Local Resources & Assistance | MUNCIE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Local, State, & Federal Government

Local

State

Federal

Who are my elected officials? (Interactive map by Indiana Secretary of State's Office)

Further resources are listed in our Guide to Civics.

Tab updated August 2021.

Health, Human Services & Public Assistance

Public Health

Basic Needs Assistance

Human Services

Other Help Resources

IN 2-1-1 Connect to Help
Where to Turn Directory

Tab updated August 2021.

Local Special Needs Resources

The Arc of Indiana

Our Mission: The Arc of Indiana is committed to all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities realizing their goals of learning, living, working and fully participating in the community.

107 N. Pennsylvania St.
Suite 800
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-977-2375
Toll Free: 800-382-9100

Hillcroft Services

114 East Streeter Avenue
Muncie, IN 47303
Phone: 765-284-4166

Meridian Health Services

About Meridian

Meridian Health Services is a progressive healthcare organization specializing in “whole person” health, integrating physical, mental and social well-being. The focus on a broader spectrum of health including primary medical care, behavioral health and human services offers a well-rounded approach for happier, healthier patients. Meridian Health Services has been serving the community for over 35 years and is accredited by the Joint Commission and certified by the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions.

240 N. Tillotson Avenue
Muncie, IN 47304
Phone: 765-288-1928

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), a program of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), provides quality individualized services to enhance and support people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain or retain employment. The individual will work closely with a VR Counselor throughout the process. Through active participation in their rehabilitation, people with disabilities achieve a greater level of independence in their work place and living environments.

201 E. Charles Street, Suite 130
Muncie, IN 47305-2434
Phone: 765-282-9863
Toll Free: 1-877-847-9890 (V/VRS/711)

Indiana Governor’s Council

The Indiana Governor's Council is an independent state agency that facilitates change. Our mission is to promote public policy which leads to the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. This mission is accomplished through planning, evaluation, collaboration, education, research and advocacy.

The Council is consumer-driven and is charged with determining how the service delivery system in both the public and private sectors can be most responsive to people with disabilities. The Council receives and disseminates federal funds to support innovative programs that are visionary, influence public policy, empower individuals and families and advocate systems change.

Board members of the Council are appointed by the Governor and 60% must be people with disabilities or their family members.

150 W Market St.
Suite #628
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-232-7770

Special Olympics of Indiana

Mission

To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offering them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Vision

To empower people with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential and develop their skills through year-round sports training and competition. As a result, Special Olympics athletes become fulfilled and productive members of their families and the communities in which they live. Special Olympics is an experience that is energizing, healthy, skillful, welcoming and joyful.

6200 Technology Center Dr.
Suite #105
Indianapolis, In 46278
Phone: 317-328-2000

Best Buddies Programs

When people with disabilities are unable to attain or maintain a job, it is most often due to an absence of social skills, rather than an inability to perform the work required. Best Buddies® offers participants socialization and leadership opportunities, as well as job coaching, thereby providing the necessary tools for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to become more independent and more included in the community.

Indiana Disability Awareness

Each March, Disability Awareness Month is celebrated throughout Indiana. And given that adults and children with disabilities represent slightly more than 19 percent of Indiana’s population, disability awareness is important for all of us. Led by the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, the goal of Disability Awareness Month is to increase awareness and promote independence, integration and inclusion of all people with disabilities. The Council develops a unique theme for this annual event and produces campaign materials that are available free of charge to Hoosiers who want to help make a difference.

Indiana Institute of Disability and Community at Indiana University

From their website: "Our mission is to work with communities to welcome, value, and support the meaningful participation of people of all ages and abilities through research, education, and service."

Additional Special Needs Resources

Legal Resources for Special Needs
When it comes to identifying vulnerable populations in our community, some of the more overlooked groups are the elderly and disabled. Many people consider the poor or the young to be venerable, but those who are elderly and those who are struggling with physical or cognitive disabilities are also quite vulnerable. Yet the laws surrounding the elderly and disabled in our population are often poorly understood. This is unfortunate, because these two groups of people make up a significant part of our population, and most likely someone you are close to could fall into one of these categories.
Keeping Disabled Persons Safe While Remodeling
This comprehensive guide has been designed to provide safety best practices for seniors, disabled adults, and their caregivers to help them safely navigate construction sites. Also, it outlines the ADA’s recommended construction zone safety standards. If a worst-case scenario occurs, and you or a loved one is injured in a construction zone, this guide also offers actionable advice for how to react and respond.
Creating a Home Where Your Disabled Child can Thrive
When your child is disabled, whether because of the way they were born or after an accident or injury, you instantly turn from simply a parent to an advocate. It's your job to give your child the best possible start in life, embracing the different abilities so your child can thrive. However, sometimes this is difficult to do in a traditional home layout. If your child, for example, is in a wheelchair, and you have narrow hallways, then getting around your home may be difficult, if not impossible. Home modifications can help you make your home into a place where your child is safe, comfortable and thriving. At HomeCity, we want to help you with the process of modifying your home. Here are some tips to make it a little easier.
Teacher Resources for Special Needs
Inform yourself about curriculum strategies and classroom management for students with different learning needs. We have resources on everything you need to know about teaching special needs students effectively. You'll find information for teaching students with ADHD, Autism, Asperger's, Giftedness, and Handicaps. We'll help you figure out ways to create an inclusive classroom, adapt and supplement your classroom materials, make assessment accommodations, and provide you with other useful tips.
Disaster Preparedness for Special Needs
When disaster strikes, our first instinct is to check in with our loved ones and make sure they’re okay. But if your loved one is a senior or has a disability, you can’t afford to wait to “check in” — timing is everything during an emergency, and you need to buy them as much time as possible to react independently. You should create an emergency preparedness guide to keep them safe and accessible even as a crisis is unfolding.
Home Accommodations for Special Needs
This guide was designed to provide a thorough understanding of the latest smart home technology, and suggestions for specific software and devices that can be incorporated into a home to accommodate each of seven of the most common types of disabilities: hearing difficulty, vision difficulty, speech/language difficulty, cognitive difficulty or memory loss, ambulatory difficulty, arthritis, and self-care/independent living difficulty.
Disability Resources from the Department of Labor
If you are looking for information to promote an inclusive workforce and increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, please visit the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) homepage. To find additional disability information, we recommend using publicly available search engines and visiting the following links.
Tips for Disabled Persons to Declutter and Organize their Home
For seniors and disabled adults who want to remain in their homes, a decluttered and well-organized living space is essential to personal safety and well-being. This guide was designed for seniors, disabled adults, and their caregivers, to offer a room-by-room decluttering and organizing resource. Review the recommendations and best practices in this guide, and plan your own home organization project. By taking a proactive approach to maintaining a clean and tidy home, you and your loved one can live with confidence for as long as possible in home sweet home.
Financial Planning for Special Needs
Some senior adults need a bit of help and care, but when a senior has a special need, the level of care increases significantly. With the right resources, you can create a plan of care that will ensure your loved one’s needs – from health care through financial – are well met throughout their retirement years.Unfortunately, most available programs specialize either in special needs or advanced age. Our goal is to provide you with a master list of resources that you can tap into to find solutions for your loved ones.

Muncie Public Library would like to the thank the community for giving us these additional resources!

Muncie Recreation Guide

Note: Please check directly with each organization for any changes related to COVID-19.

Arts

Cornerstone Center for the Arts A place to explore creative expression, educational programs and events in a historic setting. 520 E. Main St. Muncie, IN 47305 (765)281-9503

Gordy Fine Art is an art gallery and framing shop. 224 E. Main St., Muncie, IN 47305 (765)284-8422

Made in Muncie – Paint your own pottery. They also have workshops, private pottery lessons, camps for kids and a party room. Located downtown at 313 S. Walnut S., Muncie, IN 47305 (765) 289-7895

Muncie Arts and Culture Council assists with municipal initiatives where art integration can benefit Economic Development and Quality of Place. 608 E. Main St. Muncie, IN 47305 (765)201-0182. Learn more about the Box!Box! art project, including an interactive map.

Public Art and Sculpture in Muncie is a part of the Muncie Visitors Bureau. You can see a list and photos of public art displays and sculptures throughout the city.

Entertainment

AMC Muncie 12 Theater The local movie theater. 860 E. Princeton Ave., Muncie, IN 47303

America’s Hometown Band - This city of Muncie band plays free concerts throughout the year including the Prelude to the Fireworks at Minnetrista. A calendar of their upcoming events is located here. Membership in the band is open to all in the community.

Emens Auditorium and Pruis Hall - These large venues on the Ball State University Campus present a wide array of performing arts. 1800 W. Riverside Ave. Muncie, IN 47306 (765)285-1539 or (877)90-EMENS (toll-free)

Madjax is a makerspace located in downtown Muncie. “ts mission is "to foster a collaborative environment where people can explore and create at the intersection of science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and culture.” 515 E. Main St., Muncie, IN 47305 (765)273-3151

Masterworks Chorale - Masterworks Chorale "exists to enrich our community with excellent cultural experiences through the promotion and the live performance of fine choral music." 520 E. Main St. Muncie, IN 47305 (765)286-5347 ext.22

Muncie Civic Theatre - Local productions of plays & musicals. 216 E. Main St., Muncie, IN 47305 (765) 288-PLAY

Dance and Music Lessons

Muncie Music Center is a place to record music, rent or repair instruments, and take music lessons. 600 S. Mulberry St. Muncie, IN 47305 (765) 284-4481

Muncie Ballet Studio offers dance classes for ages 2 and up. (765)216-5472

Muncie Symphony Orchestra offers free and ticketed concerts throughout Muncie. (765)285-5531

Premiere Dance Center offers dance classes for children including hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, and more. 6110 W. Kilgore Ave. Muncie, IN 47304 (765)284-4488

Museums

Ball State University Museum of Art has about 1,000 works on display from prehistoric hand tools to Renaissance paintings to American furniture. Admission to the David Owsley Museum of Art is free, and it is open to the public year-round. 2021 W. Riverside Ave. Muncie, IN 47306 (765)285-5242

Muncie Children's Museum is offering online programming during this time for fun and educational activities for you and your family. 515 S. High St. Muncie, IN 47305 (765)286-1660

Academy of Model Aeronautics is an organization open to anyone interested in model aviation. 5151 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie, IN 47302 (800) 435-9262

Minnetrista Cultural Center is a place for the public to experience beautiful gardens, a nature area, a modern museum facility, historic homes, and children’s play areas. They also host a Farmer’s Market weekly in Spring-Fall and monthly in Winter. 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway Muncie, IN 47303 (765) 282-4848

Outdoor Recreation

Here are some ideas of ways to get outside.

Indiana State Parks

A short drive from Muncie

Mounds State Park 4306 Mounds Road, Anderson, IN 46017 (765) 642-6627
Summit Lake State Park 5993 N. Messick Road, New Castle, IN 47362 (765) 766-5873

About an hour from Muncie

Ouabache State Park 4930 E. State Road 201, Bluffton, IN 46714 260-824-0926
Salamonie River State Forest 9214 W. Lost Bridge West Andrews, IN 46702 (260) 468-2125

Fishing and Hunting

Get your fishing and hunting licenses here. Indiana Fish and Wildlife

Cardinal Greenway

Take a bike ride on the trails around Muncie. For maps of the trails and other information, check out the Cardinal Greenway Website and Cardinal Greenway Facebook Page

Red Tail Conservancy

“Red-tail Land Conservancy preserves, protects, and restores natural areas and farm land in east central Indiana while increasing awareness of our natural heritage.”

The Red Tail Conservancy has several properties around East Central Indiana with trails for hiking. They also have Reddy Red-tail Kids Club with events for designed for children and coloring pages. Joining the kids club is free.

Check out their “Think Outside the House” page for lots of activities to try with your family. Also, Find out more about their trails and the kids club at For the Land.

Sports & Recreation

Arrowhead Archery is an indoor shooting range for anyone from beginners to experts. They have classes, bow and arrow rentals, practice ranges, and service your equipment. 3728 N. Broadway Ave. Muncie, IN 47303 (765)396-8055

Muncie Boys and Girls Club 1710 S. Madison St. Muncie, IN 47302 and Buley Center 1111 N. Penn St. Muncie, IN 47303 (765)282-4461

Muncie Ironman You can sign up to participate or volunteer online. Viewing of this family-friendly event is free to the public.

Muncie Parks Department Enjoy the city parks and the great outdoors. (765)747-4858

Muncie Parks and Trails Muncie offers some of the most extensive biking, hiking, and commuting trails in the state of Indiana. The Muncie Parks and Recreation Office is located at 300 N. High St. Muncie, IN 47305 (765)747-4776

Muncie SportsPlex (765)216-5662

Muncie YMCA 500 S. Mulberry St. Muncie, IN 47305 (765)288-4448

Prairie Creek Reservoir offers fishing, camping, boating, beach amenities, water sports, as well as hiking, biking dirt bike, ATV, multi-use, and horse trails. The Muncie Parks and Recreation Office is located at 300 N. High St. Muncie, IN 47305 (765)747-4776

Other Places to Explore

Muncie Visitors Bureau This is not just for visitors. You can find out what things there are to do, where to eat, and current events and activities taking place in Muncie and Delaware County. 3700 S. Madison St. Muncie, IN 47302 (765)284-2700

Muncie Events is a free service to keep you up to date on local events.

Charles W. Brown Planetarium Ball State University’s Planetarium offers free shows for the public almost every Friday and Saturday. 2111 W. Riverside Ave. Muncie, IN 47306 (765)285-8963

Horizon Convention Center is a venue for conventions, weddings, and other events located in downtown Muncie. 401 S High St. Muncie, IN 47305 (765)288-8860

Newspapers and Media Outlets

News

Radio

Television & Film

Finding Food Assistance

Muncie Area Food Assistance

Second Harvest Food Bank is East Central Indiana’s largest hunger relief organization. Located at 6621 Old State Rd 3, Muncie, IN 47303. Phone 765-287-8698
- Second Harvest's Food Assistance Guide lists free local food resources, including food pantries and meals, and when they are available.
Muncie Mission provides a community lunch every weekday except holidays. Located at 1725 S Liberty St, Muncie, IN 47302. Phone 765-288-9122
Soup Kitchen of Muncie serves meals to those in need in Muncie and Delaware County Weekdays. Located at 920 E. Charles St. in Muncie, IN 47305. Phone 765-287-8439

Directories

Indiana 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps Hoosiers find the local resources they need. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-211-9966 to speak with a Community Navigator 24 hours a day, or text your ZIP code to 898-211 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Use the Advanced Search at IN211.org to search for the type of service needed or a look up a specific service provider by name.

FindHelp.org is a free website you can use learn about federal, state, and local need-based government and charitable programs and services.

Tab updated February 2023.

Food Assistance Programs

Indiana Family and Social Services (FSSA)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is an income-based program that provides food assistance to needy families with low or no income. The SNAP program provides an Electronic Benefit Transfer card (EBT) for households to purchase food at the grocery store.

More about SNAP
Do I qualify for SNAP?

You can apply for SNAP online or find the paper application at FSSA Benefits Portal. Please call Kennedy Library at 747-8209 or Maring-Hunt Library at 747-8204 if you would like the Information Desk staff’s help printing the application.

School Lunches

The National School Lunch Program provides wholesome and tasty lunches each school day!

Read about Indiana's Free and Reduced School Lunch Program

Food Vouchers

The Center Township Trustee may be able to assist township residents who are experiencing an unexpected crisis with basic needs. Located at 1200 East Main Street, Muncie IN, 47305. Phone 765-288-8876.

Indiana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is an income-based program for pregnant women, women who have recently delivered breastfeeding women, infants, and children ages 5 and under. The program also offers nutrition counseling. Not sure if you qualify? See the Indiana WIC brochure.

Delaware County WIC is located at Open Door Health Services at 333 S. Madison St. Muncie, IN 47305. Phone 765-289-6180.

Tab updated February 2023.

Internet Assistance

Find Public Wi-Fi

Map of Public Wi-Fi sites in Indiana (More information about the map is available from the Indiana Geographic Information Office)

Internet Provider Offers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an agreement called the "Keep Americans Connected Pledge" stating that providers will waive late fees, not cut off service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots. Hundreds of providers made the pledge. These providers offer internet and/or cellular service in the Muncie and Delaware County area:

Comcast - (updated June 18, 2020) Comcast is offering an internet essentials package for free to low-income families. This offer was extended to the end of 2020. To sign up for a free internet essentials package for 60 days, applicants should visit https://www.internetessentials.com/. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

AT&T - AT&T will offer open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families. https://www.att.com/internet/access/

Verizon - (updated July 9th, 2020) Verizon will waive the first 60 days of router rental charges for new low-income customers. New Fios customers who qualify for the low-income Lifeline discount program will receive a $20 per month discount on their home internet service for as long as they remain eligible for the program, bringing the cost to as low as $19.99 per month for 200/200 Mbps internet with no data caps. New registrations will be accepted for the remainder of 2020. https://www.verizon.com/info/low-income-internet/

T-Mobile - T-mobile is offering discounted plans for first responders called the Magenta First Responders Plan.