Operation Round Up Impact – Remembering Rowan Joy

Operation Round Up Impact – Remembering Rowan Joy

Learn more about KREMC’s Operation Round Up Program, and the organizations it benefits, like Remembering Rowan Joy. Concern for Community is one of KREMC’s core principles, and Operation Round Up is one way we give back to our local community.

What is Operation Round Up?

Operation Round Up is a voluntary program in which KREMC members pool their resources together to help those in need. The concept is simple: each month, KREMC members who participate in the program allow us to round up their bill to the next dollar. For example, if a member has an electric bill of $53.86, that bill would be rounded up to $54.00, with 14 cents being donated to the program. If a member has multiple accounts, they can decide if they would like each account rounded up or just one. Each participating member, on average, contributes approximately $6.00 a year.

The money is then deposited into the Kosciusko REMC Operation Round Up fund, held at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. A voluntary advisory committee, comprised of KREMC members, meets regularly to review applications for Operation Round Up grants, and to make grant recommendations.

What is Remembering Rowan Joy and its mission?

Remembering Rowan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to serve bereaved families in Indiana that have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss by providing financial assistance with funeral costs.

How did this organization start?

Remembering Rowan was founded by Marc & Delaney Baumann after the stillbirth of their daughter, Rowan Joy, in August 2017. Within the pregnancy and infant loss community, a recurrent theme was heard surrounding the unexpected financial burden that occurs after the death of the baby. In their grief, a calling to serve this community was laid on Marc & Delaney’s hearts. Remembering Rowan was created as a means of honoring Rowan’s life while bringing hope and comfort to others walking through the loss of their child.

How has it grown over the years?

Since 2019, Remembering Rowan has served over 1,000 families in Indiana facing the heartbreaking loss of their baby. Year over year, our outreach continues to grow and impact families all across the state.

How does Remembering Rowan impact families?

The loss of a baby is often unexpected and families are faced with decisions for funeral plans, burial and cremation, with limited time to prepare financially. Parents are often missing work, bringing additional financial worries. The funds provided by Remembering Rowan allow families to make the decisions they wish for their baby, without considering cost. We do not require families prove financial need to receive assistance, the only requirement is that you’ve experienced the death of your baby and reside in Indiana.

Do you have any stories about the impact its made that you can share?

We are fortunate to receive messages from funeral directors about the relief that families feel when they hear about how Remembering Rowan is going to provide for their baby’s funeral expenses.

Several years ago, we received a call from a young mom that had opted to have her baby cremated. She did not have the funds to pay for the cremation and the funeral home would not release the cremains until it was paid. Remembering Rowan was able to pay the full balance and the mom was able to bring her baby home with her that day.

What are some the challenges your organization is facing?

Our hope is that no one will ever have a need for Remembering Rowan’s services, but unfortunately many families face the unexpected death of their baby. As our funeral home networking continues to expand, our reach to families needing assistance does as well. We have been challenged to meet the increased demand with limited funding. We are balancing providing for as many families as we can without turning anyone away. Remembering Rowan is a volunteer run organization, we do not have paid employees and our small overhead is covered by our board of directors so every donation we receive goes directly to fulfilling our mission.

How has the Operation Round Up grant impacted your organization?

The Operation Round Up grant has provided financial support for Kosciusko County residents facing the death of their baby. Remembering Rowan has assisted over 40 Kosciusko County families since 2022.

How can people in the community get involved?

Financial support is the best way to get involved in the impact of Remembering Rowan Joy. You can donate to this organization on their website: https://www.rememberingrowan.com/donate