LAP Community Resources

Enrichment Opportunities

Visit any of the following educational and recreational attractions in Indianapolis to provide your family with a broad-range of experiences to learn from and grow.

  • Children’s Museum – Visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, a fun place where children of all ages learn to learn.
  • Indy Parks and Recreation – Indy Parks and Recreation currently maintains and operates more than 188 park properties in Indianapolis and Marion County. Each park offers unique and inexpensive recreational opportunities for you and your family.
  • Marion County Public Library – The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library provides materials, programs and services in support of the lifelong learning, recreational and economic interests of all Marion County citizens.
  • IMCPL Wayne – Wayne Branch
  • Conner Prairie – Conner Prairie is the nation’s finest outdoor living history museum, based in Fishers, Indiana.
  • Clowes Hall – Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, a professional performing arts facility, has been dedicated to lifelong learning in and through the arts.
  • Indiana History Center – At the Indiana History Center, visitors discover the fascinating stories of the state’s past through interactive changing exhibitions, a state-of-the-art theater and research library, a music room featuring Indiana musicians, educational programs and special events. The center also features the History Marker gift store and a canal-side café with summer concerts.
  • Eiteljorg Museum – The Eiteljorg Museum showcases both Native American and Western art, culture and history. The museum contains one of the best Native American and Western art collections in the world, including traditional and contemporary work.
  • Indiana Repertory Theatre – The Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) values live theatre as an entertaining and educational event. The theatre provides a unique opportunity for audiences and artists to share experiences that can be enjoyable, uplifting, thought-provoking, and even life-changing.

Tutoring

      • Indiana Center for Family, School and Community Partnerships
        4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 100
        Indianapolis, IN 46205
        Tel – 317-205-2595
        Fax – 317-205-9790
        Toll free – 1-866-391-1039
        SERVICES -This website provides additional listings of Tutoring Opportunities Across Indianapolis. The services listed include, free, low cost and fee-based tutoring programs.
      • Boys and Girls Club
        300 E. Fall Creek Parkway North Dr. #400
        Indianapolis, IN  46205
        Phone (317) 920-4700
        Fax (317) 920-4701
        Email
        SERVICES: The Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis is open to all youth between the ages of five and eighteen. The Boys and Girls Club provides programs in five core areas: character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness, and recreation.  There are 9 locations throughout Indianapolis.  Go to the website to search for a club location near you.
      • Salvation Army Eagle Creek Corps
        4400 N. High School Road
        Indianapolis, IN 46254
        Phone (317) 299-4454
        Fax (317) 299-0875
        SERVICES: The center arranges free tutoring help for students.  They also offer a low-cost after school homework help and recreation program until 6pm. They offer transportation from Snacks Crossing and Deer Run Elementary schools.  On Thursdays, there are additional evening activities for youth.  Also, on Wednesdays and Friday evenings there are ESL classes at 6 p.m.  Additionally, the center provides bible studies and other faith-based activities for people of all ages as well as movies and recreation for seniors.
      • Shepherd Community Center
        14107 E. Washington Street
        Indianapolis, Indiana 46201
        Phone (317) 375-0203
        SERVICES: Shepherd Community offers an after school program that provides free homework help, recreational activities, and meals for students from first grade through age eighteen.  In addition, the center offers summer day camp enrichment (including meals) for children between the ages of five and twelve.   There is a family relationships coordinator on site who helps parents meet their needs such as GEDs, medical services, and parenting classes.  Additionally, the Hispanic outreach section of the center ensures Hispanics will be able to communicate their needs.  Transportation is provided for people in the 46201 and 46203 zip codes.
      • Wheeler Mission Ministries
        245 N. Delaware St.
        Indianapolis, IN 46204
        Phone (317) 635-3575
        Fax (317) 686-6231
        Visit the WMM website.
        SERVICES: Wheeler is a nondenominational, Christian, social services organization, which provides needed goods and services to homeless, poor, and needy of central Indiana without regard to race, color, national origin or religion.
      • Brightwood Community Center
        2410 N. Station St.
        Indianapolis, IN 46218
        Phone (317) 546-8200
        Email
        SERVICES: Brightwood Community Center offers one-to-one tutoring and homework help for students through eighth grade. They also provide dinner for the students. This service is for Perry and IPS students of the Martindale-Brightwood and Forest Manor areas of Marion County only. In addition, the center provides lunch for seniors, a food pantry, clothing, computer training, and life-skills for women.
      • La Plaza
        8902 E. 38th St.
        Indianapolis, IN 46226
        Phone (317) 890-3292
        Fax (317) 898-4397
        Email
        SERVICES: La Plaza offers numerous services for the Hispanic community in Indianapolis. Their summer discovery program for students entering first through fifth grades is offered in the summer. La Plaza also offers free ESL classes for adults, computer classes in Spanish for a nominal fee, preparation for college and vocational schools, and a scholarship fund for Latinos. La Plaza has multiple health and social services available including a bilingual pediatric clinic, legal services, tax assistance, translators, and an immigration counselor.

Scholarships

      • DePauw University
        International Center
        P.O. Box 37
        Greencastle, IN 46135
        800.447.2495
        765.658.4030
        765.658.4137 (fax)
        OVERVIEW: The DePauw University International Center is established to help students not only apply to the university, but to understand the immigration laws so that they may attend legally.  The center also helps students locate financial aid to fund their education.  One scholarship available is the Holton scholarship, one of the most prestigious awards available to immigrant/international students.
      • FinAid
        View more information.
        OVERVIEW: FinAid is an online resource for any student; however, it has resources for immigrant students, documented and undocumented.  The site has information for students looking for financial aid and scholarships.  It also explains the conflict students may face when seeking in-state and federal aid.  State and federal laws do not correspond in many cases, so this leaves some loopholes for students to pursue.  Finally, FinAid informs students of how they may pursue different types of aid and scholarships, particularly private scholarships. A list of other sites is given, so students may pursue scholarships.  On-line financial aid forms are also available to students.
      • The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships
        For New Americans
        New York
        View more information.
        OVERVIEW: This resource’s sole purpose is to help immigrant students achieve a higher education.  It was established by families and donors in gratitude for the education and life they have achieved in the United States.  This is an extensive resource, listing several college/university scholarship sites as well as general scholarships available for use at any college/university.
      • La Plaza, Inc.
        8902 E. 38th Street
        Indianapolis, IN 46226
        317.890.3292
        317.898.4397 (fax)
        View more information.
        OVERVIEW:La Plaza, Inc. is an organization that focuses on responding to the basic needs of the Hispanic/Latino community through health and social services, developing productive citizens with economic development and its youth/adult education programs, and embracing community inclusiveness through its arts and culture celebrations.
        La Plaza also publishes a 30 plus page scholarship guide for Latino students, informing them of the financial opportunities available to them.  Scholarship types range from school offerings to private monies.

Government

      • Chuck Jones, Wayne Township Trustee
        Wayne Township Fire Department
        Township Emergency Assistance
        5401 W. Washington Street
        Indianapolis, Indiana 46241
        (317) 241-4191 Office
        (317) 246-6345 Fax

        chuck.jones@waynetwp.org
      • Wayne Township Fire Department
      • The City of Indianapolis Police Department
        50 North Alabama Street
        Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
      • Non-Emergency Dispatch: (317) 327-3811
        Emergency: 911

Medical

      • Mental Health Association in Marion County (MHAMC)
        2506 Willowbrook Parkway, Suite 100
        Indianapolis, IN 46205
        (317)251-0005
      • Crises and Suicide Intervention
        (317)251-7575
        Teen Link Hotline(317)255-TEEN
      • Wishard Health Services: Midtown Community Mental Health Center
        1001 W. Tenth Street
        Indianapolis, IN 46202
        (317)639-6671

        Meridian Psychological Associates, P.C.
        4401 North Central Ave.
        Indianapolis, IN 46205
        Migdelia Saldana-Bolin, MA, LCSW, LMHC
        317-923-2333
      • Indiana Association for Infant and Toddler Health, Inc.
        1413 N. Delaware Street
        Indianapolis, IN 46202
        317-638-3501
      • Riley Hospital
        ADHD/Disruptive Behavior Disorders Clinic
        702 Barnhill Drive
        Indianapolis, IN 46202
        317-274-8162

Social Services

      • Wheeler Mission Ministries
        Visit the WMM website
        (317) 635-3575
        Contact Us: Cal Nelson – Senior Director, Community Services
        245 N. Delaware St.
        Indianapolis, IN 46204
        OVERVIEW: Wheeler Mission Ministries is a Christian, non-denominational, social services organization which supplies needed services and goods to the poor, needy, and homeless of central Indiana with no regard to color, creed, race, religion, or national origin.  It is not a church but does work together with several churches that are also concerned with homelessness and poverty in the city.
      • La Plaza, Inc.
        Visit the website
        t. (317) 890-3292
        f. (317) 898-4397
        Miriam Acevedo Davis (Executive Director)
        8902 E. 38th Street
        Indianapolis, IN 46226
        OVERVIEW: La Plaza is the result of the Hispanic Center, Fiesta Indianapolis, and the Hispanic Education Center merging together.  Its combined resources help to better serve the needs of Indianapolis’ Hispanic community.  It provides health and social services, works at developing productive citizens, focuses on youth/adult education and economic development, and embraces the inclusiveness of community through its culture and arts celebrations.
      • International Center of Indianapolis
        Visit the website
        Email
        (317) 955-5150 (tel)
        (317) 955-5160 (fax)

        32 E. Washington St., Ste. 1625
        Indianapolis, IN 46204
        OVERVIEW: ICI helps to connect and welcome people of all cultures in the greater Indianapolis community.  They will celebrate and promote cultural diversity, help people facing cultural challenges, and work to create a community that values and embraces people from diverse cultures.  ICI serves by facilitating communication, helping to develop local understanding for diverse cultures, and providing opportunities for diplomacy of citizens and international exchange.
      • Indiana Center for Intercultural Communication (ICIC)
        Email
        620 Union Drive, UN407
        Indianapolis, IN 46202
        Tel. 317-274-2555
        Fax 317-274-5616
        OVERVIEW: The Indiana Center for Intercultural Communication (ICIC) is a service and outreach center which is part of the Department of English and the School of Liberal Arts, located on the IUPUI Campus.  The ICIC specializes in designing site – and situation – specific training to provide organizations and individuals with the tools for effective cross-cultural communication.
      • Exodus Refugee Immigration
        Visit the website
        Email
        Tel. 317.921.0836
        Fax 317.921.1992
        4550 N. Central Avenue
        Indianapolis, IN 46205
        OVERVIEW: Exodus supports victims of war, persecution, and injustice with the help of local faith-based and community organizations.  They rebuild refugees’ lives and regain human needs and rights.  Exodus empowers refugees by providing employment services, comprehensive case management, and financial assistance by joining clients with local resources while helping promote independence.
      • Big Brothers Big Sisters
        http://www.bbbsci.org
        Email
        (317) 921-2201
        BBBS of Central Indiana, Inc.
        2960 N. Meridian Street, Suite 150
        Indianapolis, IN 46208-4715
        OVERVIEW: Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest, most effective, and oldest mentoring organization for young people in the U.S.  They work to create positive relationships for youth that have a lasting and direct impact on their lives.  They mentor children ages 6-18, helping them reach their potential through one-to-one relationships with mentors.  “Bigs” (mentors) and “Littles” (mentees) spend a few hours together each month doing things that both enjoy.
      • Bosma Industries
        Visit the website
        (317) 684-0600 (Main Number)
        Jodi Schultz
        8020 Zionsville Rd.
        Indianapolis, IN 46268
        Monday-Friday open from 8:00am – 4:30pm
        OVERVIEW: Bosma Industries is an organization which provides one-on-one instruction with all aspects of independent living and communication skills to those with visual impairments.  This service helps adults from ages 18 and older.  There are rehabilitation teachers who serve Indiana and they are a resource in local communities for information about this service.  This is a free service for those who qualify.  Bosma assesses individuals and are given four-week training.  The individual is either placed with a job at Bosma or receives assistance in obtaining a job out in the public.
      • Child Care Answers
        Visit the website
        Email
        Victoria Cuenco (Bilingual Referral Specialist): (317) 636-5727 ext. 232
        Main Number: (317) 631-4643
        3750 N. Meridian St.
        Indianapolis, IN 46208
        Monday-Friday Open from 8:00am – 5:00pm 
        OVERVIEW: Child Care Answers is an organization which provides referrals to various child care providers.  Individuals can get information about child care providers within Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, and Marion Counties.  This site gives several listings of child care providers, sliding fee scales, and subsidy contracts.  This organization also accepts concerns or complaints about the provider.
      • Indygo Open Door
        Visit the website
        Customer Service
        (317)635-3344
        (317)917-8747 Reservations
        (317)917-8758
        1501 W. Washington St.
        Indianapolis, IN 46202
        OVERVIEW: This service provides bus transportation that is different from the traditional.  It is a curb to curb service meaning it will pick up an individual from one place and take them to their designated destination such as work, home, grocery store etc.  The fee is $2.50 each way.  Any individual with a disability can request a form from customer service.  The individual with a disability then gets that filled out by their doctor and set up a live interview to ensure that this service is truly needed.Then, the individual will receive a card with their identification number on it so that when they need to make a reservation they can call the reservation line, give their number and date along with time that they want to be picked up, and make their appointment.  This service does not discriminate against immigrants with disabilities.
      • Indy Parks
        Visit the website
        (317) 327-PARK ask for Dee Dickerson
        Multiple Locations
        Hours of Operation: Dawn to Dusk
        Megan Bauer (317)327-2052 Mayor’s Latino Affairs Office
        Neighborhood Liaison
        OVERVIEW: These facilities offer many indoor and outdoor activities.  Some are free and some there is a fee.  Indy Parks is a community safe resource.  It is open for everyone.  They offer picnic shelters for family fun as well.  An individual who is interested in what Indy Parks offers can visit their website and click on events calendar.
      • Vocational Rehabilitation
        Visit the website
        (317)232-1571
        (317)232-1572 TTY
        3607 W. 16th St. #A3
        Indianapolis, IN 46222
        Monday-Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm
        OVERVIEW: This resource provides a variety of services related to employment and maintenance of employment for individuals with physical or mental disabilities.  Vocational Rehabilitation helps individuals that are qualified obtain necessary devices in order for them to go to school or work.  For example, a visually impaired person might need a large screen monitor.  If they are qualified, then Vocational Rehabilitation will buy this device for that particular individual.
      • Holy Family Shelter
        (317) 635-7830
        30 E. Palmer St.
        Indianapolis, IN 46225
        OVERVIEW: Holy Family Shelter is the only shelter in Indianapolis that allows families to stay together rather than separating a family’s members by gender.  The shelter, which first opened its doors in 1984, serves approximately 1000 individuals and 300 families each year.  In addition to providing emergency residential shelter, Holy Family Shelter also provides three meals per day, hygiene supplies, access to telephones, laundry facilities, and transportation to those in need.  All of the services are free of charge and families residing at Holy Family Shelter meet with case managers who provide advocacy and referral for community services, jobs, training, education, and permanent housing.  The families can also receive support services that include parenting classes, medical services, counseling, and legal assistance.
      • Breaking Free Domestic Violence Hispanic Outreach
        (317) 634-6341
        615 N. Alabama St., Suite 320
        Indianapolis, IN 46204
        OVERVIEW: This organization caters specifically to Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence.  The non-profit group serves 8 counties in central Indiana and provides Hispanic domestic violence victims referrals to legal and social services.  The group provides court support, monitoring, and advocacy.  A Hispanic advocate is also present every Friday at Court 21 from 9 am to 1 pm to serve as an interpreter and help Spanish-speaking clients file protective orders.
      • Coburn Place Safe Haven
        Visit the website
        (317) 923-5750
        604 E. 38th St.
        Indianapolis, IN 46205
        OVERVIEW: Coburn Place is a homeless shelter in Marion County that serves women and children who have become homeless after leaving an abusive relationship.  The shelter provides long-term housing in addition to supportive services aimed at developing the residents’ emotional, financial, and physical independence and security. While living at Coburn Place, all residents must work full-time or work part-time while attending school or training programs.  Residents also learn to become financially independent through the organization’s expectation for residents to pay part of their housing costs.  Some of the support services offered at Coburn Place include comprehensive case management, support groups, credit counseling, education referrals, HIV/AIDS education, children’s activities, medical care, legal counsel, and 24/7 security.
      • Marion County Division of Family Resources-Main Office
        Dan Carmin, Director
        (317) 232-3645
        129 E. Market Street
        Indianapolis, IN 46204
        OVERVIEW: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) has replaced what was formerly known as “welfare”, AFDC (or Aid to Families with Dependent Children).  The welfare system has been reformed to reflect a focus on “work first” and “personal responsibility.”  TANF is a program that provides cash assistance and supportive services to assist families and help them become self-sufficient.  To be eligible for TANF, families must have children under the age of 18 who are deprived of financial support from a parent by reason of death, absence from the home, unemployment, or physical or mental incapacity.To apply for TANF, an individual must contact his/her local Division of Family Resource Office (DFR).  The individual needs to fill out an application and then an appointment is made to meet with a caseworker.  At the appointment, the caseworker discusses an individual’s needs and determines if he/she is eligible to receive services. The initial interview takes about 1-2 hours and a decision is usually made within 45 days.
      • Marion County Division of Family Resources-Main Office
        Dan Carmin, Director
        (317) 232-3645
        129 E. Market Street
        Indianapolis, IN 46204
        OVERVIEW: The Food Stamp Program is administered through each individual state, but 100% of benefits and 50% of the administrative costs are federally funded.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition Services dictates the program’s regulation and how it is implemented.  In Indiana, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is responsible for making sure that federal regulations are implemented and consistently applied in each county.  The goal of the Food Stamp Program is to raise the nutritional level of low-income households.  The program enables low-income families to purchase nutritious food through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. To apply for the Food Stamps Program, an individual must fill out an application, available from the county’s Division of Family Resources office.  Applications are available in English and Spanish and require a name, address, and signature of a household member.To qualify for the Food Stamps Program, applicants must meet the financial and non-financial requirements.  Non-financial requirements include state residency, citizenship/alien status, work registration, and cooperation with the IMPACT Program.  To meet financial requirements, a household must have less than $2,000 in assets (bank accounts, cash, real estate, vehicles, personal property, etc.) and pass a gross income test (based on household size and gross monthly income received by all household members).
      • Family Service of Central Indiana
        615 North Alabama Suite 320
        317-634-6341
        OVERVIEW: The Family Service of Central Indiana provides many services to strengthen families during times of crisis and change.  Family Service is a non-profit organization with five offices throughout Central Indiana; most services are either free or sliding scale.  Their services include counseling, support groups, and parenting classes.  The Parent Education offers classes for parents with children of different age groups (Infants/Toddlers, 3-6 Year Olds, 7-11 Year Olds, Teens).  They offer Spanish speaking classes at the main office upon request.
      • Midtown Mental Health Center – Westside Clinic
        5610 Crawfordsville Road, Suite 2201
        Indianapolis, IN 46224
        317-244-2243
        OVERVIEW: Midtown Mental Health Centers began in 1969 providing individual, family, and group counseling based on sliding-scale fees.  Midtown also provides inpatient and outpatient services for emotional and behavioral problems.  Midtown is also connected with Wishard Hospital in downtown Indianapolis and provides the Department of Psychiatry for the hospital.  They also provide crisis counseling and crisis intervention on a confidential basis.  Midtown also works with those clients with severe mental illness.  Furthermore, Midtown Mental Health Center has locations throughout the Indianapolis area and families can apply for the Wishard Advantage Program in order to pay for counseling services.
      • Community Action of Greater Indianapolis (CAGI)
        2441 North Meridian Street
        Indianapolis, IN 46208
        317-396-1800
        317-396-1771 (Spanish)
        OVERVIEW: CAGI provides assistance with utility (lights and gas) bills every winter season to those families who are low income and qualify for assistance.  The clients they serve must meet certain income guidelines, and this year they are providing assistance for those who are under the 150% poverty line.  Clients can bring in their utility bills to one of their offices to receive assistance in paying a certain percent/amount of the bill. With natural gas prices increasing, CAGI can help low-income households keep their utilities, especially their heating source, from being disconnected during the winter months.  CAGI also provides assistance during the summer months in keeping houses cool; this is done by providing $50 towards a light bill, a box fan or an air-conditioner, depending on the situation in the house.
      • Children’s Bureau
        Visit the website
        3801 North Temple Avenue
        Indianapolis, IN 46205
        317-545-5281
        OVERVIEW: The Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) is a federally-funded program that assists low-income families pay for child care so they can work, continue their education, etc.  Families have to make below the 127% poverty level in order to qualify for the program, and to stay on the program, they can make no more than 140% of the poverty guidelines.  The program pays for assistance until the child has reached 12 years of age, unless the child has special needs.  The Children’s Bureau is responsible for the applications for the CCDF and has application locations throughout the Indianapolis area.
      • American Red Cross
        Email
        441 East 10th Street
        Indianapolis, IN 46202
        317-684-1441 (telephone)
        317-684-4328 (fax)
        OVERVIEW: The American Red Cross (ARC) helps locate relatives in their native country who are missing due to war, natural disaster, or civil unrest.  The ARC will also send messages between family members who are separated due to the previous reasons.  Also, the ARC helps families look for relatives who have been missing since the Holocaust or during wars.
      • Catholic Charities Indianapolis
        Visit the website
        Email
        1400 North Meridian Street
        Indianapolis, IN 46202
        317-236-1553 (telephone)
        317-261-3775
        (fax)
        OVERVIEW: Catholic Charities Indianapolis (CCI) helps resettle refugees into Indianapolis; the refugees come from settlement camps in Vietnam and Africa.  They provide resettlement assistance (financial, employment, etc) to refugees.  They will also help the refugees set up their household and get established in the community.

Job Training

  • IB Communication Skills (IBCS) provides quality, Leadership Development training workshops designed for the special communication needs of Hispanics in the Workplace. Since 1989, they have been providing workshops, including manufacturing, food, health care, and hospitality industries, in both English and in Spanish. Their mission is to reduce and eliminate the communication and cultural gaps in the workplace. In order to do this, they have developed specific workshops that address the critical communication issues of the non-English speaking Hispanic employees. The workshops, workbooks, and all related learning material is presented and delivered in either English or in Spanish.The organization specializes in providing training for the Hispanic workforce in their own language for maximum results. It is not only bi-lingual but also bi-cultural. www.hispanictraining.com provides Program Design tailored to specific needs and on-site delivering in Spanish and/or English at any level.
  • Exodus Refugee
    Exodus supports the victims of persecution, injustice, and war, as they rebuild their lives and regain basic human rights and needs. Exodus empowers refugees by providing comprehensive case management, employment services, and financial assistance and by connecting clients with local resources while promoting independence.
  • LatPro
    LatPro created the first Hispanic / Latino and bilingual professional employment web site in 1997 and has deepened its market leadership every year with consistent innovation and recognition. Today, LatPro is by far the largest diversity employment web site in the United States and is the leading source for Spanish/English and Portuguese/English bilinguals throughout the Americas.*Under the Resource tab you can find many useful tools such as links to job fairs, job boards, career advice, and training.
  • Training, Inc.
    Training, Inc. has more than 30 years of experience helping unemployed or underemployed persons succeed in good jobs and long-term careers, helping employers get work-ready employees, and helping other workforce development organizations apply our best practices to their setting.  Locally, Training, Inc. programs offer quality job training that results in work-ready employees who meet the needs of community businesses.   Their curriculum offers the combination of technical training, soft skills development and ongoing community support needed for trainees to find and retain good jobs.