TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) — Happiness Bag in Terre Haute has recently completed a $3.5 million renovation, bringing new opportunities for the community it serves. Jodi Moan, who has long been involved with Happiness Bag, spoke about the impact of the renovations.
"Seeing you know, listening to the laughter, to conversations, to know that they are the reason we do all this and what it's gonna mean to them," Moan said. Moan began her journey at Happiness Bag with a summer job, which turned into a lifelong career.
She works with individuals with disabilities, whom she affectionately calls her "friends." Mark Clinkenbeard noted the importance of the renovations. "This was something the commissioners and the council were very supportive of and we can't think of a better thing to use it for than something like this," Clinkenbeard said.
The City of Terre Haute contributed $750,000 in ARPA funds to the renovation. The updated facilities now offer a sensory room, an infirmary, and a kitchen, as Moan's "friends" enjoy cooking.