A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Kellie Pierce Newton

A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Kellie Pierce Newton

Philanthropic spirits like Kellie Pierce Newton are the people that keep communities going. Born and raised in Washington Township, Newton is a supporter of the YMCA, office manager of her husband’s real estate appraisal company, and former manager of the case management team at Porter-Starke Services.

Growing up in a rural area played a big role in shaping Newton’s views and personality. It fostered traits that would be helpful later in life.

“Seeing as my dad was a farmer, we didn’t really have neighbors and were more or less surrounded by cornfields,” Newton explained. “I enjoyed all the space and fresh air, and I think that it was very good to grow up that way. We had to play outside a lot, or our parents would say, ‘we’ll find something for you to do inside.’ I think it helped us learn to be independent and problem solve.”

It also meant that she spent most of her time playing outside. She believes that being active is essential for youths, and that is one reason why she supports the YMCA.

“The Y means so much to so many people,” said Newton. “Most of the fundraising we do, like the YMCA Bash, is to help people who can’t afford to have Y memberships. When I think about families that have kids, the Y offers so many activities and fun things that are so important. It would be disappointing for a kid to miss out on that because of their parent’s financial situation. Play is so important, being active is so important.”

After finishing high school, Newton went to study psychology at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Once she got her degree, she started working at Porter-Starke services, helping those with mental disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder find work. She worked her way up to a management position, and enjoyed the opportunity to help others.

“I got interested in psychology in high school,” she said. “I think most people have the same reason I did, wanting to help people. It’s also interesting to learn about why people do what they do, but ultimately it comes down to wanting to help people.”

She now works as the office manager at her husband’s real estate appraisal company, Newton & Associates. The work is very different, but she enjoys being able to make her own schedule and working closely with her husband.

“I went from supervising about 15 or 16 people, to well, let’s say that I supervise my husband but I’m not sure he’d agree,” she laughed. “I also like having less administrative stuff to work through. It’s nice to be able to make a decision and then do it, without having to work through levels of bureaucracy.”

Over the last year, Newton started taking up golfing in her free time. Her husband is an avid golfer, and while she’s reluctant to admit, his hobby rubbed off on her.

“When I started dating him I knew almost nothing about golf,” she joked. “Now I know way more than I ever wanted to know, so I figured since I had the time I might as well learn how to actually play the game.”

For someone like Newton, who devotes a lot of time, energy, and money to organizations like the YMCA, community is a big deal. Having lived in Northwest Indiana almost all her life, she’s grown to love and appreciate what it offers.

“I like that there’s so much diversity,” said Newton. “Where I live, we’re surrounded by cornfields, but I can get into Valpo downtown and see all the restaurants. The city’s done such a great job revitalizing the downtown area.”

It’s thanks to fundraisers and philanthropists like Newton that organizations like the YMCA can keep enriching the lives of people across the Region.