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Program serves Indy mothers, east side community

Posted at 9:51 PM, Sep 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-10 21:51:02-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis ministry is working to help women and families who live in poverty and improve neighborhoods with abandoned homes. 

“Women often do come from a place – from a legacy of poverty – where maybe their family hasn’t really been there, and so when they step into Heart Change, they’re stepping into a family,” said Cindy Palmer, Heart Change Ministries Managing Director.

Heart Change Ministries has graduated 67 women from their "Mother's University" program since 2006. Each one has left with new skills about parenting skills, healthy relationships and financial stability.

“I think it’s very important for any woman that’s looking for a different change,” said Charteeta Irving.

It’s something Palmer feels so passionate about that she and her husband decided to sell their home in Carmel and move into the community they serve.

“If you were a single mom, especially, life is relentless,” said Palmer. “Parenting is relentless, so just to have more people walking alongside you in the moment is helpful.”

While the mothers spend time in the classroom, so do their kids.

“We have doctors, we have a dentist, we have a physical therapist, we have certified teachers teaching our children,” said Palmer. “It’s just an amazing collection of women.”

The group’s Christian mission has taken them beyond the classroom and into the community. So far, the group has purchased 12 homes in the Brookside neighborhood and refurbished them – so women who have gone through the program can rent them at below-market prices.

Their goal is to help break the cycle of poverty and improve the community at large.

The program currently has 90 volunteers and runs on money raised through donations. If you would like to help or get involved, you can learn more about the Heart Change Ministries on their website

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