ROOTED of St. Joseph County receives $100,000 grant for Safe House project

ROOTED of St. Joseph County has received a $100,000 grant from the Sturgis Area Community Foundation and its affiliates to support the nonprofit’s Safe House Capital Campaign, bringing it closer to its $300,000 fundraising goal.

The funding will help construct a transitional safe house for children entering foster care in St. Joseph County, according to a release from Sturgis Area Community Foundation Executive Director Lindsay Aguilar.

“This grant is a tremendous step toward making the Safe House a reality,” Tiffany Wagler, executive director of ROOTED, said. “Far too often, children removed from dangerous situations face hours or even days of uncertainty before they are placed in foster care. This facility will provide them with a secure and nurturing space during this critical transition.”

The grant comes from multiple community foundation funds:

• Three Rivers Area Community Foundation Special Projects Fund – $50,000
• Sturgis Area Community Foundation Fund for Sturgis – $40,000
• White Pigeon Area Community Foundation Fund – $5,000
• Constantine Area Community Foundation Fund – $5,000

The Three Rivers grant also qualifies for a dollar-for-dollar matching grant from the Fibre Converters Foundation of Constantine.

Since 2019, ROOTED has provided critical support to children entering the foster care system, ensuring they receive basic necessities as they transition from unsafe environments. The organization has stated the Safe House will fill a crucial gap by offering temporary shelter, clothing, food, and emotional support while long-term placements are arranged.

The project is expected to break ground this year and local contractors providing the labor free of charge. The Community Foundation grant will be used to cover material costs, ensuring the Safe House will be fully equipped to provide a calm and supportive environment for children in crisis. The facility will also include on-site workspaces for agency staff and volunteers to assist in the transition process.

“The Community Foundation recognizes the profound impact this project will have on our communities’ most vulnerable children, and we are honored to support this work,” Aguilar said.

ROOTED continues to seek additional funding to meet its $300,000 goal. Community members and organizations are encouraged to contribute to the Safe House Capital Campaign to ensure that every child entering foster care in St. Joseph County has a safe place to stay.

For more information or to donate, visit rootedsjc.org/safehouse.

Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter for Watershed Voice.