Youth-led Initiative of Community Foundation DeKalb County Launches Brave Bags

Voices of Philanthropy, a youth-led initiative of the Community Foundation DeKalb County, has partnered with Blessings in a Backpack to launch Brave Bags in DeKalb County. This new pilot program will provide bags filled with food, comfort items, and hygiene products to children experiencing abuse, neglect, or trauma.

The program will officially launch on September 2, with an initial investment from Voices of Philanthropy funding 135 Brave Bags for local distribution.

“Our youth philanthropy members are passionate about meeting real needs in our community,” said Hailey Carmer LaMaster, Program Coordinator. “When the Voices of Philanthropy members learned about the Brave Bags program, they saw an opportunity to offer tangible support to children in difficult circumstances, right when they need it most.”

The DeKalb County pilot will partner with local first responders to ensure Brave Bags reach children in crisis quickly and directly. The Auburn Police Department, Butler Police Department, Parkview DeKalb EMS, Auburn Fire Department, and Spencerville Fire Department will each carry Brave Bags in their vehicles, ready to distribute when they encounter a child in need. Blessings in a Backpack will help track how many bags are being distributed and ensure each department is resupplied as needed.

Brave Bags originated through the work of Blessings in a Backpack Executive Director Jama Ross, inspired by her adopted son, William Beauchemin, who spent much of his life in foster care. Each bag is thoughtfully curated to meet a child’s immediate needs for nourishment, comfort, and personal care.

“This partnership is an example of how young people can lead change,” said Ross. “Voices of Philanthropy has stepped up to not only fund the launch but to raise awareness of what children in our community are facing.”

The long-term goal is to sustain and expand the program in DeKalb County through additional community partnerships and support.

To help purchase items for the backpacks, visit their Amazon Wish List. For more information or to donate toward Brave Bags in DeKalb County, contact Jama Ross, jross@blessingsindiana.org, or Hailey Carmer LaMaster, hclamaster@cfdekalb.org. 

About Voices of Philanthropy

Voices of Philanthropy is a youth philanthropy program of the Community Foundation DeKalb County that empowers high school students to learn about community needs, make grants, and take action to improve the quality of life in DeKalb County.

About Blessings in a Backpack

Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children who might otherwise go hungry. The Brave Bags program is an extension of this mission, meeting the needs of children in moments of crisis.