The survey aimed to assess Boone County’s growing linguistic diversity, identify existing language support resources, and explore services that would enhance inclusion across the county. A total of 88 participants representing for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, community partners, education, and healthcare contributed to the findings.
- Boone County is the fastest-growing county in Indiana, with a 3.4% growth rate in the past year.
- The population has grown 26% since 2013 and is projected to increase by 50–90% by 2050.
- The number of residents who speak a language other than English at home has doubled since 2013.
- The county has experienced a 74% increase in foreign-born residents, with 48% of them originating from Asia and a nearly tripled Latin American-born population.
The top reported non-English languages spoken at home are Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole, with American Sign Language (ASL), German, and Yoruba also noted.
Trends learned from the survey include:
- 54% of survey respondents encounter clients or consumers needing language services at least a few times a month.
- 45% of respondents offer written interpretation services and 43% provide spoken interpretation.
- Google Translate is reported as the most frequently used translation tool but presents challenges in time-sensitive, confidential, or complex communication.
- 34% of respondents currently hire employees with limited English proficiency; however, 66% of those who currently do not hire indicated they would be willing to with proper resources and support.
A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Tracey Horth Krueger, followed the presentation, highlighting the practical challenges and opportunities related to language access in Boone County. Panelists included:
- Christina Arrom, Chief Operations Officer, Immigrant Welcome Center
- Karen Simon, Talent Acquisition Manager, GXO Logistics
- Megan Lewis, Director of Student Services, Lebanon High School
- Major Brian Stevenson, Boone County Sheriff’s Office
- Suzy Rich, Nonprofit Volunteer, Tri-Area Library
- Kaki Garard, Director of Advancement, Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library
When the attendees and panelists opened it up for discussion, some of the identified opportunities and resources included receiving support to better understand technology and available resources, finding affordable translation services, and ensuring consumers, clients, and employees have access to various services equitably, including English learning classes.
CFBC’s initiative aims to spark long-term collaborations that strengthen language equity and community connectedness in Boone County. As a result, CFBC will ensure forward movement in this space. The next steps include looking for ways to collaborate and leverage lower-cost services and coordinating a list of available translators and resources, both of which will be shared publicly as a community resource. CFBC is partnering with the Boone County Health Department to translate the Boone County Resource Guide into the top three non-English languages, Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole. The foundation is also partnering with local IT company, GUTS, to insert a translation widget onto community partners websites, making the content accessible to all.
For more information on the report, please visit our Community Resources page.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BOONE COUNTY
The Community Foundation of Boone County exists to unite people, organizations, and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. Since 1991, its leaders have worked to empower and engage local communities to make a difference right here in Boone County, while also leading a vision to collaboratively address the root causes of challenges facing Boone County in diverse and equitable ways. The Community Foundation continues to invest in the people working to fill local needs and has granted more than $31 million to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County. With nearly $38 million in assets, the Community Foundation works with donors to create permanent funds for charitable giving, to strengthen Boone County for generations to come.