Features

Feature Story A group of graduates from the Leadership Academy, 2025

The League’s Leadership Academy is empowering people to transform their communities

“We start with their personal stories, connect them to disability rights, and then build leadership and advocacy skills. By the end, we’re preparing them to serve on boards, councils, and commissions, or even run campaigns.”

Feature Story At an event on July 9, 2025, Matt Crouch, vice president of community economic development at Brightpoint, talks to community leaders about CDFIs.

Community leaders want to change Fort Wayne’s status as a CDFI desert

“We have parts of the population here in Fort Wayne that have been systematically left behind — and this is not a new issue, but we could come up with new solutions.” 

Longform Fort Wayne recently completed improvements to a section of S. Anthony Boulevard as part of the Southeast Strategy. Advocates say that, while targeted improvements improve outcomes, the city would benefit from the enhanced coordination.

Fort Wayne’s streets can be dangerous without a car – advocates say the fix starts with a plan

Advocates ask Fort Wayne to push forward with “Complete Streets” by adopting a refreshed, city-owned multimodal transportation plan.

Partner Content A group photo from Wabash River Trail Ride.

More than a network: Young Professionals of Wabash County

“I think this young professionals group is good because it shows you many different ways to be involved, so you can find your niche or what you’re most passionate about.”

Feature Story Charlie, the gigantic green dragon, welcomes customers to TCB Games.

The historic library with a big green dragon: TCB Games is creating a sense of wonder in Huntington

"When I was a kid, I read The Hobbit so many times it made me feel a sense of wonder, and I think that is my job as a business owner of a game shop."

Feature Story Fuller Plants, 1415 E State Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

In the business of growing: Q&A with Jessica Fuller of Fuller Plants

"I wanted to help people learn and offer healthy, happy plants. The internet has way too much information, which can be overwhelming for a new plant parent. I wanted to be a solid, trustworthy resource."

News Rethink Your Route Moving Fort Wayne Forward

Rethink Your Route and Join us at the YLNI Farmers Market on September 13

Input Fort Wayne is inviting you to Rethink Your Route and try a new way of getting around – without a car. Whether on foot, bike, bus, scooter, or skateboard, join us at the YLNI Farmers Market on September 13 using alternative transportation.  

Feature Story Calhoun St. is within the Downtown DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) boundary.

What Downtown Fort Wayne’s potential reauthorization means for the city’s next chapter

“The main thing, in my opinion, would be one single voice that has one mission — that is to concentrate and make sure that we’re continuing to develop, protect and advocate for our downtown.”

Feature Story Latinos Count’s annual scholarship luncheon brings together hundreds of Latino students, families, educators, and community partners for a celebration of educational achievement/

How Latinos Count is empowering youth in Indiana

“We’ve been getting money here and there, but this is serious money that shows other foundations and the community what we’re capable of. Our hope is that this is just the start, and that we’ll continue building the relationships and systems we need to keep serving Latino youth and their families, wherever they are.”

Feature Story Clydia Early, owner of the BIPOCA Incubator and Gallery at 1619 S. Calhoun St.

‘A space for historically excluded artists’: BIPOCA Incubator and Gallery

"To accomplish these goals, BIPOCA, of course, has a new space for exhibits and selling, but we have also developed a year-long incubation process for artists to participate in if they choose, and we are always working on funding to help artists with greatly needed resources."

Feature Story Memorial Park residents vote on their new logo at a recent meeting.

Memorial Park Neighborhood is banding together to bring pride, identity, and community back

“This is the chance for the neighborhood to help establish a sense of pride and identity. And then to also let both residents and visitors know that they're inside of a neighborhood that's active and well cared for and has leadership working hard to establish the association and build up residence.”

Feature Story The Mayor's Youth Council with Decatur Mayor Dan Rickord

‘Enthusiasm can drive real, lasting change’: How Decatur's Youth Council is shaping the community

"Their input has sparked improvements in local parks, brought attention to traffic safety concerns, and helped shape broader conversations about youth needs in Decatur."

Feature Story Regional Crew Leaders for The Journey, 2024

Blog: This fellowship is addressing burnout and offering renewal for youth professionals

"My fellowship year was life-changing. I learned that taking care of myself is not selfish; it is necessary. I experienced how vulnerability feeds meaningful relationships that sustain me. I gained a network of support from all over the state of Indiana. And I was inspired to pass along the gifts that I received from The Journey to others."

Feature Story Makayla, one of the first PQC Trains students to earn a Toon Boom certification, works on the digital drawing pad.

Developing animation talent and providing opportunities: PQC Trains Toon Boom Classes

“We did all of our homework, and now we just need people to know that we’ve got this great program. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Longform Hali Householder

How an Indiana hygienist inspires careers, expands access as an industry ambassador

Hali Householder helps recruit future dental hygienists and promotes whole-body health through a pioneering workforce initiative tackling care shortages.

Feature Story The Fort Wayne Social Club out during Savor Fort Wayne.

Making friends as an adult can be hard – Fort Wayne Social Club provides a solution

“This group is for everyone. However, I have seen a lot of transplants, people reintegrating back into Fort Wayne after moving away for a job or college, and mothers or people who have gone through major life changes really benefiting and appreciating this group.” 

Partner Content Local farmers bring a diverse variety of produce to the markets.

Meet the organizations working to connect Northeast Indiana residents to local farmers

“Choice of food is such a huge part of dignity for people. That’s why efforts like HEAL Markets and Double Up matter so much. They enable families to choose the vegetables and produce they actually want and will use, creating a real connection between farmers and communities.”

Partner Content The Dave Kunkel Cruise-In draws in over 400 classic cars.

Shifting gears for good: Dave Kunkel Cruise-In fuels ALS research

“My favorite part about it is seeing so many people from the community, so many of my coworkers and young people getting involved with a charity event like this – to come together for one common goal. I like seeing everyone come together to give back to a good cause.

Longform A cat caught by Melissa Rennaker to be TNR'd.

Local advocates emphasize the ‘community’ in community cat programs

“The response [to the program] has been incredible. We are inundated with caretakers who want to use our advocacy and TNR services, so much so that demand far outweighs our capacity.”

Feature Story John "Coach J" Miller focuses on “progression, not perfection" for his players.

This community-oriented gym is fostering national-level talent

“Every game that you play is an application. You just have to be prepared and be ready for every game. It’s my job to make sure they’re prepared when the opportunity comes.”

Feature Story Center for Nonviolence, 235 W Creighton Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46807

How movements, a model, and a mission intersected to create the Center for Nonviolence

“Our community is showing up for us, and it's really powerful because, for 44 years, the work we've been doing has been in service to the community.”

Partner Content Children and parents in the FitKids360 learn about physical activity, balanced nutrition and lasting behavior change.

FitKids360: Helping children build healthier futures, one habit at a time

“There is such value in programs that focus on preventative measures. It means kiddos can live a life without chronic illness. If they have the knowledge to create behavior change that nourishes their bodies, we can prevent chronic illness such as obesity, which leads to type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.” 

Feature Story Big Fort Fest takes place July 10-12 at Headwaters Park.

Big Fort Fest: The city’s newest summer festival is ‘a love letter to Fort Wayne’

“We’re not here to replace what came before us, but to build something new that respects the past while creating a fresh tradition for future generations."

Partner Content Executive Director of Visit Wabash County Christine Flohr (bottom left), President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Wabash County Alex Downard (bottom right), and Visit Wabash County Board President Adam Stakeman (top right) host ThriveIN.

ThriveIN Podcast: Turning Up the Volume on Wabash County’s Story

“We thought about what it would look like if we created this podcast series to highlight those people and stories. It would be used as an internal and external communication tool to create more champions and awareness in Wabash County.”

Feature Story Brandon Johnson receiving a small business loan from Brightpoint, via the Legacy Fund.

Meet the carpenter opening doors in the trades, one house at a time

“I don’t think there’s a shortage of talent. I think it’s a shortage of educational opportunities. A lot of guys want to learn, but they need an environment where they feel supported.”

Longform sunglasses

Cincinnati’s school dental clinics bring relief to thousands

Serving 24,000 patients annually, the Cincinnati Health Department dental program brings year-round care to students and community patients through an innovative public-private partnership.

Feature Story Big Brother Jarek Hoppe and his Little Brother Carter

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana is seeking mentors from across the region

“It’s about leveraging those personal relationships. Sometimes all it takes is hearing a story from someone who’s been a Big to inspire someone else to join.”

News The exterior of Blue Jacket, 2826 Calhoun St. Fort Wayne, IN.

City of Fort Wayne announces grants for 22 nonprofit programs

“It takes all of us working together, the private, non-profit and government sectors, to create a thriving community that offers everyone opportunities to succeed. The funding we’re announcing today helps local non-profit agencies provide critical services to our most vulnerable residents.”

Feature Story From left: Residency Founder & Co-Director of Kinhouse Gallery & Residency Kaylan Buteyn works with Sarah Wolfe, artist in residence, along with Dana Caldera, Co-Director of Kinhouse Gallery.

Kinhouse Art Gallery and Residency is bringing artists to Fort Wayne

“I don't think there are any artist residencies in Indiana, at least not ones that have a similar model. So it felt like there was potential for opening.”

Feature Story Women’s Fund screening of the documentary “I Am Evidence” at Cinema Center, followed by a panel discussion of the rape kit backlog. October 2024 at Cinema Center.

How grassroots activism and legislative efforts are taking aim at Indiana’s rape kit backlog

“The more we hear from the public, the clearer it becomes where the state’s priorities should be."

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