A 501(c)(3) non-profit working to make Wolcottville better, together.
The Wolcottville Community Initiative (WCI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed in late 2023 by local volunteers committed to strengthening our community. Through education, recreation, and revitalization projects, WCI works to make Wolcottville a place where families thrive and future generations are proud to call home.
Improve the Wolcottville area's educational outcomes.
Create new recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
Play a leadership role in revitalizing our community.
Education
WCI met with IMPACT Institute to encourage them to offer GED classes in Wolcottville when possible, expanding educational access for area residents.
Recreation
WCI replaced the old bridge at Wolcott Park and added new grills and a picnic table pad. The lights at Taylor Park were also replaced. These improvements make our parks more welcoming and useful for families and community gatherings.
Revitalization
WCI's next major project is the revitalization of the Mill Stone Plaza corner. The vision is to transform the building into a community pavilion that can serve as a bus stop for local children and host community events such as Santa's arrival in December.
Want to volunteer or get involved with a project? Contact us on Facebook.
Volunteers who care deeply about Wolcottville.
Jerry was born in Marshfield, Missouri, then moved to Milroy, Indiana. He has been working as a welder since age 13. Jerry married his wife Rosetta in 2000, and they moved to the Wolcottville area in 2006. They have two adult children. In 2008, Jerry and Rosetta started a scratch-and-dent grocery store, which they sold in 2022. Today they flip houses and build new homes in the Wolcottville area. They enjoy good company, helping those in need, and they LOVE fresh seafood.
Anna was born and raised in Cadillac, Michigan. She graduated from Hope College and the University of Michigan Medical School, completing a Family Medicine Residency in Toledo, Ohio. Anna worked as a family physician for 30 years before retiring in 2021. Her husband Dan is a family physician serving those without medical insurance. They have four adult children living in four different states. Dan and Anna restored the George Wolcott house and now live there. They're deeply committed to seeing Wolcottville become a better place, and see WCI as one way to do that.
Denise was born and raised in the Chicago area. As a nurse, she practiced in many different areas, with her last degree being a Master's in Nursing in 2011. She lived in the Chicago area until 2017, when she retired from nursing and moved to Wolcottville. Denise lives with the love of her life, Mark Garr, on Witmer Lake. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, boating, traveling, and painting.
Gary was born and raised in Wayne County, Indiana. He served in the U.S. Army for three years and was stationed in Europe and Asia. After graduating from Indiana University in 1976, he lived in Missouri, Tennessee, and Alabama. Upon retiring in 2019, he returned to Wayne County, where he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Circle U Help Center, and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children removed from their parents' custody. Gary moved to Wolcottville in 2022 to be with his love, Jane Colby, a long-time Wolcottville resident.
Mindy was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She comes from a split family with 5 half siblings and 4 step siblings. She started working at age 14 at the Allen County Public Library, took business classes in high school, and graduated from Ravenscroft Beauty College in 1995. She has been self-employed as a hairdresser for 29 years, only recently retiring. Mindy is married to John, an engineer at Medix Specialty Ambulances in Elkhart. She has lived in Wolcottville since 1990. Her heart is in this town, and she aspires to leave a legacy for generations to come.
Eileen was born and raised in Chicago. She married young and raised her two children in the Chicago suburbs. After her husband passed away following a long illness, Eileen moved to Wolcottville in 2012. She shares a business, Rentals, Etc., located on Westler Lake, with her sister Carol. Eileen has been active in the American Legion in Rome City and served as president of the auxiliary for two years, fundraising to help local veterans. She met Tom Duty, the Chaplain for the SONS at the Legion and a long-time Wolcottville resident. Eileen and Tom love helping people in need and supporting others to reach their full potential.
WCI works alongside other dedicated groups making Wolcottville a better place to live, including the Wolcottville Improvement Committee (WIC), a fully volunteer organization run through the Town. WIC organizes beloved community events like the Mill Festival, downtown holiday decorating, the Christmas tree lighting, and the free hot dogs during trick-or-treat.
The two groups share a common goal: a stronger, more vibrant Wolcottville. WIC meets the last Tuesday of every month at 4:00 PM at Town Hall. Interested in volunteering? Reach out to Town Hall.
WCI is powered by volunteers and funded by community donations. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations are tax-deductible. Every dollar goes directly into projects that make Wolcottville better, from park improvements to educational access to community spaces.
Support WCI's projects through our secure online donation page.
Donate to WCI → Donations are processed securely through RunSignUp.Checks can be mailed to:
Wolcottville Community InitiativeFollow WCI on Facebook for updates on current projects and ways to get involved.
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