Hand Raisers and Game Changers: 100 Heroes Week 11
It's hard to believe we've already shared the stories of more than 75 of our 100 Heroes! Each and every one of these Heroes has helped make Central Indiana a better place to call home through their dedication to volunteerism and passion for community. Here are seven more stories we hope inspire you! Want to meet these Heroes in person? Join us at A Future United, a one-of-a-kind community gathering at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on April 20th to celebrate United Way's 100th anniversary. You don't want to miss out on this phenomenal event -- register now! To see all of the stories of United Way’s 100 Heroes, look here.
Paula Means
Paula Means (formerly Paula Parker-Sawyers) has dedicated her life to making health a priority in Indianapolis. Throughout her career, she’s championed for increasing health standards and reducing infant mortality rates. Read her story
Jack and Betsy Dustman
Betsy Dustman fondly recalls an era when titans of industry and business, including her departed husband Jack, perpetually banded together for the betterment of Indianapolis. “We had just dynamite heads of companies working together,” she said. Read their story
Helen Clay
“She was a one-woman United Way; she constantly assessed what was needed in her neighborhood and would motivate others to get involved and help out," said Helen Clay's son, Sam Odle. “People recognize the world was a better place because she was here. She left things in a better condition than when she got here." Read her story
Tom VanDevender
When Tom VanDevender retired in 2008 from a 30-year career in information technology, he believed that he was being called to a higher purpose and started saying yes to many different volunteer experiences. Read his story
Gloria Turner
When Gloria Turner was named Ms. Indiana Plus 2017 and Ms. Indiana Classic Beauty, she set a goal to dedicate 1,000 hours of service to the community – in addition to attending college full time and raising her two young sons. Read her story
Brent Worth
Over his 16-year career, beginning as a Reserve Deputy and currently serving as Captain, Brent Worth has noticed that many youths are “falling through the gaps” and felt a need to intervene. Read his story
Mary Rigg
In 1924, Mary Rigg, a fully trained, post-graduate level social worker came to Indianapolis to take the helm of the American Settlement House for immigrants. She worked with families new to this country who faced so many obstacles — from poor sanitary conditions and housing situations, to language barriers — to give them help and hope. Read her story