“I always said that I wanted to come back home and take care of people in my community,” shared Dr. Jessica Vogel, new RCCF board member and 2017 graduate of the IU School of Dentistry. And she has.

For Jessica and her husband, Doug, that starts at home. The Rush County natives are raising their two children, Proctor (5) and Hattie (3) here, which Jessica says, “was always a dream of hers.”

After graduating from dental school, she started as an associate with Dr. Andy Taff in Rushville. In 2021, she bought the practice when he retired after more than 30 years. It’s now called Vogel Family Dentistry.

“I went into this profession because I love smiles and I love people,” she shared. “It is very fulfilling to be able to provide services that improve not only the oral health of the patient, but also their overall health.”

Raising two small children and heading a dental practice are two full-time jobs. Somehow Jessica finds time to volunteer, too. Outside of her board position, she also serves on RCCF’s grants and scholarships committee and is involved in 4-H. “I’m a big supporter. I volunteer as a 4-H leader and swine superintendent. I love going to the county and state fair every year,” she smiled.

“I am a farm girl at heart. I love growing my own food and canning. I have found a new love of chickens and sourdough baking. You can find me outside most of the summer when I am not at the office,” she said.

She’s a family girl, too. When asked what is one of the best gifts she ever gave, she told us about her sister. “I had a necklace custom made for my sister for her wedding day. I knew I wanted to do something special in memory of our mom. My mom loved jewelry. My sister and my mom were close and my hope was to give her comfort that day.”

What does Jessica love most about Rush County, we wondered?

“There’s very little that I do not love!!!

I think our city works hard to provide great activities. The Amphitheater concerts and parades are probably some of my favorite small town, big outreach events that not only provide free entertainment but showcase some of our local businesses and their support for our community.

But I would have to say, my favorite is the people. We have some of the most intelligent, interesting, and generous people in our small community.” Takes one to know one, right?!

Jessica first became involved with RCCF as a student applying for scholarships. In 2009 she was awarded Rush County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

“At first I felt a need to return the favor. I was asked to be on the scholarship committee and then grants. But my service to RCCF has developed into a true love for putting generous dollars to good, sustainable projects that future generations will see an impact from,” she explained.

“There are so many ways to contribute to RCCF. When I first started, I thought it was just scholarships. Then I started to realize we do more than that. The unrestricted funds that the grant committees deliberate on is the most rewarding thing I have done at RCCF. I have been able to walk out in the community and see those dollars being put to use, which is incredible to see.”

In her role as board member she’s learned even more about the difference that can be made.

“Also not only can an individual make contributions but can benefactor RCCF from their estate planning and their legacy will continue to grow on. The Frank and Frances Hilburt Scholarship is a wonderful example of continuing a legacy far exceeding the dollars they initially put in and it has helped hundreds of students go to college including myself.”

Jessica is carrying on a family tradition of service. Her mother-in-law, Mindy Vogel, was a board member, as well as Mindy’s sister-in-law, Diana White, and her mother, Barbara White. Barbara told us, “My biggest reward is that I helped inspire the next generation of my family to become involved.”

It brings huge smiles to our faces seeing Jessica continue to grow her involvement with RCCF and help create a vibrant community for her children and generations to come!