The Indianapolis Foundation

Indianapolis Foundation Community Leadership Officer Josette Robinson got the chance to meet with Kareem Hines, CEO and founder of New Breed of Youth Mentoring Program (New B.O.Y.), a nonprofit that provides development and mentorship programs for young men in Indianapolis ?? Kareem was inspired to start New B.O.Y. because he had a New B.O.Y. in his own life growing up – at age 6, he began taking karate classes at the Harlem YMCA. ??Kareem’s karate instructor had an incredibly profound impact on his life, and when he grew up, he chose to create a program that would help young men in the same way. Hines believes sports provides a competitive environment and outlet where young men can feel safe expressing their true character, and feelings. In a lot of cases, sports can be therapeutic to young men who have experienced chronic trauma in their short lives; which can make them immune to some of the violence they witness on a daily basis, and then we see the suppressed grief turn into anger.?As young men develop relationships with New B.O.Y. mentors they allow their emotions to be revealed, and this is where New B.O.Y. leaders help the boys harness those feelings, and ensure they have healthy outlets to cope and process trauma. ???? We’ve got more on the way with New B.O.Y, so stay tuned! ??Learn more about New B.O.Y: https://lnkd.in/gnMRaBUJ #Indianapolis #NewBoy #Mentorship #NewBreedofYouth #MarionCounty #TheIndianapolisFoundation

Indianapolis Foundation President Lorenzo L. Esters shared his reflections on how our work to enhance housing, health care, economic, and environmental equity impacts our City and our neighbors:? ? ?? “I met a young woman expecting her third child, who was in an abusive relationship with emotional challenges … she was homeless. Because a community partner has the resources of a grant from the Indianapolis Foundation, that woman is now living in a safe home she can afford, and she is preparing to enroll in community college to help lift herself and her family out of poverty.” Horizon House??? ? ?? ”Then there was Kelli Jones, who launched a successful venture capital fund, recognized as the first African-American, woman-owned venture capital fund in the state. She also co-founded Be Nimble Foundation and received grant support from the Indianapolis Foundation for its entrepreneurship programs …J ones taught me the importance of reaching back to help others.”??? ? ?? ”Aster Bekele left a great job at a major corporation in our community and used an Indianapolis Foundation grant to start the Felege Hiywot Center’s?community garden so that young people could learn and understand both environmental challenges, but also opportunities, including green jobs and lowering energy costs. Aster showed me how we must always center youth and young adults.” ? The Indianapolis Foundation is clear in our mission to build a thriving community for the benefit of everyone across Indianapolis and Marion County.? ? ??Read?Dr.?Esters’ full op-ed in Indy Star:?https://lnkd.in/dhZt7Tn6? ? #ImagineIf #IndianapolisFoundation #Indianapolis #HousingEquity #HealthEquity #EconomicEquity #EnvironmentalEquity #MarionCounty

We’re still thinking about our “Imagine IF…” event on Monday night! ???? Thank you to our incredible community who joined us as we shared our Equity Imperative 2030 five-year strategic plan and new brand identity.? ? We were excited to be joined by Mayor Joe Hogsett and IF Board Chair Molly Chavers to kick off the night with welcoming remarks. Following, IF president Lorenzo L. Esters shared our new look and strategy to address equity in housing, the economy, health, and the environment here in Marion County.? ? A special thank you to our wonderful panelists who helped us envision what’s possible in Indianapolis - Be Nimble Foundation's Kelli Jones, Indiana University Health's Dr. Russell Ledet, EARTH CHARTER INDIANA's Tatjana Rebelle, Englewood Community Development Corporation’s Joe Bowling, and our very own Dr. Michael Twyman and Andrew Black. We were so fortunate to have Carolene Mays, CEO of Black Leadership & Legacies, Inc., as our moderator for this impactful discussion.? ? We’re looking forward to this important work. Learn more about our strategic plan on our new website - indianapolisfoundation.org. ?? ? #ImagineIf #IndianapolisFoundation #Indianapolis #HousingEquity #HealthEquity #EconomicEquity #EnvironmentalEquity #MarionCounty

We’re excited to announce our Equity Imperative 2030 Strategic Plan – a bold five-year vision to build a more equitable and thriving Indianapolis and Marion County. Here’s what this means: ?? Housing Equity: We’re committed to expanding affordable housing, eradicating homelessness, and creating stable communities. ??Economic Equity: We’re working to close the wealth gap, empower minority-owned businesses, and ensure everyone earns a living wage. ?? Health Equity: We're tackling mental health, access to healthcare, and reducing gun violence, with a special focus on our youth. ?? Environmental Equity: We’re driving renewable energy, environmental justice, and clean air and water for all. By focusing on these four interconnected areas, we’re ensuring that place, race, and identity will no longer determine outcomes. Learn more about the Indianapolis Foundation’s Equity Imperative 2030 Strategic Plan on our (brand new!) website - indianapolisfoundation.org ??

?? Introducing our new look! ?? #ImagineIF Tonight, in addition to announcing our bold, community-informed Equity Imperative 2030 Strategic Plan, we are also introducing a new brand identity for the Indianapolis Foundation. Our new visual identity features a circle and square logo to reflect IF’s centralized and specific commitment to Indianapolis and Marion County. More than a logo, this new brand represents IF’s promise to the geographic place and people it has served for more than 100 years. We’re excited to share more soon. Learn more on our website - indianapolisfoundation.org ?? #IndianapolisFoundation #Indianapolis #CommunityFoundation #HousingEquity #HealthEquity #EconomicEquity #EnvironmentalEquity

A message from our President Lorenzo L. Esters ?? ? It’s not too late to reserve your spot at our strategic plan and identity unveiling next week! Join the Indianapolis Foundation at The Crane Bay Event Center this Monday from 4-7pm. Gear up for a night of joy, inspiration and imagining “What IF?” We hope to see you there.??? ? ?? RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/gmCJSVNS ? #TheIndianapolisFoundation #ImagineIF #Indianapolis?

Are you ready to Imagine IF? Scroll for a sneak peak of what’s coming ?? Join us for an inspiring evening as we unveil the Indianapolis Foundation's bold new strategic plan and identity on Monday, September 30 at The Crane Bay Event Center. ?? RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gmCJSVNS #TheIndianapolisFoundation #ImagineIF #Indianapolis

Want to learn about how to effectively create and manage a board? We are proud to partner with Partec Consulting Group to host a workshop on board governance for BIPOC-led nonprofits in the Indianapolis area ????? Trainer Cheryl Francis will help participants learn what an advisory board looks like and introduce tactics to maximize their involvement, expertise and governance. This FREE workshop will be held on Thursday, Sept. 27th? from 9am-1pm at Martin University, 2186 North Sherman Drive.? ???????? ?? Scan the QR code below or email [email protected] for more information!? #Indianapolis #Freeworkshop #grantwriting #TheIndianapolisFoundation

“I realized I had a gift with the kids and that’s when I took it to the next level” Part Two of our Struggle University highlight! ?? Struggle University Founder Aaron Green shares his story of being born and raised on the east side, how he stayed focused, and fell in love with giving back to his community and social work. ICYMI, here’s what Struggle University provides for Indianapolis youth: ??? Emotional support and accountability through trauma-informed group sessions ?? Leadership roles for youth to facilitate future programs ?? Cultural and learning experiences, like field trips and college tours ?? Connections to jobs, educational resources and essential services Green and his team are on a mission to heal community trauma, build resilience, and break cycles of harm by fostering connection and accountability. The Indianapolis Foundation is proud to support Struggle University with development support as they look to reach even more youth across Indianapolis and Marion County. ?? Learn more about Struggle University: https://lnkd.in/dAW3SqNz #IndianapolisFoundation #StruggleMadeMe #StruggleUniversity #Indianapolis #MentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth

You’re invited! Join us for an inspiring evening as we unveil the Indianapolis Foundation's bold new strategic plan. We're excited to share how we’ll drive racial equity and economic opportunities so everyone in our community can reach their full potential—no matter place, race, or identity. ?? Monday, September 30 ?? 4 - 7PM ?? The Crane Bay Event Center Join us. Register in advance here:?https://lnkd.in/gmCJSVNS #Indianapolis #Indiana #IndianpolisFoundation #CommunityEvent #ImagineIF