by Erin Fowler | Aug 6, 2026 | Events
What an incredible day! Because of the generosity of our community, this year’s Tools for School was a tremendous success. Together, we helped ensure that thousands of Kosciusko County students are walking into the new school year equipped, encouraged, and ready...
by Erin Fowler | Jun 27, 2026 | Events
Every summer, Tools for School helps thousands of local students head back to the classroom with confidence. This year, we’ve made it even easier to help by attaching a tag to each backpack listing the exact school supplies needed to fill it. When students...After touring the facility I saw firsthand the leadership, compassion and dedication that goes into developing and sustaining programs and services that help residents regain independence and move forward with dignity and hope. I love our community and believe that everyone deserves a high quality of life. It’s a privilege to have even a small part in supporting the CCS mission.
I have always wanted to be involved in the community in a meaningful way that allows me to give back. When this opportunity arose, I was excited to learn more. As I gained a deeper understanding of all that CCS does for our community, it only strengthened my desire to become more involved. I truly admire how CCS provides vital assistance and resources to those in need, and I am grateful to be part of such an impactful organization.
I have long been supportive of Combined Community Services’ mission and activity and am very pleased to take the next step of support as part of the board of directors. My wife, Becky, and I share a desire to help those less fortunate or struggling in our community. Emergencies and real struggles happen all around us, and it is great that CCS can provide assistance when needed through ongoing services, support and special events. I also love the aim of self-sufficiency through support and resources by CCS, treating people with dignity and value on the way to independence. These needs will continue and even grow, and I am happy to be part of continuing this good work.
I was born and raised in this community and am a proud graduate of Wawasee High School. My wife and I are raising our two children here, and both attend school locally. This area shaped my values, work ethic, and faith, and it continues to be where our family chooses to live, serve, and invest.
I am the founder and team leader of The Cavender Team, a real estate organization built with a strong focus on service, integrity, and stewardship. Over the years, our team has helped hundreds of families achieve homeownership and navigate major life transitions, while also providing careers, mentorship, and support for dozens of real estate agents and employees. I believe strong families and stable housing are foundational to healthy communities, and I see business as a platform to serve people well and create lasting impact.
I am honored to serve on the board of Combined Community Services and support its mission of caring for neighbors in need. Giving back to the community that gave so much to me is both a responsibility and a privilege, and I am committed to using my leadership, resources, and experience to help strengthen the families we serve.
There is no greater honor than serving both your community and this country. CCS represents a mission I deeply believe in, one that I actively live out and can genuinely advocate for. I am especially aligned with the philosophy of not simply providing handouts, but empowering individuals who are willing to take steps to help themselves. This approach fosters dignity, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
I am motivated to serve as an advocate for our community’s needs while also contributing my experience and perspective to the organization. I believe my background can help diversify thought leadership within CCS, strengthening collaboration and enhancing our collective ability to create meaningful, lasting impact.
I count it a privilege to be a part of the CCS board as it allows me to be involved in supporting families in our community by providing avenues of assistance when and where the need arises. We have all been through times where an additional helping hand was needed to cope with the stage of life we were in. I look forward to working together with the board and entire CCS team in service to our community.
I have always felt a desire to serve and be Jesus’ hands and feet to those around me. CCS’s philosophy of “a hand up, not a hand out” really resonates with me, and is what attracted me to serve on their board.
I am privileged to serve on the Board of CCS and to be a part of the organization. We are all called to serve others and CCS provides an opportunity to provide comfort, hope and resources to those who need it in our community. We are blessed to be able to truly make a difference in the families that we serve. With the help of our community, CCS can provide the support and resources for individuals and families to achieve a higher quality of life.
I joined the CCS board because I wanted to partner with an organization where the staff, its board and its volunteers walk the walk, to its vision and mission. This is evident in everything the organization does within our community, by “offering a hand up, not a hand out.” Growing up in this community, I have a vested interest in helping in any way I can. CCS gives me that outlet.
I serve on the Board for Combined Community Services because I fully believe in their mission and the impact of the lives of the people they encounter. Their services are instrumental to those in need in our community, and the staff pour their hearts into helping people achieve sustainability. It is my desire to come alongside this incredible organization as they continue to ‘offer a hand up’ to individuals and families in Kosciusko County.
Emma joined CCS in 2026 as the Community Resource Navigator for the Self‑Sufficiency pilot program. She first became involved with CCS in 2024 as an Ivy Tech Human Services intern, where she discovered her passion for resource navigation, client advocacy, and serving others. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, supporting her commitment to helping individuals and families access community resources, strengthen stability, and feel confident navigating the systems around them.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time outdoors and being with the people she loves. She is also a Big Sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Her favorite part of working at CCS is having the opportunity to make a difference in the community.
Emma is grateful to be part of CCS’s mission and excited to help shape the growth of the Self‑Sufficiency program. She carries the reminder to “meet people where they are,” believing that small steps forward can make a lasting difference.
John volunteered for several years at CCS before he was hired for our food pantry and buildings & grounds.
He currently supervises Dane’s Family Pantry, takes care of our vehicle maintenance and buildings and grounds, and picks up donations for CCS. He continues to volunteer several hours each week.
Tiffani joined Combined Community Services in February 2019 as the Utility and Intake Liaison. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services/Management from the University of Phoenix in 2012.
One of her favorite parts of working at CCS is knowing she is making a difference in the community.
Tiffani loves spending time with her family, whether they are at the family farm, Boy Scouts or T-ball. She also loves eating birthday cake, the color purple, and listening to the Eagles.
Ami Pitt joined CCS as Project Independence Case Manager in November of 2020. She first volunteered with CCS in 1993, organizing the first CCS Christmas Toy Give Away and starting the Tools for School give away.
Ami was a single mom and through the beginnings of Project Independence she went to college and received her degree in Criminal Justice. She married David just after graduation and spent the next 20 years raising and homeschooling their children.
Empty nest has brought her into the work world as a substitute teacher for the Warsaw, Wawasee and Whitko school systems.
Ami is a CASA for Kosciusko County, a 4H leader and avid MIMI. She and David are blessed to have their children and grandchildren. Her favorite verse is Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you be of good courage, do not be terrified, for The Lord is with you wherever you go”.
I joined Combined Community Services in 2026 with a passion for helping people and making everyone feel seen, valued, and appreciated. I believe each of us has an important role to play, and when people are encouraged to pursue their passions, our communities become stronger and happier.
As the mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I’ve learned to see the world through a different lens. That experience has given me a deeper appreciation for patience, understanding, and advocacy. Helping families navigate the special needs journey is especially meaningful to me and brings me great fulfillment.
In my free time, my family and I enjoy volunteering at the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, spending time together at home, and helping my husband with various projects.
Sabrina first volunteered at CCS in 2001 organizing the inaugural Turkey Lurkey 5k run. She was hired in 2002 as a Project Independence case manager and is currently the Director of Self Sufficiency programs.
Her favorite part is giving families support, guidance and resources to meet their goals and ultimately become self-sufficient off all government programs.
Sabrina spends her free time, with her family and exploring all that God has created. Her favorite bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 : Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Tim is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with over ten years experience in social services.
Tim has been the Youth Minister for Living Hope Ministries since 2017 and has been married for 15 years to his wife Sarah. Together they have two sons and enjoy sports, coaching, and fishing with the family.
Randy joined the staff of Combined Community Services (CCS) in September 2019 following a 34 year career with Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) and eight years at Grace College. He currently serves as a WCS Board Member.
Randy received a Master of Science in Administration and Supervision from IU Fort Wayne and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Spring Arbor College. He has served the community through the National Society for Experiential Education, United Way, Joe’s Kids, and the Morning Optimist Club.
Randy is married to Rachael Moser Polston. They have two children, four grandchildren and one foster granddaughter. Randy and Rachael attend Warsaw Community Church.
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