26 minute read
Moving on Your Mind
M O V I N G O N YOUR MIND
Tips for selling your home in today’s market.
WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON
A re y o u c o n s id e rin g s e llin g y o u r h o m e ? If s o , y o u m a y b e w o n d e rin g w h a t to d o in to d a y ’s m a rk e t . T h e s e d a y s , s t re s s fu l d e c is io n s — lik e w h e th e r o r n o t to m o v e — c a n s e e m e v e n m o re s t re s s fu l th a n b e fo re .
To help ease some of that anxiety, Indy’s Child talked to two local realtors to learn some tips that will help you prepare your home for the day when the For Sale sign is up and the showings begin. Caroline Cinamon has been a realtor with F.C. Tucker for 15 years, and Lynn Gottschalk has been with RE/MAX Ability Plus in Carmel and has been selling real estate in the Indianapolis metropolitan area for 10 years.
What is the No. 1 suggestion you have for someone who is trying to sell their home right now?
Cinamon: Meet with a real estate agent right when you think about selling. Sometimes I meet with clients months, or even years, in advance. We can set up a home selling plan including meeting with a stager and get a plan and timeline together.
Gottschalk: Price it right. If you are priced at or above market, your listing will get a lot of initial attention, many showings right up front and possibly multiple offers. The alternative is to possibly overprice the home, and then not get much tension at the beginning. Then when the seller does come down to a good market price, the listing is already perceived as older and buyers wonder why this home didn't sell right away. We are in a seller's market with an inventory shortage, and homes that look move-in ready and are priced right are selling very quickly, and at the highest possible price.
What home projects will get you the most bang for your buck?
Cinamon: I recommend cleaning, decluttering and painting. Also, anything in the kitchen or bathrooms. A kitchen countertop upgrade along with a new backsplash will typically get you a faster sale and more money.
Gottschalk: Kitchen and bathroom renovations typically produce the greatest return on investment, although you often don't have to spend that much to get your home to market. I recommend my clients clean and touch-up woodwork and walls so the house looks move-in ready and not at all “rough.” If the seller has a little money to spend, I recommend they invest in modern light fixtures, faucets and towel bars. The most important thing may be to fix anything that is broken. Starting at the mailbox, walk through your house and ask yourself what you see that looks broken, worn or in need of repair.
What home projects do not usually get the best return for the investment?
Cinamon: Keep in mind improvements typically only “last” in the marketplace around 7 years and then feel dated again. So, if a homeowner wants to make a crazy improvement, but knows they will be in the house for 10 years, and are willing to change it again before they sell, then go for it. Gottschalk: Unless you are moving out of your house before you put it on the market, don't invest in new carpet. New wood, manufactured hardwood, wood laminate or vinyl plank flooring is a good investment, but getting new carpet while you're living on it does not count in the buyer’s mind as new carpet. And painting is only a benefit if you are going to paint neutral, fairly light colors like gray, beige or greige. Don’t invest large chunks of money in things that buyers don't notice, like new windows, a new furnace or a new roof.
Any other words of advice?
Cinamon: Keep your home maintained. Maintenance items are not upgrades or improvements. Items like having the HVAC system serviced, or the exterior painted, need to be completed to keep a house in good condition to make for a good sale when you are ready.
Gottschalk: You are moving, so pack. Pack up all of your personal photographs and knickknacks. Leave one pretty bowl, candlestick, piece of pottery or art on each surface. Pack half or more of what is in your closets and your kitchen cabinets. Put half of your furniture in your garage if your home is cluttered. Pack all the boxes you can and put them in the garage because buyers expect your garage to be cluttered with moving boxes when you are getting ready to move. If you plan to sell your home, tell yourself it’s not your home anymore and prepare it for the market as if it already belongs to someone else.
Helping Children Work Through Grief How to support your child with special needs during a time of loss.
Grief is defined as a “deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death.” It is a complicated mixture of emotions that comes in waves and can be challenging for people to recognize and deal with. This is true for everyone, and can be especially true for children with autism.
We spoke to three therapists at Brooke’s Place — an Indianapolis organization that provides support groups, therapy services and community education — to find suggestions on how to help children deal with this difficult, and important, response to loss. Erica O’Neil, LCSW, is a grief therapist; Carol Braden, LMHC, is clinical director of programs and services; and Marisa Willard, LMHC, is a grief therapist.
How do parents help their children with autism who are grieving?
O’Neil: Remember to listen, observe and hold space. Affirm the grieving individual, and try to provide safety and security through routines and concrete information. Social stories may be helpful in explaining a death and the rituals that may occur following a death, such as a funeral.
Braden: Don’t make assumptions about what your child with autism is thinking and feeling, or not thinking and feeling, about an important person who has died. Continue to bring up the name of the person and the relationship of the person who died to your child. Communicate that it is OK to be sad, happy, afraid, angry and confused. Offer ways your child can actively express memories. Create something in memory of the child's loved one. Take a grief tour of your home and share memories with your child that they had with their loved one who died. Be very specific with your child with autism when speaking about death, which will help them better understand. Willard: It’s important to recognize that each individual grieves in their own way, and there are many different ways kids express grief. It’s also important not to compare one child's grief with another's or assume one is doing it the “right” way and another the “wrong” way. It is important for the parent to meet their child where they are, and in their most comfortable way to communicate. Using artwork or writing could be a helpful way for a child to express themselves in other ways besides direct verbal communication.
At what point should a parent consider a counselor?
O’Neil: A parent might consider counseling for their child if they notice significant changes impacting the child's daily functioning.
Braden: Even if there are no adverse impacts on daily functioning, your child with autism might still benefit from having a special time with a grief therapist to express and work through understanding their grief even more, learn ways of remembering and having more healthy coping strategies.
When considering the grieving process, O’Neil says: “It is so important to remember that grief is unique to each individual. Although we will all experience death and loss at some point in our lives, the experience of grief is different for everyone. In addition, grief is one's natural reaction to the death of a loved one, and we all have a natural capacity to heal.”
The loss of a loved one can be devastating and create a deep well of grief for those who are left to mourn. But with the right resources, emotional support and the passing of time, healing is possible.
Coronavirus and College Amid all the uncertainty, one thing is certain: This school year will look different.
Starting college is hard. And because we’re living during a pandemic, incoming college freshmen will enter college at a time of uncertainty. Although many colleges in the U.S. are preparing for these challenges, college will not be the same experience in 2020 that it was in 2019 or other years. For first-year college students, adapting and planning for uncertainty must be their part of their college plan.
According to Denise Hughley Hayes, director of counseling at Indiana University, students are experiencing a lot of uncertainty about the fall. Financial concerns, especially for student workers, are a big concern, she says. Because of these uncertainties, many students are considering community college or even taking a gap year to work.
Returning to work on campus raises the question of whether social distancing works in the work environment. Recently, the Chronicle of Higher Education has tracked reopening plans for this fall. In an unscientific poll, they asked more than 300 students about what worries them for the fall. Among the responses were students who were worried about staying safe at work. Other students did not mesh well with online learning, so they had doubts about returning to online classes. The Art & Science Group, a higher education consulting firm, conducted a poll of more than 450 students and found that many high school seniors are switching up their immediate plans for college. Thirty-five percent expected to take either a gap year or attend community college.
Online learning appears to be a consistent component for returning to campus. In Indiana, several schools have announced that there will be an online component for classes after Thanksgiving break.
Students, too, should plan for things like orientation and campus visits to be different. At Indiana University, orientation will be virtual, Hughley Hayes says. Parents and students will be able to see welcome videos online.
Campus tours will have a “GoPro” look to them. Hughley Hayes will even present Facebook Live shows where she can answer questions in real-time.
So, how can incoming students prepare for this uncertainty? The first thing that a student needs to do is to “recognize and act upon the pockets of control that we do have,” says Dr. Heather ServatySeib, a professor in counseling psychology at Purdue University. Before heading to campus, students must familiarize themselves with the college’s COVID-19 restrictions. They should educate themselves on mask policies and sanitation requirements. Students should know about the organizational and disciplinary skills they’ll need to tackle online classes, the restrictions on student social gatherings, and the college’s testing, counseling and other support services. As parents, we need to also continuously share with our students that we, as adults, are in the same place that they are in at this moment in time. “Very few people are alive today that have experienced anything like this,” Hughley Hayes says. “It is scary to everyone.” Students need to acknowledge that they can’t always control what is going to happen and permit themselves to creatively manage their uncertainty.
Students should also affirm and acknowledge their feelings of uncertainty. Parents can help by listening and sharing their feelings. “Don’t freak out about being anxious,” Hughley Hayes says. “Find ways to cope with anxiety.”
Many schools have tele-counseling available to students. They also have webinars on mindfulness or workshops to work with support groups, or even COVID-19 support groups. When students take these measures before getting to campus, their anxiety will ease. Above all else, they should remember, we are all in the same boat.
CARMEL Carmel Montessori Schools
Carmel Montessori School is located on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 18 years head-teaching experience and we a a full member of the American Montessori Society. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available. • 1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Emily & Scott Rudicel, Phone: 317-580-0699, Email: info@ carmelmontessori.com,
carmelmontessori.com
The Little Lamb Christian School
The Little Lamb Christian School is a home away from home for children 6 weeks to pre-kindergarten. Since 1987, we have been the go-to private preschool for Carmel families who are interested in a Christian education. We are a place where children can learn, explore, create, grow and play! • 1609 Greyhound Pass, Carmel, IN 46032, Phone: 317-848-3580, Email: kayley@thelittlelamb.com, thelittlelamb.com/, 6 weeks to Pre-Kindergarten and after school care
The Primrose School at WestClay
An accredited early education and care school serving infants through kindergarten as well as before and after school services for elementary age students. We offer a Balanced Learning approach, which nurtures curiosity, confidence, creativity and compassion. Research also shows that 90% of Primrose Students perform twice the level of their peer group. Please call us today to learn more about our early education and preschool opportunities that will fit the need of your family Currently enrolling, space is limited. • 13096 Moultrie Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Contact: Kendra Dunagan, 317-873-0123.
primrosewestclay.com
The Primrose School at West Carmel
The Primrose School at West Carmel is an accredited early education and care school serving infants through kindergarten as well as before and after school services for elementary age students. We offer a Balanced Learning approach, which nurtures curiosity, confidence, creativity and compassion. Research also shows that 90% of Primrose Students perform twice the level of their peer group. Please call us today to learn more about our early education and preschool opportunities that will fit the need of your family. Currently enrolling, space is limited. • 3746 West 98th Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Contact: Lisa Housh, 317-876-0123,
primrosewestcarmel.com
Starting Line Preschool
The Right Start for A Lifelong Love of Learning! Our strong academicbased curriculum prepares and encourages your child to succeed in school while discovering learning is fun! All of our classes focus on an introduction to colors, number and letters with exciting art and science projects. Math, social studies and sight words are taught in the older classes.Develop Social Awareness & Friendships, Build Confidence and Master Academic Skills for Kindergarten. • 110 Third Ave NE, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Diane Atkins, Phone: 317-753-9397, Email: dkatkins22@msn. com, startinglinepreschool.com
DOWNTOWN IUPUI Center for Young Children
The IUPUI Center for Young Children offers childcare and early childhood education for children ages six weeks to six years old and believe children learn through play, experiences, and interaction with their environment and peers. • 321 Limestone St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, Phone: 317-274- 3508, childcare.iupui.edu/index.html
Paramount Brookside
Paramount Brookside is a tuition-free, public charter school that educates K-8 grade students in an innovative environment. Integral to the school’s approach to education are projectbased investigations, community partnerships, and three on-site Discovery Centers – an Eco-Center, Space Center with a planetarium, and an operating farm. Paramount Brookside is designated a 2018 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and an “A” school by the Indiana Department of Education. • 3020 Nowland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46201 Contact: Amie Smith at 317-775-6660 or contact@ PSOEBrookside.org; paramountindy.org
Paramount Cottage Home
Paramount Cottage Home serves K-4th grade students as a tuition-free charter school. Founded in 2010, Paramount Schools of Excellence accomplishes its mission and teaches the mastery of Indiana Academic Standards through an emphasis on rigorous academics and experiential learning activities. The 2019 ILEARN results placed the school among the top-performers statewide. Due to continued student growth, this Fall, the school will be relocating to Cottage Home. The new, state-of-the-art facility will feature bright, spacious classrooms with contemporary furnishings, advanced technology capabilities, and unique student discovery centers. • 1203 E. St. Clair Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, Contact: Angie Cazares at 317-617-3067 or contact@PSOECommunity.org;
paramountindy.org
EAST Paramount Englewood
Paramount Englewood, a tuition-free public school, is now accepting enrollment of 5-8th grade students for the 2020-21 school year. Englewood is excited to be relocating to a state-of-the-art permanent campus in August 2020. This move accommodates the schools’ continued growth. The P.R. Mallory campus will house Paramount Englewood and Purdue Polytechnic High School. Paramount Englewood is an extension of Paramount Schools of Excellence’s successful education model. The flagship campus is designated a 2018 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and an “A” school by the Indiana Department of Education for six consecutive years. • 3005 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201, 317-741-9589. Contact Peggy Purvis, contact@PSOEenglewood.org;
paramountindy.org
INDIANAPOLIS – NORTH Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts Enrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love! Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition: Please call or email for full brochure. Hours/ Dates: Flexible Hours. Full Time/ Part-Time available. Ages/Grades: 12 months old+, 18 months old+, 2s+, 3s+, 4s+, Pre-Kindergarten (Kindergarten Readiness Class) (3 day or 5 day option) Before/After School Care: Before and After School Care always available as needed. Early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00pm/5:30 pm on Fridays. • 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Joanie Waldman, Phone: 317-259-6854, Fax: 317-259- 6849, Email: jwaldman@ bez613.org, bez613.org
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School seeks to prepare the next generation of leaders with the intellectual and technological competence, loving and open hearts, faith inspiration and social responsibility to bring about a more just, humane and loving world. Students from all backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities are welcome at Brebeuf Jesuit, where all are called to discover and cultivate the fullness of their God-given talents. Each student is therefore challenged and inspired to strive for academic excellence, to engage whole-heartedly in cocurricular activities, to develop confidence in leadership abilities, and to discover God’s presence in everyday life through serving others. • 2801 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46268, Contact: Colleen Cannon, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-524-7090, Email: admissions@brebeuf.org, brebeuf.org
Children’s Circle Preschool at Second Presbyterian Church
Children’s Circle Preschool is a developmentally appropriate, activity based, Christian preschool. We offer classes for children ages 9 months to 5 years old. We meet the needs of the whole child in a creative and loving environment. Our experienced staff embraces excellence in education by nurturing the whole child- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. Please call for more information or to set up a tour. • 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Cara Paul, Director, 317-252-5517, cpaul@ secondchurch.org, childrenscircle.org
Children's Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values and learning through play. It is designed to
offer children ages 9 months to 5 years a positive and developmentally appropriate first school experience in the care of experienced and loving caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. For the older kids, our program Includes weekly Christian Life Skills, Music class taught by Indianapolis Children’s Choir instructors and Book Club. Please call, e-mail or visit for further information and registration Forms. Tours are individually set up at your convenience! • 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Christy Whaley, Phone: 317-253-0472, cwhaley@meridianstreet.org,
meridianstreet.org/cdi
Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing
Parents Day Out (16-35 mos) and Part Day Preschool (3 yrs-PreK5) provide relaxed, secure, playful environments that nurture creativity and the exploration of God’s world. A variety of learning materials & readiness skills are woven into each unit. Oldest classrooms utilize “Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum. Various days, 9am-2pm. Some extended days. Need longer hours? Try our All Day Classes designed for 16 mos – Pre K5 with class times 6:30am-6pm • 9111 N. Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: John Drake, Phone: 317-575- 6508, Email: ecc@golove.org
Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center Indianapolis. We do tutoring with state certified teachers for kids k-12 and we do ACT and SAT test prep. • 2635 E 62nd Street Ste 2020, Indianapolis, IN; Phone: (317) 420-8885; Email: fraserl@ hlcmail.com
The Orchard School
The Orchard School, an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school, emphasizing experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard’s diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYC accredited. • 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Jessica Aiyasami, Admissions Coordinator, Phone: 317-713-5717, Fax: 317-254-8454, Email: jaiyasami@orchard.org, orchard.org
The Sapling School
The Sapling School offers a year round Reggio-inspired preschool for children ages 3 to 5 in conjunction with extended after care hours for working families. We empower children to discover themselves and the world around them as they become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative community members. We value our students and their passions, curiosities, and joys. Their interests guide the holistic, emergent curriculum and our learning environment. Look for our teachers and students around the Broad Ripple area interacting with neighbors as they learn the unique ways they are capable of enriching their community. • For more information or to explore our virtual tour please visit saplingschoolindy.com or facebook.com/saplingschoolindy. To schedule a private tour please call (317) 319-8228. Contact: Kelsey Livingston. Phone: 317-319-8228. Email: kelsey@ saplingschoolindy.com,
saplingschoolindy.com
Sycamore School
At Sycamore School, Indiana's only accredited, independent, private school for Preschool - 8th grade gifted students, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners. Art, music, Spanish, physical education, technology, extensive field trips, athletics, financial aid, and after school activities are offered. • 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Dr. Susan Karpicke, Director of Admissions, 317-202-2500, Email: karpicke.susan@sycamoreschool.org,
sycamoreschool.org
INDIANAPOLIS – NORTHEAST MSD of Lawrence Township
The ninth largest and one of the fastest growing school district in the state, the MSD of Lawrence Township serves approximately 16,000 students across four Early Learning Centers, eleven Elementary Schools, two Middle Schools, two High Schools and a Center for Innovation and Technology, and an alternative setting high school. Lawrence Township strives to be the district of destination, a reputation built over the years based on the district’s award-winning staff, accomplished administrators, high-achieving students, supportive community, and innovative educational programs. To learn more, please contact our Welcome Center at 317-423-8375. Pre-K through Grade 12. Tours available at all buildings by appointment. Please contact your building of interest directly. • 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236. Phone: 317-423-8200, LTschools.org
Polly Panda Preschool
Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child’s total growth. Our theme-based hands-on preschool program provides a wide-range of experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas. A child’s sense of self-worth, independence and growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our well-qualified and loving staff. • 2944 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220, Contact: Gail Hacker and Tammy Clark, Phone: 317-257-9127, Email: thepanda@pollypanda. com, pollypanda.com
Primrose School of Geist
Provides high-quality, educational experiences to support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, creative and physical development. It is made up of an exclusive standards-based curriculum that enables teachers to help children gain the knowledge and skills that will enable them to move successfully from one level of development to the next as well rounded individuals. Our school offers developmentally-appropriate materials and equipment for all classrooms; multiple forms of assessment; and extensive training for teachers. We believe the right foundation to build active minds, healthy bodies, and happy hearts® starts in the younger years. Call for more information or to schedule a tour! • 7615 Oaklandon Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236. Contact: Anita Boyd. Phone: 317-855-7808. Email: aboyd@ primrosegeist.com, primrosegeist.com, 6 weeks old through Pre-K and before and after school up to age 12
Curtis Wilson Primary School and Academy, a division of Beech Tree House Center for Child Development, Inc., promotes the emotional, physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual development of each child. Our exceptional teaching staff is dedicated to presenting a challenging and enthusiastic learning environment that recognizes each unique learner. With a dedication to personal excellence, all members of our school family are challenged to practice and exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in daily life. Stateaccredited with exemplary ratings. Preschool - Sixth Grade. • 7850 South Emerson Ave., Indianapolis , 46237, 317-882-8636, jhaywood-rollins@ beechtreehouse.com, cwpsa.com
NOBLESVILLE Guerin Catholic High School
St. Theodore Guerin High School is a Roman Catholic college preparatory school located on 72 acres one mile north of 146th Street in Hamilton County. Guerin Catholic has the largest number of students participating in the IB Programme in the State of Indiana. The school serves students from diverse backgrounds and prepares them to be servant leaders through authentic faith formation, academic excellence, and student life opportunities. • 15300 Gray Road Noblesville, IN 46062, Phone: 317-582-0120, Email: admissions@ guerincatholic.org, guerincatholic.org
WESTFIELD Montessori School of Westfield, Inc.
Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westfield adheres to the academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child. The Montessori School of Westfield serves children from Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Sheridan, Noblesville, Cicero and Tipton. We serve children ages 18 months to 15 years. • 800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield, IN 46074, Contact: Mary Lyman, Directress, Phone: 317-867-0158, Fax: 317-896-5945, Email: montessori westfield@gmail.com, montessori
schoolofwestfield.com
The Primrose School at Bridgewater
An accredited early education and care school serving infants through kindergarten as well as before and after school services for elementary age students. We offer a Balanced Learning approach, which nurtures curiosity, confidence, creativity and compassion. Research also shows that 90% of Primrose Students perform twice the level of their peer group. Please call us today to learn more about our early education and preschool opportunities that will fit the need of your family. Currently enrolling, space is limited. • 14711 North Gray Road, Westfield, IN 46062, Contact: Nikki Knott, 317-848- 0123. primrosebridgewater.com
RESIDENTIAL P.A.C.E at National Louis University
P.A.C.E. at NLU is a three-year post-secondary program which is designed to meet the transitional needs for young adults with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities. P.A.C.E. is one of the leading residential-based programs in the country that integrates employment preparation, independent living skills coaching, functional academic courses and social development into a curriculum that prepares students for independent living through experiential learning. Quarterly Saturday Open House Dates. • 122 s Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL; Phone: (312) 261-3245; email: epotter3@nl.edu; nl.edu/ paceatnlu; Virtual Program Experience Available: calendly.com/paceatnlu/
discoverytour
Local Spotlight: Riley Cheer Guild Providing comfort and joy to patients and caregivers at Riley Children’s Health and IU Health hospitals.
Before Riley Children’s Health opened in 1924, a group of community women came together to ensure that the future young patients of the hospital would have some of the comforts of home at the hospital to cheer them up. Thus began the Riley Cheer Guild, and by the time the hospital opened in November of that year, the Riley Cheer Guild had provided a roomful of toys and scrapbooks ready for kids to enjoy, as well as furnished a library full of children’s books.
The Riley Cheer Guild continues to this day, and now includes more than 450 members who support child-centered programs within Riley Children’s Health and Indiana University Health hospitals. Indy’s Child spoke to Ann Hannan, director of the Riley Cheer Guild, about how the organization makes a difference in the lives of the children who visit these hospitals.
What does the Riley Cheer Guild do to help children who visit Riley and IU Health?
Members participate in toy drives, make items such as fleece blankets and tote bags, and contribute financial support. Our members also help support our programs, both financially through dues and donations, and through in-kind donations. Our programs include the Toy Room at Riley Hospital, Music Therapy at Riley, and support of music therapy and art therapy through the CompleteLife program at University Hospital. These programs are funded through membership dues and donations, online fundraising, event fundraising and gift shop sales at any one of nine shops across the downtown hospitals and at IU North, including the new Schwarz Cancer Center. (Visit rileycheerguild.org/gift-shops to find the locations of Riley Cheer Guild gift shops around Indy.)
The Toy Room is our longest running program. We accept new, unused toys for the patients we serve. We safety check all items, and make them available in the Toy Room for child life specialists and other clinicians to select from for
the patients they see. In addition to using donated items, financial donations are used to purchase the most needed items. On average, approximately 14,000 items are distributed from the Toy Room monthly!
Our Riley Cheer Guild Music Therapy program began in September 2000, and we also financially support the CompleteLife program, which includes music therapy, art therapy, massage therapy, yoga therapy and therapeutic cosmetology.
The pandemic has required that many organizations pivot how they do things. What has your organization been doing differently?
During the initial stay-at-home orders, the Riley Cheer Guild served as the contact point and helped to coordinate the Riley Staff Food Donations Committee. Community members and local organizations came forward to honor and support hospital workers during the first few months of the pandemic. Some of the donations included snacks, drinks, desserts and whole meals. A few of the donations were for all 3,000 Riley team members across central Indiana, many helped to support several units or clinics at a time, and all were so appreciated by Riley staff.
Our Riley Social Work team has now spearheaded a team member food pantry which debuted in May, and is being supported internally by Riley staff and throughout the community with group and individual sponsors.
How can people join or help the Riley Cheer Guild?
Riley Cheer Guild values each contribution of time, expertise and financial or in-kind gift from community members. To learn more about how you can make a difference, visit rileycheerguild. org and click on “How to Help.”
