The members of the CIRCLe Fund met recently to award their $13,000 grant for 2025. Their support will help transform part of the Love Community Center (LCC) into an exciting new indoor space for families and caregivers of children ages 0-5.

The Rush County Recreation Center (RCRC) includes a room that was designed as a child watch area for its members while they utilize fitness services.

Zuzana Smith, LCC Director, envisioned more for the community.

The room will become the Love to Play Haven – a safe, sensory-rich, inclusive playground where all children, regardless of ability, can interact, explore, and grow together. It will be designed so that parents can play, too.

The $13,000 CIRCLe grant will be used to create a sensory wall to engage children and promote healthy development within the space.

“This project isn’t just about a repurposing a room—it’s about creating a space where all children feel seen, safe, and celebrated,” she said. “Our goal with the Love to Play Haven is to create an engaging and educational space for young children and families. This area will provide safe, interactive sensory zones for children of all abilities to explore and learn through play.”

A schedule will be developed to allow designated time for everyone to enjoy the space. It will be open to social workers’ clients during case meetings and supervised visits, to local daycare providers for field trips, to members using the RCRC, and to the general public during open play. Opportunities to rent the space for parties will be offered.

Love to Play Haven will serve as a shared space for connection, healing, and development, supporting our community’s youngest residents, their families, teachers, and advocates.

“Receiving the CIRCLe Grant for the Love to Play Haven- Circle Sensory Wall is a powerful affirmation of what happens when community comes together,” added Zuzana. “I’m beyond grateful to the grant committee—Nicki Kirchoff, Amanda Harris, Arika Marlatt, Kathi Jackley, and Hannah Winters—not just for their support, but for the spirit of collaboration they brought to every step of this process. Their leadership, like so many others in Rush County, reminds me that we’re not just building places—we’re building relationships. We are here for each other, and together, we can create truly great things.”

This is exactly what the CIRCLe (Chicks Impacting Rush County Life) Fund was created to do. It was started by six friends and RCCF supporters – Pam Hoeing, Shelly King, Heather Meckes, Amy Ploeger, Cindy Taff, and Betsy Williams. It is a women’s giving group that pools many donors’ resources via a $300 annual contribution to make a large grant to a transformative project.

“One reason I enjoy being a member of the CIRCLe is for a small personal investment, together we are able to make a big impact on the Rush County community,” shared Cindy.

Membership in the CIRCLe is open to all Rush County chicks. Those interested need to make a $300 donation by December 31 to participate in next year’s grant selection. Donations can be made online, or checks can be mailed or dropped off to: RCCF, 117 N. Main Street, Rushville, IN 46173.

“We truly welcome women of all ages! We love to hear what the next generation has on their mind and their hearts,” said Pam.