For nearly 60 years, Bona Vista Progams has served the community of Kokomo and more than a dozen other counties in north central Indiana. Over the years, they have collaborated with thousands of businesses, families and other nonprofit organizations to make countless projects become a reality. Today, Bona Vista, a United Way of Howard County partner agency, wants to thank some incredible people and a philanthropic corporation who made the newest project come alive.
Farming and fundraising—two words our community knows well. This concept was developed by some of the organization’s closest friends, Tom and Karen McKinney. Their daughter, Christie, has been in Bona Vista’s services for more than 30 years. Together, the McKinney’s, their farm staff and employees of FCA US Indiana Transmission Plants have created a field of opportunities for hundreds of the children and adults at Bona Vista. When FCA US purchased land for their northern plants, ITP1 and ITP2, a piece of land on the corner of US 931 and 300 N. sat vacant until Tom began to talk with FCA US about the possibility of using the land to raise funds for a local nonprofit. Tom knew just whom the funds could benefit. Along with many other contributors of the project such as CoAlliance, Pioneer HiBred, Austin Henderson (dealer), and Kokomo Grain, the McKinney’s and their farm staff planted more than 35 acres of soybean plants in July.
The funds raised after harvest will be considered a program-related investment in order for the organization to become more effective and resilient in providing services to individuals with special needs in the community.
These programs have been developed to provide services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health related issues, and Bona Vista Programs is the only agency in the community that offers this array of services.
Services for families can start as early as prenatal services through the organization’s Early Head Start program. Then, the child may navigate through a variety of other services such as pediatric therapies, preschool and kindergarten readiness. Depending on the severity of the disability or the level of care individuals may need, they will find themselves entering into one of our many adult day programs, or receive assistance in finding a job within our community. The population of children and adults requiring these vital programs is growing; therefore, additional funding and space are needed to ensure their success.
Be on the lookout for more information about this project! If you are interested in making a contribution to Bona Vista, please call us at 765-457-8273 or visit www.bonavista.org.