LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Founded in 2023, the Sage and Prim Community Support Foundation is dedicated to removing barriers by providing access to health, hygiene and harm-reduction products. Through its “soap stations” and community collaborations, the organization ensures that essential resources reach individuals in need throughout Edgar and Clark counties.
Sage and Prim’s primary initiative, “soap stations,” consists of stationary or mobile pop-up tables offering free hygiene products such as soap, toothbrushes and laundry detergent. The organization also partners with other local groups to provide Free Laundry Day at J’s Laundry once a month and assembles hygiene kits upon request.
From June to December 2024, the foundation distributed over 2,000 essential products to the community. Looking ahead, it aims to establish six additional semi-permanent soap stations across the counties and triple the number of products distributed in 2024. The organization tracks its impact by monitoring the number of items distributed and referencing CDC statistics to assess broader public health outcomes.
Sage and Prim relies entirely on donations and the proceeds from its soap shop, where volunteers handcraft items for sale. Community members can support the initiative by joining the Board of Directors or Community Council, donating items through the foundation’s Amazon wishlist or purchasing products from its website and partner retail locations, such as The Blue Violet.
“The biggest challenge we face is fundraising,” April Burns, the foundation’s creator said. “Each month, we run out of resources before the month ends. We are confident that with continued community support, we can meet the growing needs of our neighbors.”
The foundation actively collaborates with organizations like Edgar County ROSC, Lake Ridge Christian Church, CARE Coalition and HRC to expand services. Current partnerships include providing laundry
Over the next five to 10 years, Sage and Prim hopes to transition to paid staff and launch a mobile soap station—a fully equipped RV offering showers, first aid and laundry access. This expansion would bring services directly to neighborhoods where individuals may struggle to access hygiene essentials.
In the short term, the foundation is fundraising to open six new soap stations and will be participating in The Spring Thyme Plant & Herb Faire on May 10 at the Vigo County Fairgrounds.
The organization encourages individuals and groups to collaborate and share ideas. “Together, we can build a safer, kinder, better world,” Burns said.
Volunteering with Sage and Prim requires no specialized skills—just a passion for supporting the community. However, those with healthcare, legal or fundraising expertise can contribute in targeted ways. Interested individuals can email sageandprim@gmail.com to learn about volunteer opportunities.
For more information, visit www.sageandprim.squarespace.com or follow them on social media at @sageandprim.