Wabash Valley Neighbors Helping Neighbors

🌟Volunteers Needed🌟

Serve the Valley 2026 | United Way of the Wabash Valley United Way of the Wabash Valley is excited to host one of our favorite community events—Serve the Valley! This annual Day of Caring brings volunteers together to make a meaningful impact across our community while having fun and serving side by side.

The Wabash Valley Neighbors Helping Neighbors (WVNHN) Coordinator is a full-time position responsible for developing, organizing, and expanding United Way’s WVNHN program while overseeing and maintaining its associated technology platform. The WVNHN program connects residents who have small fix-it projects with volunteers who have the skills and time to complete repairs. Beyond providing home repairs, WVNHN creates opportunities for neighbors to connect with one another and helps residents feel safe, supported, and cared for. The position works in partnership with volunteers and community collaborators to implement an effective and impactful community program.

WVNHN launched in the fall of 2023, and since then the program has grown tremendously and far surpassed expectations. To date, more than 300 projects have been completed with the support of over 500 volunteers dedicating their time and talents to help others.

Out of all the projects completed, one in particular holds a very special place in my heart. It was more than just a project — it became an opportunity to advocate, teach, build friendships, and strengthen relationships within our community. Experiencing neighbors come together to support and care for one another is incredibly rewarding. I will forever be grateful for the trust placed by the loved one connected to this special project and for the meaningful connections that was created through it.

This is the true essence of Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

There’s something special that happens when a homeowner reaches out for help with a project they can’t complete on their own—but still shows up ready to lend a hand alongside volunteers. That willingness to work together creates more than just progress on a project; it builds connection, trust, and community.

Even better is when a neighbor stops by, gets curious about what’s happening, and decides to jump in and help too. That’s how community grows—one conversation, one act of kindness, and one helping hand at a time.

This is what Neighbors Helping Neighbors is all about.

✨Volunteer Appreciation✨

Seniors from Indiana State University's Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program, under the leadership of Professor Lakisha M. Bradley, have successfully completed 12 community-based projects in partnership with United Way of the Wabash Valley. Student groups worked alongside Wabash Valley Neighbors Helping Neighbors to support meaningful service efforts that created a positive impact for individuals and families across the community. This collaboration provided students with the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and engage in hands-on community work. Through each project, students were challenged to listen closely to the needs of others, assess how their skills could meet those needs, and plan and organize meaningful solutions. Along the way, they strengthened communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while learning to navigate challenges, resolve conflict, and build strong relationships with community partners. More importantly, these projects helped students better understand the broader role of social work in shaping communities. By engaging directly with local organizations and residents, students gained valuable insight into how policy and governmental systems influence the lives of individuals, organizations, and entire regions. This experience reinforced the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and service—showing students that even small, thoughtful actions can create meaningful and lasting positive change.

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for someone truly special. You recognized the value of meaningful service, embraced the importance of hands-on learning, and chose to partner with an organization whose volunteer program allows students to actively engage, grow, and apply their professional skills in real and impactful ways.
Thank you, Lakisha M. Bradley, for your vision, leadership, and commitment to creating opportunities that empower students while strengthening our community. Your dedication has made a lasting difference, and your impact is deeply appreciated.

✨ Volunteer Spotlight ✨

We’re delighted to celebrate three incredible volunteers from Indiana State University’s Social Work program—Jackson, Ashlyn, and Chevelle. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to service continue to uplift and strengthen our community in meaningful ways. Whether supporting families or stepping in wherever they’re needed most, they consistently demonstrate the true heart of social work.
Thank you for sharing your time, kindness, and energy. Your contributions truly make a difference, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.

✨ Volunteer Spotlight ✨

We’re honored to recognize four amazing volunteers from Indiana State University’s Social Work program—Amanda, Dashiell, Carla, and Alora. Their compassion, dedication, and heart for service continue to make a positive difference throughout our community. From uplifting families to lending a hand wherever it’s needed, they truly reflect the mission and spirit of social work.
Thank you for your time, your kindness, and your unwavering commitment. Your impact is felt, and we are grateful to have you as part of our community.

✨ Volunteer Spotlight ✨

Today, we’re excited to recognize three incredible volunteers from Indiana State University’s Social Work program—Tierra, Arleecia, and Taylor!
Their kindness, commitment, and passion for serving others continue to leave a lasting impact on our community. From supporting families to jumping in wherever help is needed, they represent the true spirit of social work.
We appreciate you, Tierra, Arleecia, and Taylor, for the time and care you give so generously. Your efforts make a difference, and we are thankful to have you as part of our community!

✨Volunteer Spotlight✨

We are proud to shine a light on three outstanding volunteers from Indiana State University’s Social Work program—Adyson, Reese, and Haylee!

Their compassion, dedication, and willingness to serve have made a meaningful impact in our community. Whether lending a helping hand, supporting families, or stepping in wherever needed, they truly embody the heart of social work.
Thank you, Adyson, Reese, and Haylee, for your time, your energy, and your commitment to making a difference. Your service does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for each of you!

13 Inspirational Quotes About Volunteerism:

“Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don’t live in the world all of your own.” – Albert Schweitzer
“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t need a college degree to serve… You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wilde
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.” – Audrey Hepburn
“Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” – Helen Dyer
“Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“Volunteerism is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds.” – Bill Clinton
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe