Erskine-Green Training Institute was founded by the Arc of Indiana Foundation in 2016 as a "first…read moreof its kind" postsecondary vocational training program that specifically targets serving individuals whose academic, social, communication, and adaptive skills are affected due to a disability. Housed inside Muncie's Courtyard by Marriott on High Street, which is also owned by Arc of Indiana Foundation and managed by General Hotels Corporation, Erskine-Green Training Institute is named after two esteemed Hoosiers - Carl Erskine and Steve Green - both of whom have had their lives significantly impacted by disability and who've spent much of their lives advocating for people with disabilities. Erskine-Green offers 10-13 week programs in specific fields including hospitality, food service, healthcare, and inventory distribution. The programs aim to offer individuals with disabilities tangible job skills that will allow them to enter market-wage jobs in integrated community settings. At the three year mark, their success rate is between 80-85% in terms of those who've graduated from an Erskine-Green program actually finding jobs in their fields of choice. In other words, Erskine-Green is groundbreaking and it's changing the lives of people with disabilities for the better. The vast majority of students who attend Erskine-Green actually live within the Courtyard by Marriott during their 10-13 week training program. This provides the feeling of a "campus" and allows them to gain natural supports while also growing independent living skills. The community has embraced the program, with Ball State University serving as a resource for part-time employees who provide support, mentoring, and serve in other capacities. Ball State also provides other resources of support. IU Health has proven to be a strong corporate supporter and IU Health - Ball Memorial is a training site as is the Courtyard by Marriott and the 625 TapHouse located inside the hotel. In the program's early days, Scott Wise and Thr3e Wisemen Brewery was also a strong supporter. While I didn't attend Erskine-Green, I've been a supporter from its beginning and if you ever visit the Courtyard by Marriott you can find my name on the hotel's donor wall as someone who has done two fundraising events for the program. Funding for the program comes largely from Vocational Rehabilitation, though other funding sources exist including grants, self-pay, and both state/federal funds. I myself started a scholarship program at Erskine-Green. Entrance into Erskine-Green is not "automatic." You do have to have a certain degree of independent living skills, for example being able to handle or arrange for the handling of personal care, but other skills, like learning how to utilize public transportation, are taught within the framework of the program. Erskine-Green Training Institute has been so successful that plans are already underway to open a second campus in Evansville. Erskine-Green celebrates its alumni and maintains contact, though job placement is largely up to Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, job coaches, or an individual's support team. As part of the program, however, the students are taught both resume creation and interview skills. Erskine-Green offers career sampling sessions several times throughout the year and monthly general tours. As a working adult with a disability, Erskine-Green excites me because it's a quality program with a terrific staff and is empowering individuals with a disability to live up to their dreams and their highest potential. I've spoken at the school a couple times and I've been constantly impressed by teachers, leadership, students, volunteers, and everyone involved. The results speak for themselves and it's exciting to watch people realize they can truly chase their dreams. Erskine-Green continues to be one of Indiana's best kept secrets with a reputation that is growing that ensures the school won't be a secret much longer.

The Brick Room is awesome. The price is really a good value, the comedy was entertaining. It's a…read morereally small venue so be there when the doors open to get the best seats. And bring cash for concessions.

Hard to believe no one has reviewed the Brick Room. Maybe they are trying to save this hidden gem…read morefor themselves. An amazing place for comedy. Very small. Get there early.

I was pleasantly surprised with my haircut and the student who cut it. She was nervous at first…read morebecause she hadn't the opportunity to cut many men's hair. She was very professional and did an outstanding job and I plan on requesting her again on my next visit. The shop was very busy at the time but still maintained good quality service. So ask for Christy S. next time you go.

I decided to give Summit Academy a try for highlights and a cut! I am new to the area and thought…read morethis might be my best chance at finding a new hair stylist in Anderson. May of the students are almost finished with their schooling and will be starting their careers outside of the academy after that, going here is a good opportunity to find a student who may become your permeant stylist when they are on their own! (A lot of them use social media to post their styles, before/after photos, etc. and encourage you to follow them). Getting an appointment was easy, they were able to get me in very quickly for a highlight. They warned me that a highlight usually takes between 3-5 hours depending on length, student, etc. I was hoping for the 3-hour mark as it usually takes about 2 hours for me at a regular salon. It actually ended up taking 5.5 hours - it was a long day! This is the only reason for 4 stars, the time. But they warn you ahead of time, these are students and they are still learning/practicing. With that being said, plan 1/2 of a day for a highlight. The highlight itself was great - it was beautiful! She washed, styled and cut it too. There is the master stylist (teachers) that help each student with each customer to make sure things are going good along the way. The master stylist actually cut my hair since she was showing my student how to do a certain cut. Worth the time if you want something as gorgeous as mine turned out - you definitely get pampered. Bring a book when you go :) For a full-highlight, pH balancer (extra $12), cut and style it was only $63 total. Tipping is encouraged!

Went to the Broad Ripple Arts Fair this past weekend and had a great time! The festival is so…read morewell-organized and easy to navigate. It was so nice to talk to so many local artists and, of course, I bought a few pieces, as well. I also love coming to check out their galleries and love that they offer such a wide variety of classes.

I took a Make It Take It: Wheel Throwing class. I wasn't really sure what to expect but I had a lot…read moreof fun playing and "trying" to make something. It was a 2 hour class and I believe the tutorial took about 30-40 minutes of that 2 hours. You get to make 2 pieces, but I only made 1 because I kept messing up. LOL. I'm glad I brought an apron, and I suggest you do too if you choose to take this class. What I ended up with is a trinket looking dish. They keep it for about 2 weeks to fire and glaze it with the color you choose. I'll add a photo of the finished product when I get it. It was a lot of fun, but I really wish I would've had more time. I will do this again.

I, recently, attended a sewing class and learned how to make reversible mittens. The fleece and…read morefaux fur materials were perfect and exactly what is needed for cold Indiana winters. The quality is amazing! Remitha Lynn provided great instruction and was available to assist along the way to provide guidance. The price for the class was super reasonable. It was commensurate to the price of a pair of quality gloves from the store, but here I received an experience and skill! I highly recommend it!

From the owner: Sip & Sew November . 11-23-2019 Visit my Etsy Boutique…read morelisted on my website