Nonprofit Spotlight: The Alex and Ali Foundation

Angela Arlington — Community Engagement Coordinator, Writer and Contributor

The Alex and Ali Foundation was formed in 2014 by Jennifer and Andrew Parker, named for their son Alex and his best friend, Ali Callahan. Jennifer and Andy realized that after Alex completed high school, there were very few job opportunities and little availability for community engagement. They also realized that most of the parents of young adults with developmental disabilities had the same concerns. Happy Hounds, a doggy daycare, and The Hope Gallery art boutique were developed as the brick-and-mortar venues where the foundation carries out its mission.

“Our focus remains on providing safe venues for these [special needs] individuals to learn, work and interact with the community,” Jennifer said. “As a result, our young adults [known as team members] have a purpose in their days and develop confidence in themselves. We believe that given the right structure with the correct training, these individuals can be very successful and are able to give back to our society. We are in the business of empowering and enhancing lives.”

THE HOPE GALLERY:

The Hope Gallery, located in downtown Bargersville, IN is an ice cream shop within a boutique that sells art and unique gift items. It opened June of 2018. The gallery was named after Hope, the Parker’s other special needs child. Hope tragically passed away at age 13 after bravely battling a severe congenital heart defect for the entirety of her young life. “Hope taught us to make the most of every day that we have here on earth by loving others,” Jennifer said.

Many items sold at the gallery are made by the team members themselves with the help of volunteer artists. “We also sell handmade products from individuals with disabilities across the US and Canada,” Jennifer said. “These products range from candles, to popcorn, to home décor. To shift with the changing Bargersville business culture, we have added a large variety of ice cream and sweet treats so the whole family can enjoy a treat with a purpose. Our team members run the store by greeting customers, filling orders, and running the cash register.” The gallery is also home to Hope’s prayer box, where people can drop in prayer requests for team members, and hosts fundraising events throughout the year.

The Parkers opened a second location of the Hope Gallery in 2020. This one is in Newburgh, a town near Evansville, where Jennifer says employment opportunities for disabled young adults are as scarce as everywhere else.

HAPPY HOUNDS:

A common theme among the team members of The Alex and Ali Foundation is an enormous love for animals. “Many have grown up caring for animals and treating pets like family,” Jennifer said. “That is why we opened Happy Hounds in 2019, the first doggy daycare in Indiana run by individuals with developmental disabilities. All dogs are welcome. Our mission is to make your furry friends feel at home during their stay. You can leave your pet with us worry-free, knowing that they'll receive all the attention, cuddle time, and playtime their hearts desire." As our motto says, “At Happy Hounds, every dog receives love, respect, and the opportunity to play while every person receives love, respect, and the opportunity to work. Just like they deserve.”

TESTIMONIALS:

“When I got out of high school, I wanted to work at a retail store, and it didn’t work out. My father looked for other opportunities, but unfortunately, I [still] could not find work. I never had a job until I was given the opportunity with The Alex and Ali Foundation in 2019. That’s when I started working at the Hope Gallery in Bargersville. This was my first job ever. I am very happy even though I’m going into my retirement years. I love having a job and enjoy working with the team members and volunteers. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done and look forward to it every day.”

– Sally

“I have worked at The Hope Gallery for four years now. The Hope Gallery has changed my life so much. It has given me a chance to work in a wonderful environment where I can learn new job skills. It changes my life because I learn how to count money and run the register to check out customers when they shop. It is an amazing place to work and have fun at the same time. It has made a huge difference in my life and has given me the courage to go out and work in the community knowing that I can work even though I have a disability. I know that I can work while making a difference. The Hope Gallery changes lives showing that adults with autism and disabilities can work and change the world one person at a time.”

– Chelsea Davis