INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) – Indiana first lady Karen Pence has awarded $15,500 in grants from her foundation to 19 organizations across Indiana.
 
The governor's office says Pence distributed checks from the First Lady's Charitable Foundation ranging from $500 to $1,000 in a Wednesday ceremony at the Governor's Residence in Indianapolis.

The grant recipients include the Indiana Parenting Institute, the Center for Early Childhood Education, the Fort Wayne Children's Choir, the Booker T. Boosters of Evansville and Legacy House, an Indianapolis nonprofit that provides counseling and advocacy to victims of violence.
 
Pence started the Indiana First Lady's Charitable Foundation last year to recognize and help organizations serving Indiana families and children. In April, it awarded its first major grant of $100,000 to the Art Therapy Program at Riley Hospital for Children.