SHELBYVILLE, IN — As the back-to-school season begins, the City of Shelbyville’s Behavioral Health and Equity Department is proud to launch “A Fresh Start”, a free laundry day for local families—because clean clothes are more than a luxury, they’re a lifeline.
On Monday, August 4, 2025 from 12:30p-5:30p, families with school-aged children can schedule a time to have their laundry done at Water Works, a local laundromat, with the support of City volunteers. The City of Shelbyville will cover the cost of up to 60 pounds of laundry per household, specifically for children’s clothing. Volunteers will be on-site to activate machines and provide detergent and dryer sheets, making the experience seamless and welcoming.
“For many of our neighbors, access to a washer and dryer is not guaranteed,” said Keyen Macklin, City of Shelbyville’s Director of Behavioral Health and Equity. “Laundry is one of those invisible burdens that often go unnoticed—but it impacts confidence, health, and dignity, especially for children heading back to school.”
“A Fresh Start” aims to reduce that burden and help families start the school year feeling refreshed, empowered, and supported. Clean clothes can impact a child’s sense of belonging, participation, and self-esteem. By meeting this basic need, Shelbyville is taking a compassionate step toward a more equitable and caring community.
“Programs like this may seem simple, but the impact is profound,” Scott Furgeson, City of Shelbyville’s Mayor continued. “It’s not just about detergent—it’s about dignity. It’s about love.”
Participation is open to all households in Shelbyville with school-aged children (18 years or younger). Space is limited and laundry will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The last load will be taken at 5:30 pm.
The City of Shelbyville encourages families who may need continued support beyond the back-to-school season to take advantage of Loads of Love, an ongoing community laundry assistance program hosted by Zion Evangelical Church. This program provides free washing and drying of up to 60 pounds of laundry per family, with detergent and dryer sheets included. Loads of Love takes place monthly, typically on the fourth Tuesday of each month (dates may shift due to holidays), at Water Works, 236 E Broadway St, Shelbyville, from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM. While early afternoon tends to be the busiest time, the laundromat typically slows down later in the day. This continued effort reflects the heart of our community—meeting everyday needs with dignity, compassion, and care.
Media Contact:
Jenna Martin
Director of Public Relations, City of Shelbyville
pr@cityofshelbyvillein.com
About the City of Shelbyville Behavioral Health and Equity Department:
The Department exists to promote equitable access to basic needs and services, ensuring every Shelbyville resident has the opportunity to thrive. Through initiatives like “A Fresh Start”, the City is creating meaningful change—one small act of care at a time.
