I'm a 14 year member, so obviously I'm highly biased, but this is one of the best women's…read moreorganizations you can join in the City of Indianapolis to meet exceptional women, develop leadership skills and give back to your community in a big way. New members are welcome each each.

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."

This is an excellent facility. I came here to purchase some items from the Girl Scout store and…read moreended up taking a tour. The facility is updated and very clean. In addition to the store, which carries all your girl scout needs, they have meeting rooms, a game room, administrative offices and a lounge. They also have a very nice patio area out front and a decent sized parking lot. The store has all your Girl Scout needs from official uniform clothing, to badges, to patches, and some toys. I was greeted immediately when I came in. I told them what I was looking for and the woman working got all the pieces of the uniform together for me. They made it very easy. They all were very helpful and knowledgeable about the program. I really like this facility and hope that my daughter's troop will be able to incorporate this place into their program and maybe even go camping or earn some badges here. This place is well planned out and put together. Every scout should have the opportunity to go there at some point.

I came to Indiana excited to volunteer at this organization after years of working with another…read morechapter out of state. My initial email was met with confusion. I finally met with a director whom seemed uninterested in working with me. I continue to help out as I could. The chapter as a whole was not innovative or creative. They seemed happy to continue doing the same activities year after year. They actually hosted a cookie and beer event one year. I thought it was a good addition, but tons of people complained. It was beyond strange. People here say they want to do more, but back off when met with resistance. After two years of trying to help, I finally gave up and took my money elsewhere. This chapter is extremely unwelcoming to outsiders. The prefer volunteers with Indiana roots or children in the chapter. I had neither. Also, this place is located across the street from the Women's Correctional Facility. It seems like an odd location for a children's camp.

How had I never been in the Stutz building before this event?!…read more The car-factory-turned-arts-hub is unique for sure. The hundreds of rooms are rented by local artists and makers who use the space to elaborate on their art and/or host classes for the public. This event allows you to explore the whole plus. Add on the twinkle lights, fun crowd, and wine for an all-in-all great and funky evening. You can buy art, explore the interesting venue, or talk with local makers. Several of the artists also have classes throughout the year which is always interesting to learn more about. If you've never checked out this event, you definitely should to have your eyes opened to an artsy view into Indy!

Ok, how do you get into this place? I had that question for a long time but thanks to some Yelp…read morereviews and maps I finally figured it out. Here's my insight: This is for entering the complex from the south. There are two "alleys" that intersect each other at a right angle. The first alley is off Capitol close to 10th Street. It has an iron gateway which is easily identifiable. The other alley is off 10th Street. This one looks like it just dead ends into a garage door and it does, but that also where it intersects with the first alley. There's a small door next to the garage door which is the entrance. After entering you go through the door on the left to get to the main hallway. Wow that was a long way to explain entering the building, but once you know it's really simple. So... I went to the Holiday open house in December and it was amazing! The artists said the April one is even bigger but this was fantastic in its own right. There's 4 floors of artist, live music, food, and classic cars on display. If you enjoy attending First Friday gallery events this is a must try!

If it's related to the arts in Lawrence, there's a pretty good chance that Arts for Lawrence has a…read morehand in it. Started as a non-profit in 2006, Arts for Lawrence is the largest non-profit arts organization in Lawrence and Indy's northeast quadrant. The organization serves as the steward for the historic Theater at the Fort and offers a remarkably diverse array of affordable arts programs at Theater at the Fort, Fort Ben Cultural Campus, and the Visual Arts Campus. VERY often, these activities are provided at no charge to the community. This was the case for this past weekend's Shakespeare at the Fort: A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by longtime Indy radio personality Matthew Socey. At one point, I was contemplating placing a memorial for children lost to violence in the Fort Ben area - It was Arts for Lawrence that responded and had some dialogue about the idea. Essentially, I've found the organization pretty amazingly responsive when it comes to exploring ideas for creatively improving the lives of Lawrence residents. The musical chairs at Fort Ben? Arts for Lawrence is behind this wonderful, family-friendly installation operating daily from 9am-10pm. (I do agree with some who've observed it would have been ideal to include at least one accessible swing). The Fort Ben Cultural Campus as launched in 2021 with the former Fort Harrison Communications Building moved to the campus and re-established as a Visual Arts Center with monthly exhibitions, a ceramics studio offering classes for all ages and abilities, and upstairs area offering additional classes. Programs include festivals, theater performances, outdoor concert series, art classes, art exhibitions, poetry readings, and more. Food trucks often appear at outdoor events. Being right by Lawrence's City Hall, this area seems to have become a central locale for many of the City's sponsored community activities. Arts for Lawrence also has a strong equity statement on their website indicating a desire to ensure that arts programming is accessible to all. The Visual Arts Center is now open from 6-9pm daily and during festivals. Additional features include the Sterrett Center, Marching Sidewalk, Lawrence's public art, the amphitheater, and an app offering AR/VR experiences. Arts for Lawrence only assumed stewardship of Theater at the Fort in 2016. They began a vigorous upgrading of the 1929 theater and while it's certainly not perfectly accessible (what 1929 building is?), it's dramatically improved and there's an attitude of access. As a city, Lawrence fairly recently established a commission on disability. It took me quite a while to realize that many of the activities I attend here in the Fort Ben area fall under the umbrella of Arts for Lawrence. I'd imagine it will only improve once the currently under construction Fort Ben branch of the Indianapolis Public Library is completed. There's so much to love here and Arts for Lawrence is behind much of it and they've become a guiding player in the growing Lawrence arts scene. With friendly people, great events, and opportunities for all, I'm definitely a fan of Arts for Lawrence.

I love coming to support local artists here! I have been a few times now for Crossroads Dance Indy…read moreperformances and I love it every time. The venue feels small, but still fits an audience of 100+. The staff are always so friendly and do a good job of guiding you where to go. The restrooms are always clean as well. The parking situation isn't super great, however. I usually park in the lot across the street, but there isn't a ton of room on show nights. You'd have to find street parking if it were a busy night. Plan extra time just in case!

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.

Helpings of Hope is a local non profit that works to eliminate hunger and food waste by…read morecommunity-driven projects that provide food and education. One of their projects includes an urban farm where they produce fresh and healthy produce. Some of the produce is sold at local farm markets to raise money for their programs. I ran into the staff selling produce and raising awareness at the Pike Farmers Market last Saturday. The produce was beautiful and looked delicious. Heirloom carrots were photo worthy. I purchased some herbs and multicolored Swiss chard. The prices were incredibly reasonable. The volunteer clerk was friendly and helpful. This is a good organization with a noble mission. I'll be returning to support.

I love this organization and all of the wonderful storytellers that it hosts on a regular basis…read more The most-recent storyteller was Tim Tingle who told: "From Boarding School to Alcatraz, the Clarence Carnes Story" last weekend. Check out their website and take a chance on the next performance. You will not be disappointed!