UWDC Presents check to Roots of Giving
Pictured Left to Right: Liz Emenhiser, UWDC Board Vice President, Lenord Yoder, Roots of Giving Board member; Vivian Likes, Roots of Giving Board member; Dean Drudge, Roots of Giving Board Member; Heidi Wells, Roots of Giving Board Member; Melinda Ebers, Roots of Giving Director; Heath Hook, Roots of Giving Board Member; Chelsea Tadsen, Roots of Giving Board member;  Christina Gaar, UWDC Board President; Tyler Cleverly, UWDC Executive Director

DeKalb County, IN – United Way of DeKalb County is proud to announce that Roots of Giving has been awarded a $100,000 Community Impact Grant in support of their ongoing mission to fight food insecurity and create sustainable access to fresh, nutritious food for individuals and families across the region.

 

Roots of Giving serves as a vital resource for those experiencing food insecurity, operating under the belief that food is more than just sustenance—it is a bridge to health, dignity, and connection. The organization’s innovative programs promote self-sufficiency through educational outreach and collaborative food distribution.

 

This funding will support Roots of Giving in expanding its operations, increasing the reach of its mobile food pantry, and continue ongoing community outreach initiatives such as: snack pack program, coat drive, Christmas Pantry & Shop with an Elf, and the annual 5K fundraiser. 

 

 “We are incredibly blessed to receive this grant from United Way of DeKalb County, and in turn, we will be able to bless the communities we serve in even greater ways,” said Melinda Ebers, Director of Roots of Giving. “This support allows us to strengthen our foundation and branch out further to reach more families, meet more needs, and show up with compassion and consistency. At Roots of Giving, we serve as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. Rooted in Him, with our foundation as a pantry, we are growing every day in our mission to serve our neighbors with dignity and love.”

 

United Way’s Community Impact Grants are awarded to organizations that demonstrate measurable outcomes and innovative approaches to solving critical issues in DeKalb County.

 

“We are honored to support the transformative work of Roots of Giving,” said Tyler Cleverly, Executive Director of United Way of DeKalb County. “Their commitment to addressing food insecurity aligns directly with our mission to improve lives and create lasting change. We believe this partnership will bring sustainable solutions to the table—both literally and figuratively.”

 

To learn more about Roots of Giving or United Way of DeKalb County’s Community Impact Grant program, visit www.unitedwaydekalb.org/impact-funding-grants.

 

About United Way of DeKalb County:
United Way of DeKalb County is committed to fight for the health, education, and financial stability for every person in our community.  Through collaboration and community-driven solutions, United Way of DeKalb County works to create opportunities for people to work together to create a thriving and vibrant community for all. 

For more information, please visit www.unitedwaydekalb.org or follow United Way of DeKalb County on Facebook, Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter), or LinkedIn

 

About Roots of Giving:

Roots of Giving is a faith-based nonprofit food pantry based in Butler, Indiana.  Roots of Giving is powered by a dedicated Board of Trustees, Advisory Board, local volunteers and community partnerships, working to create a more compassionate and resilient community. 

 

To learn more about Roots of Giving or get involved, please visit rootsofgiving.org.