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.

On this beautiful #ThankYouThursday, I want to share some gratitude for Random Acts of Flowers!…read moreThis nonprofit accepts fresh flower and used vase donations, then creates pretty bouquets that they deliver to people in healthcare facilities. They're making peoples' days all around the city and I think it's such a rad mission. If you have a wedding or big event, you should definitely donate your florals to RAOF instead of tossing them afterwards so they can continue to spread joy. If you don't have flowers or vases to donate, you can volunteer to make the bouquets or create an event for your office or friend group to craft bouquets while you chat. Super fun and simple!

Random Acts of Flowers(RAF) is an amazing non-profit started by a guy named Larson who saw a need…read moreand immediately took action. This random act of kindness turned into Random Acts of Flowers... This organization has since grown to have locations not only in Indianapolis but also in the Knoxville and Tampa Bay areas. Over the years they've aided in the improved well-being of over 481,000 bouquet recipients nationwide!! This.is.AmAzInG!! Yesterday, through work, I had the opportunity to help create bouquets to be delivered at Eskenazi Health. Our goal was 125 bouquets, we surpass our goal and I couldn't be more thrilled! Feeling extremely blessed to have been apart of something that makes such a positive impact! Being a nonprofit they rely heavily on donations. Please up cycle your extra vases and unneeded floral arrangements. Together we can make a huge impact on someone recovering!

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."

When I originally came I was quite confused on what to expect. I will say I had an amazing night,…read morethe environment was fun and full of entertainment. The food was delicious and very fresh, while the drink options were beyond my expectations! What I found odd is that I thought the expectations for the dress was formal and not fully black tie, yet I saw a few people wearing jeans. I thought the meaning behind the event was amazing and the staff from each vendor was attentive to each person.

My friend won tickets to this event so I got to attend as a guest. There was a nice array of…read morevendors present and I was surprised by the large number of tables for alcohol, my favorite being FTB (From The Bar). There was a lot to see and lots of yummy things to try. It was a fun change getting to dress up as well.

After parting with the vinyl shop we turn the corner and come across books outside noted FREE... we…read moreimmediately made a b-line over to take a look and see what they had to offer. There were alot of books to choose from. we were all able to find something . After which we went in to take a look around. They had a wonderful selection of childrens books, rare books as well. Its a medium sized spot but they fit a childrens corner in. I was pleased to find vintage Richie Rich and Sugar and Spike comic books for 1.00. This was certainly a wonderful place to stumble upon which had alot of gems inside. The vintage type writers were a really cool touch as well. Everything about this place was inviting and warm. At the cash register I came across an assortment of stickers and if you know me, you know I love stickers..Of course I grabbed a couple to complete my purchase. There is a space right by the door that has a sitting area, the leather chair was so comfortable but it was thw huge leather ottoman for me and the chess set that makes you wanna learn to play, if you do t already no how too. I could spend hours sitting and reading. Finally it was time to go but I will most certainly be back to see what other treasures I can find. Until next time Indy reads!!!

I have heard of indy reads, but had never had the chance to visit until recently, it is a well…read moreorganized space with an impressive selection of books! The shop embraces a cozy and welcoming feel, and the staff was very friendly! Can't wait to go back, check them out if you are in the area!

A pretty good co-working space. Great wifi, coffee, and overall vibe. It is a big open space to…read morework in, and a bit more quiet up in the loft. Good active Slack channel for members too. The breakout rooms and conference room are handy. Knocked off a point because: a couple of members have long loud video chats in the common space (not cool), and they seem oblivious to those around them (and as far as I can tell, mgmt does not clue them in to go move their calls to a room). Also, too many days where the space is completely closed to members.

This is such a great space!…read more I don't have a membership, so I'm writing from the event space perspective. This facility has a great rustic/industrial vibe, and is perfect for small to midsized events. Thoughtful consideration has been given to the design and the space is both roomy and intimate. The wood tables, comfortable variety of seating, and design accents just WORK. There's a really cute loft that could be used for a VIP area, staging space, or simply expanded space for event guests. The bar area is perfectly sized, and the conference room space makes a perfect prep kitchen. Overall score 12/10, would recommend

Our faith-based women's organization took a tour of this amazing facility created specifically for…read moresexual trafficked and exploited women. The facility was founded in 2016 with no budget and a bold vision to create a faith-fueled journey to heal and impart hope to women survivors of sex trafficking. Because of the generosity of local churches, groups, and individuals the facility has served over 800 women in the healing and aftercare of their trauma. The women have access to residential living, art therapy, vocational skills, canine training, prayer groups and church services, and so much more. Open to the public are a wonderful boutique and coffee shop, hair salon, and a barn rental venue for weddings, all supporting the center. Profits support their mission to provide a safe space to practice vocational skills for gainful employment. Short term and transitional housing programs are available based on needs of the women. There is a weekly food pantry distribution for the community. Volunteers services needed are in the areas of chefs, cleaning, drivers, maintenance for buildings and grounds, electricians, plumbers, painters, outdoor garden and greenhouse, etc. To inquire email : volunteers@hopecenterindy.org or phone 317-752-1500. Our group was extremely impressed with the facility, the staff, and the programming offered. There are many ways to contribute including personal hygiene products, books, clothing, and monetary donations.

I first became familiar with Legacy House when I decided to do a Tenderness Tour event in memory of…read moreIndy's victims of violence and began exploring possible community partners for which I could raise funds. I had a friend who'd received counseling from Legacy House and began exploring their services and realized they were very much in line with my own philosophies. I contacted the Executive Director at the time, Michael Hurst, and we agreed that any funds I raised from that event would go to Legacy House. I was incredibly touched that Michael ended up coming out for my event on a very cold, snowy day and it began a friendship that continues to this day. While he has since left the organization, I continue to support and be appreciative of their work. Legacy House serves the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of adults and children affected by violence. They offer intervention, support, education, and understanding. Perhaps best of all, their services are provided at no charge. Shari Bradley has since become the Executive Director. They offer counseling and support services including individual/group therapies, support groups, sandplay, dog therapy, energy therapies, expressive arts, and a program called the BOOST program in the area of domestic violence. They have offices on the lower level of the North Arlington Community Health Center at 25th and Arlington. They receive much of their funding from the Health and Hospital Corporation, though they are a non-profit organization and also receive donations, grants, and hold special events each year. They observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week and staff can often be found at various events throughout the year during months offering education/awareness around violence. I participated multiple years in the Rocc-A-Thon on Monument Circle. Legacy House continues to be one of my favorite organizations in Indy, a real unsung hero that provides direct supports to survivors of violence and I continue to be in awe of the fact that they do so at no charge.

Harm not Help:…read more Retraumatizing, Irresponsible, Unethical. After my daughter's experience at this agency she said, "Mom, no one cares." Not only were we reintroduced to the trauma but fear of abandonment was re-enforced. We were so vulnerable, we trusted them with the most personal details and we were dismissed like we were nothing which made us feel unimportant. The first meeting with Kareema, she cancelled within the hour of our appointment. The secretary told me that Kareema was at lunch when we arrived. I discovered that she left a phone message when I was in the waiting room. I live on the southside, had just picked up my daughter from the northside, to go to the eastside for the appoinment. The secretary told me, "things happen." Then next, appointment, I told the secretary that I had to take a phone call from the police involving the trauma. They wouldn't see her until my phone call was over. The counselor thought that I had just walked-out. My daughter was excited to work with Kareema, they had a nice repoire. We made the next appointment in her office. Walking to my car in the parking lot, Kareema called and told me that she might need to reschedule, she didnt know and that I needed to call the next day to find out. All of this was very difficult, confusing, like I had to jump through hoops to get my daughter some help. I called and left a message with the secretary who had cancelled this appointment. I told her that my daughter is in crisis and needs to see Kareema ASAP. No one responded. Nothing was taken seriously, its just a game. The only time available was three weeks out. Just like my daughter said, "No one cares." I felt like I was in Wizard of Oz, or Alice in Wonderland. This place reinforced the trauma and sense of desperation. Very sad and devastating.