Let's be honest…read more There are certain non-profits and certain businesses that are simply 5-star organizations. Anything else is unacceptable. It's so true that if you see someone bash the organization, you immediately think to yourself "This is not someone I want to know." It's true. You know it's true. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is such a non-profit. It's hard to describe everything Keep Indianapolis Beautiful does. Truthfully, I'm probably not even aware of everything Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (also known as KIB) does. I just know that when it comes to keeping Indianapolis a wonderful place to live, KIB seems to always be involved. I first became aware of KIB years ago when longtime friend David Forsell led the organization. If you haven't met David (and his wife Shannon), they are, in my estimation, one of "Indy's Couples." That's an official designation now, I made it up. Okay, back to KIB. KIB has programs in three areas: Clean Neighborhoods - Adopt-a-Block, Great Indy Clean-Up, Plogging, and Busy Roads/Waterways. Trees & Native Habitats - Project Greenspace, Habitat Restoration, and Community Forestry. Engaged Citizens - Urban Naturalists, Tree Tenders, Youth Tree Team, and KIB Ambassadors. It seems like whenever there's a community event, KIB is involved (I'm currently working alongside a KIB staff person jurying a film festival). It seems like if there's a community partnership to be had, somehow KIB is engaged with it. Their events are well-run, well-led, richly beneficial to our community, and remarkably empowering. Their office on Fletcher Avenue In 2009 became the first civic nonprofit in Indiana to have a building LEED Gold Certified by the US Green Building Council! KIB has wind turbines, a cistern to collect stormwater, rain gardens, a pervious pavement parking lot (which lets water filter through), and a sunny atrium filled with native plants. They also have a green roof and are dog friendly! In other words, KIB lives its values. As a non-profit, they have the highest possible ratings from both GuideStar and Charity Navigator. In short, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is one of those non-profits I consider to be "Indy's Non-Profits." These are organizations that truly make Indy a fantastic place to live (and it is). I love KIB and I love everything they do.

I joined KIB last year during the height of the pandemic, when I needed a healthy outlet to channel…read moreall of the anxiety I was feeling. I would go for walks daily to calm my brain, but I couldn't help but notice litter on the ground. It kind of messed with the calm vibe I was trying to accomplish -- every disposable mask and tissue and empty water bottle I would see on the ground would make me more and more irate. So instead of getting mad about it, I started to bring a trash bag and litter picker with me on my walks. Suddenly, my walks began to feel calming again. Picking up litter gave my walks a purpose. It gave me a feeling of control during a time when so many things felt out of my control (COVID cases spiking, the crumbling of society, etc.) Plus, I felt good knowing that I was helping, in a small way, to make other people feel calm during their walks, too, by removing the litter so they didn't have to see it. Not too long after I started picking up litter on my own, I found out about KIB. I learned that they have an Adopt-a-Block program, where you can "adopt" a portion of your neighborhood and maintain it (pick up litter, plant trees, etc.) I volunteered to be a Block Captain for a portion of the Monon Trail. KIB gave me some free supplies to help me start out (a nifty KIB trash bucket, lots of trash bags, gloves, a trash picker and a t-shirt). I've been an Adopt-a-Block Captain for almost a year now. Since then, I've walked lots of miles and picked up dozens (hundreds?) of buckets of litter. I've made friends with people I see regularly who use the trail where I pick up trash. I've had people come up to me and ask me about KIB (because they see me carrying my KIB trash bucket), and I'm always happy to sing this organization's praises and encourage others to adopt a block in their neighborhood, too. And KIB makes it super easy to do so. They are very inclusive and just want people to get involved in making their communities better places to live and play. I tend to enjoy picking up litter the most when I'm by myself, because it's become a meditative practice for me. But, I've also joined several litter-collecting projects that KIB has organized. These are always very well-thought-out, and they target areas of Indy that are under-cared-for and have a lot of litter lying around. During these events, it's nice to be around other people who love Indy and are as invested in it as much as you are. KIB has lots of projects happening all year, which is great because there is always something to do. I love this organization so much, and it's become a part of me and my lifestyle now. So much so, that one time, when my kids saw a KIB sign when we were out and about, they pointed to it and said, "Hey mom, that's you! That's the thing you do."

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.

They do wonderful work. Rescuing food and at the same time feeing those in need and simultaneously…read moreproviding training in the service industry for individuals who could benefit from it. I call that a perfect trifecta. All the folks here are just really friendly and upbeat. I have never encountered a rude employee/volunteer here. Got leftovers from a company catering, or bought too much groceries, or run a business that may generate food waste? Bring what you cannot use to Second Helpings. No donation is too small or too big. Rest assured no food goes to waste. What they cannot use, they will pass on to other organizations. They do have guest speakers available if you want to do a food drive for them or inspire others. I try to attend their events like the Souper Bowl... Be prepared, this event is a mad house, but so much fun... Soup stations all around the building, try one, try all and then vote for your favorite. Some soups are also available for purchase. Non-alcoholic drinks are usually provided. So next time you don't know what to do with food, your time or money, consider donating or volunteering for this organization. Well worth it.

It provides so much for Indianapolis and beyond. Food at no cost to over 200 agencies plus at many…read moreparks. The training program is valued at over $8,000 free of charge. Anyone completing the program can get an excellent paying job in the culinary industry. Second Helpings has an employment specialist on site. There are so many perks! Everyone there is happy! Anyone over the age of 18 can volunteer for as little or as much as they want to with very few exceptions.

I have gone to Anna's House for years. They always make you feel welcome. The staff and volunteers…read moreare wonderful, they treat you with respect and dignity. Produce is something that you don't normally get at a food pantry and theirs is fresher than a lot of stores. They always have a nice supply of it, among many other foods and supplies. Rebecca B.

My organization volunteers here monthly. This is an awesome place to volunteer. The staff and other…read morevolunteers are friendly and inviting. It is a busy day but it goes by really fast and you almost don't realize that you have been there for 3-4 hours. The Pantry has wonderful produce, meats, breads, and other items donated to them to give to those in need in the community. Some of the fruits and vegetables are fresher than some of the items I have seen in store. I love the fact that the food the people get is as desirable as food I would purchase in a store.

I have a really mixed relationship with Broad Ripple Village, located six miles north of downtown…read moreIndy and the longest established of Indy's seven cultural districts. The area was established by Jacob Coil (which is where the recently established Coil Apartments got their name) in 1836 - Coil actually did name it Broad Ripple because "the ripple in the river at this point was the largest and widest in the country." Legend had it only one man, Isaac Simpson, could throw a stone across it. The area has nearly 17,000 residents and is known for its diverse population. It played host to White City Amusement Park in 1906 and The Vogue opened in 1938. The Broad Ripple Village Association was founded in 1969 to promote life in the area. Of course, many who've lived here for years will testify that the area's "village" vibe has lessened over the years as ramshackle buildings are replaced by high-rise apartments and indie shops are replaced by corporate chains. Crime is higher these days (though overstated in my opinion). The bar scene has always been pretty heavy in the area and the introduction of parking meters continues to be an unpopular decision. I find accessibility to be hit-and-miss in the area, though it has improved with recent construction efforts as curb cuts get better, accessible parking improves, and at least some stores have made an effort to improve access. Some of the older buildings continue to be difficult in terms of access including one-step spots right on the strip and those places in some of the older residential settings. Broad Ripple continues to be a great area for dining, the still under development Riverwalk, a handful of great coffeehouses, nightlife, and a general artsy vibe. The Broad Ripple Art Fair continues to be popular, the Vogue is still a great spot for indie acts, the farmer's market is great, and Broad Ripple Park (and family center) remains popular (Personal Note: It's also where I was baptized!). In terms of parking, there are quite a few businesses with lots, the parking garage at 62nd and College, parking meters, and the Red Line goes directly to 62nd and College. Despite lamenting some of the commercialization of the area, I still have a soft spot for Broad Ripple and spend quite a bit of time here. To catch everything available, check out the Broad Ripple Village Association website as there's an awful lot to do including the Monon Trail and the Indianapolis Art Center.

This sub-division on Indianapolis is a happening spot. It was established in 1836 by Jacob Coilis…read moreand currently has a population of approximately 17,000 residents. It is an artsy kind of place that is filled with public art. You will find some awesome murals here. You will also find some nice shops, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants here as well. Some cool restaurants include 317 Burger, Union Jack Pub, Rise n Roll bakery, Sun King Brewery, Broad Ripple Brewpub, the Egyptian Cafe and Hookah Bar, Hoagies and Hops, and Brickhouse Dueling Piano Bar, just to name a few. And some cool and notable shops to check out include Indy CD and Vinyl, Monon Plant Company, Uptown Pup, Prairie General, Indy Urban Flea, and the Indianapolis Art Center. It is also home to the 62 Acre Broad Ripple Park. Most of the area is covered with metered street parking with a few commercial lots also available. It is a relatively clean area that has a high class feel. It is very close to Butler University and is a popular spot for many students. This is a beautiful place that holds a large portion of the Monon Trail and runs some of the White River Canal. They host a farmers market every Saturday, year round, in the Glendale Town Center. This is definitely a place to check out and spend some time at if you are visiting. It is a cool place for locals to come to as well. I thoroughly enjoyed checking out the shops and wonderful murals in the area. This area is full of life and packed with history and culture.

I have had the pleasure of volunteering at this organization to pack back to school bags for kiddos…read moreand have also dropped off food donations for their food pantry. They are located on the near east side and offer a variety of wraparound services for the neighborhood. Most notably, they offer several hot meals throughout the week and have a food pantry for families to pick up necessities. I was pleased to see that the food pantry has a variety of healthy options available versus the typical canned food limitations. It's very easy to get engaged with this organization and lend a hand. Highly recommend connecting with them if you're looking for a way to get back to the Indy community. I'm hoping to bring my son to volunteer with me in the food pantry in the months ahead.

I really enjoyed volunteering here. It was very impacting. I've never worked in a warehouse before…read morebut I would imagine that it's similar to the assembly line we had. I was at stop 3 so I handed out salad, peppers, or brocolli along with a pack of Starry and a bag from Starbucks. I didnt give 5 stars because some of the bags had old dates. I asked what the dates meant and was told not to worry about it. Many of the families driving through were very grateful and thanked us while the others looked away or didnt say anything at all. I was really happy to serve the community and would enjoy going back.

While, I appreciate Gleaners efforts to help. My first experience has been dulling by the lack of…read moreitems that I can use to add into or create meals.

I have been a Big Sister for three years now and love spending time with my little! The…read moreorganization does a great job of matching you and your little. The process to become a little takes some time but it is worth it and I appreciate that they are so thorough. The organization often has free tickets for events for us to enjoy or partnerships with museums and places throughout the city. The best part is impacting your little and seeing them grow up and become their own person- I plan on being a big until my little graduates and hopefully will still stay connected after her graduation! If you have the time and passion, this is a great place to volunteer!! My advice is to be yourself and be open to new experiences.

One of my favorite Indy non-profits! Rooted in their desire to ignite potential in the youth of…read morecentral Indiana, BBBS is a phenomenal organization that matches bigs and littles together to create a positive relationship for all involved. I've been a Big for four years now and absolutely love it. My little and I enjoy doing things together like riding bikes on the canal, playing at the YMCA, and going to game nights hosted by BBBSCI - all for free thanks to BBBS and their partnerships. If you're thinking of becoming a Big - reach out and ask me anything! I love everything about it and can't rave about it enough!