What Connects Us to Northeast Indiana
Allen County, Indiana is growing — and with it, new opportunities to live, work, and lead are emerging every day. At YLNI, we’re proud to help shape that growth by cultivating the next generation of leaders and driving positive change in our community.
But to build a stronger future, we have to understand what keeps people here — and what pushes them away. What do young professionals love about living in Allen County? What makes them feel connected to this place? And what barriers stand in the way of that connection?
These questions are central to our region’s success. In today’s global workforce, talented individuals have options. By helping people feel welcome, valued, and included, we strengthen their sense of belonging — and that’s what inspires them to invest their time, energy, and future here.
Together, let’s continue building a community where everyone belongs.
YLNI, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne (CFGFW), conducted a study in 2025 to follow up on the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s 2010 Soul of the Community report. The goal of the 2025 study was to understand Allen County’s strengths and challenges in building a connected community that supports positive talent attraction, development, retention, and engagement. While the original report included responses from all ages in the community, the 2025 report focuses on the experiences and opinions of young adults.
