A Devotion to Something Greater: A Message from Interim Executive Director Chase Haller
When I was in middle school, I went to the library as often as I could. I read about the Roman legion and the Macedonian phalanx, Alexander the Great and his encounter with the war elephants of King Porus, the American Civil War and great tacticians like Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. The librarian would sometimes set aside the latest books she had about war and history, knowing that I would walk through her doors again soon, looking for a new text to devour.
ICYMI: October 2019
In case you missed it, this October, we celebrated our faithful supporters, sharing stories about our donors, prayer partners, volunteers, and community partners. We would not exist without YOU!
A Farewell Message from Former Executive Director Chris Purnell
Back in 2008, I told myself that I was probably going to be at the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic for two years. Eleven years later, I find it excruciating to say goodbye.
A Heart for Newcomers
Before she was offered the role of Executive Director of the Immigrant Welcome Center and before the Immigrant Welcome Center even existed, Terri Morris Downs worked in Mayor Bart Peterson’s office. They created something called the Natural Helpers Program, which featured immigrant volunteers helping other immigrants and refugees transitioning to life in Indianapolis. “We were sure that we wanted this program to continue in perpetuity and beyond the Peterson administration,” says Terri. “We became a 501(c)(3) organization so that we could find grant funding to be able to grow the program and not use public funding for it.” And, thus, the Immigrant Welcome Center was birthed.
Stewards of God's Resources
A self-described “behind-the-scenes” person, Kris, her husband Jim, and their two daughters are now stalwart supporters of the Clinic. They give of both their time and financial resources. They find ways to encourage and help the Clinic staff that are inventive and yet also simple. For instance, in advance of our 25th anniversary Justice for All Gala this month, the Zaloudek family sent personalized cookies with notes of encouragement to our main office for the staff to enjoy. When our Engagement Team needs assistance with a mailing, Kris shows up, ready to spend her time addressing and sealing envelopes. When we need an extra set of hands at an event, Kris is quick to offer hers.
An Evolution of Faith
The summer of 2014 was an important one for Jennifer Noelle and her husband Justin. Recently, they had become a Host Family for Safe Families for Children, voluntarily taking in children for short periods of time from the Near Eastside neighborhood of Indianapolis. While hosting two young African American men in their home that August, Jennifer and her husband watched the news stories coming out of Ferguson, Missouri about an 18-year-old African American man named Michael Brown who was fatally shot by a police officer. This confluence of events was the beginning of an evolution of their faith perspective for both Jennifer and Justin.