Ellen Hearn on Finding Your passion and Investing in Community

A Career Built on Breaking Barriers

Although she originally planned to become a teacher, Ellen Hearn quickly discovered that business was her true calling. After earning her degree from Eastern Illinois University, she built an impressive career in human resources and executive leadership, holding positions with Decatur Memorial Hospital, Wallace Laboratories, GSI, Illinois Power, and Ameren.

Along the way, she became a leader in industries where women were still fighting for opportunities, earning respect through her work ethic, determination, and leadership.

Following Her Mother's Legacy

Much of Ellen's passion for education and giving traces back to her mother, Eloise. After raising four children, Eloise returned to college while working full-time, graduating with honors and continuing her career in education. Inspired by her perseverance, Ellen established a charitable fund in her mother's name through the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation.

More than twenty years later, that fund continues supporting teachers, educational programs, and local nonprofits.

"The fund has actually grown beyond what we originally invested," Ellen said. "And along the way, we've been able to support so many meaningful projects."

Turning Retirement into Community Impact

Retirement didn't slow Ellen down, it gave her a new purpose.

Feeling disconnected after years of commuting for work, she became involved with Beautify Decatur and eventually helped lead Decatur's participation in the national America in Bloom competition. Under her leadership, community organizations, businesses, volunteers, and residents came together to improve neighborhoods, plant trees, install public art, and showcase the pride people have in Decatur.

The city's efforts earned national recognition, including the prestigious America in Bloom Award for Vibrant Community.

"It was encouraging to see so many people step up," Ellen said. "The community recognized the importance of looking its best."

One Neighbor at a Time

Ellen's passion for improving neighborhoods eventually led to the creation of Block by Block, an initiative focused on helping homeowners improve their properties and quality of life. Working alongside volunteers and community organizations, the program landscaped more than sixty homes and partnered with local churches to build wheelchair ramps for residents who had been unable to safely leave their homes.

Seeing someone regain independence, she says, is something she'll never forget. "It makes you emotional," she reflected.

Giving Looks Different for Everyone

As Ellen's career evolved, so did her philanthropy. What began as giving her time eventually grew into charitable giving through the Foundation, her church, Northeast Community Fund, the Decatur Park District Foundation, and other organizations she believes in. She also utilized the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Program, allowing her charitable contributions to make an even greater impact while receiving state tax benefits.

For Ellen, generosity isn't measured by the size of a donation. "Everybody has a talent," she said. "Initially my giving was my time because I didn't feel like I could financially provide the resources."

Find Your Passion

When asked what advice she would offer others, Ellen's message was simple. Every nonprofit has different needs. Some need volunteers. Others need financial expertise, event help, or simply someone willing to lend a hand.

"Find your passion and live it."

It's a reminder that philanthropy isn't reserved for a select few. Every person has something to contribute, and communities grow stronger when people invest their time, talents, and resources in the causes they care about.

At the Heart of Giving continues to celebrate stories like Ellen's, stories that remind us generosity comes in many forms, and every act of giving has the power to create lasting impact.