Your Story. Our Community.

We are certainly all about providing access to information but have taken it a step further. Instead of simply being a repository, we helping people use information to accomplish their goals.

In this day and age of internet information, our librarians now have the responsibility of educating the public about what is good information and how does it apply to your life.
—Roberta, president of The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation

I got involved because of my granddaughter. My granddaughter always wanted to be in the theatre like her aunt. So one Saturday, we were at the Anthaneum and all these kids came running in. It got me curious so I went over and I got to meet the director. I signed my granddaughter up that day. I couldn’t believe what they were able to accomplish with small amounts of time and a small budget. I attend almost every performance and most rehearsals throughout the year. This organization is amazing to me.
—Larry, board president of Asante Children’s Theatre

I was home for so long. I was very heavy and sat in a recliner day after day. And I didn’t think there was anything wrong with me. Through my time here I’ve lost over 80 pounds, and I’m a different person. The people here really want you to do well. They cheer for you, and it motivates you to do well so you don’t disappoint them!
—Sigrun, member at PrimeLife

There are many people that want to grow and change, but lack the support system to consistently do that. We match volunteer mentors with at-risk adults; people that may be homeless, have recently gotten out of jail or people that are aging out of the foster care system. The impact of our approach positively effects homeless rates, incarceration rates and helps people build their support network. It transforms lives and in doing so saves our city thousands of dollars annually. I spent many years working for the church; Trusted Mentors grew naturally out of that. The volunteers and funding make our service and mission possible, and we hope to become a model for other cities and areas to follow in order to help at-risk adults near them as well.
—Jeri, executive director and founder of Trusted Mentors

At the end of the day sometimes you’re beat, but whenever I pick Webster up all of the daily grind goes away and we have fun. Whether at an event or just chatting over a meal at Denny’s. Serving here, it’s a great growth experience as a human being, and it’s just a great investment in someone else’s life. I always feel great when I’m spending time with Webster.
—Eddie, Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana

I would encourage kids to get involved with BBBSCI. The Bigs are an inspiration, it helps kids that might be going through a hard time and it’s something that will just be fun for kids.
—Webster, Little Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana

Two years ago, we brought my three-year-old grandson to see “Peter Rabbit.” He had no spontaneous speech, meaning he would answer questions but wouldn’t say anything except for “hi.” So we brought him to see this play, and it was the first time he had ever been to the theatre. We had never even taken him to the movies because he was so fidgety . . . I was nervous at first, but he ended up doing a good job. After the performance, we took him out for a carriage ride. The farmer during the show said, “rows of vegetables, rows of vegetables.” He wasn’t talking much but during the ride he sees a sign with vegetables on it like in the play. All of a sudden he just started singing, “rows of vegetables, rows of vegetables.” This was the first time he had ever made a connection and all because of the show at the IRT.
–Terri, assistant house manager at Indiana Repertory Theatre