Inspirational snapshots of community members of Central Indiana and their stories.
Over the last seven years, we’ve grown to 106 students on our roster for the summer, but we serve 220 per day with our after school programming at several sites. Edna Martin created an extended family thousands and thousands of people deep over the years. It’s our job to keep up with her growing family!
—Jamie, youth program coordinator at Edna Martin Christian Center
The best advice I have gotten is from my parents. They told me to listen well. I manage a large staff and the main thing I’m doing is listening to their needs. Making the best working conditions I can for them so they can make the best art they can make for this audience.
—Janet, executive artistic director at Indiana Repertory Theatre
I think that each of us lives in an ivory tower. And places like the library get us to come down and interact with the community. I love the personal experience of coming to the library, but there’s also the community aspect. The community functions and concerts have brought me to the idea that libraries are centrally located to connect the citizens of Indianapolis.
—Terence, patron at The Indianapolis Public Library
People understand that what we offer is something different for families and kids…It’s been amazing to see how many people our programs touch. Last year we served 1,165 kids in one-to-one mentoring situations, and our waitlist is well over 1,000 kids…We’ve been able to really move the needle on how many kids we can help annually thanks to our volunteers, funding and programming. Reaching new kids is only meaningful if we can maintain a high-quality program.
—Darcey, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
This is my hometown! My favorite part of the city is all of the events. Every summer is a joy!
—Janai, participant of Indy Ultimate
We need people who can go out to their peers and teach them about what’s going on in their communities. Crossing boundaries, teaching people new things, and possibly saving a life – that’s rewarding to me.
—Sarah, youth ambassador at Brothers United
