Lt. Gov. Crouch, IHCDA launch crowdfunding campaign for Perceptions Accessibility Project

$20,000 goal to receive a matching grant through IHCDA's CreatINg Places initiative

VERNON, Ind. (July 17, 2024) - Jennings County residents will soon have more equitable access to community wellness activities if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $20,000 by Sep. 15, 2024. If successful, the project led by Perceptions Yoga, Mindfulness & Art, Inc. will receive a matching grant as part of IHCDA'sCreatINg Places program.

"This campaign for greater accessibility in Vernon will increase access to recreation, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the overall quality of life for Jennings County senior citizens," said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "This project will bring immediate positive change to the area and is an excellent example of how the CreatINg Livable Communities Partnership can be used to benefit an entire community."

Funds from this campaign will be used to make the second floor of the studio accessible to all through the professional installation of a Garaventa exterior wheelchair lift.

"As a nonprofit organization we are committed to providing a safe and accessible place for all to pursue self-care, wellness and creative endeavors," said Charlinda Evans, president of Perceptions Yoga, Mindfulness & Art. "With the installation of this lift, we are showing our commitment to our values and fulfilling our mission to serve our community. It's an ambitious project financially but sometimes you just have to follow your heart, ask for support and make it happen."

Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $11.1 million in public funds and an additional $9.3 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local units of government are eligible to apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.

The campaign is part of the CreatINg Livable Communities Partnership between AARP Indiana and IHCDA's CreatINg Places. It is a pilot partnership that assists Indiana communities in funding place-based projects for aging in place. In addition to matching funds from IHCDA, this project is eligible for up to $5,000 in matching funds from AARP Indiana.