The progress made by Bethany Legacy Foundation during 2025 has been an intentional strategy of targeted improvement in the area of Childcare, Mental Health, Social Services and a full County-wide footprint of moving our community health forward. Our grants awarded in 2025 totaled $4,586,328. We also managed a major construction project making our BLF Headquarters an amazing place designed to promote collaboration and serve as a connection/learning center for community problem-solving. Our talented staff deserves credit for this incredible year of philanthropy!

One of the major issues in our country today is a lack of affordable childcare. BLF made this issue our major focus this past year – and were able to partner with the Madison Consolidated School System, corporate donors, and a dedicated group of volunteers to help fund the MCS Early Learning Center. 366 children and their families will benefit from this project. Parents will be able to work knowing their children are being well taken care of and have early learning opportunities.

We have also had a continued dialogue with our local Hospital (NKDH). Our Emergency Services in Jefferson County will be greatly enhanced by building a new EMS Hub on site at NKDH with BLF as the major project donor. This will include a state-of-the-art conference center and simulation training lab. Many other Indiana Counties are struggling with EMS, and BLF’s assistance will assist Jefferson County response times and safety.

There are too many other projects to name for 2025, but a few that stand out are the Southwestern and Lydia Middleton Elementary School playground upgrades, and a grant to Lancaster Township for the Dupont School Building Study to develop a plan for reuse. Rural projects are particularly important as the majority of Jefferson County’s population lives in rural areas. Rural transportation will also continue to be on our BLF radar for improvement.

Please be on the lookout for the BLF Impact Report – it will offer a deeper look into the outcomes and progress made in 2025 – as well as data, stories, and momentum we are carrying into the next chapter of Legacy 2030!

Looking forward to 2026: Chair Elect Sharyn Whitman will serve as our Board Chair, and I could not be more optimistic about her leadership. As a former Executive for the American Red Cross, Sharyn will bring thoughtful leadership and commitment to BLF, and she shares her excitement for the work ahead: 

My term as Chair is ending, but I won’t be going far. My commitment to BLF will continue as a Board member and Past Chair. I am grateful for your support during my time as Chair.

Working together we will find new opportunities to keep improving, strengthening and uplifting Jefferson County!  

With gratitude,