North Indy Magazine February 2023

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I am a board certified, Harvard trained dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. As a native Hoosier, it is great to be back in the Midwest after pursuing my education in South Florida and the Northeast. I moved to Indy from Boston in 2021 and am excited to be able to offer both medical and cosmetic dermatology to the Indianapolis community. Within the medical dermatology realm, I evaluate and treat a wide range of conditions including acne, rosacea, skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis, and nail disorders. In cosmetic consultations, I focus on a natural and fresh aesthetic. I always tell my patients – I want you to look like yourself, just refreshed.

Dr. Nassim is an Assistant Professor at the IU School of Medicine and sees patients in Carmel and downtown Indianapolis. Follow her on social media @drjanellenassim.

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INDIANA YOUTH GROUP CHAMPIONS LGBTQ+ YOUNGSTERS

Writer / Renee Larr

Photography Provided

Indiana Youth Group (IYG) has served LGBTQ+ youths in the Indianapolis area for over 35 years by providing supportive programming to empower adolescents and young adults. What started as a drop-in community center in 1987 has become a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ people aged 12 to 24.

Chief Executive Officer Chris Paulsen says one in four LGBTQ+ youths are kicked out of the family home when they come out, due to family rejection. This often leads to couch surfing or staying with friends. In response, IYG launched Project Prism in October of 2020.

“The goal of our rapid rehousing program is to get LGBTQ+ youth into stable, long-term housing,” Paulsen says. “We work with various apartments around the city and pay the rent and utilities. Many of our clients are victims of generational poverty or homelessness, and they’re just trying to break the cycle.”

IYG also provides much-needed case management for individuals in need. Paulsen says case managers interview and assess youth to determine any additional support needed in mental health, suicide prevention, housing, and legal assistance. IYG also offers assistance with basic needs like transportation, hygiene and cleaning products, and clothing.

“Our case managers do a lot of the work themselves, but we do refer the youth that comes to us to different community partners,” Paulsen says. “Our main focus is reducing suicide ideation in queer youth. Around 40% of LGBTQ+ youth have considered suicide in the last year. That is something that we definitely want to address, and make sure that they have a space that is both welcoming and supportive of whoever they say they are.”

Paulsen says IYG FAM is a support group for parents who are trying to understand their young person’s gender identity or sexual orientation, and trying to become more supportive of that young person. She says case managers and mental-health experts guide parents through meetups, online support and one-on-one family counseling.

IYG provides LGBTQ+ Competency Training to businesses, religious groups, educational programs and community groups. Paulsen says the program offers

information on topics like proper use of pronouns, gender identity, supporting someone transitioning in the workplace, and ways to improve support of LGBTQ+ youths.

Many of IYG’s clients are referred by a school counselor, mental-health therapist or friend. Paulsen says many of the youths they serve bring friends with them. Some stumble upon IYG through a Google search.

Each year the organization hosts a Youth Summit. The conference provides guest speakers, workshops, discussions and symposiums. Paulsen says the all-day event brings together 100 to 150 youths each year.

Paulsen says the organization also advocates both within the community and at the Statehouse for LGBTQ+ youth acceptance in every space. IYG needs both volunteers and monetary donations. She

While the programming has changed, the core of IYG’s mission stays the same - providing LGBTQ+ youths the best chance at being their authentic selves as they grow into adulthood.

“We’re still a drop-in center where kids can be their true selves and have fun,” Paulsen says. “We serve a hot meal and have karaoke, but we’ve bolstered our programming and case management throughout the years.”

Paulsen says IYG moved to its current location at 3733 North Meridian Street five years ago with a purpose. The site is easily accessible, with the Red Line right outside. She says they chose the area knowing the neighborhood they would be supporting.

The building is adorned with rainbow-colored, waving hands, making it a noticeable LGBTQ+ safe space.

“Recently, Homeland Security put out a warning for LGBTQ spaces,” Paulsen says. “We met with a former FBI agent to look at our systems. We have cameras and doors that automatically lock. There is a high level of security here, which is important to us.”

While many of the services offered are in person, IYG clients can also participate online. Paulsen says participants can log on daily and speak with peers and adult mentors on any topic they choose.

For more information or to get involved, call 317-541-8726 or visit indianayouthgroup.org.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / John Bolinger

February 3 marks Community First Bank’s 20th anniversary. On that date in 2003, Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) made history by opening the first new bank chartered in Howard County in more than 55 years. Since then, the bank has expanded to 8 offices across Hamilton, Marion, and Howard Counties. Robb Blume (chief executive officer and president), Bea Wiles (chief operating officer), and Bob Hickman (chief credit officer) have been with the bank since its founding two decades ago.

“When we first started to formulate a plan to start a bank, everything was a risk,” Blume said. “In most cases our employees were leaving secure jobs to join the team, our directors were disrupting the status quo in the market, and investors and customers were taking a chance based on their belief in our people and a promise - a promise that we would build a community bank that would focus on local consumers and businesses while providing a stable and safe investment.”

Everyone affiliated with CFB is committed to making their communities better places to live and do business. The bank’s commitment to community was unwavering even amid a global pandemic. In 2020, CFB donated more than $96,000 to nonprofits that entrusted the bank to process their Small Business Administration Paycheck

Protection Program (PPP) loan. The PPP Loan provision of the CARES ACT was intended to assist small businesses/ organizations facing challenges related to COVID-19, primarily helping them to keep workers employed. Each nonprofit donation was equal to the fee the bank earned for processing and funding each organization’s PPP loan, rounded up to the nearest $25 increment.

“We know that, even in the best of times, raising funds in the effort to assist others can be a difficult task. With the economic uncertainty created by the COVID-19 virus, we wanted to help by putting all fees earned on not-for-profit PPP loans back into the hands of those organizations to be used for the betterment of our communities,” said Blume.

Through the years CFB has been recognized in a number of ways, not only for being a community leader, but also for making a lasting impact on the community. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce named CFB among the Best Places to Work in Indiana for eight consecutive years. The bank was also named Indiana’s Small Business Lender of the Year for 2022 by the Indiana Statewide Certified Development Corporation and honored with the Indiana Bankers Association C2C (Commitment to Community) award for outstanding community service performed in 2020 during the pandemic.

“Our CFB family could not be more grateful for the support we have received from so many since our inception 20 years ago,” Blume said. “What began as a group of 16 employees, 14 outside directors and approximately 275 shareholders has now grown to encompass three counties, eight locations, more than 120 employees, and thousands of consumer and commercial customers. We continue to wake up every day with a mission to continue honoring that initial promise.”

For more info, visit CFBindiana.com. Member FDIC

CFB’s Robb Blume, Bea Wiles and Bob Hickman

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Photography

COMMUNICATION TIPS FOR AMAZING RELATIONSHIPS

Story & Photography Provided by Autumn Rae

The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life, and good relationships require excellent communication.

Try practicing a few of the tips below and watch your relationships transform into the real connections you’ve always craved. Communication is a skill, and just like any other skill, it can be learned.

• ASK FIRST. Most often, we jump into what we want to say without checking in with the other person on whether it’s a good time for them. Here’s what this could sound like: “Hey, there’s something important I want to talk to you about regarding our relationship. Do you have some time and feel ready for that right now, or would something in the next couple days be better?”

• SLOW DOWN. This is the answer to 99% of our communication problems. Most of us genuinely care about the people we are in relationships with and want to do our best. When there is tension, things can get out of control, and it happens fast. Try taking a deep breath between each sentence. You can even say to the other person. “I really care about you and this conversation. Can we slow down?”

• TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT’S IN YOUR CUP. If you’re carrying a cup full of coffee and someone bumps into you, what spills? The coffee, of course. If tea had been in your

cup, tea would have spilled, and so on. In relationships or conflict, when someone bumps into us, the only possible response they can get comes from what’s already inside of us. Are you holding anger, judgment and resentment in your cup, or are you filled with compassion, courage and love?

“THE STORY I’M MAKING UP IS…” This is one of the most powerful ways to start a sentence and take responsibility for your thoughts. Our minds naturally create stories to explain other people’s behavior, whether accurate or not. We need to check these stories with the other person before we react as if they’re true. First, share this concept with them, acknowledging that you know you

•

might be inaccurate, and then say something like, “You were late today, and the story I’m making up is that I’m not a priority to you.” This is a high-level skill that can be triggering even to those who are seasoned in their communication journey. Do your best to apply the other tips in this list while practicing this phrase.

• ARGUE FOR THE OTHER PERSON’S SIDE. This is a mental exercise to gain compassion and help you see the other person’s perspective during conflict. Grab some paper or a computer and start to imagine what it’s like to be them. Write out feelings, hurts, desires and thoughts. You can then share these with the other person, with a sentence that starts like, “I imagine you’re feeling/wanting/needing…Is that right?”

• CLEAN THE WINDOWS. In other words, be radically honest, and do it often - first with yourself, then with the person you’re in a relationship with. It can feel easier to push aside the hurt, pretend everything is fine or ignore what you really wish would happen. However, the more you don’t say, the “dirtier” your relationship windows get. Over time, neither of you will see your relationship clearly, resentments will build and the relationship will break down.

• PAUSE AS NEEDED AND GIVE A TIME

WHEN YOU’LL RETURN. It’s OK, and quite skillful, to take a break when you notice a conversation is getting too intense. Rather than stay in it when you’re both not thinking clearly and likely to say things you’ll wish you hadn’t, take a break. It’s important to pick a time when you’ll come back together though. Here’s what this could sound like: “I’m noticing that my emotions are running the show right now. This conversation is important to me, so I want to have my head on straight. I’m going to take a walk to calm down, and I’ll be back in 20 minutes.”

• REGULATE YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM AND EMOTIONS. It doesn’t matter how many communication skills you learn if you aren’t calm enough to apply those skills in a heated moment. This is a complex rewiring, but some easy ways to start are breath work, mindfulness training, and cuddling with a pet or loved one.

• WORK WITH A COACH. Although we can make progress with self-study and practice, an outside, professional perspective can help us reach our relationship goals faster and with more ease than we ever could on our own. A coach can help us identify our triggers, get clear on our needs, problemsolve specific relationship challenges, provide support in emotional regulation, and develop a framework for creating the relationships and life we want.

• PRIORITIZE SLEEP (DON’T SKIP THIS ONE!). Getting enough quality sleep has serious impacts on our ability to regulate our emotions in conversations. Research shows us that without enough of it, we’re more likely to overreact, misinterpret and say things that we later regret. With a rested brain and body, it’s much easier to consciously choose how we want to respond, rather than jump to an emotionally charged and usually harmful reaction.

About Autumn Rae: Autumn is a trauma-informed life and relationship coach, certified yoga teacher, and degreed educator. She transformed her own life and relationships through a

spiritual, self-love pilgrimage extending from Bali to Costa Rica. It is now her soul’s mission to help people master their communication and emotional regulation, and guide them on their path to passionate love, inner peace, and authentic, vibrant living.

Check her out on Instagram @autumnrae.co.

Fitness Facilitators

FITNESS CLINIC OF INDY FOCUSES ON FUNDAMENTALS

Writer / Ely Ayers Photographer / Michael Durr

For many resolute Americans coast to coast, New Year’s Day is the annual symbol of an important and self-empowering lifestyle change - “New year, new me.” At least that’s what the intention is, right? America’s multibillion-dollar fitness industry comes with no shortage of promises to help renew us in a multitude of ways. While the renewal sounds promising, the road to the ultimate goal or achievement is often complex to navigate.

Sam Woodworth, exercise physiologist and owner of local health and fitness center Fitness Clinic of Indy, knows the challenge firsthand, both as a business owner and as an industry consumer.

“What I tell people is that the industry is very unique because there is a great deal of different information, pseudoscience and parttruths, which do confuse people,” Woodworth says. “It leads people to ask themselves, ‘Who can I trust? Is the paleo diet in? Is the keto diet in? What about this specific technique? What about that vitamin brand or supplement?’ It’s a lot to take in at one time.”

Sam Woodworth - Exercise Physiologist and Owner of Fitness Clinic of Indy.

Often in professional sports, the complex nature of the game and the high frequency of pressures that the sport comes with cause players or teams to become self-defeating by what many describe as “getting in your own way.” Much like professional athletes, fitness beginners looking to succeed in their renewed health-focused lifestyle can often get caught up in the high number of moving parts, options and methods. At the end of the day, the most common solution across the board is a simple one. That solution is what Woodworth explains his facility’s identity is based on - the fundamentals.

“No one is going to debate whether or not broccoli or other vegetables, for example, are good for you, today or tomorrow,” Woodworth says. “That’s pretty much settled. No one is going to debate whether or not we need six to eight hours of sleep. That’s pretty much settled. We need exercise, strength training, growing flexibility and things of that nature.

It’s all settled that we need those things, and for us, we are here because we aim to become a trusted source that helps people figure out exactly what they need at this stage in their life.”

In a world where corporate gym chains, supplement companies, health magazines and fitness models hold a great amount of leverage, the consumer seeking validation and self-worth through a physical change can become vulnerable and easy to sway in the process. A quick-fix search for six packs, beach bodies and a sense of self-esteem is often thought to be related to the amount of dollars one is willing spend, and the amount of supplements one is willing to consume. First-time fitness consumers often rush to their nearest gym chain in hopes of finding the answers, or a facility that is invested in them and their community. During that process, consumers often overlook local health and fitness clubs whose entire aim is to help local consumers, and has been since

L: Teresa (Ruff) Rogers, Certified Personal Trainer/ Spin Instructor C: Sam Woodworth, Owner, Exercise Physiologist R: Art Brock, ACE/NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Fitness Clinic Indy - 2160 W 86th St., Suite 101 Indianapolis

the start. Woodworth takes pride in not breaking morals for anything.

“We stick to our moral compass, which is more valuable than any kind of extra money we could bring in by partnering with supplement or equipment companies,” Woodworth says. “Our goal is to build longterm relationships with our customers to earn their trust. I’m perfectly fine with doing a really great job in impacting the people in our community that we can affect, and if we are bursting at the seams later on and have an opportunity to expand and make the reach even greater, we could talk about that later on.”

Woodworth’s business model is focused almost entirely on personal relationships with trainers, their clients, and the importance of their progress and health. It houses local personal trainers like independent contractors who are looking for a private, comfortable and spacious place to train the clients they bring in and help. The facility also hosts various fitness classes with in-house trainers that may include indoor cycling, a fitness bootcamp, group classes, and rotating classes throughout the year.

“We want to take the judgement out of this journey for people, and allow them to take their guards down a bit,” Woodworth says. “We want clients to know that we are on the same team, and are aiming to avoid things that can be packaged and sold from an ideas standpoint. Though we stay in our lane, if our clients do need things outside of our scope of practice, we want to partner with local business to bridge that gap for them, but still not overcomplicate the fitness journey.”

For Woodworth and Fitness Clinic of Indy, it’s imperative that local fitness consumers feel that their goals are valued, and that they understand that they’re not just a gym application or an account number. Integrity with clients is important to Woodworth, and if by the end of December clients have achieved what they intended in early January, he will have felt he did his job, all through the common thread of it all - the fundamentals.

Fitness Clinic of Indy is located at 2160 West 86th Street, Suite 101 in Indianapolis. For more info, call 317-876-9414 or visit fcindy.com.

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Gail Reaves knows the value of good health, and thanks to her involvement in Eskenazi Health Lifestyle Medicine programs, has completely changed her life around for the better. Reaves is 63 years old and a patient at Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington. She’s been part of the Eskenazi Health care system since she was born, being welcomed into the world at General Hospital, as it was then known.

Reaves lives on the northeast side and has been in her current neighborhood for

almost a decade. She loves her community, taking part in neighborhood block parties and visiting Washington Park. She looks forward to the new Eskenazi Health Center East 38th Street facility being built nearby at the corner of East 38th Street and North Arlington Avenue, and says she regularly drives by the site when on her way to visit her daughter. Reaves says she loves that the new building, opening in early 2024, will be a one-stop shop for all her health and wellness needs and is pleased it will be so accessible via the new IndyGo Purple Line.

Back in 2016, Reaves experienced a health

scare while at work and received a diagnosis of borderline diabetes. She knew she had a decision to make and that changes would be needed if she wanted to live her best life. As a first step, Reaves began taking medications to help with high blood pressure and started monitoring her A1C. She was also made aware of the multitude of free programs for Eskenazi Health patients and got signed up to take part in meeting with a dietitian through the Lifestyle Medicine program and produce classes, as well as adding more exercise.

Reaves formed a wonderful connection with her dietitian, Lauren Gunn, an outpatient clinical dietitian specialist who she calls her partner in accountability. Reaves also credits the Eskenazi team for always checking in with her to see how she is progressing toward achieving her goals for a healthier life.

“Since working with the lifestyle program, Gail has made great improvements in her health. She has lost almost 20 pounds and improved her A1C to the target range,” Gunn says. “She has also substantially lowered her blood pressure and was even taken off some of her medication by her physician. She’s back to work, has much more energy and is getting back into the community, which is a big win for her.”

Gunn said Reaves is always happy to share her struggles and successes with other patients in an effort to inspire them. “She has an energetic presence, and she feels so much more confident because she decided to make her health a priority,” Gunn says. It’s so rewarding to see someone invest in their health and watch how it allows them to accomplish more of what they love to do.” Reaves has come to learn so much about the benefits of healthy eating and making better choices by incorporating more vegetables and fresh produce into her diet, whether it be adding sliced cucumbers to her water or discovering a love for kale and wanting to top everything she eats with it.

Now as a great-grandmother, Reaves acknowledges her role in helping pass down healthy habits to her family members by leading by example and having healthy

Story & Photos Provided by Eskenazi Health

NORTHEAST

PATIENT TAKES CHARGE OF HER HEALTH AND INSPIRES OTHERS ALONG THE WAY

Gail Reaves

options on hand when loved ones come to visit. Thanks to Reaves’ efforts to change her diet and growing her appreciation for fresh produce, she has lost weight, lowered her A1C and has recently been able to ease off her blood pressure medications with the goal of stopping them completely in the near future. She states how much she has learned from her involvement in Lifestyle Medicine classes and can’t believe how much fun she is having living her healthier lifestyle and helping inspire others to do the same.

Reaves expressed how grateful she is for the services and programs Eskenazi Health provides for people in the community and credits the convenient locations of the health centers for being readily available for anyone in need of care. Reaves said no matter the need, Eskenazi Health has a program to help.

In her spare time, Reaves is pursuing a cooking show with her daughter and likes to create content for YouTube. She uses her platform to share stories from others who inspire her, to talk about her family and spread her joy for living.

Reaves encourages others whenever she can to take charge of their health journeys, just like she did, when she made the decision to want to live, feel better and have fun along the way.

Begin your career at Eskenazi Health and make a lasting impression on your community.

Eskenazi Health is looking for professionals who share our mission and are dedicated to serving the community with compassion and skill. Learn more about Eskenazi Health careers online at eskenazihealth.edu/careers or call 1.855.360.JOBS

A new career offers new opportunities.

Eskenazi Health Center East 38th Street Opening in 2024

A True Joy

JOY’S HOUSE PROVIDES HOPE, RESPITE AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

When Jane Bentley’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and it eventually became clear that he could no longer stay at home by himself, she wasn’t sure what to do as she was still working full time and couldn’t afford to lose her job. A friend encouraged her to check out Joy’s House, which offers adult day services, and she was glad she did.

“Joy’s House saved my life,” says Bentley, who took her husband there five days per week, never having to worry about his care. “From the first time we stepped through the door, I knew the staff was full of love and compassion, and had a true calling for what they were doing.”

Beyond tending to her husband, Bentley was touched by the kindness the staff showed to her as well.

“We were four years into the Alzheimer’s

journey when we went to Joy’s House, and that was the first time anyone asked how I was doing, in addition to ‘Tell us about your husband,’” Bentley says. “That small question was huge to me.”

The idea for Joy’s House was conceived more than two decades ago by Tina McIntosh after her father had an accident and she was launched into the role of caregiver from afar, as he was located in Fort Wayne and she was in Indianapolis. She saw a gap in care and options for adults living with life-altering diagnoses, so she founded Joy’s House, a nonprofit that provides safety and community to adults 18 and over who can’t stay home alone safely due to basic aging or a variety of diagnoses, including dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and Down syndrome. Several years later, McIntosh realized that caregivers needed more support, so caregiver support services were introduced to the Joy’s House mission.

At Joy’s House, clients - referred to as guests - engage in fellowship and programming

in a safe environment. Because many have dementia, routine is critical. Therefore, each day they start with coffee and conversation, followed by a physical activity such as kicking a ball or doing a chair exercise. After lunch it’s time for creative expression through activities like painting and gardening. That’s followed by some sort of mental stimulation such as trivia, a word game and of course bingo.

Sometimes volunteers come to Joy’s House to play instruments for the guests. Others bring their pets for the guests to love on. During holidays local classrooms of kids will drop by to perform songs. All such special events serve to uplift the guests.

“When kids and animals come in, our guests’ faces light up,” says Corrina Thompson, community relations manager. “Energies shift and a calm fills the space.”

The facility is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some guests are there all day, every day, while others may

only come twice per week for a few hours. Scheduling is based on each family’s unique needs.

“Sometimes our caregivers feel a little guilty at first as there is a lot of emotion wrapped up in dropping their loved one off, but they become family,” Thompson says.

Thompson stresses the importance of caregivers taking time for themselves too, whether that involves taking a nap, playing golf or simply going to work worry-free, knowing that their loved one is in good hands.

Joy’s House is currently accepting new families. One needn’t reside in Marion County to be a guest at Joy’s House, as they accept Hamilton County residents and residents from anywhere as long as the caregiver can provide transportation.

Thompson maintains that adult day services are often underutilized in general, simply because it’s a difficult subject to tackle.

“People don’t want to think about this part of life,” Thompson says. “They don’t want to talk about life-altering diagnoses or think about what that dignity looks like as we prepare for the end of life, but it’s important.”

Spending time at Joy’s House can make a positive impact. Recently a guest’s son reported that after spending a few days at Joy’s House, his mother started singing around the house again.

“Joy’s House is the whole package,” Bentley says. “There is no amount of money that would be enough to repay them for everything they did for us. I will forever consider Joy’s House family and will forever be grateful to them for their allencompassing support.”

Joy’s House is located at 2028 East Broad Ripple Avenue in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-254-0828 or visit joyshouse.org.