Commentary by Brad Thompson
Outreach is a faith-based nonprofit organization on E. New York Street in Indianapolis that reaches out to homeless young men and women (ages 14-24). Every week, nearly 100 youth walk through their Drop-In Center, where they can hang out in a safe environment, enjoy a hot meal, use laundry and shower facilities, access the food and clothing pantries, look for jobs online in the computer lab and discover healthy Christ-centered relationships with Outreach staff and volunteers.
Pat Ellis of Zionsville once a month helps to prepare breakfast for that Drop-In Center. She arrives a little after 9 a.m. and works with a team of other volunteers preparing egg casserole and other such dishes. Most of the volunteers take one or two such sessions for a couple of hours each month to help out. In addition to hospitality, some volunteers supply office-based support for the other services Outreach offers.
Staff and volunteers build a trusting relationship with the youth. Together they work through struggles, develop a life plan, and search out vocational training and educational programs. (Photos by Brad Thompson)
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