Tipton County planning ahead for growth

Also, Food Finders hires a new resource coordinator for Howard County

Silver Birch Living of Kokomo offers a full spectrum of personalized services to help older adults maintain their independence in a supportive, caring environment. For more information, visit Silver Birch of Kokomo online.

Tipton County is actively shaping its future by launching two critical planning processes simultaneously: the Tipton County Comprehensive Plan and the North Central Indiana Regional Arts & Culture Plan. These initiatives will work to build a vision for a vibrant, thriving community and region.

Community members are encouraged to actively participate in both planning processes by sharing their insights through surveys and attending public workshops. These efforts are vital to ensuring that Tipton County’s future is built on a foundation of community collaboration and shared aspirations.

The Tipton County Comprehensive Plan is a shared vision for a dynamic, thriving community. Your input will influence key decisions that will shape the county for years to come. This is your opportunity to contribute to building the Tipton County you want to see. Join us in shaping tomorrow. Your voice today will lay the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come.

We are currently offering two ways for you to get involved:

• Take the Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tiptontommorrow

• Attend Public Workshops:

- Wednesday, January 15, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Tipton County Foundation

- Thursday, January 16, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Tipton County Foundation

- Wednesday, January 22, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Online: RSVP to jbarclay@hwcengineering.com)

Visit www.tiptontomorrow.org to learn more.

The North Central Indiana Regional Arts & Culture Plan aims to identify, prioritize, and support groundbreaking projects that will revitalize the region’s arts and culture scene. It will focus on identifying and prioritizing big ideas; ambitious projects that have the potential to transform the region.

These projects may include:

• Public Art Installations: Creating stunning public art pieces that enhance the urban landscape and inspire creativity.

• Arts Education Initiatives: Expanding access to quality arts education for all ages.

• Cultural Tourism Strategies: Attracting visitors to the region through unique cultural experiences.

• Performing Arts Venues and Facilities: Creating new spaces for artists to rehearse and perform for people within the community and without.

• Visual Arts Hubs: Developing spaces for visual artists to live, work, create, and display their work.

To get involved:

• Take the Survey: http://www.northcentralarts.com

• Attend the Public Workshop, Thursday, January 23, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Online: RSVP to communitydevelopment@tiptoncounty.in.gov)

These two plans are interconnected, with both focusing on creating a community and region where people thrive. By participating in both surveys and workshops, residents have the unique opportunity to shape Tipton County’s future while contributing to a larger vision for arts and culture in North Central Indiana.

Your voice matters in shaping decisions that will impact generations to come. Whether you’re passionate about community development or the arts, your input will ensure that Tipton County remains a vibrant, innovative place to live, work, and create.

For more information, please email communitydevelopment@tiptoncounty.in.gov

Food Finders hires a new resource coordinator

Food Finders Food Bank, in partnership with the Howard County Food Access Alliance and Family Service Association of Howard County, is excited to welcome Julie Houlahan as the new Resource Coordinator for Howard County.

This position, made possible through the generous support of the Community Foundation Serving Howard, Carroll & Clinton Counties, will play a vital role in expanding access to essential services for neighbors across the county.

As members of our community continue to face challenges related to food and housing security, the addition of a Resource Coordinator hosted directly in Howard County will ensure that neighbors receive personalized, accessible support. Julie’s presence reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the local network of support for Howard County residents and creating opportunities for neighbors to connect with resources like SNAP, WIC, TANF, and Medicaid.

Having a Resource Coordinator embedded in the community reduces barriers that often prevent neighbors from accessing vital assistance, offering guidance in a welcoming environment where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Julie brings an extensive background in social services, along with a deep passion for serving her community. She earned her undergraduate degree from Ball State University and is currently pursuing her master’s in special education. Her combination of professional expertise and empathy makes her exceptionally qualified to meet the needs of Howard County’s residents.

Additionally, Julie’s fluency in English, Spanish, and French, along with proficiency in several other languages, including German, Italian, and Japanese, equips her to effectively support the increasingly diverse population in the region.

Her work will focus on simplifying access to critical services and empowering neighbors by making the process of securing public assistance smoother and more understandable. By collaborating closely with local organizations, Julie will ensure that resources are used effectively, addressing community needs while fostering a culture of compassion and trust.

“I am truly honored to join the Howard County community as the new Resource Coordinator,” Julie shared. “It is a privilege to work alongside dedicated partners throughout our community to help create meaningful change. My goal is to make sure every neighbor who seeks assistance feels welcomed, understood, and supported.

“Navigating public resources can sometimes feel overwhelming, and I want to ensure that no one has to face those challenges alone. Together, we can build pathways to stability and help our neighbors access the tools they need to thrive. I look forward to listening to the community, learning from our neighbors, and being part of a collaborative effort to improve well-being for all.”

Thanks to the support of the Community Foundation Serving Howard, Carroll & Clinton Counties, Julie’s role will greatly enhance the availability of resources in Howard County. Having her based within the community ensures that neighbors can receive direct assistance without needing to navigate unfamiliar systems or travel long distances.

This initiative demonstrates a joint commitment to addressing food insecurity, improving well-being, and fostering a stronger, more connected community.

Julie’s office is housed in the Family Service Association building at 618 S. Main St., Kokomo, IN 46902. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Julie, please email her at JHoulahan@Food-Finders.org.