Bendix Supports Second Chances With $10,000 Grant ToIndiana Dream Center For Delivery Truck Purchase

ELYRIA, OH…  The Indiana Dream Center (IDC) is all about lending a hand to those in need through its faith-based recovery programs. When the charitable organization, based in Huntington, found itself in need of a box truck to replace its aging delivery vehicle, IDC’s Huntington neighbor Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems was there to lend a hand of its own. Bendix supported IDC with a $10,000 grant to use toward the purchase of a dependable used truck.

The truck will be utilized primarily to pick up and drop off items sold or donated to the IDC thrift store, a critical revenue generator for the center that helps support its men’s discipleship home and other programs. In addition, the truck will enable the IDC to continue participating in local food drives and further community outreach efforts.

Bendix’s Huntington operation, along with other Bendix locations, are serious about giving back to their home communities. Every year, they distribute thousands of dollars in grants from the company and its corporate foundation, Knorr-Bremse Global Care North America Inc., for nonprofit organizations and community initiatives across North America. Beyond the monetary support, many Bendix employees are active as well, volunteering and participating on local nonprofit boards.

One of those volunteers is Matt Piatt, who works at Bendix Huntington as a business team leader – distribution. He submitted the application that secured the IDC grant.

its programs. A good used box truck is one of the center’s larger needs,” he said. “The truck is essential to the operation of the thrift store, which not only helps fund the men’s recovery home, but also benefits many people in Huntington County by providing discounted options for clothing and other necessities.”

Piatt continued, “The truck is also used to conduct food distribution to the needy in the community. I’ve been a part of these food drives and personally seen how many people they help. The box truck grant is a tangible way to help the center, the people it serves, and Huntington residents. It’s so clear how the grant is going to make a big difference in the community.”

The Indiana Dream Center started as a shelter in 2010 to help people recover from life-controlling issues. Today, along with operating its fully functional men’s discipleship home, the IDC also provides resources to the local community, outpatient programs, and drug-testing services.

parts. We’re in need of something that works better so we don’t have to worry about funds coming out of the budget to repair it,” said Michelle Crone, the IDC’s executive director. “We are very thankful to Bendix for their generous grant. We see them aiding others in their community as well. They are helping us meet our mission of supporting those who need a hand getting back on their feet – who need that second chance.”

The center is researching trucks and hopes to make a purchase in the coming weeks.

Bendix’s Huntington campus, one of its largest, includes manufacturing and assembly facilities and serves as the primary North American distribution center for Bendix, the North American leader in the development and manufacture of active safety, air management, and braking solutions for commercial vehicles.

Local organizations that have received support from Bendix Huntington over the years include Junior Achievement, United Way of Huntington County, American Cancer Society, Relay For Life, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington County, in addition to the Indiana Dream Center.

According to Maria Gutierrez, Bendix director of corporate responsibility and sustainability, Bendix Huntington has provided almost $350,000 in community support grants and donations in the last five years, and another $240,000 in contributions from employee-driven fundraisers. Since 2016, Huntington employees have spent nearly 8,000 hours volunteering in support of local causes.

“Together with our friends and families, we at Bendix are proud to help shape the future of the community,” Gutierrez said. “Huntington is home, and Bendix is immeasurably grateful to be a part of it.”