UNITED WAY OF DEKALB COUNTY AWARDS $20,000 ALICE GRANT TO THE FILLING STATION YOUTH CENTER
DeKalb County, IN — United Way of DeKalb County has awarded a $20,000 ALICE Grant to The Filling Station Youth Center, supporting its volunteer-run, Christ-centered childcare and youth programming in Butler. This funding will help meet the critical need for safe, supervised care during after-school hours for families who are working but still struggle to afford basic necessities.
Founded in 1995, The Filling Station Youth Center serves children ages 4 to 17, with a strong focus on families who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) — households that earn above the federal poverty level yet often cannot cover the high cost of housing, childcare, food, and transportation. The Center provides a safe, welcoming environment where children receive free meals and snacks, clothing, hygiene items, coats, and consistent adult supervision.
In 2025, the Center served 201 unduplicated children, with 4,664 total visits throughout the year. More than 40 percent of Butler’s elementary-age children participated in the program, demonstrating the Center’s significant reach and trusted presence within the community. Volunteers provided more than 4,600 meals, ensuring children had access to nutritious food during critical out-of-school hours.
“This grant helps us continue providing the childcare, meals, and essentials that families in our community depend on,” said Cindy Snyder, Administrative Director of The Filling Station Youth Center. “We are incredibly grateful to United Way of DeKalb County for recognizing the needs of ALICE families and investing in the well-being of our children.”
United Way of DeKalb County’s ALICE Grant Program supports local organizations that serve households who are working hard but living paycheck to paycheck. Through strategic, community-based investments, United Way of DeKalb County strengthens family stability and creates pathways to long-term success.
“ALICE families are the backbone of our community — they are our workforce, our neighbors, and our caregivers,” said Tyler Cleverly, Executive Director of United Way of DeKalb County. “The Filling Station Youth Center provides a safe and supportive place for children during the hours when families need it most. Through our ALICE Grant investments, we are proud to partner with organizations that remove barriers, create stability, and help families move forward. United is the way we create lasting local change.”