Crossroads United Way – Community Impact Coordinator (Part-time)

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We’re Hiring!

Community Impact Coordinator

Part-Time | 2-Year Grant-Funded Position | Elkhart, IN (serving Elkhart, LaGrange, Noble & Steuben Counties)

Every child who falls in love with a book, every family that finds a helping hand, every volunteer who shows up for their neighbor — that’s the caring power of community, and it’s what Crossroads United Way mobilizes every day. If you want work that puts you in the middle of that impact, coordinating hands-on programs that put books in kids’ hands and readers in classrooms, we want to hear from you.

Crossroads United Way is seeking a collaborative, organized, and community-focused Community Impact Coordinator to support youth-centered initiatives that strengthen literacy, family engagement, and long-term opportunity outcomes across our four-county region. This part-time role primarily supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) and Read United/Youth Opportunities, while helping build community partnerships and engagement that advance CRUW’s mission.

What You’ll Do

  • Represent CRUW at community events and build partnerships that advance Youth Opportunity priorities.
  • Coordinate Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library operations — enrollment, book orders, reporting, and family/partner outreach.
  • Support and refresh the Read United guest reader program, strengthening school and community relationships.
  • Help plan events, including a graduation celebration for children aging out of DPIL.
  • Collaborate across CRUW’s finance, development, and community impact teams as needed.

What We’re Looking For

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field; equivalent experience considered.
  • Experience coordinating programs, community initiatives, or stakeholder engagement.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent written/verbal communication.
  • Comfortable building relationships across diverse audiences and presenting publicly.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard CRM/database systems.

Position Details

  • Status Temporary, part-time (grant-funded for up to two years)
  • Schedule Up to 20 hours weekly; occasional evening/community events
  • Pay $25 Hourly
  • Benefits Limited — paid holidays; no accruing vacation/sick time
  • Reports To Director of Community Engagement & Volunteerism

Crossroads United Way is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to horvatht@crossroadsuw.org by August 16, 2026.

DeKalb County Weights and Measures Inspector (Part-time)

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DeKalb County Government (Auburn, Indiana) currently has a flexible, part-time, in-person opportunity available immediately as the DeKalb County Weights and Measures Inspector.

 

This inspector is responsible for:

  • Inspecting weighing and measuring devices, commodities and motor fuel outlets.
  • Testing various types of weight and measurement devices used in commercial transactions, approving or rejecting devices according to state regulations.
  • Testing energy-related product dispenser, including LP gas, oil, and gas meters.
  • Checking weight of prepackaged items, including food, hardware items, feed and fertilizer.
  • Maintaining metrology lab, including conducting tests and calibrations of primary and secondary standards of mass capacity and length for industry and governmental agencies.
  • Performing related duties as assigned.

 

Requirements:

  • Self-motivated since your schedule is yours to create
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Proficient with computer software including but not limited to: Microsoft Office, Outlook, Internet Explorer
  • Strong oral and written communication and mathematic skills
  • Ability to meet all departmental hiring requirements, including completing state training and obtaining certificate of completion. CURRENT CERTIFICATION BY STATE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES IS A PLUS.
  • Practical knowledge of various scales, sensitivity requirements and ratio (load) tests and ability to properly operate and maintain electronic, computerized and mechanical testing equipment, such as weights, provers, scales and timing clocks
  • Adaptable to variety of work situations
  • Maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record
  • Adhere to all Policies and Procedures of DeKalb County Government.
  • Must have high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 21 years old

 

Part-time flexible position – normally 20 hours per week (Monday – Friday). Hourly wage is up to $28.50. No benefits.

 

Interested applicants should apply by e-mailing your cover letter and resume to careers@co.dekalb.in.us no later than August 24, 2026. No phone calls, please.

 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

Teen Trades Program Expands Through Don Wood Foundation Grant to Serve Young Adults

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KENDALLVILLE, Ind. — Freedom Academy is expanding its Teen Trades Program, creating new opportunities for young adults across northeast Indiana to earn nationally recognized certifications and prepare for careers in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades.

Since launching the Teen Trades Program in 2024, Freedom Academy has helped 17- and 18-year-old students gain workforce credentials through hands-on training designed for those who are homeschooled, attend private, parochial or alternative schools, or are otherwise ineligible for traditional career and technical education opportunities.

The initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Dekko Foundation, the Olive B. Cole Foundation and the Don Wood Foundation, allowing students to pursue career pathways that may not have otherwise been accessible.

In May 2026, Freedom Academy expanded the Teen Trades program to include young adults aged 17 to 25 across a 12-county region in northeast Indiana. This change makes it easier to access advanced manufacturing and automation training programs, giving participants more opportunities to build the technical skills that are in high demand across the region.

Eligible participants may pursue nationally recognized certifications in manufacturing fields including welding, CNC machining, advanced CNC machining, FANUC robotics, industrial maintenance, electrical systems, programmable logic controllers and advanced automation technologies. Certifications are offered through respected industry organizations such as the American Welding Society, the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, the Smart Automation Certification Alliance and NOCTI, helping students build credentials that are recognized by employers across the country. These training programs align with Freedom Academy’s ongoing commitment to preparing individuals for meaningful careers through industry-relevant workforce education.

“The expansion of our Teen Trades Program allows us to reach more young adults who are eager to begin a rewarding career but may need financial assistance to take that first step,” said Anita Shepherd, executive director at Freedom Academy. “We’re grateful for the Don Wood Foundation’s continued investment in workforce development and for the opportunity to connect more individuals with the training and certifications that lead to long-term career success.”

“We’re pleased to see the Teen Trades Program expand its reach to more students,” said Laura Macknick, president & CEO of the Don Wood Foundation. “Adding industry-recognized credentials strengthens the program by equipping students with valuable skills and experiences that are attractive to employers. It also prepares participants for Next-Gen Manufacturing careers right here in our region.”

Funding is available immediately for qualifying students enrolling in 2026 and 2027. Individuals interested in determining their eligibility are encouraged to contact a Student Coordinator at Freedom Academy.

Since 1991, Freedom Academy has provided workforce development, technical training and professional education designed to strengthen communities and expand economic opportunity throughout northeast Indiana. The organization remains committed to helping individuals develop the skills needed to achieve meaningful employment and greater economic freedom.

For more information about the Teen Trades Program or funding opportunities, contact Freedom Academy at 800-200-6499 or visit www.freedomacademy.net.