Also, Urban Lights, Country Nights craft fair heading indoors
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Kokomo Urban Outreach (KUO) has received a $25,000 gift from Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) and the NiSource Charitable Foundation to support KUO’s mission to mentor children from age 3 toward self-reliance, leadership, and lifelong success.
This latest contribution brings NIPSCO’s total investment in KUO to $52,000 during the past three years, a significant partnership greatly enhancing KUO’s ability to provide prevention-focused programs that empower Kokomo’s youth before crises begin.
“Kokomo Urban Outreach is a respected organization that has served the community for many years,” said Karen McLean, NIPSCO public affairs manager. “NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation are pleased to support an organization changing the lives of so many young people with resources, direction and opportunities to enable success as they navigate the path to enter the workforce.”
KUO’s UP™ (Unleashing Potential, Passion, and Purpose) Program is a comprehensive initiative that mentors more than 275 children annually with life skills training, leadership development, and real-world work experiences that build character and work ethic. Youth earn points for participation, which they can exchange for food, clothing, and essentials; turning consistent effort into tangible connections.
In 2023 and 2024, KUO celebrated a 100-percent graduation rate among its senior participants, a testament to the success of the UP™ Program. Each student left the program equipped with a post-high school plan -- whether college, career, military service, or vocational training -- instilling a sense of pride and optimism in the community.
“Prevention is powerful,” said Kareen Dunn, Director of Programming & Impact at KUO. “When we invest early, we’re not just keeping kids out of trouble, we’re training future doctors, teachers, leaders and workers who will strengthen this community for decades to come.”
This emphasis on prevention reassures the community and instills confidence in KUO’s approach, said Jeff Newton, Director of Mission and Vision.
“This partnership with NIPSCO helps us break the cycle,” added Newton. “Every child we mentor has the chance to rewrite what’s possible for their family. That’s how we stop generational poverty.”
This grant will specifically provide direct support for mentoring sessions, skill-building classes and participation incentives that teach young people to be respectful, responsible, reliable and ready—core values that serve as the foundation for lifelong success.
“This is what community looks like: people and partners coming together to invest in kids before the problems ever start,” added Deanna Ancil, Director of Administration & Development.
To learn more or donate to the UP™ Program, visit www.kokomourbanoutreach.org and join in the mission to empower Kokomo’s youth.
KUO Craft Fair headed indoors
The craft fair organized by Kokomo Urban Outreach and scheduled for this Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. has been relocated due to potential inclement weather. Originally planned to take place at Anna’s Acres in western Howard County to coincide with the Urban Lights, Country Nights Christmas lights event, the fair now will take place at KUO’s facility at 830 S. Main St. The fair now will be held indoor at KUO to protect vendors and visitors from wintry cold temperatures.
The Urban Lights, Country Nights light display will continue as scheduled on Fri., Dec. 12, Sat., Dec. 13, Fri., Dec. 19, and Sat., Dec. 20, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. each evening.