Board Member Spotlight: Meet Karla Lorey, At-Large Board Member, The Community Project

There are people who don’t just talk about making a difference—they roll up their sleeves

and do it. One of those people is Karla Lorey, an energetic advocate for children, animals, and her community, and a valued At-Large Board Member of The Community Project.

 What inspired Karla to get involved?

“I had been watching the incredible work Ken and Rachel were doing—how they showed up for our homeless neighbors and for families facing food insecurity,” Karla shared. “Eventually, I realized I didn’t want to just donate a few items or cook the occasional meal—I wanted to be part of the movement toward real solutions for our most vulnerable. That’s why I joined the board.”

Why do local, grassroots efforts like The Community Project matter?

Karla believes the biggest changes start small—right in our own backyards. It’s the personal connections, the boots-on-the-ground action, and the relationships built in trust that make real transformation possible.

Fun fact most people don’t know?

Karla’s journey to Southeast Indiana is an international one!

Born in New Zealand, raised in Australia, and originally planning to move to London, life had other plans—and she landed in Denver, Colorado, where she met her husband and had two beautiful children. In 2007, they moved to Dearborn County, which Karla proudly calls home to this day.

“I’m blessed with THE BEST kids,” she says, bursting with motherly pride. “They’re young adults now, but their kind hearts make me beam every day.” When she’s not gushing about them, you’ll find her cuddling with her two dogs and three cats—her beloved furbabies.

Dinner with a historical figure?

No hesitation—Maya Angelou.

“I admire her truth, empathy, fairness, intellect… she inspires me daily to DO MORE. One of my favorite quotes of hers is: ‘If you get, give; if you learn, teach.’ I try to live by that in everything I do.”

 Karla, your compassion, drive, and heart for service make you a true asset to The Community Project—and to the entire community. We’re so lucky to have you on this journey with us!