Hand Raisers and Game Changers: 100 Heroes Week 14
It's hard to believe we're nearing the end of sharing the stories of our 100 Heroes. From mentoring young, single women at risk of homelessness to advocating for and improving the lives of thousands of older adults, the Heroes this week have made an impact on a wide variety of people, places and organizations. We hope you'll help us celebrate them at A Future United, our 100th Anniversary celebration this Friday, April 20, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. To see all of the stories of United Way’s 100 Heroes, look here.
Martin Johnson
Martin Johnson’s commitment to community service started on a routine drive home from work. Despite making the drive every day for many years, he’d never noticed the homeless camp under the overpass. But on this night, it caught his attention. The very next day he made his way back with sleeping bags, tents, a grill and clothing. Read his story
Brenda Scott-Petty
Brenda Scott-Petty has mentored hundreds of women in Indianapolis over the last 30 years – many who were young, single and at risk of homelessness. She met them all when they walked through the door of her Broad Ripple beauty salon, Changes, where she helps women discover their own true worth and hope for the future. Read her story
Ruth Ann Hankins
As the executive director of Heritage Place since 1980, Ruth Ann Hankins has made an impact on the lives of thousands and thousands of older adults in the Central Indiana community. Through different programs, classes and social activities, Heritage Place helps older adults avoid social isolation and continue living in their residence of choice. Read her story
Berry and Kelly Winston
Mrs. and Mr. Winston serve as president and treasurer of Douglas Little League, a local baseball league where cultural experiences and community building are of equal importance to what happens on the diamond for the at-risk youth it serves. “Sure, they coach them on the diamond, but it's the coaching they do off the field on grades, self-esteem and character building that are just as important,” said their 100 Heroes nominator Bernice Anthony. Read their story
Mari A. Swayne
Mari A. Swayne, current Director of Pike STEM and Career Center, continually seeks to promote academic achievement and is a dynamic educational leader with many skills and talents. “She is inexhaustible, and her passion is evident,” shared Evelyn Gearries, her 100 Heroes nominator. Read her story
Dave Miner
Dave Miner took an early retirement from his management position with Eli Lilly to pursue his passion of feeding the hungry on a full-time basis. The push to take an early retirement came when he was invited by Jim Morris, former head of The World Food Program. Read his story