| Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith’s Indiana Faith-Based Institutions Initiative (FBII) helped bring more than $1.8 million in donated supplies and volunteer services to Indiana communities recovering from devastating flooding, with much of the aid reaching Connersville and surrounding areas. While families worked to salvage what remained of their homes, the FBII team immediately sought solutions that did not rely on Hoosier taxpayer dollars and reached out to their counterparts in Oklahoma.Within just one week, the FBII and the Oklahoma Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives (OFBCI) coordinated the transportation, storage facilities, and unloading of donated supplies, as well as the arrival of volunteers in flood‑affected communities across Indiana. “Helping others is at the heart of our faith communities, and we see that generosity in action every day,” Lieutenant Governor Beckwith said. “Through the FBII, that spirit of service helped bring more than $1.8 million in flood relief to Hoosiers without placing additional burdens on taxpayers.” The coordinated effort brought two semitrucks full of donated flood relief supplies into Indiana, with their combined contents valued at approximately $1.4 million. The assistance extended beyond supplies, with two groups of volunteers dedicating their time to help communities recover and rebuild. Based on a 40-hour workweek and an estimated labor value of $35 per hour, the 90 volunteers contributed a combined 12,000 hours of service, representing $420,000 in volunteer assistance.Together, the donated supplies and volunteer services represent approximately $1.8 million in flood relief assistance for Indiana communities.”Our effort after the floods only reveal the tip of the iceberg,” Initiatives Director Tyson Priest said. “If the FBII can do all of this in just one week without dipping into government funds, image what we can accomplish in Indiana by continuing to work on our broader mission to help Hoosiers access resources.”By building relationships across state lines and connecting those willing to serve with communities in need, FBII continues bringing people and organizations together to make a meaningful difference for Hoosiers. |
| The Lieutenant Governor serves as President of the Indiana Senate and leads the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Click here for a high-resolution photo and biography of Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith. |