A Richmond nonprofit is among eight finalists selected for 3Rivers Credit Union’s Big Give initiative vying to receive a $75,000 grant award.
Abilities Indiana Inc., 831 N. E St., joined several regional 501(c)(3) organizations that submitted applications on Sept. 22. Now, the public can vote through Nov. 4 to elect the top three winners who will equally divide the $225,000 prize being offered by the regional credit union.
Abilities’ founder and CEO Tammie Johnson said she doesn’t know how they got so lucky, but she feels very blessed for Abilities to be a finalist. Founded in 2013, the nonprofit supports adults living with developmental and physical disabilities through life-skills development, employment support, residential services and community based programming. Programs include Abilities’ Undercover Coffee Shop where participants serve as employees.
Johnson said the grant would support furnishing and staffing an Independence Lab in their future home at 20 S. Ninth St., the former Bullerdick Furniture store. The Independence Lab will model an apartment for participants to practice daily skills to take care of their home. Johnson said they will be in their new building this December with a grand opening event planned for February 2027.
In addition to its new Richmond location, Abilities expanded to Muncie in June, bringing its members total to 167. Johnson said this location will build its art program where participants make some profit by selling original pieces.
Visit 3riversfcu.org/biggive for more information.
A version of this article appeared in the October 28 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
