Pokagon Band Contributes $860K to South Bend
(photo courtesy of Visit South Bend)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Pokagon Band of Potawatomi is providing a total of $860,000 to the city of South Bend and several area nonprofits to support operations and programs. The funding is part of a five-year voluntary local agreement between the Pokagon Band and the city which started in 2018.
The Pokagon Band says the annual payments come from revenue derived from its Class II gaming devices at its Four Winds South Bend casino. The payments are in lieu of property tax payments and provide funding for city services and funding for community development initiatives.
“The Pokagon Band is very proud to be able to make our annual voluntary contributions to the City of South Bend and several non-profit organizations that play a vital role in serving the community,” said Matthew Wesaw, tribal chairman of the Pokagon Band. “Although the challenges due to COVID-19 persist, we must continue to find ways to support individuals and families, especially those with the greatest need.”
In addition to the annual payments, the Pokagon Band says it also proposed to fund a variety of community development projects and causes.
Organizations receiving a portion of the funding include:
- South Bend Venues, Parks & Arts received $445,000 for a total of $2,225,000 over five years for the renovation of Howard Park.
- Beacon Children’s Hospital received $100,000 for a total of $500,000 over five years for an expansion that includes the General Pediatrics Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic, Newborn Intensive Care Unit, all-private patient rooms, playrooms, teen hideout spaces, Family Enrichment Centers, roof gardens and a two-story glass ceiling Atrium.
- The Bowman Creek Project received $100,000 for a total of $500,000 over five years to revitalize Bowman Creek and catalyze social, economic and environmental sustainability in the surrounding community.
- The South Bend Community School Corp. received $100,000 for a total of $500,000 over five years for dual language immersion, a summer academy, and national board certification for teachers.
- The YWCA of North Central Indiana received $25,000 for a total of $125,000 over five years. $20,000 of each annual amount will be applied to crisis services programs to help clients work toward self-sufficient and violence-free lives. $5,000 will be applied to children’s services to ensure the safety of children, mitigate toxic trauma, and break the cycle of violence.
- Jobs for America’s Graduates Indiana received $50,000 for a total of $250,000 over five years. The annual amount is being used to identify youth that need services via mobile units, Goodwill, and Youth Service Bureau street programs including staying in school, career training and guidance.
- The Food Bank of Northern Indiana received $20,000 for a total of $100,000 over five years. The annual amount is used for the Senior Nutrition Program, and an additional 200 seniors who will receive a 7 – 10 lb. bag of assorted food items. The Senior Nutrition Program currently serves 750 seniors a month. This program serves low-income seniors in Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, Starke and St. Joseph counties.
- The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County received $20,000 receive $100,000 over five years. The annual amount is being used for academic enrichment programing.
