Chances are, you’ve heard of Family Promise of Hendricks County. The organization has been part of the community for years, working to prevent homelessness and provide resources for those experiencing hardship.
But did you know they host two fundraising events at the Hendricks County 4-H Fair?
The Chopped Challenge returns for its fourth year on July 13.
It’s your favorite team cooking show with a twist.
“We have 20 teams of four that compete in different rounds. Participants get a mystery basket of items, generally found in a food pantry. Winners present the best dish they can, and if selected, move on to the finale,” said Heather Heikkila, fundraising event coordinator.
Families, co-workers, nonprofits and civic groups gather to compete in the unique competition that educates others on the challenges of creating a meal solely from items you might receive at a food pantry — and they have a ton of fun in the process.
With extra donations and support, competitors might get a chance to shop for additional ingredients at the “marketplace,” and three local judges will decide who moves on to the final round.
Funds raised from Chopped Challenge will be split between Family Promise and the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition.
Later that week, on July 19, the fifth annual Livestock Stampede will return for a family-friendly 5K run/walk through the 4-H animal barns.
“Afterward, we’ll have milkshakes and cinnamon rolls in the dairy barn and a raffle for special prizes,” Heikkila said. “Funds raised from the Livestock Stampede go toward our Stability Builders Network. These are the funds we use when assisting with rent, car repairs, utilities and other things.”
If you miss the fair events, there are still plenty of other ways to participate throughout the year.
On July 27, Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg will host a pancake breakfast to raise funds for Family Promise, and organizers hope others follow suit.
“The church raised $2,000 for us last time, and they’re doing it again this summer. Now, we’re seeing other churches follow their model,” Heikkila said. “This has happened organically. You pick the time, date and location, and we’ll show up with informational packets and introduce ourselves to the guests at the breakfast.”
They’re also partnering with Feed the Children and Niagara Water for a massive drive-through food pantry. If you have a voucher from Family Promise or one of their partners, stop by Plainfield Christian Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 13 to receive a 25-pound box of nonperishables, a case of water, a box of hygiene supplies and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Family Promise recently welcomed their new chief operating officer, Jennifer Crooks, who has joined at an exciting time of growth.
Crooks began six months ago after working in the mental health field. She said it was frustrating to see a need and feel unable to meet it.
“What drew me here was how Family Promise bridges the gap. They’re helping at the point that’s most crucial. We used to refer people to Family Promise all the time because we weren’t able to take the next step with them,” Crooks said. “It’s amazing to see the transformation and the impact we can make on people’s lives.”
Affordable housing is a major piece of the puzzle and something Family Promise has been working on with local municipalities for years. Many of those plans are now coming to fruition.
What began as a shelter house on Scanell Lane in Plainfield has grown into a neighborhood with one shelter home, one transitional home for single moms with children and five rented duplexes.
The shelter house still welcomes up to six families, and Family Promise continues to partner with churches to provide meals or groceries.
“We also have homes in Brownsburg and Danville, 22 townhomes under construction in Plainfield and plans for another seven townhomes in Avon,” Crooks said. “We’ve partnered with the Town of Plainfield and Helix 33. The town has approved 109 apartment units, and Helix 33 is giving us two acres to build a childcare center for 100 children. Connected to that building will be a new immigration center for working families.”
Heikkila said 30 percent of Hendricks County residents are just one paycheck away from financial crisis. Twelve percent currently experience food insecurity or some version of homelessness.
It only takes one broken-down car, one medical incident or one death in the family to send a household into crisis.
“By the time we finish all of our projects, Hendricks County will lead the state in affordable housing,” Heikkila said.
In the meantime, Family Promise hopes the community continues to support its work through events like the Chopped Challenge and Livestock Stampede.
Visit familypromisehendrickscounty.org for more information.
