Carey Services and United Way of Grant County are excited to announce that Carey Services has been awarded a matching capital grant of up to $837,742 from the Indiana United Ways Statewide Capital Projects Initiative. The grant will enable Carey Services to begin renovations of their building located at 2427 South Carey Street in Marion and create upgraded, inclusive spaces for individuals of all levels of disability to participate in enhanced day-programming options that promote curiosity, skill building, entrepreneurship, and social development.
Funding for this project was made possible due to United Way of Grant County’s membership in Indiana United Ways, the state membership association for local United Ways serving Indiana counties. This investment covers half of the project’s total cost and matches the generosity of local donors.
“United Way of Grant County endorsed this project as part of our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve financial security,” said LeeAnna Smith, Executive Director of United Way of Grant County. “Healthy, resilient communities value each resident and empower people of every age to participate fully in school, work, and community. United Way and Carey Services collaborate to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities feel like they belong and contribute to our county’s success.”
The Next Generation Campus project at Carey Services represents a step forward on a journey that began with the creation of the eMPower Academy, a program that demonstrates proximity to role models inspires individuals with disabilities to dream, helps them imagine themselves doing more, increases their self-confidence, and promotes self-advocacy. The newest renovation modernizes another space at Carey Services’ Marion campus, transforming outdated environments into purpose-built areas that support skill development, employment readiness, and daily living skills.
“At Carey Services, we see the potential in every individual we serve. This support allows us to create spaces that better reflect the opportunities and futures we envision are possible for the people living in our community with disabilities,” said Jim Allbaugh, President and CEO of Carey Services. “We are incredibly grateful for the endorsement of United Way of Grant County during our application for this transformative grant. Without their support, we could not begin this vital facility upgrade.”
Renovated spaces will have dedicated areas for career exploration, hands-on vocational training, independent living instruction, creative programming, and sensory support. These updated environments will better reflect real-world settings, helping individuals gain confidence, build skills, and pursue meaningful employment and community engagement.
Construction begins this month and renovations are expected to be complete in 2027. You can follow the progress of the renovations on Facebook at @careyservices.
Donations are still being accepted toward this project. All contributions up to the amount of the capital grant award from Indiana United Ways Statewide Capital Projects Initiative will be matched. For more information about Carey Services and the Next Generation Campus project, visit careyservices.com or contact Kelly Scher at 765-668-8961 extension 124 or email kelly.scher@careyservices.com.
About Carey Services: Carey Services is an internationally accredited premier local provider of home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and children and families in early childhood education services. Carey Services is a community-based, positive-difference-making agency providing an array of services to people with disabilities and other low-income individuals and families. Carey Services provides supports and services that are determined through person-centered planning, where individuals and their families direct the planning and allocation of resources to meet their individual life goals. Call (765) 668-8961 or visit www.careyservices.com for more information to seek services or employment opportunities, or to donate. Individuals can also visit the Carey Services Facebook page www.facebook.com/Careyservices.
About United Way of Grant County: United Way of Grant County is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives and strengthening the community by mobilizing resources, fostering partnerships, and supporting programs that address critical local needs. Through strategic investments in education, financial stability, and health, United Way works to create lasting change for individuals and families across Grant County. By bringing people and organizations together, United Way of Grant County helps build a more resilient, connected, and thriving community. United Way of Grant County is a member of the global United Way network. For more information, please visit www.uwgrant.com or call 765-662-9811.
About Indiana United Ways: Indiana United Ways (IUW) is the state membership association for local United Ways serving Indiana counties. It provides a wide range of advocacy, training, technical assistance, networking, and grant opportunities to ensure that local United Ways meet their community’s most pressing needs. Between 2024 and 2028, the Statewide Capital Projects Initiative at IUW will award $80 million in matching grants to select nonprofit organizations. Only nonprofits that directly provide essential health and human services may be eligible to apply. All applications must be submitted in collaboration with the local IUW member United Way serving the county in which a project is located. To learn more about the Statewide Capital Projects Initiative, go to iuw.org/capitalprojects.
