YPC Senior Shoutout: Mady Westerhouse

For the past two years, Mady Westerhouse has been an integral part of the Community Foundation of White County’s Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC)—a youth-led initiative dedicated to cultivating philanthropy and leadership among students. Now serving as Vice President, this North White student plays a vital role in managing communication and social media, keeping the community informed and engaged with the council’s efforts.

Since joining at the start of her junior year, Mady has discovered a passion for giving back. “I love getting to support my school while making new friends along the way,” she shared. Her dedication to creating a positive impact has been at the heart of her involvement, whether through leading council initiatives or helping decide how YPC grant funds can best serve White County schools.

One of the unique aspects of the Youth Philanthropy Council is its real-world responsibility—members don’t just participate, they lead. The council is entrusted with awarding grants that address pressing needs across all four White County school corporations. As Vice President, Mady has helped facilitate this process, working to amplify YPC’s message and encourage community engagement.

When it comes to grantmaking, Mady is particularly excited about the Tri-County Backpack Project, which tackles food insecurity by ensuring students have access to meals outside of school. The Backpack Program has received two YPC grants to support the important work they do. Mady’s also passionate about the North White Guitar Project, which provides students with a creative outlet through music. "It is important to engage in philanthropy as it has a huge impact on the people in our community while addressing many needs," she said.

Beyond her work with YPC, Mady is actively involved in drama club, sports, crafting, reading, and gardening. But at her core, she is most passionate about helping others. "Being a leader is leading by example, creating positive change, and doing what is right even when no one else is," she shared—a mindset that has shaped her leadership in YPC and will continue to guide her in the future.

As she prepares for her next chapter, Mady hopes to see YPC continue to grow, reaching more students and expanding its impact in White County. “I didn’t realize how much a community foundation could do until I joined YPC,” she reflected. “It opened my eyes to how philanthropy works and the ways grants can truly transform a community.”

With her leadership, passion, and commitment to service, Mady has left an indelible mark on the Youth Philanthropy Council and the broader White County community. Her dedication to uplifting others ensures that her impact will be felt for years to come.

Want to support Mady and the rest of the YPC’s mission? Currently, donations to support the program are being matched 6:1, thanks to the generous support of Dave & Debbie Shook alongside Lilly Endowment Inc. Log onto our website to learn more today: www.cfwhitecounty.org.