We love Trinity Child Care! Our 6 (almost 7) month old daughter has been there since April. They…read moremade me feel super supported going back to work when she was just 3 months old. She gets a big smile on her face every day when she sees her teachers and her friends. We have seen awesome progress with her on things like sitting up and starting to crawl that we know they work with her on!

This will be my children's third year at Trinity, and we absolutely love it. The teachers are…read moregreat, the staff really cares about the kids, and the programming during school breaks is phenomenal. They do so much fun activities and field trips that my kids actually look forward to going to daycare. The preschool has also been very good for my little ones. They have learned a lot, and the pre-k program really helps get the kids ready for kindergarten. I am very picky about who I leave my kids with, but I never worry when they're at Trinity because I know they are in good, caring hands.

The Indiana Children's Wish Fund grants wishes to Indiana children ages 3-18 who have been…read morediagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness. They were established in 1984, a year after my graduation from high school, and children are referred by parents, nurses, social workers, doctors, etc. To date, they've granted over 3,200 wishes with most wishes costing an average of $8-10,000. As someone who has, quite literally, grown up with a life-threatening illness that was considered terminal when I was born, I've long admired the work of Indiana Children's Wish Fund and even presented an award from my own charitable efforts to one of their active fundraisers. It was at that time that I became increasingly aware of their work and aware of local media personalities who are involved in supporting it. Fun facts - the most common request is a Disney World trip for the entire family. However, other wishes have included meeting former Presidents, the Pope, bringing a relative all the way from Ethiopia for a visit, and one young wish recipient even ended up being an extra in a Tom Cruise film. These Wish coordinators are really quite amazing and creative. When I was young and not expected to survive (I'm in my 50s now - I guess they were wrong), I sort of had a pre-wish (since the organization didn't exist) when it was arranged for me to meet my idol - Mario Andretti. It's an experience I've never forgotten and I still cheer for an Andretti in every race where there is one. I was in awe of this experience and I'm in awe of and strongly believe in this organization's mission to provide some light and love for children facing life-threatening illnesses and/or terminal illnesses. The Indiana Children's Wish Fund is a 501c3 non-profit organization and they're constantly fund-raising. While the pandemic has certainly impacted wishes, they do continue and children continue to be in need. Terminal illness doesn't really slow down for a pandemic. They are known as a fiscally responsible organization and, perhaps most importantly to me, also a truly sincere and compassionate one. They're undeniably one of Indiana's true non-profit gems. They are based in the Castleton area, however, they grant wishes statewide.

I've been a volunteer with Starfish for over 2 years now, and it has been the most rewarding…read morevolunteer experience I've ever had. The program matches college graduates with high school students who are typically going to be first generation college students and whose families' income falls within a range similar to the requirements for the 21st century scholars program. I was matched with a wonderful scholar who needed a rematch in her sophomore year because her previous mentor had to withdraw from the program. We took art classes, visited colleges, explored some parks, museums and ate out at fun restaurants. We also worked on college applications and stressed waiting to hear back...and I'm thrilled to say my scholar just started this summer at IU!! I'm looking forward to exploring Bloomington with her on my upcoming visits! If you're looking for a volunteer experience that will give you the chance to build a relationship and help make a difference for a young person I highly recommend Starfish! Time commitment needs to be regular, at least twice a month face to face with texting and calls in between, but can be anytime and anywhere that works for you and your scholar. I'm signed up to be matched with a new freshman in addition to staying on as a mentor with my now post Starfish college student. I'm hoping some other Yelpers will join me!

Great organization. They have really made some strides and do some great work for high school…read morekids. Plus a beautiful uplifting well decorating facility.

I was honored to represent the abused and neglected children as a CA for many years. I regularly…read moreworked on cases, and experienced first hand, the courts going out of their way to help children in the most complicated, and disturbing, situations. Child neglect/abuse is an epidemic in most states; including Indiana and the courts & state run services do as much as they can within the parameters of the budget they receive.

I volunteered with this organization for many years and can't speak highly enough of their mission…read more Volunteers visit with at risk children and "speak" on their behalf. After training, volunteers are assigned a child, typically in foster care. The volunteer meets with the child, wherever they may be and identifies any concerns, questions or requests the child may have. Many times the children are too young to speak for themselves, other times the children have been so neglected or abused, they need assistance and a friendly face, checking on their progress, while, hopefully the parent(s) gets their life together. The staff assign children to volunteers, interact with the courts and DCS and act as facilitators for any requests or questions raised by volunteers. Volunteers schedule visits on their time and have as much or as little interaction with the organization as needed. Children in foster homes need advocates and this organization is vital to their survival.

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.

Wonderful staff, treating the families with upmost love and dignity. The generosity of donors is…read moreunparalleled. Families arrive wounded and grow to find HOPE.

This is a straight up generous organization. Helping spouses of abuse in a safe and clean…read moreenvironment. They sent a nice thank you note for our donation and said our gift would feed a family of 4 for a month!! Wow! Who would have thought! Located on 38th street near the fairgrounds.

Very very good services. Wonderful bedside manner and you can see the passion and care Missionary…read moreVolunteer Services put into their work for the community. They will thoroughly meet your needs. I'd give 6 stars if I could.

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.