Editor’s Note: This is the ninth installment in a series of articles focused on the partner agencies and programs that are served by the United Way in Montgomery County.
In an increasingly digital world, it has become more accessible than ever for working adults to pick up new skills that will not only advance their career, but also potentially develop meaningful connections. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, tasks that were typically done in the office can now be done in the comfort of a couch thanks to remote and hybrid opportunities. Technology imbued with artificial intelligence (AI) software can now complete an hour-long project in mere seconds. However, something that technology can’t replace is the ability to take leadership.
Founded in 1999, the Montgomery County Leadership Academy’s (MCLA) core principles are rooted in the idea that anyone can grow into a proficient mentor for those around them. Its Foundations of Leadership Academy has graduated approximately 450 county residents since its inception, building a diverse network of leaders who have become positive changemakers in both their professional and personal lives. Their annual Community Day of Service puts their teachings into practice, in which dozens of volunteers are brought together to complete service projects at nonprofits across Montgomery County.
“Some of the best opportunities come from relationships that we build both inside and out of the workplace,” said Rachel Wells, who is currently serving as the executive director of the MCLA. “Finding new ways of working together to solve challenges across different industries is what our mission is all about.”
Wells has been in the position since May of 2026. With a background in marketing and communications, the role became a natural fit for her. Being a newcomer to Crawfordsville, she appreciates all the connections made thus far.
“I strongly believe in giving back to the community where my family and I live,” Wells said. “This role gives me the opportunity to do something I love while also making a positive impact on the community.”
The Foundations of Leadership Academy is a six-month program where students come in once per month to learn about a variety of different topics ranging from conflict resolution to emerging technologies. Each participant has sponsorship from the company they’re representing, in which they take the whole day off to attend classes. Guest speakers from cities like Indianapolis and Chicago are often invited to share their expertise on the day’s topic. Practical hands-on experience is the key to success, which all culminates in a group project to showcase growth.
“The goal of group projects is to apply what they had learned throughout the program,” Wells said. “These involve helping a company or a nonprofit solve a problem that couldn’t be done with the entity’s current resources, whether that’s through volunteers or a change in
methodology. It’s really beneficial to not only the community at large, but also to the nonprofits and companies who were assisted thanks to this experience.”
The 2026 Community Day of Service brought in around 100 volunteers who each helped complete projects for 15 local nonprofits. These included painting; walking dogs; putting together shoe racks; filling bags of food; and packing boxes of clothes for children. Preparing for such an event took months of planning.
“We have a very strong nonprofit partnership network here in Montgomery County,” Wells said. “Everyone had a part to play; from spreading the word on social media to obtaining grant funding, it was all hands on deck for a while. Building these relationships with our nonprofits ensured that our volunteers have made the best possible impact on our community. It was great to see everyone come together in this way.”
The Montgomery County Leadership Academy is a nonprofit, with all of their funding being sourced from grants, corporate sponsorships, program fees, donations, and fundraising events. They are also heavily reliant on volunteers to provide quality programs; establish connections with local businesses; and expand efforts in events like the Community Day of Service. Engaged facilitators for the Foundations of Leadership Academy are also in need to serve as mentors for tomorrow’s leaders.
“Our challenges change in the nonprofit world every year,” Wells said. “We have to stay at the forefront of that. Those resources help us continue our mission.”
Being a partner agency of the United Way in Montgomery County allows the MCLA to not only continue their programs, but also to expand upon them. $5,000 was given to the MCLA in 2025, which was used over the course of the yearly budget for 2026. This included related expenses for the Foundations of Leadership Academy, and also for connecting volunteers with nonprofits in need of assistance.
“When you give to the United Way, you’re helping so many organizations at once,” Wells said. “The United Way in Montgomery County has 18 different partner agencies and four additional programs like First Door and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Whether it’s feeding families; helping people in crisis; or supporting our youth, your donation really makes a difference right here at home.”
The United Way in Montgomery County is raising $320,000 in 2026 to help local non-profits like the Montgomery County Leadership Academy to continue providing their services. Learn more about their impacts by visiting www.uwlafayette.org/montgomery.
Volunteer opportunities of all types are available at the MCLA. There is also open availability to enroll for the 2027 Foundations of Leadership Academy. To learn more about both opportunities, reach out to Rachel at executivedirector@54leadership.com. Their website can be viewed at crawfordsville.in.gov/430/Montgomery-County-Leadership-Academy.
Kurtis Broadstreet is the 2026 campaign chair for the United Way in Montgomery County.
