Special Announcement: United Front

2020 has been a year of challenges for us as a nation and here at home in Fort Wayne and all of Allen County.

Helene Foellinger said, “We are, as a whole, a family.” Times like these test us all to the nobility of that statement—and to view ourselves to be in community with each other, regardless of what we are faced with, directly or indirectly.

Even though we may be tested, we are empowered to seek optimism, hope, and growth. In many ways, ideals such as these are what hold any family together.

A phrase you’ll hear often in the halls of our Foundation is “Everything in life is an opportunity.” In order to believe this, we have to assume that something which promotes dis-union can be the same moment that affords us the unique ability to see unity.

We are pleased to announce and confirm that Foellinger Foundation, through its board of directors, has provided the initial catalyst funding supporting the work of the United Front Initiative through a grant of $250,000.

This critical initial grant has ignited the Initiative’s fundraising efforts and helped ensure its viability for the benefit of our entire community. We are thankful for the donors partnering with us to support the Initiative.

The Foundation’s commitment to the Initiative is an example of our effort to act in a manner consistent with our Resiliency Statement, and the Foundation’s effort to combat systemic inequality that has a particularly harsh impact on families and children with the least opportunity and the greatest need.

United Front is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to cultivate healing and unity through organizational and community transformation, giving us a shared language to promote our common interests.

We understand that this is an important time to have meaningful conversations about equity and inclusion. As a community, it is incumbent upon us to not let this moment pass by and to share, learn and listen to the many voices which make all of Fort Wayne, and Allen County, a great place to call home.

United Front’s 12-month journey will provide the opportunity for deep engagement to leaders of all levels and from diverse fields.

United Front’s sessions will illuminate the ways and the whys that implicit bias, microaggressions, stereotypes, privilege, power, and position affect our lives and community, both personally and organizationally. Learn more and get involved at FWUnitedFront.com.

Foellinger Foundation’s board and staff looks forward to learning, sharing, and growing through United Front.

And we will continue to serve this community, supporting the organizations and leaders who are creating a better future for each and every one of our residents.