce gathered in April to celebrate the BABE program, above. The organization was selected as the 2011 April Business/Non-profit of the Month.
By Michelle Culbertson
The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently selected the Whitley County BABE program as the 2011 April Business/Non-profit of the Month.
BABE is a local non-profit which provides goods and services to all pregnant women and all families in Whitley County with children between the ages of birth to 5 years. By providing diapers, wipes, cribs, high chairs, etc., as well as connections to local agencies and services, BABE’s goal is to see that all families in Whitley County get a healthy start. In order to meet the growing demand, satellite programs have been launched in Churubusco and South Whitley.
Executive Director Shawn Ellis, along with her 3 employees and approximately 20 volunteers, has grown this organization since its inception in 2001 in order to provide infant/toddler-related items through a coupon incentive program.
BABE staff, volunteers and board members seek to meet the families “where they are” with a mission to encourage them in their growth toward stronger and healthier families.
Enjoying tremendous growth in their organization over the past year, BABE recently gained their own 501(c)3 non-profit status and, last year, moved to the agency's new new home on the corner of Jefferson and Main Streets.
Those who attended the awards presentation included Shawn Ellis, BABE executive director; BABE staff and members of the board of directors, Sara Lochner-Goff, Chamber president; and Chamber Ambassadors Tina Houser, LT Foundations & Real Estate; Jennifer Zartman Romano, Talk of the Town; Kristi
Maloney, Sycamore Village & BABE board member; Jo Robertson, Midwest America Federal Credit Union; Cari Wells, 1st Source Bank; June Keiser, J&J Insurance Solutions; Lee Aumsbaugh, Aumsbaugh Flooring; and Randy Holler, Crossroads Bank.