Healthy Shelby County is a collaborative nonprofit 501(c)3 organization committed to improving the health and well-being of residents by increasing access to services, strengthening partnerships, and addressing critical community needs. Through this work, we have developed The CommunityLink—a centralized nonprofit hub designed to bring together essential service providers under one roof to better serve families across Shelby County.
The CommunityLink will house 17 partner agencies offering services including mental health counseling, family support, recovery resources, food access, healthcare navigation, and crisis intervention. By co-locating these organizations, we are removing barriers to access, improving coordination of care, and creating a more efficient and compassionate system of support for our community. This was all made possible thanks to funding support from the Lilly Foundation, Blue River Community Foundation, Indiana READI funding, and community corporate contributions.
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The CommunityLink will operate a centralized, fully functional food pantry designed to serve as both a distribution hub and storage facility for local partner pantries. This collaborative model will allow participating organizations to efficiently manage surplus inventory by utilizing shared space for overflow storage, while also coordinating timely food distribution, delivery, and pickup across the network.
By streamlining logistics and strengthening coordination among agencies, this approach will reduce waste, improve access to nutritious food, and enhance overall service capacity within the community. In addition, establishing this infrastructure lays the groundwork for the future expansion of on-site food access services, positioning The CommunityLink to develop a comprehensive, full-scale food pantry that directly serves residents with greater consistency and reach.
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One of the most impactful features of The CommunityLink is its ability to bring multiple (17) trusted nonprofit organizations under one roof, creating a seamless experience for individuals and families seeking assistance. Residents will benefit from coordinated access to services such as case management, health and human services, family support programs, and basic needs resources—all in a single, welcoming location.
A key highlight of the facility is the inclusion of thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor play spaces. These areas will provide safe, secure, and engaging environments for children and families, while also supporting the work of partner organizations such as the Department of Child Services (DCS), Healthy Families, FireFly Children & Family Alliance, and others. These spaces will allow for supervised visitation, family engagement, and therapeutic interactions in a setting that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and safety. By offering both indoor and outdoor options, The CommunityLink ensures year-round accessibility and flexibility for agencies to conduct visits and programming in environments that best meet the needs of the families they serve.
Center Name: The Mary Jane Reed & Robert W. Reed CommunityLink
Center Member Type: Center in Development
Location: Shelbyville, IN
Center Website: www.healthyshelbycounty.org
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