Indiana's Free Mom Hugs organization and Muncie Outreach discuss how LGBTQ+ groups help strengthen pride in local communities

A hug can communicate warmth and love without saying a word. For LGBTQ+ individuals rejected by family members, a hug from Free Mom Hugs staff resembles affection they may not receive from those of their own household. 

Walking the Runway: The Ball State Fashion Industry Studies Club hosts fashion show on campus.

Ball State Hosts ‘Women of Song’ Concert

Muncie Mission hosts annual ‘Walk A Mile in My Shoes event.’

An unexpected calling: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Muncie became his life’s work 

Dominic Bordenaro is the director of programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Muncie. Working with kids has become his life's work.

Neighbors share priorities in two south Muncie neighborhoods

Since 2015, the 8twelve Coalition has worked alongside residents, businesses and nonprofits to improve the quality of life in the South Central and Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhoods. Coalition Coordinator Darbi Strahle said many of the coalition’s efforts start with meaningful conversations and relationships.In mid-November, neighbors gathered in the basement of Urban Light Community Church to discuss the following priorities: beautification, housing, business development and employment, wellness and education and family support.

Ross Center Judo Academy: For when life knocks you down

When students bow their heads and step onto mats for judo training at Muncie’s Ross Community Center, they learn far more than martial arts. Students gain discipline, self-confidence and strength along with social connection and problem-solving skills.

White and Rymer's Bushido Karate focuses on giving their students confidence

White and Rymer’s Bushido Karate instructors train numerous students who need not just instruction on how to defend themselves but help navigating their own life.

Ball State football players discuss homecoming game traditions and balancing being a student, athlete and person.

“Age is just a number in football because you can be playing with someone when you’re younger; you can be 18 and they can be 22,” Sape said. “It’s always good seeing them come back and show support and try to get a win for them because they laid the groundwork for where our program is today.”

New Ball State University project to help high school students with autism transition into next steps

CAST’s main goal is to help individuals with autism smoothly transition out of high school depending on their intended career path, whether through college or not, by working with parents and teachers to increase employment chances for each student. The program enables one of the first transition-planning intervention projects backed up by research to come to both the Department of Special Education and the Department of Educational Psychology.