Board Chair and President’s Message
As a family, the Foellingers generously invested in the betterment of Allen County. They championed community development, held positions on nonprofit boards, contributed their business knowledge, and provided financial support to nonprofits and community assets. The Foellingers were thinking about the future of their community—their legacy—long before Helene and Esther Foellinger created Foellinger Foundation.
When we support organizations whose missions align with ours, their legacy aligns with ours, too. We depend on nonprofits—our grantee partners—to lead meaningful work, and we support them along the way with education, resources, and collaboration. This partnership promises a more vibrant community for generations to come.
Today. Tomorrow. And every day beyond—together, we’re championing opportunity for each Allen County resident.
Sarah Strimmenos, President and CEO
Samuel Graves, Board Chair
About Our Founders
Foellinger Foundation was created by Helene and Esther Foellinger to carry forward their family’s tradition of civic involvement and active concern for the well-being of their community. Our funding comes from lifetime gifts from Helene, proceeds from Helene and Esther’s estates, and contributions from The News Publishing Company until The News-Sentinel was sold in 1980.
About the Foundation
Foellinger Foundation supports and strengthens organizations that serve children and their families within Allen County, Indiana, particularly those with the greatest economic need and least opportunity. We envision a community where residents increase their self-reliance by moving from dependence to independence, to helping build a vibrant community through recognition of their interdependence.
We challenged four nonprofit leaders to answer this question in a statement that describes the impact they hope their organizations will have on the community through their leadership.
Watch the videos to listen to their letters!
What do you want your legacy to be?
O R G A N I Z A T I O N
Lutheran Social Services of Indiana
Lutheran Social Services of Indiana (LSSI) equips families facing challenging obstacles with the skills necessary to make positive choices and build economic and family stability. LSSI services empower individuals and families to move toward social, emotional, and spiritual wholeness.
Angie Moellering
President and CEO
Angie has devoted 30 years of her career to LSSI, beginning with leading one program and progressing through various positions, including Development Director, Chief Operating Officer, and ultimately the CEO. During her 15 years as CEO, LSSI has seen substantial growth and has adapted to evolving community needs, demonstrating her steady leadership and commitment to the organization's faith-based mission of helping families achieve stability.
O R G A N I Z A T I O N
Turnstone
Turnstone is northeast Indiana's only freestanding not-for-profit organization providing a comprehensive continuum of supportive services addressing the unique needs of people with disabilities and their families, empowering them to achieve their highest potential.
Mike Mushett
CEO
Mike marked his 10th anniversary at the helm of Turnstone in January 2025. Before joining Turnstone, he worked at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee in Colorado, where he gained expertise in nonprofit education for people with disabilities, particularly in the field of sports. Mushett initially worked as a consultant for Turnstone’s Plassman Athletic Center before becoming CEO after the previous leader retired.
O R G A N I Z A T I O N
Alive Community Outreach
Alive Community Outreach cultivates a community free from the cycle of violence through violence prevention for youth and youth-serving organizations, restorative intervention for youth who are acting out violently, and survivor support for families affected by homicide.
Angelo Mante
Executive Director
Angelo Mante co-founded Alive Community Outreach with his wife, Marie, in 2020, although his work in violence prevention began years earlier. Angelo is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church and has previously held nonprofit leadership roles supporting youth in foster care and families experiencing homelessness, with his calling as clergy guiding his commitment to social justice.
O R G A N I Z A T I O N
The History Center
The History Center serves present and future generations by collecting, preserving, and sharing artifacts, documents, and images that describe the people, places, and events that define Fort Wayne and Allen County history.
Todd Maxwell Pelfrey
Executive Director
Todd Maxwell Pelfrey has served The History Center for 21 years, with 18 of those as Executive Director. He is inspired by the resonance of public history and the societal good that accompanies nonprofit service. The longest-serving principal staff executive in the organization’s 104-year history, Todd started his career at The History Center as Education Director, then moved into roles as Assistant Director and Associate Director before being appointed as Executive Director in 2007.
Our Impact
Reflections on the Year
Watch this video featuring Foellinger Foundation Board Chair Sam Graves to learn about the highlights from last year!
FY25 By the Numbers
93 Grants Approved Totaling $5,243,550
7 Grant Workshops with 109 Total Participants
168 Meetings Hosted in Our Collaborative Space
19 Leadership Training Opportunities and Events with 609 Total Participants
22 Nonprofit Leaders Recognized at the David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award Luncheon
Neighborhood Engagement
The Northside Neighborhood Association brought neighbors together to celebrate its 50th anniversary with its long-running fall concert, an annual tradition made even better through support from a Neighborhood Engagement Grant. The grant, funded through a Special Opportunity Grant from Foellinger Foundation and managed by the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods, helped the association expand the event’s reach and impact while continuing a beloved neighborhood celebration.
Click play to watch the video about the Northside Neighborhood Association event or visit the recent blog to learn more.
Looking for more information on our impact over the last year?
Check out the links below or contact Sarah Strimmenos at sarah@foellinger.org.
Download the Annual Report
View the Full Annual Audit
Looking ahead, Foellinger Foundation will continue to align our work with our donor intent: to build self-reliance in Allen County residents, encouraging them to move from dependence to independence to interdependence.
We remain committed to our mission, vision, strategic intent, and grantmaking, and we will continue to strive to understand not only the needs of our nonprofit partners but also the needs of those they serve.
This is where our work evolves—and our legacy grows. We are continually inspired and grateful for the leadership of our nonprofit partners and collaborators, and we look forward to all we will accomplish together in the future. Because of you—and the legacy you are building—Allen County will become a stronger, more vibrant community.
Thank you.