Nonprofit Spotlight of the Month | Open Door Youth Services

Open Door Youth Services            

2524 Corydon Pike Ste. 108
New Albany, IN 47150
Business Phone: (812) 948–5481

Website: www.opendooryouthservices.com

Contact Person: Augie Jones, Communications Manager

Contact Email: augie.jones@opendooryouthservices.com

Agency Mission Statement or Description: Open Door Youth Services exists to respond to the needs and promote the healthy development of vulnerable children and youth. It has been helping our community for 40 years through residential, prevention, and outreach programs that add positive influences to the lives of our young people.

Year established: 1982 (40 years).

Counties/regions serviced: We serve the entire state of Indiana through the Indiana Department of Child Services where we house over 200 residents in our residential facility each year. We also serve Floyd County elementary schools with afterschool programming where we provide prevention education, teaching them age-appropriate lessons that will help them to avoid potentially abusive situations.

Focus areas: Youth Development / Social Services

Impact in community: We have been helping our community through residential, prevention, and outreach programs that add positive influences to the lives of our young people. Open Door Youth Services reach as many as 4,000 children a year.

Volunteer Opportunities: 1si members are invited to volunteer at our annual Vince Klein “Run Like a Super Hero” Memorial 5k on September 23rd, 2023 or visit our website’s “Volunteer” page for more opportunities. These opportunities range from youth mentorship, grounds maintenance, or taking our youth on outings. Volunteers must be 21 years or older. If a 1si business has a specific area of expertise that they think can benefit Open Door Youth Services (i.e landscaping, information technology, ect.) and would be interested in providing their services for free, please reach out on our website or at augie.jones@opendooryouthservices.com.

How 1si members can help your organization: 1si members can support our organization by donating on our website or participating in our annual Vince Klein “Run Like a Super Hero” Memorial 5k on September 23rd, 2023. All proceeds raised will go towards our residential program. Members can run in the 5k or become a sponsor of the event. If sponsored, members of your organization will be allotted free tickets for the 5k.

Financial Assistance Available for Duke Energy Customers in Indiana

If you or someone you know is having trouble paying utility expenses, there are many programs available to help.

ASSISTANCE AGENCY FUNDS

Assistance agencies in your area may be able to help make payments to cover some or all of your past-due utility bill balance. To learn about agencies that serve your area, please dial 211, visit 211.org or text your ZIP code to 898211. This free service helps connect customers to local community agencies supplying aid for a wide range of needs, including help with energy bills. These agencies often administer both state and federal funds or know of state agencies that are overseeing related state-approved funds.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

This income-based assistance program allows those earning below certain income thresholds to qualify for federal energy bill assistance. The qualifying income thresholds are based on factors that include household income and the number of people living in your home.

To learn how to qualify and apply for EAP funds, call 317.232.7777 or visit in.gov/ihcda.

Share the Light Fund®

Share the Light Fund brings together customers and communities to help individuals and families struggling to pay their energy bills. Duke Energy works with agencies to distribute funds to qualifying customers in order to pay energy bills, deposits, and reconnection/connection charges.

Find your local agency and learn more at duke-energy.com/ShareTheLight.

OTHER ASSISTANCE
Budget Billing

Favored by customers who like to know what to expect each month, Duke Energy’s Budget Billing program allows you to pay one predictable monthly amount to help provide better control over your budget. Your monthly Budget Billing amount is based on the average of your actual bills over the last 12 months and is periodically reviewed and adjusted.

To learn more or sign up online, visit duke-energy.com/BudgetBilling.

Pick Your Due Date

With Duke Energy’s Pick Your Due Date option, you can choose the date you want your energy bill to be due each month. For even more control over your energy bills, combine Pick Your Due Date together with Budget Billing.

Learn more about Pick Your Due Date at duke-energy.com/DueDate.

Installment Plans

Installment plans give you more flexibility to pay back a past-due balance over a longer period of time. Helpful options are available for you to request a few extra days or to restructure your entire past-due balance into a monthly payment plan.

To learn more, visit duke-energy.com/MoreTime or call customer service at 800.521.2232.

Due Date Extension

If you know ahead of time that you will miss your due date, this payment option may be for you. Extend your payment due date by up to 10 business days to avoid late fees. Learn more at duke-energy.com/ExtendDueDate.

Usage and Budget Alerts

Take control of your electricity use and monthly budget with Usage Alerts. By having a smart meter and an email address on file, you’ll automatically be enrolled to receive a notification showing how much electricity you’re using and how much it may cost, in time to adjust.

You also have the option to set up Budget Alerts to help keep your bill in check. Get informed when your bill is expected to reach a specific dollar amount you choose, allowing you to course-correct and cut back on your usage if you wish. Set up your Budget Alerts by clicking the Manage My Usage Alerts button in your Mid-cycle Alert. Learn more at duke-energy.com/UsageAlerts.

One Southern Indiana Board of Directors Announces Transition Plan for CEO and President

Wendy Dant Chesser, current CEO and President, announced her resignation last month.

New Albany, IN. (August 10, 2023) – The One Southern Indiana (1si) Board of Directors has approved a CEO transition and search plan to guide the organization during the next several months.  Wendy Dant Chesser, current CEO and President, is resigning her position as of October 26, 2023, and this transition plan includes hiring a search firm for 1si’s next president and CEO and ensuring all duties and projects currently performed by the President are completed or transitioned to other staff members by this date.

The search committee, comprised of stakeholders, Board of Directors, business members, and investors, will be led by Bryan Wickens, the current Chair of the Board of Directors. The search committee issued a Request for Proposals and will analyze and hire a search firm to facilitate the candidate identification and interview process.

“Wendy has done an excellent job for nearly 11 years, and we appreciate all that she has done in guiding the organization,” noted Wickens.  “We know that change can be challenging, but we truly have an incredible opportunity in front of us to build on her work and the wonderful foundation of 1si’s past accomplishments.  We are committed to finding the leader we need today to take our organization and region to the next level.”

The committee plans to engage board members, business members, and stakeholders during the search process. If a candidate is not found or hired by Wendy’s last day, an Interim CEO will be considered until a permanent replacement is found. Chesser will continue her current projects and duties until her resignation date but will have a secondary lead for ongoing projects and duties.

“I am pleased with the transition plan that the Executive Committee has developed for the remainder of my time at 1si,” said Chesser, “1si is in good hands with the current team of leadership and staff and will continue the mission to help businesses thrive and innovate in Southern Indiana and Louisville metro area.”

About One Southern Indiana
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area via the three pillars of Business Resources, Economic Development and Advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.

Contact:
Brittany Schmidt, Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager

BrittanyS@1si.org | 812-945-0266

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CFD Awards Additional $180,000 Grant for Paramedicine Program

New grant from the IDOH is in addition to another $315,000 grant already awarded.

CLARKSVILLE, IN (August 9, 2023) – The Clarksville Fire Department is getting some additional assistance in launching a new program aimed at alleviating overcrowding in local emergency rooms and improving response times for ambulances. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) recently notified Clarksville Fire Chief Brandon Skaggs that his department was awarded a grant of $180,000 for the new Paramedicine program.

Earlier this year, the Clarksville Fire Department was awarded a $315,000 grant to start the new Paramedicine program, which would be the first of its kind in Southern Indiana. Working with Clark Memorial Hospital and LifeSpring Health Systems, the CFD will create a database of patients with approved treatment plans. The patients could be dealing with health conditions such as diabetes, COPD, respiratory issues, or postpartum concerns. Using the grant funds, the CFD will hire part-time nurses or paramedics to schedule short, in-home appointments with these patients to provide care, change dressings, and other related medical needs.

Skaggs says his first grant proposal to the Indiana Department of Health was for $400,000, but the department ended up receiving an award of $315,000. He says this additional grant of $180,000 is from the Health Innovation Partnerships and Programs division of the IDOH, a different source from the original grant.

“Although we could have made the program work with the original grant, this additional funding will serve as a valuable resource for helping to get the new Paramedicine program up and running,” said Chief Skaggs. “These funds will allow us to purchase additional medical equipment and hire additional program staff to serve the community.”

The in-home visits provided by the Paramedicine program will be free, but the CFD will not cover expenses such as medications or other needed medical items.  Those will be the responsibility of the patient. Chief Skaggs says the grant funds will be in place through 2026, and should cover things such as equipment, a vehicle, and salaries for the part-time paramedicine staff.

 

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One Southern Indiana Celebrates Accomplishments at Annual Meeting

The Organization Announced Several Award Winners and Welcomed New Board of Directors

New Albany, IN. (August 8, 2023) – One Southern Indiana, the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties (1si), hosted their Annual Meeting today, August 8, 2023, at Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards. The theme of this year’s program was “New Perspectives.” The event hosted approximately 380 members and guests.

1si is pleased to present three awards during this event to members and individuals who embodied the characteristics of the award categories:

  • Economic Development Impact Project of the Year – HealthTrackRX, sponsored by DMLO CPAs and Advisors
  • Ambassador of the Year – Danny Berry, Prudential Financial, sponsored by MCM CPAs & Advisors
  • Volunteer of the Year – Kim Martin-Dawkins, PNC Bank, sponsored by First Harrison Bank

HealthTrackRx is the nation’s premier PCR-based infectious disease laboratory, providing clinical testing services throughout the U.S., and has a long-term vision to grow its regional presence. 

Members enthusiastically approved a slate of new officers and directors to the 1si Board.  Officers for the 2023-2024 year include: 

  • Chair – Bryan Wickens, MAC Construction & Excavating, Inc.
  • Chair-Elect / Economic Development Chair – Cathy Scrivner, Louisville Water Co.
  • Secretary / Governance Chair – Brad Blackburn, Samtec, Inc.
  • Treasurer / Finance Chair – Tommy Wallace, Old National Bank
  • Past Chair – Laurie Goetz-Kemp, Momentum Title Agency, LLC
  • Business Resources Council Chair – Jessica Carroll, First Harrison Bank
  • Board Development Chair – Ann Carruthers, Clark/Floyd System of CARE & Prevent Child Abuse
  • Advocacy Chair – Jim Epperson, SoIN Tourism
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council Chair – Raymond Smith, Jr., Park Community Credit Union
  • Investor Relations Chair – Afton Yaeger, Mariner Wealth Advisors

“I am thrilled to be the chair for the 2023-2024 year at One Southern Indiana,” said Bryan Wickens, “It’s an honor to lead the executive team and board of directors, and I am excited to work with the staff of 1si during this time of transition.”

New directors elected to the board for a three-year term include:

  • Morgan Bauer Brown, Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services
  • Jason Clemmons, Clark County REMC
  • Deborah Ford, IU Southeast
  • Christopher Jackson, Dan Cristiani Excavating Co., Inc.
  • Matt Neely, MCM CPAs & Advisors
  • Joseph Scott, Joash Construction
  • Andrea Strange, Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C.

Once again, 1si partnered with the News & Tribune to publish our annual report to the community for the preceding 12 months.  The supplement will be available in the August 8 edition.

Samtec provided the keynote for today’s meeting.  Locally headquartered and privately held, Samtec is the service leader in the electronic interconnect industry with 40+ global locations.  Mark Bobo, Executive Vice President of Global Compliance, Sustainability, and Government Affairs tied the “New Perspectives” theme of the event to the ever-changing world of electronics manufacturing.   He highlighted how Samtec’s core philosophies around providing Sudden Service® to its customers have evolved while remaining true to the values upon which the company was founded.

 

1si’s sponsors for the event included:

  • Presenting Sponsor – First Harrison Bank
  • Video Sponsor – MCM CPAs & Advisors
  • Economic Development Impact Project Award Sponsor – DMLO CPAs & Advisors
  • Venue Sponsor – Huber’s Plantation Hall, Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards
  • Platinum Sponsors – ClearPath Mutual, German American Bank, ProMedia Group, and River Ridge Development Authority
  • Gold Sponsors – First Savings Bank, Ivy Tech Community College, Mister “P” Express, Inc., Shepherd Insurance, and SoIN Tourism
  • Silver Sponsors – Centra Credit Union, Clark Memorial Health, Greater Clark County Schools, L&D Mail Masters, Inc., PayFWDs, River City Bank of Kentucky, Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services

“1si is a robust organization that shows continuous growth each year. We could not be the organization we are without the support of our board of directors, investors, business members, and the community,” noted Chesser. “I am proud to have been a part of this team for the past eleven years and can’t wait to see where the organization goes in the future.”

About One Southern Indiana
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area via the three pillars of Business Resources, Economic Development, and Advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.

Contact:
Brittany Schmidt, Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager

BrittanyS@1si.org | 812-945-0266

Louisville Zoo Wildlife Photography Classes with Murphy’s Camera Back by Popular Demand

The Louisville Zoo is happy to announce the return of its popular Wildlife Photography Basics class on August 12 and September 9.  The one-day course is presented in partnership with Murphy’s Camera.

Participants will learn the building blocks of great Zoo wildlife photography. Zoo staff will lend their expert advice on what animal behaviors to look for as well as the best times and seasons to photograph different species.  Murphy’s Camera experts will advise on the basics of framing a shot and practical methods for taking advantage of available light.

The class meets from 9 to 11 a.m. and is designed for teens and adults eager to learn the basics of wildlife photography. For the August 12 class participants will take a photo walk through the South America area with views of puma, bald eagle, lynx, maned wolf, flamingos, sloth, hyacinth macaws or toucan (depends on rotational schedule) and jaguar.  The September 9 class features the Islands area with views of the little penguins, dalmatian pelicans, Aldabra tortoises, and rotational islands mammals which could include Sumatran tiger, orangutans, babirusa, tapir and siamangs.

Registration for both classes is open now for $60 for non-members and $40 for members and includes all-day Zoo admission. Visit louisvillezoo.org/photography for more details and to register.

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Spring / summer hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (enjoy the Zoo until 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.

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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Clarksville Police Officer Recognized for Saving Crash Victim’s Life

The crash shut down the northbound lanes of Interstate 65 on July 6, 2023.

CLARKSVILLE, IN (August 2, 2023) – A Clarksville Police Officer is being called a hero for saving the life of a crash victim on Interstate 65 in Clarksville. The crash happened just before 5:30 pm in the northbound lanes of I-65 just past the Veterans Parkway exit. Clarksville Police say a Ford F-150 side-swiped a semi, which ripped the right side of the vehicle to shreds.

“I happened to be driving by the crash scene that evening and witnessed the interstate being shut down,” said Ken Conklin, Clarksville’s Communications Director. “My wife and I were both shocked at the destruction of the vehicle and didn’t think anyone could have survived that crash.”

Fortunately for the passenger in that vehicle, Clarksville Police Officer Zachary Skaggs happened to be in the area and responded to the scene quickly. When he arrived, he found the passenger still in the vehicle with severe injuries including a deep cut to his leg. Officer Skaggs worked quickly to free the victim and applied a tourniquet to his leg. EMS crews arrived a short time later and took over the medical aid for that victim. The EMS personnel noted that if not for Officer Skaggs’ quick work, the victim would most likely have died from the injuries sustained in the crash.

“There are several character traits that set Officer Skaggs apart from others,” said Clarksville Police Chief Mark Palmer. “The one that stands out the most is his ability to set the example. He won’t ask someone to do something that he isn’t willing to do first. It is what makes him a good officer and a leader for these new officers.”

In recognition of his quick thinking and act of service, Officer Skaggs was presented with a Life Saving Award from Chief Palmer at Tuesday’s Clarksville Town Council meeting. Officer Skaggs received a standing ovation from Town leaders, staff, and residents. He received a certificate as well as a special Life Saving pin which he will be able to wear on his uniform.

When given the chance to speak, Officer Skaggs said he only did what every other officer in the Clarksville Police Department would do and credited his training for helping him save a life.

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Thanks for Renewing Your Membership | July 2023

One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following members for renewing their membership during the month of July 2023.

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or MoreMember Since
Clark County REMC1976
E. M. Coots’ Sons Funeral Home1976
Geo. Pfau’s Sons Company, Inc.1976
Lee Building Products1976
paco manufacturing1976
Water Tower Square1977
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, Inc.1982
The Marketing Company1985
Southern Indiana Works1988
Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana1990
Derby Dinner Playhouse1994
Monroe Shine & Co., Inc., CPA’s1994
Nimlok Kentucky1994
Taco Bell1994
Mills, Biggs, Haire & Reisert, Inc.1996
Chemtrusion, Inc.1996
  
Ten to 24 Years 
LMH Architecture2002
Kentuckiana Air Education Network2004
Highlander Point Center2006
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis2007
Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau2007
Applegate Fifer Pulliam LLC2009
S & J Precision Inc.2009
Security Pros, LLC2009
Timmel Associates, LLC2009
Jimmy John’s2011
Crown Services, Inc.2012
Fox Insurance & Investments, LLC2012
Heritage Engineering, LLC2012
ProMedia Group, LLC2013
  
Five to Nine Years 
Clark Dietz, Inc.2014
Culver’s of Jeffersonville2014
Elite Printing Resources, LLC2014
Estes Waste Solutions, LLC2014
HWC Engineering2014
HMC Service Co.2015
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana2015
Shoe Sensation #9732015
Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group2015
Bubba’s 332016
Church, Langdon, Lopp, Banet Law2016
Cornell Harbison Excavating, Inc.2016
Habitat for Humanity Clark & Floyd Indiana2016
J & C Technologies2016
Kaiser Home Support Services, Inc.2016
River Valley Resources2016
Force Construction Company Inc.2017
KFC2017
Louisville Water Co.2017
Montgomery Farms2017
River Heritage Conservancy, Inc.2017
Farmers Insurance2018
McRae Enterprises, LLC2018
Mission BBQ2018
  
Two to Four Years 
Chick-fil-A Jeffersonville2019
Hollenbach-Oakley2019
KCC Manufacturing2019
Operations Kick Start2019
The Mustard Seed, Thrift On Mission, Inc.2019
Board and You Bistro2020
Qualified Staffing2020
Family & Children’s Place2021
Thom Crimans – Retired Executive2021
  
One Year 
Centerstone2022
EightTwenty2022
Louisville Low Voltage LLC2022
Shrewsberry & Associates, LLC2022