Freedom Academy – Noble County Endowment Fund

To provide support to the programs and activities of Freedom Academy, continuing education organization committed to being the independent recognized leader in adult education delivering quality affordable, lifelong learning opportunities for people including the residents, workforce, business and industries of DeKalb, Noble, LaGrange, Kosciusko, Steuben and Whitley counties and adjacent areas.

Donor Fund Story:

Freedom Academy has two funds called the Freedom Academy-Noble County Endowment Fund and Agency Fund established in May 2011 and April 2004 respectively. The purpose of these funds is to support the programs and activities of Freedom Academy, a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) continuing education organization committed to being the independent recognized leader offering Workforce Skills Development training and delivering quality affordable, lifelong learning opportunities for people including the residents, workforce, business and industries of Noble County.

These funds were started by Freedom Academy Executive Board and Director Melissa Carpenter. Executive board members were Erica Dekko, Thomas Leedy and Gaylord Toll. Freedom Academy felt these funds would enhance the long term operating needs and the quality of the education that the organization offers. The hope was that these funds would aid in offering continuous education at affordable costs for the students of today and generations to come. These funds accomplish this by assisting in providing training to students so they can upgrade their skill level to meet present and future challenges within our community. Each year Freedom Academy recognizes outstanding students, instructors, business partners as well as hosts appreciation events and training for instructors.

When asked why Freedom Academy choose the Community Foundation of Noble County to start these funds, Sandra stated, “The late Chester E. Dekko saw a need for continuous education and personal development and started the Freedom Academy in 1991. Since the onset of the Freedom Academy, Community Foundation of Noble County has been a great supporter and partner… committed to improving the quality of life in Noble County.”