Financial Donations

Show your support for the continuing development of Servant Leaders in Washington County Indiana. Click on the button below or use your mobile device to take a picture of the QR code provided below. 

Shopping Donations

Proceeds from your purchase at GoodShop will to to support Awareness Washington County. Please be sure to select AWC in your profile.

 Join the Alumni Association 

We welcome new members at any time. You may join by sending a check for $25.00 to Yvonne Maxey at Awareness Washington County, Box 212, Salem, Indiana 47167. You may contact Yvonne by mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or comments about the Association.

Become a Awareness Washington County Official Sponsor

Contact Yvonne Maxey by mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any sponsorship inquiries.

AWC Building Rental

Looking for a location for your next business or social meeting in Washington County?

Please view the Awareness Washington County Building Rental information provided below. 

Contact Information

Geoffrey Harrison - Building Rentals
Phone 812-620-5167 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Building Rental Form

Building Rental Agreement & Checklist (pdf)

Become a 2023-2024 Official Sponsor

Click here to learn about sponsorship opportunities

Please contact Cheryl Lee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Yvonne Lee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to begin your sponsorship.

2024-2025 Class Official Sponsors

AWC would like to thank the following sponsors for their class sponsorship.

Salem Community Schools 

West Washington School Corp. 

First Harrison Bank

MPP

Mid Southern Savings Bank

Washington County - Purdue Extension Office

Duke Energy

Campbellsburg Community Committee

Temple and Temple Excavating and Paving

Awareness Washington County Consists of the "AWC Servant Leader Program" and the "We the Youth Program" for young adults. The Awareness Washington County (AWC) Experience is a 9 month community leadership program. The Awareness Washington County "We The Youth" (WTY) program provides training for tomorrow's leaders. The 8 month youth program serves area high school students.

If you would like additional information on these programs please contact us at Ph#812-896-1930 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Awareness Washington County Board of Directors

Click on the headshots below to learn more about our board members.

Every year the graduates of Awareness Washington County are challenged to utilize the concepts taught in the AWC program to make a "real world" difference in our community. The following is a partial listing of the projects that have been initiated by AWC graduates working together to build a better community.

Repair the Bell (Class of 2013)

Repair the Bell is a joint project between the adult and We The Youth classes. They researched issues with the bell in the Washington County Courthouse, and they are working with professionals to restore the bell and its housing.

Washington County Artisans and Farmers (Class of 2011)

The AWC class of 2011 proud to announce their project, Washington County Artisans and Farmers. This group’s mission is to provide fresh seasonal produce and unique artisan crafts to the people of Washington County.  This will take place at a market where producers and consumers support the local economy and serve each other's needs. Currently, there is a 15 member board serving as the start up board for this venture. This board is comprised of local farmers, artisans, and community members. The purpose of this board is to organize a winter and summer market that serves the community in many ways.

Centerpeace Project Development (Class of 2010)
The Awareness Washington County Class of 2010 is working in conjunction with the City of Salem and Washington County to transform the former cheese factory site in downtown Salem into a community amphitheater. The amphitheater is called CenterPeace and is a public gathering place for all of Washington County. Construction on CenterPeace began in 2010 and further improvements are planned. Several events have already been held at CenterPeace. For additional information contact Tony Frederick at 812-972-0648 or Heather Hardin at 812-620-3816.

Pied Piper Children's Theater Project (Class of 2009)
Furnish the Pied Piper children's theater. They held several fundraisers to purchase seats for the new theater.

Wishing Well (Class of 2008)
The class raised funds to purchase a wishing well which they personalized with Washington County pictures. The Well is usually located at Salem True Value Hardware or the Salem Jay C store. Contributions support the AWC program. Other non-profits can borrow the wishing well for fund raising at community events.

Friends of Beck's Mill, Inc. (Class of 2005)
Friends of Beck's Mill, Inc. was organized by Awareness Washington County Class of 2005. Awareness Washington County is a Servant Leadership Program  that runs from  September  until  May of each year. Each year's class chooses a servant  leadership  project in  which to serve  the community and practice their skills. While the class  was contemplating a project, an article appeared in the local  newspaper in January, 2005 about  Beck's  Mill. With  the mill in mind, the class set about to organize the Friends  of Beck's Mill. As it happened to be, D. Jack Mahuron had been meeting with Don and Joyce Andersen, and Joyce Allen as to the possibility of acquiring the mill for restoration. The Friends  of  Beck’s  Mill  accepted  the challenge of looking into the possibility of a restoration project.

Rebuilding Together Washington County (Class of 2004)
Rebuilding Together Washington County, Inc. began as a project of Awareness Washington County's Class of 2003-2004. The goal of the AWC class was to become an affiliate of the national Rebuilding Together organization. Rebuilding Together Washington County was officially recognized by the Internal Revenue Service in October 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Shortly afterward, the Washington County affiliate was officiallly recognized by the national Rebuilding Together organization.

We began taking applications and started our fund-raising drive in November 2004. Our goal of rehabilitating 3 houses in 2005 was established. Other affiliates of Rebuilding Together began taking applications and planning for upcoming renovations up to a year or more in advance. Despite our late start, we've been very pleased at how the community has stepped up to donate time, funds and resources to help us achieve this goal.

Unify to Beautify (Class of 2003)

AWC Scholarship Establishment (Class of 2002)

Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Washington County (Class of 1992)

Other Projects Developed By AWC Alumni:

Job Fair
On-the-Move Breakfast Series
Spouse Abuse Program
Courthouse “Star Brite”
My Best Teacher Award
We The Youth
Small Business Seminars
Community Against Drugs
Urban Beautification
Trustee Training
Tourism Committee
Cemetery Project
Wash. Co. Issue Forum
Legislative Day
City Signs (Welcome to ...)
Industry Luncheons
Wash. Co. Cleanup
Of Interest to Women
3rd Grade Community Awareness
Petunia Panorama
Softball Tournament
Wash Co. Connections
Practical Parenting Education
Save the Pool
Community Foundation
Wash. Co. History Video
Historic Preservation
Partners in Education
Wash. Co. Food Bank
Lake Salinda Park Improvements
“Kids Now”
AWC Scholarship Fund
Arts Alive

Join the Awareness Washington County Alumni Association!

We welcome new members at any time. You may join by sending a check for $25.00 to Yvonne Maxey at Awareness Washington County, Box 212, Salem, Indiana 47167. You may contact Yvonne by mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or comments about the Association.

2023-2024 Alumni

Nona Wade
Marcia Brown

Lifetime Members

Aly, Lisa
Baker, Dusty
Bergdall, Brandan
Bills, Amanda
Bills, Nathan
Blake, Kara
Bortka-Wells, Paula
Bowling, Janet
Calfee, Amanda
Davis, De
Dick, Melissa
England, Andrea
Fleenor, Sherri
Green, Debbie
Hall, Autumn
Hardaway, Connie
Johnson, Kayce
Kelley, Angela
Kelly, Adam
Martin, Kathy
Maxey, Yvonne
Mitchell, LaDonna
Mosier, Ellen
Motsinger, Mike & Nina
Purlee, Nicole
Quatroke, Roseanne
Reasor, Josh
Reynolds, Dakota
Roll, Debbie
Rutherford, Richard
Smith, Beth & Joe
Soliday, Susan
Stempowski, Deni
Terrell, Anne
Teeter, Anita
Turhune, Beverly
Walker, Allison & Mark
Farmer, Carolyn Sue - Deceased
Jean, Carmelita - Deceased

About Awareness Washington County

Awareness Washington County (AWC) was founded in 1982 with an eye to the future of Washington County. The social and economic difficulties of Washington County at that time were similar to other communities in Indiana and across the country. Rural communities were under pressure from all sides. Pressures including shrinking tax bases for the local government, higher unemployment for residents, and fewer opportunities for college educated graduates that in many cases did not return to Washington County.

The leadership of AWC understood that mere words would not lead to tangible results in our community. The AWC volunteers began to develop a curriculum to foster and encourage community based leadership. This steering committee structured a grant proposal and submitted it to The Lilly Foundation, Inc. in April, 1982. Washington County was one of 11 communities selected for funding and was granted $7,000. Additional funds were raised through tax deductible tuition fees and donations that have been the source of support since the founding grant. The Lilly Endowment specified that the project objective was to increase the supply of local leaders in a community by preparing individuals for decision-making positions. The steering committee structured the program to meet these specifications and to make participants aware of challenges and opportunities in the county. They believed this type of format would translate into positive actions. From this concept, came the name Awareness Washington County (AWC).  AWC was established as a branch of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of organization and its ability to use the tax status of the Chamber.

AWC has since incorporated and been awarded its own 501(c)3. It is governed by a 12-member board of directors. Awareness Washington County (AWC) is committed to building a better community. Since its beginning in 1982, AWC has provided leadership training to hundreds of people. Washington County is a leader-full community. We are rich in resources and beauty. Our greatest resources are our people who have made Washington County their home.

Knowing that everyone is a leader and equipped with leadership qualities, AWC educates a small group of leaders annually and sends them out into the community to implement their leadership skills. The AWC program is designed to motivate and encourage community based leadership throughout Washington County. AWC has provided leadership training to several hundred residents of Washington County since 1982.  Awareness Washington County has established itself as a voice for change and force for change throughout Washington County.

In 1989 Awareness Washington County applied for a grant from The Lilly Endowment, Inc for a new program for the Youth of Washington County. This program became the "We The Youth" program. The We The Youth program is now funded through community support. The eight month leadership program is for freshmen and sophomores living in Washington County, Indiana. The program is designed to expose young people are trained in various leadership skills such as team building, problem solving, communication, trusteeship, and dealing with peer pressure. The group also explores history, government, education, and human services in Washington County, Indiana.

Awareness Washington County is open to all people regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status or political persuasion. Residents of Washington County and persons who work in Washington County, Indiana are encouraged to participate in the program.

Awareness Washington County Program Leadership

Laura Wanke - AWC Co-Facilitator

Laura works as a University Supervisor at the University of Louisville.

She participated in We the Youth circa 1996 or 1997 and is a graduate of the class of 2022.

AWC is a crown jewel of Washington County and it is an innovative and welcoming group of people who are dedicated to giving back to their community in new and interesting ways.

Working as a co-facilitator Laura gets to share her love for teaching and helping in a way that can better the community that we live in. She also enjoys being part of a group of people who are dedicated to making the world a better place.

Cheryl Lee - AWC Co-Facilitator

Phone 812-844-0431 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I graduated from the Awareness Washington County Class of 1998 and from Team Leadership, a facilitator training class in 1999.

I have been facilitating classes since 2000, minus a few years I took off to pursue my nursing career.

I am currently a registered nurse at IU Health Paoli in the Emergency Department, where I have been employed for 12 years.

I facilitate for AWC because I believe in servant leadership. The class is a great tool for newcomers in our community as well as for those who have lived here their entire lives. I enjoy meeting the class members each year and watching them discover the servant leader inside themselves. 

Yvonne Maxey - AWC Board Secretary/Assistant to Directors

Phone 812-620-0282 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I graduated from AWC class in 2010 and am a past board member and past board president. 

I developed a passion for Awareness Washington County while attending the class and my passion grows with each year. Helping to make this valuable organization thrive, grow and expand their outreach in Washington County and beyond, is my goal. 

Seeing new class members & watching their journey as their skills grow along with their confidence in themselves is very rewarding every year. The friendships I have made are great blessings to me!

Geoffrey Harrison - Building Rentals

Phone 812-620-5167 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What people are saying about Awareness Washington County

"I have realized how important it is to make plans in your life to be of service to others, in large or small ways."
 
"I have become more patient, and to listen to others solutions. I have grown to lead and have become more thoughtful of others’ ideas. I have learned to speak up and be more team oriented, instead of trying to do it all myself."
 
"I have become more aware of the various things others have done before me to improve our community. It made me realize that I need to contribute more myself. I am now more aware of the variety of other people’s back story and how it impacts them."
 
"I have become more out spoken. It has made me more confident. It has made me realize the importance of everyone in the community."
 
"I am more willing to encourage a change when it is obvious a change is needed."
 
"As a result of Awareness Washington County, I have grown more confident in my capacity to be a servant leader who will create change in our community for years to come. Awareness has given me the tools to also lead others into servant leadership."
 
"AWC has helped me ensure that not only can I lead, but I can make sure that my team understands each other’s learning styles which has made them more effective. Passing it on!"
 
"I am a better listener, more understanding, and trying to stay more on track."
 
"It is easier for me to get up in front of a group and share. I found out I am more of a leader than I thought I was."
 
"I learned to focus on my strengths. I have become proud of my strengths instead of thinking they are faults. I own it!"
 
"I have tools to better appreciate my colleagues’ skills and aptitudes, and with that, I am a better co-worker. The increase in my ability to empathize with people has helped me collaborate where before there was conflict."
 
"In this class, as a leader, I have continued to develop the character traits of a true servant leader, improving my interaction with others. As a person, I learned about other classmates in Washington County to help understand the expectations of my peers."
 
"I can speak with others in this class with full trust, understand other personalities and different ways of thinking, and learned how easy it was to learn with laughter. I also learned how to explore new ideas with different views and to work better in groups."
 
"This program has helped me grow. It has helped me find my voice and stand up for what I believe is right or needs to change."
 
"I have more patience. I have learned that we all have different learning styles, but we can definitely get to the same goal." 
 
"I feel I am more outgoing and sort of comfortable speaking in front of people. I feel I can better understand where people are coming from, ie., not being difficult but truly only seeing one perspective. I can now see from multiple perspectives." 
 
"This class has made me a better leader and person because of the tools I have picked up to help me in my journey. The skills I have learned will stay with me forever. I have gained a new confidence in being a servant leader!"

"I have learned to look at things from others' point of view. I have learned that my opinions matter & need to be shared. I have learned that it is ok to not be extremely lower right, & I am not always right."

"People do become greater and receive encouragement from what I share and think from me sharing my life story with them."

"I have changed as a person and a leader as a result of this program. I am a little more outspoken, when it comes to ideas, thoughts or concerns that I may not understand. I am more open to new ideas. I am more comfortable speaking in front of people now than when I started."

"I've grown by trying to step back, listen and process before I react. I vocalize with less bluntness with the person's quadrant in mind. The class raised my awareness of what our community has to offer and what our community needs in order to be better. I will strive to make a change in the community."

"I have learned to listen to others first. I have learned to work for the cause and not myself, after all, it's not about me, it's about us!!"

"I live each day feeling drained. My job is stressful and all-consuming. I want to do more than eat, sleep, and work. Awareness Washington County has given me back my passion and drive for this community. It has reignited my flame for servant leadership, and I'm so excited to share my light."

"I have learned new skills that have helped me grow in all areas of my life. I feel like I'm better equipped to accept people for their own style, and I have learned ways to "stretch" myself in order to be more open to all people. I feel like I've also gained confidence by being a participant in this class. Thank you Awareness Wash. Co. for everything you do!"

"The class allowed me to step out in a new community & get involved in different areas to better Washington Co."

"I have changed as a leader in that I know that anywhere I am, my ideas, thoughts, passions and hopes are not enough. I need others. I need to lean into others different from myself and value what they bring to the table, as it is only together that we are capable. As a person, I now can listen closer to hear what others say. I am a better listener and able to empathize with others. Awareness Washington County has improved me greatly."

"I feel like I am starting to open up and talk a little more in front of people. I've had a lot of positive encouragement on this and made a lot of wonderful friends!"

"I have changed my perspective of other individuals by seeing their learning styles as capabilities instead of crutches. My classroom has adapted to the ideas presented in the class and for that we have all grown (I as the teacher, and the class as the learners) This class made me grow wiser of communicating with my peers. I can see wheels turning instead of blank stares! Yay!"

"The changes have been subtle. I think I have learned to be more inclusive. I desire more input from those around me. My speaking in front of people has improved."