Serving Van Buren Township, Monroe County, Indiana


The township trustee is an elected official charged with providing temporary emergency assistance to Van Buren Township residents who are experiencing an unforeseen hardship. The trustee helps with basic necessities such as rent, utilities, food, and some medical care.

Township Trustee

Rita Barrow


Do you know what our Trustees do?

  • Give you a bus ticket to get home

  • Project Life Saver Program in all townships

  • Resolve fence disputes

  • Maintain cemeteries in the county

  • Help pay rent and utilities

  • Free burials

  • Rural transit passes

  • Workfare

  • Free insulin to those who can't afford it

  • They listen, care, and help

Cemeteries We Manage

There are nine cemeteries within Van Buren Township. The Trustee’s office owns and manages the following two.

  • Koontz Cemetery

  • Harmony Cemetery

Types of Assistance

Utilities - To prevent loss of service, the trustee will provide vouchers for essential utilities such as water, gas and electric. The trustee may also pay for wood, coal, propane or fuel oil.

Medical - Expenses the trustee may assist with include: prescriptions, insulin and emergency dental care.

Transportation - Gas or bus fare may be provided medical purposes. Traveler's aid may be provided to non-residents seeking to return to their legal residence.

Funerals - The trustee may provide mortuary and burial expenses if no other resources are available.

Application Process - Individuals are given an application along with a list of documents to bring to an interview with a caseworker. Requests for assistance will be decided within three (3) working days. If the applicant qualifies, the trustee will issue a voucher for the approved assistance. Workfare will be assigned to repay the amount of assistance unless the person is working full-time, disabled or without childcare. In accordance with Indiana law, the trustee adheres to Township Assistance Guidelines in determining an applicant's eligibility. The Guidelines are posted in the trustee's office as well as on our website under the township assistance page. The Guidelines are reviewed and updated annually to reflect any changes in applicable federal and state regulations.

Township Staff

Elected Officials

  • Rita Barrow, Trustee

Elected Township Board

  • John Wilson, Board President

  • Will Smith, Board Secretary

  • Theresa Oatman, Board member

Township Staff

  • Laura Blaker, Deputy Trustee

  • Nathan Wigington, Caseworker

  • Rachel Combs, Caseworker, Accounts Payable

  • Rebecca Jessmer, Payroll, Accounts Payable

  • Colby Wicker, Advisor to the Trustee

Meeting Minutes