Like a newborn toddler learning to walk and then talk, it's been fun to watch Big Car grow and…read moredevelop over the last few years. I actually believe my first time to the Center was for the Yelp 500 two or three years ago and since then I've been for art shows, film screenings, meetings or just to marvel at their tremendous parking lot gardens and chickens. There's something so raw and edgy that makes Big Car a perfect fit for its surroundings. Nestled between all of my favorite ethnic eateries and stores, the building and staff is very in tune with what is going on in Lafayette and tapping in to the diverse audience of the area. I would have to say my favorite part about the Service Center is the simple fact that it once served as a car repair shop but is now filled with Sun King beer, a screening room, and a calendar packed with classes and events for all ages. Can't wait to see what comes next for this creative powerhouse.

Big Car? Oh, you mean the place with the chicken coops…read more I've driven past this facility several times and I always wondered about what went on inside. (The last time I visited, it was a tire center, lol) I was pleasantly surprised by what Big Car had done with the place. I had the opportunity to participate in the Digital Disconnect event where you surrender your mobile devices for an evening of good old fashioned fun. Think board games, letter writing, and live music. Of course, I panicked when I realized that I wanted to tweet about the event and my cell phone was nowhere to be found. But, wow. How refreshing to remember life before being connected to EVERYONE 24 hours a day. Kudos to Big Car on a great event and on re-purposing an unused building on the NW side. I'm looking forward to returning soon and often.

What an amazing group of people performing a very needed mission. The veterans who served our…read morecountry often struggle with maintaining civilian life and occasionally end up on the streets. The reasons for this are varied but HVAF does a great job helping to address these various situations. Sometimes coming in off the street isn't something the veteran is interested in or prepared for so HVAF even helps to meet the needs that they can for those who remain outside. They are always looking for volunteer help. It could be sorting and stacking donations for their food pantry or their clothing pantry. It could be helping maintain the several residences they have around the city. Or it could be in other ways. Stop by and introduce yourself or give them a call to find out more.

The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence is an Indianapolis-based non-profit organization…read morethat works statewide to prevent and eliminate domestic violence through multiple programs including primary prevention, advocacy, direct legal services, a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, participation on the State Homicide Reduction Plan, and involvement in the Move to End Violence. ICADV is not a domestic violence shelter, but instead serves as a statewide coordinator for shelters and other domestic violence programs. ICADV offers an annual conference, regular trainings, and is a member organization of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. I became involved with the organization about 15 years ago when I learned of a domestic abuse situation within my own extended family and needed a way to deal with it. Those who know me know that I'm an activist in violence prevention, so at that point I did one of my Tenderness Tour events to raise money for the organization as a way of coping with my own family situation. ICADV quickly embraced the event and it's now their annual 5k event known as the Race Away From Domestic Violence that occurs every year in early June. Most recently, it has started at downtown Indy's City Market. Over the years, I've never been less than impressed with ICADV as I've referred friends to them for a variety of supports from assistance with legal issues like restraining orders and help trying to find shelters in various locations. I've served on a couple of their committees over the years and, of course, remain involved with the 5k. As an adult with a disability with violence in my background, I'm pleased that ICADV has been one of the first non-profits in Indiana to actively address violence toward people with disabilities by spearheading the foundation of a statewide task force to address the issue - of which I do offer my support. As an organization, ICADV has something rather rare for a non-profit - stability. They've had the same executive director for many years and for the entire time I've worked with them they've been located on Indy's near-westside in a one-story office building that offers two accessible parking spots, an appropriate ramp, and an office that is pretty manageable in a wheelchair with 1 glass door to get into the building. To this day, they advertise their 5k as a wheelchair friendly event (and for the most part it truly is!). While non-profits can often be territorial, ICADV works well with other non-profits and actively seeks collaboration. The ICADV website offers a wide variety of resources. I'll be adding it to Yelp, as well, since it's not currently on the page. While ICADV isn't the loudest organization in Indy, it's an organization that is very involved in the community and it has quietly build a reputation as a valuable community partner. While they don't offer shelter services, for those looking for options and services they're a terrific place to gather information and explore options while talking to staff persons who are compassionate, knowledgeable, and committed.

Awesome service and people who live there, I live there. This is my apartment, I love my place and…read morethe quality is amazing, and value too

Located in the Fort Ben area of Indianapolis within blocks of Fort Harrison State Park, Village of…read moreMerici is a non-profit organization providing residential supported living and community integration services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Village of Merici has built and continues to expand upon a neighborhood village offering a continuum of supports and options in all areas of living including residential, occupational, educational, spiritual and social. Village of Merici recently acquired a second building, also located on Lawton Loop, allowing them to expand upon their residential service offerings. They renovate the buildings, most being former Fort Harrison barracks and offices, and turn them into residential settings for individuals with developmental disabilities who have a wide range of support needs. There's a strong emphasis on skill-building - many of those who live in the apartments work at nearby businesses including one of the several restaurants nearby. I've had the pleasure of touring Village of Merici on a couple of occasions and started one of my Tenderness Tour events there. The residential building itself is largely secured to ensure safety. However, as the individuals are renting (and paying for) their own apartments they do also have the ability to access the neighborhood, go outside, and participate in a wide range of activities hosted by Village of Merici. Village of Merici is an approved provider for the Family Supports Waiver and the Community Integration & Habilitation Waiver and is CARF accredited. Village of Merici encourages self-direction and emphasizes the concept of dignity of risk - essentially, people have the right to make their own decisions and to experience the risks that can go along with those decisions. While some circumstances may limit that, for example having a legal guardian, there's a strong leaning toward supported decision-making and, whenever possible, independent living with supports as needed. The building itself has been made accessible throughout. While the building is older, there's an elevator that goes to all floors and every apartment is fully accessible. There isn't a part of the building that is not accessible to individuals with both physical and intellectual disabilities. The original building has 16 one-bedroom apartments and 4 2-bedroom apartments. They are set-up for people with low-incomes. Rather than acting as segregated housing, they seek to offer individuals with varying degrees of disability who meet low-income requirements to live within the Fort Ben area. The building was built with both "green" and energy-efficient technology. Every apartment has a full kitchen and an accessible bathroom. There's a long list of ongoing activities, always voluntary, and services provided are in accordance with a person-centered individualized service plan. You do not have to be in waiver services, or even need supports, to live at Village of Merici but you do need to meet the income requirements. The staff I've met there have been friendly and helpful. The building has a relaxed vibe and has maintained many of the original features while incorporating adaptive options. Village of Merici has both paid and volunteer opportunities and it's not uncommon to see groups volunteering to help them with maintaining their facility. The Village of Merici was established as a non-profit in 2007 and was named after Angela Merici, who became St. Angela of Merici.

Please be very careful buying a lot here! The office folks love to harass you, boat stickers, etc…read more but, love to forgive those same requirements for long term residents. Plus, they love to pay lawyers to continuously file worthless lawsuits against indigent, deceased land owners! They could file a very simple lawsuit to reclaim a lot. But they do not! They love to spend money for 7+ years. Oh, and no this lawyer is in GOP Indiana government! Where does your money go?

Centrally located, quaint lake community. 2 private lakes, clubhouse with amazing restaurant, pool,…read moreplayground, tennis and basketball courts, swim dock, and a wide variety of unique homes at all price points. Properties are well kept and common areas are meticulously maintained by the HOA. There's something for everyone here. We love it, and will call this place home forever!

I first became familiar with Legacy House when I decided to do a Tenderness Tour event in memory of…read moreIndy's victims of violence and began exploring possible community partners for which I could raise funds. I had a friend who'd received counseling from Legacy House and began exploring their services and realized they were very much in line with my own philosophies. I contacted the Executive Director at the time, Michael Hurst, and we agreed that any funds I raised from that event would go to Legacy House. I was incredibly touched that Michael ended up coming out for my event on a very cold, snowy day and it began a friendship that continues to this day. While he has since left the organization, I continue to support and be appreciative of their work. Legacy House serves the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of adults and children affected by violence. They offer intervention, support, education, and understanding. Perhaps best of all, their services are provided at no charge. Shari Bradley has since become the Executive Director. They offer counseling and support services including individual/group therapies, support groups, sandplay, dog therapy, energy therapies, expressive arts, and a program called the BOOST program in the area of domestic violence. They have offices on the lower level of the North Arlington Community Health Center at 25th and Arlington. They receive much of their funding from the Health and Hospital Corporation, though they are a non-profit organization and also receive donations, grants, and hold special events each year. They observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week and staff can often be found at various events throughout the year during months offering education/awareness around violence. I participated multiple years in the Rocc-A-Thon on Monument Circle. Legacy House continues to be one of my favorite organizations in Indy, a real unsung hero that provides direct supports to survivors of violence and I continue to be in awe of the fact that they do so at no charge.

Harm not Help:…read more Retraumatizing, Irresponsible, Unethical. After my daughter's experience at this agency she said, "Mom, no one cares." Not only were we reintroduced to the trauma but fear of abandonment was re-enforced. We were so vulnerable, we trusted them with the most personal details and we were dismissed like we were nothing which made us feel unimportant. The first meeting with Kareema, she cancelled within the hour of our appointment. The secretary told me that Kareema was at lunch when we arrived. I discovered that she left a phone message when I was in the waiting room. I live on the southside, had just picked up my daughter from the northside, to go to the eastside for the appoinment. The secretary told me, "things happen." Then next, appointment, I told the secretary that I had to take a phone call from the police involving the trauma. They wouldn't see her until my phone call was over. The counselor thought that I had just walked-out. My daughter was excited to work with Kareema, they had a nice repoire. We made the next appointment in her office. Walking to my car in the parking lot, Kareema called and told me that she might need to reschedule, she didnt know and that I needed to call the next day to find out. All of this was very difficult, confusing, like I had to jump through hoops to get my daughter some help. I called and left a message with the secretary who had cancelled this appointment. I told her that my daughter is in crisis and needs to see Kareema ASAP. No one responded. Nothing was taken seriously, its just a game. The only time available was three weeks out. Just like my daughter said, "No one cares." I felt like I was in Wizard of Oz, or Alice in Wonderland. This place reinforced the trauma and sense of desperation. Very sad and devastating.

I had the opportunity tonight to offer the opening prayer at "A Night Under the Stars," the annual…read moregala raising funds for League of Miracles. League of Miracles is a sports complex designed specifically for children with disabilities and their families to participate in recreational opportunities. They are a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors. Located 3 miles east of Mooresville, they draw participating children and teens from several counties. During the Fall and Summer of each year, they operate a baseball league. Other times, they can be found sponsoring kickball. During the pandemic, they even did what they could and offered virtual activities. The baseball field is made entirely of rubber - this allows individuals in wheelchairs and who use walkers to round the bases safely. They also have a 40-foot by 60-foot building that is equipped with a large air-conditioned community room, a concession stand, and four fully ADA accessible restrooms (trust me, this is rare at a baseball diamond). They have ample parking and quite a few accessible parking spots. During tonight's gala, they were recognizing a young man who'd raised enough money to get an actual scoreboard installed. They have a goal of increasing their sports opportunities and to also transition into allowing adults to play. They have a special relationship with veterans groups and would love to get to a point of offering activities in adaptive sports for vets. Tonight's speaker was an Iraq War Veteran who became a double amputee after a bombing. They also have a relationship with nearby Damar Services. Many of the players have "buddies" and area high school students are known to get involved. They offer sponsorship opportunities for buddies, teams, the backstop sign, the outfield banners, a celebration sponsor, and an MVP sponsorship. I was super impressed with this organization tonight and with the dedication of its executive director and volunteers. I appreciated that they had a couple of the kids speak and they really spoke to strengths while also acknowledging disabilities. I even ran into the co-owner of my very first employer (I was awful, but it was a good learning experience). That made an already special night even more special.

The Martin Luther King Community Center has a long history in the Indianapolis area. It was first…read moreestablished in 1972 under Mayor William Hudnut III. Operations began at 4155 Boulevard Place in January 1973 as the Butler Tarkington Multi-Service Center. In 1977, it was relocated to 3951 N Illinois. In 1981, the name was changed to Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center and the service area was expanded. In 1984, a building was purchased at 3909 N. Meridian and, finally, in 1997, the current location at 40 W. 40th was acquired. Around 2014, the organizational structure was struggling quite a bit. If I remember right, the center was briefly closed to allow for a sort of organizational reset. This led to the hiring of Allison Luthe as executive director, a position she continues to hold to this day and she's most certainly massively rejuvenated the organization and its effectiveness. The MLK Center currently offers youth, family, and community programs. Youth programs include an after school literacy lab, the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, Tarkington Teen Work Crew, and 40 West Digital (training and work in video production). Family programs include wellness coaching (financial, employment, life), a parent support group, and loss and grief support group. Community programs include Midtown Get-Around (low-cost transportation within defined boundaries), Rent and Utility Assistance, shared lease program, a seniors program, mental health counseling, non-violence training, and loss/grief. The MLK Center will also rent space for gatherings (amazingly affordable). The MLK Center continues to be guided by six key principles from King's life: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding. Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice, not people. Nonviolence believes that unearned suffering is redemptive. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate. Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice. Having encountered the work of the Martin Luther King Center several times over the years (I used to be even more supportive when there was an oratory program), I continue to regard it as one of Indy's best kept secrets for area children and youth and it has super blossomed under Allison Luthe's leadership.

Shortly after the shelter-in-place order due to the pandemic went into effect, a friend of mine…read morereposted on Facebook a request for volunteers to deliver meals to families in need. I realized very quickly that this is something I could do to help give back to my community and give me a sense of purpose when all of my other volunteering opportunities were on hold. I quickly followed the links that took me to the Sign-Up Genius and secured my spot for that week. I arrived at the MLK Center headquarters with my face mask and gloves, and went inside to collect my bags of meals for that day. [COVID-19 UPDATE: That was just for that first week. They have since changed procedures to keep everyone as protected as possible. Now volunteers just line their cars up outside and other volunteers/staff load your car for you.] Inside the building, the office is clean and modest. There's a large meeting room, an even larger common area, a kitchen, and a separate activity room. Once my truck was loaded with my meals, I simply plugged the addresses from each sheet into my Google Maps app and followed my route. With each drop-off, I rang the door bell and stepped away. If no one answered, I called the number on the sheet, to let them know that the delivery was there on their porch. The staff is polite and hard working. I overheard that they're teaming with Second Helpings to put these meal bags together. I've often heard mention of the MLK Center in the news over the years, but until this pandemic, I've never had the chance to see up close and personal the impact them make on our community.