Fort Wayne Community Stories
Why Community Stories?
Giving back to the community is embedded in the Hylant culture. We take our partnerships with local nonprofits seriously and continuously work to elevate their missions.
Hear from Clay Jennings, President, Hylant-Fort Wayne, on why Community Stories is so important.
"It's not a disability, but an ability to OVERCOME a disability."
In 2016, Clif Wallace was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Having led an active lifestyle, he refused to give up on the activities he enjoyed.
So he looked to Turnstone.
"This is my home."
In 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported only 19.3 percent of persons with a disability were employed. In contrast, the employment ratio for persons without a disability was 66.3 percent.
Easterseals gave Sheryl S. the resources to succeed at work, home and play.
"I'm made to feel like I'm family."
When her granddaughter was two days old, Deanna became her primary caregiver. Becoming a parent again was scary, and she knew her life was going to change.
So the support she received from SCAN was exactly what she needed.
"It was every emotion in one."
Pregnancy and parenthood has so many unknowns. So when Breonna and Richard found out she was pregnant, they immediately reached out for support.
With Healthier Moms and Babies and DadUp, Breonna and Richard were provided support and guidance as they began their new roles as parents.
"You see the light at the end of the tunnel."
When their daughter Ekko was diagnosed with Leukemia, Jason's and Rachel's world was shattered.
So when A Kid Again offered Ekko's family the chance to enjoy life and forget about illness, they immediately accepted.
"They can still be kids and have fun."
When her grandmother passed away unexpectedly in September 2020, Christy's whole family, including her three children, were struggling.
So they turned to Erin's House to help the children heal from their grief.
Nonprofit Partners
We believe in the missions and work of our nonprofit partners. Through Fort Wayne Stories, we can bring attention to the changes these organizations have made in our communities. Learn more about the nonprofits featured in Fort Wayne Stories.
Turnstone
Turnstone creates possibilities. By providing therapeutic, educational, wellness and recreational programs to empower people with disabilities, Turnstone addresses the unique needs of people with disabilities and their families.
SCAN
SCAN believes every child deserves to be safe, loved and nurtured. SCAN's mission is to protect children, prepare parents, strengthen families and educate communities to Stop Child Abuse and Neglect.
Easterseals
Easterseals strives to change the way the world defines and views disability. Easterseals Arc helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities succeed at home, at work, and at place through various services and programs.
Healthier Moms and Babies
Healthier Moms and Babies walks side-by-side throughout pregnancy (and after) to help moms have healthy pregnancies. They provide encouragement and education and act as advocates and mentors to support healthy pregnancies and babies.
Erin's House
Erin's House provides support for children, teens, and their families who have experienced a death. Since 1993, Erin's House has provided a safe, nurturing, and comfortable environment for children to process their gift.
A Kid Again
A Kid Again fosters hope, happiness, and healing for children with life-threatening conditions and their families, making their lives "normal" again by helping them gain back moments of positive, family-shared experiences and memories.