Baker Youth Club Archives - News Now Warsaw https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/tag/baker-youth-club/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:26:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Baker Youth Club in Warsaw celebrates 100 Years with a birthday bash https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/baker-youth-club-in-warsaw-celebrates-100-years-with-a-birthday-bash/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:26:30 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=134726 By David Slone
Times-Union
WARSAW — Memories were evoked and shared at Baker Boy’s Club/Baker Youth Club’s 100th birthday celebration on Saturday.
Activities during the six-hour event included a first responders cook-off, a professional barbecue competition, a bounce house; free ice cream, snow cones, cookies and T-shirts; a giant digital board, live music and a display of photos, trophies and other memorabilia.
BYC Executive Director Tracy Furnivall began going to the club as a youth. He recalled, “I don’t know exactly why or how I remember it, other than the fun that we had. I remember eating dinner, and if I didn’t finish my plate, I couldn’t walk over the hill at the old Madison School down to where Retired Tigers is, the old high school, and that’s where we would go. My brother, Eric Sebo and Michelle would even come sometimes, we would walk over the hill, but I couldn’t go if I didn’t finish my meal. And I didn’t like vegetables. So my parents would be out of the kitchen, and my brother, Troy, would eat my peas, because if I couldn’t go, he couldn’t go.”
He said he remembers walking over the hill, walking into the club and going upstairs to the gymnasium where some of the older guys were playing some of the best basketball of that time. Downstairs is where the little, scrawny kids went. Sock tag was played up and down the stairs, there was a labyrinth board where the marble would go through the trap and bumper pool. There was even marble football.
“Scott Wiley still gives me the business about that because I threw that (marble football) away when we moved. He found it in the dumpster and dug it out. He’s still got it today,” Furnivall said.
“But I think the memories were made starting then, but then going through our high school days of some of the best basketball, I think probably in the state of Indiana at that time, being played right here at the Boy’s Club when we were growing up, with Aaron Rovenstine, Barry Kline, Moses McNees, Mike Claybaugh, Jeff Johnson, Rocky Goshert, Sebo, Brandenburg, Heisler, who’s an Olympian. It’s just so many memories of those kids. Scott Franklin. The Hartle boys. So just many of them. It’s almost overwhelming, the memories and the people that came through the Club back then.”
Warsaw Mayor Jeff Grose, who also went to the club in his youth, said, “Friends are there. Very good basketball. We love basketball and our friends are there. And then (Robert “Coach” Lichtenwalter) has the ability to provide guardrails, but not too tight. It was loose, it was fun, but it was the club. You had to behave, you had to be straight, you had to be a good boy, otherwise you’re going to be in his office.”
Furnivall said no one wanted to go to the office.
“It was just a good culture, and then he offered many different things,” Grose said. “And now Furni is offering (many different things). We couldn’t see it, what he’s doing now, which is neat. The evolution of it.”
Furnivall stated, “It’s neat and it was tough because we grew up in that area, and I remember Rick Jackson, who is one of our judges today, Rick and Randy, and they would give me business when I took over about the changes we were making. I’m like, ‘Boys, nothing’s what it was 50 years ago. We have to change.’”
He said what he believes he and his board of directors did very well was listen to the community and what were the needs, and then worked toward filling those needs to the best of their capability.
“That’s what we’ve done over the years, and now we’re in a 45,000-square-foot facility offering reading, STEM, art. Basketball gets played, but it’s average, it’s different, it’s not the same basketball back in the day,” Furnivall said.
Grose stated all kids are a diverse population. Furnivall said there’s boys, girls; low, middle and high income. “We’re getting them all. We’re here for anybody and everybody. The change has been neat to see, it’s been hard, but, again, it’s the need of our community and we try to fill that,” Furnivall stated.
Even with the changes, the kids at BYC are still making memories that will last them a lifetime.
“These kids are going to remember it like we are. They don’t have the sock tag memories. They have the Nine Square memories. Or they have the STEM memories. Or they have the memories in the art room. We didn’t have that, we probably wouldn’t have gone to the art room if we had it, but we’re offering that,” Furnivall said.
BYC has three pillars: education, health and social skill development.
“I think that social skill development is the number one thing we accomplish here every day all day long. Kids are interacting with other kids, interacting with high school staff, college staff and adult staff. So these kids are getting all levels of engagement, and now they’re building that friendship and those relationships that they’re going to remember for a lifetime,” Furnivall stated.
Mark Himes remembered first going to the Club when it used to be where the Retired Tigers is now. He was about 10 years old then. He kept attending until he was about a senior in high school, then he was a junior staff member when it moved over to the Pete Thorn Center.
“A friend of mine and I used to run intramurals on Saturdays at the Pete Thorn Center,” Himes said.
When he first started going to the Club, “The big thing at the old Retired Tigers was sock tag, and we played sock tag and you’ll hear that a lot because a lot of kids played sock tag there.”
He recalled going upstairs to play basketball and watching the older guys play.
“Every once in a while, when they’d get done, they’d ask us to jump in and play with them and that was a big thing. It made you feel pretty good then to go in there and play with the older guys,” Himes said.
There have only been four BYC directors, and Wiley was one of them for 11 years.
“My first memory of Baker Youth Club goes all the way back to 1966 and my brother, Bill, brought me there when it was at Retired Tigers,” Wiley said. “And I remember the gym was on the third floor, and back then you had to work your way up to play with the big guys down at the end of the court. But I was young, so I remember playing sock tag. They had this labyrinth game with a steel ball. They had this marble football game. I mean, things that technology today would blow away, but was so much fun.”
He said he loved it from the first minute he was there.
Bill Smith served on the K21 Health Foundation Board and they donated money to help BYC redo the building.
“As a newcomer, and when I say newcomer I’ve only been here 16 years, so I’m aware of Pete Thorn and Coach and all of them because the people that have been here, they just kind of bring you into that community and say, ‘These are the people that we treasure in this community,’ and so that’s kind of how I got involved in it, through the K21 donations, through other people, just knowing that this is what the Baker Youth Club does and really giving young students a place to go, a place to be, a place to expand their horizons,” Smith said.
Mitch Reinholt said growing up, probably through late elementary and middle school, he was able to attend and play a lot of basketball at BYC.
“I remember some great pick-up games. Playing with a lot of buddies. I have always just appreciated the resources that the community has. Loved getting to go after school, in the summers, hanging out with friends, making memories,” he said.
Saturday’s event was a cool way to celebrate 100 years for BYC, Reinholt stated. “I think this barbecue event is the first of many, hopefully. Raise some funds for the organization and have some fun while we’re doing it,” he said.
Reinholt was one of the people asked to be a judge for the barbecue.
“So I got to taste the wings today, and I got to taste eight or nine different samplings, and they were all amazing. There’s a lot of really good barbecue out there. I’ve never judged a competition before, but I’ve eaten a lot of barbecue over the years, so hopefully that qualifies my palette. But I’ve really enjoyed it, really good food,” he said.
BYC Development Director Tamara Drake said she loves the positive environment and working with her co-workers, as well as with the kids.
“I love to see them grow. It’s so amazing when we get to see the success stories. They’ll be kids that come back in. We even have some employees that used to come to the club as kids, and you get to see” them grown up, she said.

The post Baker Youth Club in Warsaw celebrates 100 Years with a birthday bash appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By David Slone
Times-Union
WARSAW — Memories were evoked and shared at Baker Boy’s Club/Baker Youth Club’s 100th birthday celebration on Saturday.
Activities during the six-hour event included a first responders cook-off, a professional barbecue competition, a bounce house; free ice cream, snow cones, cookies and T-shirts; a giant digital board, live music and a display of photos, trophies and other memorabilia.
BYC Executive Director Tracy Furnivall began going to the club as a youth. He recalled, “I don’t know exactly why or how I remember it, other than the fun that we had. I remember eating dinner, and if I didn’t finish my plate, I couldn’t walk over the hill at the old Madison School down to where Retired Tigers is, the old high school, and that’s where we would go. My brother, Eric Sebo and Michelle would even come sometimes, we would walk over the hill, but I couldn’t go if I didn’t finish my meal. And I didn’t like vegetables. So my parents would be out of the kitchen, and my brother, Troy, would eat my peas, because if I couldn’t go, he couldn’t go.”
He said he remembers walking over the hill, walking into the club and going upstairs to the gymnasium where some of the older guys were playing some of the best basketball of that time. Downstairs is where the little, scrawny kids went. Sock tag was played up and down the stairs, there was a labyrinth board where the marble would go through the trap and bumper pool. There was even marble football.
“Scott Wiley still gives me the business about that because I threw that (marble football) away when we moved. He found it in the dumpster and dug it out. He’s still got it today,” Furnivall said.
“But I think the memories were made starting then, but then going through our high school days of some of the best basketball, I think probably in the state of Indiana at that time, being played right here at the Boy’s Club when we were growing up, with Aaron Rovenstine, Barry Kline, Moses McNees, Mike Claybaugh, Jeff Johnson, Rocky Goshert, Sebo, Brandenburg, Heisler, who’s an Olympian. It’s just so many memories of those kids. Scott Franklin. The Hartle boys. So just many of them. It’s almost overwhelming, the memories and the people that came through the Club back then.”
Warsaw Mayor Jeff Grose, who also went to the club in his youth, said, “Friends are there. Very good basketball. We love basketball and our friends are there. And then (Robert “Coach” Lichtenwalter) has the ability to provide guardrails, but not too tight. It was loose, it was fun, but it was the club. You had to behave, you had to be straight, you had to be a good boy, otherwise you’re going to be in his office.”
Furnivall said no one wanted to go to the office.
“It was just a good culture, and then he offered many different things,” Grose said. “And now Furni is offering (many different things). We couldn’t see it, what he’s doing now, which is neat. The evolution of it.”
Furnivall stated, “It’s neat and it was tough because we grew up in that area, and I remember Rick Jackson, who is one of our judges today, Rick and Randy, and they would give me business when I took over about the changes we were making. I’m like, ‘Boys, nothing’s what it was 50 years ago. We have to change.’”
He said what he believes he and his board of directors did very well was listen to the community and what were the needs, and then worked toward filling those needs to the best of their capability.
“That’s what we’ve done over the years, and now we’re in a 45,000-square-foot facility offering reading, STEM, art. Basketball gets played, but it’s average, it’s different, it’s not the same basketball back in the day,” Furnivall said.
Grose stated all kids are a diverse population. Furnivall said there’s boys, girls; low, middle and high income. “We’re getting them all. We’re here for anybody and everybody. The change has been neat to see, it’s been hard, but, again, it’s the need of our community and we try to fill that,” Furnivall stated.
Even with the changes, the kids at BYC are still making memories that will last them a lifetime.
“These kids are going to remember it like we are. They don’t have the sock tag memories. They have the Nine Square memories. Or they have the STEM memories. Or they have the memories in the art room. We didn’t have that, we probably wouldn’t have gone to the art room if we had it, but we’re offering that,” Furnivall said.
BYC has three pillars: education, health and social skill development.
“I think that social skill development is the number one thing we accomplish here every day all day long. Kids are interacting with other kids, interacting with high school staff, college staff and adult staff. So these kids are getting all levels of engagement, and now they’re building that friendship and those relationships that they’re going to remember for a lifetime,” Furnivall stated.
Mark Himes remembered first going to the Club when it used to be where the Retired Tigers is now. He was about 10 years old then. He kept attending until he was about a senior in high school, then he was a junior staff member when it moved over to the Pete Thorn Center.
“A friend of mine and I used to run intramurals on Saturdays at the Pete Thorn Center,” Himes said.
When he first started going to the Club, “The big thing at the old Retired Tigers was sock tag, and we played sock tag and you’ll hear that a lot because a lot of kids played sock tag there.”
He recalled going upstairs to play basketball and watching the older guys play.
“Every once in a while, when they’d get done, they’d ask us to jump in and play with them and that was a big thing. It made you feel pretty good then to go in there and play with the older guys,” Himes said.
There have only been four BYC directors, and Wiley was one of them for 11 years.
“My first memory of Baker Youth Club goes all the way back to 1966 and my brother, Bill, brought me there when it was at Retired Tigers,” Wiley said. “And I remember the gym was on the third floor, and back then you had to work your way up to play with the big guys down at the end of the court. But I was young, so I remember playing sock tag. They had this labyrinth game with a steel ball. They had this marble football game. I mean, things that technology today would blow away, but was so much fun.”
He said he loved it from the first minute he was there.
Bill Smith served on the K21 Health Foundation Board and they donated money to help BYC redo the building.
“As a newcomer, and when I say newcomer I’ve only been here 16 years, so I’m aware of Pete Thorn and Coach and all of them because the people that have been here, they just kind of bring you into that community and say, ‘These are the people that we treasure in this community,’ and so that’s kind of how I got involved in it, through the K21 donations, through other people, just knowing that this is what the Baker Youth Club does and really giving young students a place to go, a place to be, a place to expand their horizons,” Smith said.
Mitch Reinholt said growing up, probably through late elementary and middle school, he was able to attend and play a lot of basketball at BYC.
“I remember some great pick-up games. Playing with a lot of buddies. I have always just appreciated the resources that the community has. Loved getting to go after school, in the summers, hanging out with friends, making memories,” he said.
Saturday’s event was a cool way to celebrate 100 years for BYC, Reinholt stated. “I think this barbecue event is the first of many, hopefully. Raise some funds for the organization and have some fun while we’re doing it,” he said.
Reinholt was one of the people asked to be a judge for the barbecue.
“So I got to taste the wings today, and I got to taste eight or nine different samplings, and they were all amazing. There’s a lot of really good barbecue out there. I’ve never judged a competition before, but I’ve eaten a lot of barbecue over the years, so hopefully that qualifies my palette. But I’ve really enjoyed it, really good food,” he said.
BYC Development Director Tamara Drake said she loves the positive environment and working with her co-workers, as well as with the kids.
“I love to see them grow. It’s so amazing when we get to see the success stories. They’ll be kids that come back in. We even have some employees that used to come to the club as kids, and you get to see” them grown up, she said.

The post Baker Youth Club in Warsaw celebrates 100 Years with a birthday bash appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-061847.png $1.7 million distributed to 13 groups by K21 Health Foundation https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/1-7-million-distributed-to-13-groups-by-k21-health-foundation/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:01:54 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=129782 Staff Report

WINONA LAKE — The K21 Health Foundation has awarded $1,708,227 in grants to several nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Kosciusko County residents.

This funding cycle had a significant number of requests focused on project enhancements, as well as facility additions and renovations, according to a provided news release.

Rich Haddad, president and CEO of K21, highlighted the diversity of recipients and grant impact, stating, "These grants demonstrate our commitment to creating wellness for generations, now and into the future, with both immediate program support as well as new facilities that will serve our residents for years to come."

K21 Health Foundation awards grants in four key Health Pillars: Community Culture & Wellbeing, Health Access & Opportunity, Direct Services & Prevention, and Youth Development & Activity.

2025 Q1 grant recipients are:

• Baker Youth Club – Physical Activities Program
• Bowen Center – Enchanted Hills Park Equipment
• City of Warsaw - Parks Department – Community Skate Park
• Fellowship Missions – Facility Expansion and Renovations
• Fellowship Missions – Life Skills and Wellness Programming
• Grace College & Seminary – Catalyst Corridor Initiative – Community Fieldhouse
• Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County – Home-Repair Program
• Heartline Pregnancy Center – Health and Wellness Programs
• Kosciusko Health Services Pavilion – Facility Renovations
• Mentone Youth League – Facility Improvements
• Servants at Work – Wheelchair Ramps for Homes Program
• Warsaw Girls Rugby Foundation – Equipment
• Youth & the Outdoors United – Equipment

For more information and to learn more about K21 Health Foundation’s grantmaking, visit k21healthfoundation.org or contact Angie Summers, operations manager, at angie@k21healthfoundation.org or 574 269-5188.

The post $1.7 million distributed to 13 groups by K21 Health Foundation appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> Staff Report

WINONA LAKE — The K21 Health Foundation has awarded $1,708,227 in grants to several nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Kosciusko County residents.

This funding cycle had a significant number of requests focused on project enhancements, as well as facility additions and renovations, according to a provided news release.

Rich Haddad, president and CEO of K21, highlighted the diversity of recipients and grant impact, stating, “These grants demonstrate our commitment to creating wellness for generations, now and into the future, with both immediate program support as well as new facilities that will serve our residents for years to come.”

K21 Health Foundation awards grants in four key Health Pillars: Community Culture & Wellbeing, Health Access & Opportunity, Direct Services & Prevention, and Youth Development & Activity.

2025 Q1 grant recipients are:

• Baker Youth Club – Physical Activities Program
• Bowen Center – Enchanted Hills Park Equipment
• City of Warsaw – Parks Department – Community Skate Park
• Fellowship Missions – Facility Expansion and Renovations
• Fellowship Missions – Life Skills and Wellness Programming
• Grace College & Seminary – Catalyst Corridor Initiative – Community Fieldhouse
• Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County – Home-Repair Program
• Heartline Pregnancy Center – Health and Wellness Programs
• Kosciusko Health Services Pavilion – Facility Renovations
• Mentone Youth League – Facility Improvements
• Servants at Work – Wheelchair Ramps for Homes Program
• Warsaw Girls Rugby Foundation – Equipment
• Youth & the Outdoors United – Equipment

For more information and to learn more about K21 Health Foundation’s grantmaking, visit k21healthfoundation.org or contact Angie Summers, operations manager, at angie@k21healthfoundation.org or 574 269-5188.

The post $1.7 million distributed to 13 groups by K21 Health Foundation appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-15-055248.png Live Well Kosciusko announces mobile health service for pediatrics https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/live-well-kosciusko-announces-mobile-health-service-for-pediatrics/ Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:22:52 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=127463 News Release

WARSAW — Live Well Kosciusko is partnering with Parkview’s Ronald McDonald Care Mobile to bring pediatric care directly to our local communities and families — just like the group's mobile mammography program, but instead, focused on children’s health.

The Care Mobile is a pediatric doctor’s office on wheels, staffed by Parkview Physicians Group – Pediatrics. It travels to neighborhoods across our area to provide well-child visits, sick visits, immunizations, screenings, and more.

Services are available for children 0–18 years old, and no‑charge care is offered for families without insurance, helping remove barriers to quality health care.

In a news release, Live Well Kosciusko said they're grateful to Parkview Health and Ronald McDonald House Charities for making this mobile care possible, as well as K21 Health Foundation and Health First Kosciusko for their support.

Here is the schedule:

  • March 3 at Baker Youth Club, 1401 E. Smith St., Warsaw
  • March 10 at Leesburg Lions, 114 W. School St., Leesburg
  • March 16, Baker Youth Club, 1401 E. Smith St., Warsaw
  • March 25, Warsaw Community Public Library, 310 E. Main St., Warsaw

 

The post Live Well Kosciusko announces mobile health service for pediatrics appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> News Release

WARSAW — Live Well Kosciusko is partnering with Parkview’s Ronald McDonald Care Mobile to bring pediatric care directly to our local communities and families — just like the group’s mobile mammography program, but instead, focused on children’s health.

The Care Mobile is a pediatric doctor’s office on wheels, staffed by Parkview Physicians Group – Pediatrics. It travels to neighborhoods across our area to provide well-child visits, sick visits, immunizations, screenings, and more.

Services are available for children 0–18 years old, and no‑charge care is offered for families without insurance, helping remove barriers to quality health care.

In a news release, Live Well Kosciusko said they’re grateful to Parkview Health and Ronald McDonald House Charities for making this mobile care possible, as well as K21 Health Foundation and Health First Kosciusko for their support.

Here is the schedule:

  • March 3 at Baker Youth Club, 1401 E. Smith St., Warsaw
  • March 10 at Leesburg Lions, 114 W. School St., Leesburg
  • March 16, Baker Youth Club, 1401 E. Smith St., Warsaw
  • March 25, Warsaw Community Public Library, 310 E. Main St., Warsaw

 

The post Live Well Kosciusko announces mobile health service for pediatrics appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-25.png Generous celebrates one-year, announces changes for the Future https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/generous-celebrates-one-year-announces-changes-for-the-future/ Mon, 12 May 2025 12:15:35 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=109817 News Release

WARSAW — On Friday, Generous Coffee marked its one-year anniversary in downtown Warsaw by celebrating community, collaboration, and generosity.

Generous kicked off the celebration by welcoming dozens of community members, nonprofit leaders, and local partners into its renovated café space to reflect on the vision that launched just one year ago and to unveil an exciting new chapter for its mission.

“What started as a dream, and a lot of hard work, has turned into something more beautiful than we imagined,” said Tyler Silveus, Co-Founder and CEO. “This isn’t just a coffee shop, it’s a gathering place where generosity fuels purpose, and where local heroes are honored every day.”

Nonprofit Partners Honored

Over the past year, Generous Coffee has partnered with four local nonprofits: Baker Youth Club, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, Cardinal Services Inc., and CASA of Kosciusko County, using its donation-based coffee bar and coffee bean sales to raise both funds and awareness for their causes.

A New Chapter: One Nonprofit, Four Months at a Time

Looking ahead, Generous Coffee announced a new structure for its nonprofit support model. Moving forward, the coffee roastery will spotlight one nonprofit partner every four months, allowing for deeper engagement and storytelling around each cause.

What’s more, each nonprofit partner will be matched with a corporate sponsor to help underwrite the cost of the coffee bar, meaning more of the community's donations go directly to the featured nonprofit.

The first corporate sponsor in this new model is DreamOn Studios, and the next nonprofit to be featured is Agaitas, a faith-based organization that uses free sports camps to reach underserved children locally and internationally.

Executive Director Ryan Burgher shared about Agaitas’ mission and growing reach from summer camps in Kosciusko County, to pop-up events at local mobile home parks, and even global efforts in India, Brazil, and soon Cameroon.

"We use sports for kids to feel loved and to hear about Christ,” said Burgher. “We go where the need is greatest, whether it’s a mobile home park in Indiana or a remote village overseas. And we’re able to do that thanks to support from organizations like Generous Coffee and DreamOn Studios.”

A Space With a Mission

Guests were invited to enjoy coffee, pastries, and conversation inside the space that was lovingly renovated just over a year ago. Several nonprofit partners also shared how they’ve used the space for donor events, holiday parties, and community gatherings.

“This place was built for more than coffee,” said Silveus. “It was built for connection, for generosity, and for the stories that bring us all together.”

About Generous Coffee
Generous Coffee is an impact-driven coffee roastery located in downtown Warsaw, Indiana that donates 100% of profits to non-profits. Founded by Ben Higgins, Tyler Silveus, and a group of purpose-led entrepreneurs, Generous Coffee exists to create meaningful connection while generating funds for nonprofits around the world. Every cup of coffee supports a cause.

Learn more at: generouscoffee.com

The post Generous celebrates one-year, announces changes for the Future appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> News Release

WARSAW — On Friday, Generous Coffee marked its one-year anniversary in downtown Warsaw by celebrating community, collaboration, and generosity.

Generous kicked off the celebration by welcoming dozens of community members, nonprofit leaders, and local partners into its renovated café space to reflect on the vision that launched just one year ago and to unveil an exciting new chapter for its mission.

“What started as a dream, and a lot of hard work, has turned into something more beautiful than we imagined,” said Tyler Silveus, Co-Founder and CEO. “This isn’t just a coffee shop, it’s a gathering place where generosity fuels purpose, and where local heroes are honored every day.”

Nonprofit Partners Honored

Over the past year, Generous Coffee has partnered with four local nonprofits: Baker Youth Club, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, Cardinal Services Inc., and CASA of Kosciusko County, using its donation-based coffee bar and coffee bean sales to raise both funds and awareness for their causes.

A New Chapter: One Nonprofit, Four Months at a Time

Looking ahead, Generous Coffee announced a new structure for its nonprofit support model. Moving forward, the coffee roastery will spotlight one nonprofit partner every four months, allowing for deeper engagement and storytelling around each cause.

What’s more, each nonprofit partner will be matched with a corporate sponsor to help underwrite the cost of the coffee bar, meaning more of the community’s donations go directly to the featured nonprofit.

The first corporate sponsor in this new model is DreamOn Studios, and the next nonprofit to be featured is Agaitas, a faith-based organization that uses free sports camps to reach underserved children locally and internationally.

Executive Director Ryan Burgher shared about Agaitas’ mission and growing reach from summer camps in Kosciusko County, to pop-up events at local mobile home parks, and even global efforts in India, Brazil, and soon Cameroon.

“We use sports for kids to feel loved and to hear about Christ,” said Burgher. “We go where the need is greatest, whether it’s a mobile home park in Indiana or a remote village overseas. And we’re able to do that thanks to support from organizations like Generous Coffee and DreamOn Studios.”

A Space With a Mission

Guests were invited to enjoy coffee, pastries, and conversation inside the space that was lovingly renovated just over a year ago. Several nonprofit partners also shared how they’ve used the space for donor events, holiday parties, and community gatherings.

“This place was built for more than coffee,” said Silveus. “It was built for connection, for generosity, and for the stories that bring us all together.”

About Generous Coffee
Generous Coffee is an impact-driven coffee roastery located in downtown Warsaw, Indiana that donates 100% of profits to non-profits. Founded by Ben Higgins, Tyler Silveus, and a group of purpose-led entrepreneurs, Generous Coffee exists to create meaningful connection while generating funds for nonprofits around the world. Every cup of coffee supports a cause.

Learn more at: generouscoffee.com

The post Generous celebrates one-year, announces changes for the Future appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-12-080304.png Warsaw school district, Kerlin donate bus to BYC https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/warsaw-school-district-kerlin-donate-bus-to-byc/ Sat, 03 Jun 2023 11:49:37 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=79247 Staff Report

WARSAW -- Warsaw Community Schools and Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing Inc. announced their collaboration in donating a bus to the Baker Youth Club.

This partnership signifies a shared commitment to supporting the local community and enhancing transportation services for WCS students, according to a news release from WCS.

As part of WCS’ bus replacement plan, several buses are traded in each year.  Recognizing the value of these buses, WCS worked with Kerlin to provide BYC with a much-needed transportation solution because of the increased number of students attending BYC before and after school. Instead of the typical trade-in process, WCS and Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing Inc. worked together to offer the bus to BYC at a significantly reduced rate.  This new mode of transportation will ensure that WCS students have convenient access to the valuable programs and resources offered by BYC.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing Inc. to support the Baker Youth Club," Transportation Director Mark Fick said. "By donating this bus, we are supporting the education and development of our students beyond the classroom. We believe in the importance of fostering strong partnerships within our community, and this collaboration is a testament to that commitment."

“BYC is very thankful and excited about the new bus. The collaboration between Kerlin Bus and WCS in supporting us with student transportation is of utmost importance!" said Tracy Furnivall, executive director at Baker Youth Club.  “Transportation has always been the biggest issue with why kids don’t come and with the partnership with WCS (and our BYC buses) we have eliminated that obstacle. The second bus will give us some options as we navigate the growth at a couple schools. BYC is very thankful for this partnership.”

Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert said, “WCS is so thankful for the long-standing partnership with BYC. The before and after-school programming provides a safe and engaging environment for students outside of the school day. Our ability to provide small ways to support through a bus has a direct positive impact for our students, parents and community.”

The post Warsaw school district, Kerlin donate bus to BYC appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> Staff Report

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools and Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing Inc. announced their collaboration in donating a bus to the Baker Youth Club.

This partnership signifies a shared commitment to supporting the local community and enhancing transportation services for WCS students, according to a news release from WCS.

As part of WCS’ bus replacement plan, several buses are traded in each year.  Recognizing the value of these buses, WCS worked with Kerlin to provide BYC with a much-needed transportation solution because of the increased number of students attending BYC before and after school. Instead of the typical trade-in process, WCS and Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing Inc. worked together to offer the bus to BYC at a significantly reduced rate.  This new mode of transportation will ensure that WCS students have convenient access to the valuable programs and resources offered by BYC.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing Inc. to support the Baker Youth Club,” Transportation Director Mark Fick said. “By donating this bus, we are supporting the education and development of our students beyond the classroom. We believe in the importance of fostering strong partnerships within our community, and this collaboration is a testament to that commitment.”

“BYC is very thankful and excited about the new bus. The collaboration between Kerlin Bus and WCS in supporting us with student transportation is of utmost importance!” said Tracy Furnivall, executive director at Baker Youth Club.  “Transportation has always been the biggest issue with why kids don’t come and with the partnership with WCS (and our BYC buses) we have eliminated that obstacle. The second bus will give us some options as we navigate the growth at a couple schools. BYC is very thankful for this partnership.”

Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert said, “WCS is so thankful for the long-standing partnership with BYC. The before and after-school programming provides a safe and engaging environment for students outside of the school day. Our ability to provide small ways to support through a bus has a direct positive impact for our students, parents and community.”

The post Warsaw school district, Kerlin donate bus to BYC appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-03-074930.png WCS bus drivers recognized by Baker Youth Club https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wcs-bus-drivers-recognized-by-baker-youth-club/ Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:54:30 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=76679 News Release

WARSAW -- Warsaw Community Schools’ bus drivers were recently recognized at the Baker Youth Club annual fundraiser.

BYC honored their daily commitment and hard work by presenting them with the Community Partner Award.

Several years ago, BYC started acknowledging people that support BYC and impact lives within the community.

Recently, the award was renamed in order to honor John Elliott and his influence on BYC for over 25 years, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.

“After the passing of John Elliott in January, BYC wanted to keep his name associated with the organization," said Tracy Furnivall, BYC’s executive director.

"His influence on our organization was incredible. We felt that his involvement with BYC, and in this community, needed to be recognized. Naming our ‘Community Partner Award’ after John Elliott was a small way to keep his legacy of community involvement going forward for a long time!”

BYC recognizes that the partnership with the WCS is crucial to its success because the transportation department plays a large role, according to the news release.

Tracy said, the support of our program, from the leadership at WCS and the work and effort by Mark Fick, WCS director of transportation, is critical.

"Thanks to Mark and his team, they get children to school in the morning and to BYC after school; it’s why we can serve approximately 275 children daily. We are very fortunate for this partnership and want to recognize them for their dedication and efforts,”
Furnivall said.

Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert added, "WCS is so proud and thankful for the efforts of our transportation department.  Every day they go above and beyond to serve the kids of our community. Recent years have been challenging for transportation departments across the nation due to lack of drivers. There have been days when everyone from our director to our mechanics have picked up routes to ensure safe and caring delivery of our students. The BYC recognition for this staff is a perfect example of their heart and dedication to our community."

The post WCS bus drivers recognized by Baker Youth Club appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> News Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools’ bus drivers were recently recognized at the Baker Youth Club annual fundraiser.

BYC honored their daily commitment and hard work by presenting them with the Community Partner Award.

Several years ago, BYC started acknowledging people that support BYC and impact lives within the community.

Recently, the award was renamed in order to honor John Elliott and his influence on BYC for over 25 years, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.

“After the passing of John Elliott in January, BYC wanted to keep his name associated with the organization,” said Tracy Furnivall, BYC’s executive director.

“His influence on our organization was incredible. We felt that his involvement with BYC, and in this community, needed to be recognized. Naming our ‘Community Partner Award’ after John Elliott was a small way to keep his legacy of community involvement going forward for a long time!”

BYC recognizes that the partnership with the WCS is crucial to its success because the transportation department plays a large role, according to the news release.

Tracy said, the support of our program, from the leadership at WCS and the work and effort by Mark Fick, WCS director of transportation, is critical.

“Thanks to Mark and his team, they get children to school in the morning and to BYC after school; it’s why we can serve approximately 275 children daily. We are very fortunate for this partnership and want to recognize them for their dedication and efforts,”
Furnivall said.

Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert added, “WCS is so proud and thankful for the efforts of our transportation department.  Every day they go above and beyond to serve the kids of our community. Recent years have been challenging for transportation departments across the nation due to lack of drivers. There have been days when everyone from our director to our mechanics have picked up routes to ensure safe and caring delivery of our students. The BYC recognition for this staff is a perfect example of their heart and dedication to our community.”

The post WCS bus drivers recognized by Baker Youth Club appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bus-drivers-honored.png