Can a few cents really make that much of a difference? KREMC answers that question with a resounding yes, as our Operation Round Up Program makes a huge impact on many non-profit organizations in our community. 

What is Operation Round Up?
Operation Round Up is a voluntary program in which KREMC members pool their resources together to help those in need. The concept is simple: each month, KREMC members who participate in the program allow us to round up their bill to the next dollar. For example, if a member has an electric bill of $53.86, that bill would be rounded up to $54.00, with 14 cents being donated to the program. If a member has multiple accounts, they can decide if they would like each account rounded up or just one. On average, each participating member contributes approximately $6 per year.

The money is then deposited into the Kosciusko REMC Operation Round Up fund, held at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. A voluntary advisory committee, comprised of KREMC members, meets regularly to review applications for Operation Round Up grants and to make grant recommendations.

Here are the stories of just two of the 27 organizations we donated to last year.

Joe’s Kids
Joe’s Kids is a nonprofit pediatric therapy center providing physical, occupational, speech, and dyslexia therapy services. Their mission is to equip children with diverse abilities to realize their full potential through care, community, and connection. 

“Joe’s Kids was founded on a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential,” said Rebecca Bazzoni, CEO of Joe’s Kids. 

Since opening in 2014, Joe’s Kids has grown from serving 70 children annually to more than 720 children each year across Kosciusko County and 12 surrounding counties. This year, they completed renovations on their forever home, a 19,000-square-foot facility on 10 acres of possibility. More than a building, it represents their vision of a Child Achievement Campus where children are empowered, families are supported, and hope reigns. 

When four-year-old Parker came to Joe’s Kids, autism made everyday life overwhelming. He struggled with communication, following directions, and managing big emotions. After trying two therapy providers closer to their home without success, his family found a team at Joe’s Kids that truly understood his needs.

As his mom, Tiffany, shared, “Joe’s Kids was the only place that truly took the time to understand my son. I have watched Parker blossom and learn to use his voice in a way I didn’t think was possible.”

Support from KREMC Operation Round Up has helped Joe’s Kids bridge the gap between what insurance covers and the actual cost of providing specialized care for children with developmental delays and disabilities. These funds have supported critical programs, equipment, and services that allow Joe’s Kids to expand access to care, reduce barriers for families, and help more children reach their full potential while giving families hope for the future.

Readers interested in getting involved can contact Joe’s Kids about volunteer opportunities or support a child through sponsorship or a charitable donation. Learn more at joes-kids.org.

Remembering Rowan Joy
Remembering Rowan was founded by Marc and Delaney Baumann after the stillbirth of their daughter, Rowan Joy, in August 2017. Within the pregnancy and infant loss community, a recurrent theme was heard surrounding the unexpected financial burden that occurs after the death of the baby. In their grief, a calling to serve this community was laid on Marc and Delaney’s hearts. Remembering Rowan was created as a means of honoring Rowan’s life while bringing hope and comfort to others walking through the loss of their child. 

Since 2019, Remembering Rowan has served over 1,000 families in Indiana facing the heartbreaking loss of their baby. They have assisted over 40 Kosciusko County families since 2022. 

“Several years ago, we received a call from a young mom who had opted to have her baby cremated,” said Delaney. “She did not have the funds to pay for the cremation, and the funeral home would not release the cremains until it was paid. Remembering Rowan was able to pay the full balance, and the mom was able to bring her baby home with her that day.” 

Financial support is the best way to get involved in the impact of Remembering Rowan Joy. You can donate to this organization on their website at rememberingrowan.com/donate.

If you haven’t opted in to Operation Round Up, contact our member services team to join and help lift up organizations like this. You can see our full Operation Round Up report here.