Editor’s Note: This is the eighth installment in a series of articles focused on the partner agencies and programs that are served by the United Way in Montgomery County.
Founded in 1969 by a group of doctors, FISH of Montgomery County has grown exponentially over the years. Not only has its food pantry found a new home at the back of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, it has expanded to include a clothing and linen closet to help those in need at different capacities. In recent times, they have seen an increase in new visitors at all three venues.
“People are having a difficult time,” said Lavonne Bartlett, who had recently stepped in as FISH Food Pantry’s executive director. “They are having to choose between putting gas in the car; buying food; and even shopping for clothes. Some parents have to decide whether to buy shoes for their children during the back-to-school season or to get groceries for the week. Older people have to choose between buying medicine or getting a jacket for the winter.”
Finding the resources to maintain all three venues hasn’t been easy. In September alone, the food pantry has spent nearly $8,000 to keep shelves stocked with nutritious food items. Bartlett and her volunteers often have to visit different grocery stores to see where to find the best deal on cans of green beans.
“It seems like we have more and more new people every month,” Bartlett said. “We’re currently serving about 650 families and 1,500 individuals a month. When new people come in, we have to adjust what we can purchase. If that means cutting back on the amount of what they receive so more people can get it, that’s what we have to do.”
So far, around 450 new individuals have come into the food pantry in 2026. Ninety-eight have come in alone during the month of January. Meanwhile in the clothing closet, nearly 500 neighbors were served during the sweltering month of July, where more than 2,600 items were claimed. Lastly, in the linen closet, 23 families were served from July 16 to Sept. 10, with 327 items being claimed. Most of the items were sourced solely from individual donations.
“We spend between five and eight thousand dollars per month on food alone, not including donations,” Bartlett said. “It takes a lot of volunteers, coordination, community resources, and monetary donations to support what we do here at FISH.”
FISH of Montgomery County as an entity consists of nine board members; three directors, with one for each branch; and an army of volunteers.
“I think it’s important to say that we have 60 volunteers who help at their leisure,” said Elaine Chase, who is the co-executive director of FISH. “Our volunteers do a lot of things that happen behind the scenes, such as loading trucks, sorting through clothes, and driving to grocery stores to find food for the week. We count on all of them to help with our day-to-day operations.”
Each branch is located within different buildings. The food pantry is located in the Knights of Columbus building behind St. Bernard’s Catholic Church; the clothing closet is located in the basement of the Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church; and the linen closet is
located on the property of the First Baptist Church. As needs continue to increase, the search for a hub becomes essential.
“Right now, we are bursting at the seams,” Chase said. “We have a vision of finding a place where we can bring all three of our departments under one roof.”
FISH is a nonprofit, where most of their funding comes from donations and grants. Short-term donations from churches and individuals make stretching dollars possible, even during inflation. Stable funding from organizations like the United Way and the Montgomery County Community Foundation support long-term budgeting.
“Having a reliable and predictable source of income makes life a lot easier when you’re budgeting for anything,” Chase said. “We’re grateful for all who contribute.”
Being a partner agency of the United Way in Montgomery County helps put food on the table; clothes on backs; and clean linens to provide a good night’s sleep.
“Since our mission is to meet unmet needs of neighbors, we have the opportunity for that United Way money to help many people both directly and indirectly,” Chase said.
In 2025, FISH was given $10,000.
“The United Way helps lots of nonprofits and residents on so many levels,” Chase said. “They also have the opportunity to hook people up with local and government sources of financial aid. If they can do something for someone, they will do it in a timely manner, especially during emergencies. The more I watch at the First Door meetings, the more I’m astonished at how much good Kayla and Sherrie do. They continue to make a huge difference in the world.”
The United Way in Montgomery County is raising $320,000 in 2026 to help local non-profits like FISH to continue providing their services. Learn more about their impacts by visiting www.uwlafayette.org/montgomery.
At this time, soups, cereal, peanut butter, jelly and canned fruit are the most needed food items during the fall months. Hunters are also encouraged to donate ground venison as deer season begins. Tangible and monetary donations are always welcome however. Volunteers across each branch are needed. Those interested can call 765-362-3474. They can also meet in-person with a branch director. Learn more about FISH by visiting www.fishmontgomerycountyindiana.com.
Kurtis Broadstreet is the 2026 campaign chair for the United Way in Montgomery County.
