More than $160,000 was awarded to 20 local organizations and agencies in the most recent Community Fund grant cycle.

Living in Transition Effectively (LITE), based in Milford, was among the grantees, according to a news release from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

“We prepare individuals to re-enter society, including recovery and treatment programs,” said Tammy Cotton, LITE’s executive director and program coordinator. “We help them find housing, healthcare, jobs and whatever else they may need to get back on their feet.”

This spring, LITE plans to open a new recovery home (LITEHouse) for women in their program. The Community Fund grant enables LITE to purchase office equipment and furniture for their house manager, who will live in the home with the residents.

“During their stay, we will address their substance use issues by offering a structured, purposeful program,” said Cotton.

Classes include cooking, book studies, life skills, community service, 12-step meetings and more. The LITEHouse staff are equipped to tailor the experience to each resident, according to her needs, the release states.

In addition to LITE, these local organizations and agencies also received funding: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana Inc.; City-County Athletic Complex; Combined Community Services; Community Apple Orchard Corporation; Fellowship Missions; Greater Warsaw Cooperative Preschool; Hope's Harbor Family Hospitality Homes; Junior Achievement Serving Wawasee; Kosciusko Community YMCA; Milford Police Department; Ryan's Case for Smiles; Ryan's Place Inc.; Syracuse Parks & Recreation Dept.; Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum Inc.; Turning Point Inc.; Warsaw Area Career Center; Warsaw Parks & Recreation Dept.; Warsaw Police Department and the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory

Community Fund grants are awarded based on a competitive grant application process. Nonprofit organizations serving Kosciusko County are eligible to apply in seven areas of interest: arts and culture, human services, civic projects, recreation, environment, health and education. The next grant application deadline is March 1.

For more information and to access the application, visit the website at kcfoundation.org/grants/community-fund-grants.

Kosciusko County Community Foundation Inc. is a public charity whose mission is to bring caring people and charitable endeavors together to inspire generosity and strengthen communities. The Community Foundation grants about $3 million annually in the areas of education, health, arts and culture, recreation, civic projects, environment and human services. Gifts made to the Community Foundation are tax-deductible.

For more information, visit the website at www.KCFoundation.org, call 574-267-1901 or visit 102 E. Market St., Warsaw.