social services in Indianapolis in Indianapolis: Discover the most outstanding options

I volunteered at Second Helpings as part of a community service requirement for my college degree, and it turned out to be a truly rewarding experience. The staff and fellow volunteers were all incredibly welcoming, you could genuinely feel that everyone was there because they cared and wanted to make a difference. From day one, the staff treated us new volunteers with warmth and respect, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

If I weren’t so tied up with school and other commitments, I’d absolutely continue volunteering there. What Second Helpings is doing for the community is truly inspiring, and I highly recommend checking it out for yourself. If you have some free time and want to give back while connecting with kind, like-minded people, this is the perfect place to do it.

The basic idea is to gather food that is in danger of spoiling or going to waste; train chefs and food service professionals to prepare and cook that food, while at the same time they gain experience; and then deliver that prepared and cooked food to those experiencing hunger (food insecurity.)

Cooked food is delivered to places like shelters (for children, victims of domestic abuse, homeless, etc.); food pantries; community centers; soup kitchens and similar church services; etc.

Have volunteered here before to make sandwiches. Love overall what they do here, including all the integration with neighboring Indianapolis food pantries. Here are two volunteers with Boulevard Place Food Pantry who came to bring items to our facility.

Great place ms Michelle is excellent I feel welcomed and happy everytime I enter the building they deserve more than 5 stars

A fantastic organization with wonderful staff and volunteers!

Last night, some coworkers and I volunteered to help with food prep.  We were given a detailed tour of the facility as well some history and background of the organization.  Then we were tasked with food prep, specifically sorting burger patties into trays, dicing ham, and finally clean up.  It was a good time; reminded me of working part time in my college days!

The facility and equipment are very well kept.  The mission of not letting food go to waste and supporting those in need is highly admirable.  While Second Helpings appears well supported, hopefully other restaurants and retailers become aware and contribute to the cause when possible.

A great way to volunteer!

It’s very misleading to make it seem like you give out food when in reality, you don’t.

Great experience helping and observing how this group services the community

The oldest Catholic Church in Indianapolis…and a real beauty. If you like old school Catholic…organ music, lots of statues, people dressed respectfully (instead of looking like they stopped off on the way to the beach), then this place is for you.

I stopped by to tour the interior and they were about the start a Eucharistic procession! Blest to join in during my short stay in the city

The best thing about Indianapolis is St. John the Evangelist.
A must-see while visiting the Indiana Convention Center

My wife and I have made it a habit to attend Christmas Eve mass here and regrettably.We’ve been deeply disappointed the last two years. We both love the thundous sound of one of the finest pipe organs in Indiana, and they use it only sparingly.
We have also been deeply disappointed in the fact that while the topics for the homily on Christmas seem endless,
the pastor’s output is mediocre at best. Christmas offers a unique opportunity to touch the hearts of children and adults alike and yet somehow, the pastor manages to miss the target. We understand that the evening is to give thanks for our Savior’s birth and to celebrate his arrival. It’s just that such a revered evening, such an awesome facility and an enthusiastic crowd deserve better.

After 7 yrs. Father Nagle is no longer Pastor. Also the traffic, road closers, construction downtown is a nightmare.

The greeter at the door was very nice and welcoming, I really appreciated that.

If you go to Confession here, be sure to be there no later than 11am. I arrived at 11:20 (it goes till 12pm on weeekdays) and waited in line for 40 minutes, I was next in line and then no, Father abruptly leaves. I know he needs to prepare for Mass, but perhaps he should not take insanely long with each penitent.

I had been struggling in my faith and this was to be my “coming home” confession, which turned out to be a disappointment. Just make sure to arrive very early for Confession.

Perpetual Adoration here was a blessing. Very welcoming parishioners, and the building was Amazing. Several corners available to have a more private time in the presence of the Lord.

This place barely gave my family anything at all, and we are having a hard time with getting food and other stuff, also something I failed to note to why this is edited you have to show them your state ID, you also have to give them your first and last name plus personal phone number, to receive a message before you can go through.

Y’all do great helping those in need. And understand you also donate to pantries in the area. It would be great if you could do something about the $50,000 + vehicles that are in line at pantries…or the folks smoking cigs that cost them 50-100 bucks a week. While volunteering , helped a lady load food into her Escalade while she told me they did not really need this food but it helped feed the people that took care of their race cars. Really ?? I don’t have the answer but there has got to be a way to make the rules stricter. Too many people in line that do not belong there.

Have your apt number handy. If so quick to unload, excellent best dock ever. Some parking next door or in entrance way, no gate till you got the back.

Despite the long Queues of vehicles coming in for service this establishment of volunteer workers make it such a joy for their organised dispensing of foodstuffs to motorists:the staff cheerfulness and politeness makes me want to get back there to see how they cheer the needy yet they supplying basics needed by households

Good people,fast loading depending on how many trucks , check in around the building at door #37 and make sure you choke your trailer, once the done loading/unloading they will bring paper to you

Very sweet individuals who volunteer in all weather conditions to load food into your vehicle as you drive thru two or three stations in their building. It can be a bit of a wait some days because lots of people are in need of help but it moves, you just to have something you can listen to or do for a little bit in the vehicle and you will be fine.

I don’t mind the wait, it lets me catch up on emails, phone calls, paper work, or a quick video. You don’t have to show i.d. or carry anything so it is so helpful and convenient. As for the items, they try to provide balanced items of meat, fresh vegetables and/ or fruit, milk or something dairy, and some type of bread and dessert. It is a much needed service and they don’t make you feel bad for going to get the help. 10/10 thank you!

Quick unloading
Friendly staff

美しい歴史ある教会で、落ち着いた雰囲気が魅力的だよ。外観は素朴でありながら荘厳で、中に入ると、素敵なステンドグラスが目を引くんだ。礼拝に参加するもよし、静かな時間を過ごすもよし、どんな目的でも楽しめる場所だね。特に、教会の周囲には美しい庭があり、散歩するのも気持ちいいよ。地域のコミュニティともつながりが強く、イベントや活動も充実しているから、地元の人々との交流も楽しめる。友達や家族と一緒に訪れて、心温まるひとときを過ごしてみて！

At 5 PM on Good Friday, a Via Crucis led devoted followers through the downtown streets. The Stations of the Cross culminated behind the church, offering a space for prayerful contemplation of Jesus’ crucifixion.

So incredibly beautiful. The old world architecture standing in Indianapolis. I have not been inside, but it’s worth just seeing from the outside. The gargoyles are cool. If you like architecture and history, this is the place to go.

Hermosa Iglesia donde puedes recogerte en oración y crecer en el amor al prójimo.

This church is beautiful. The spires, arches, stained glass window, and statues are a designer dream. The little garden area is very soft and lovely. Free to look at outside. Doors were not unlocked to enter.

Amazing church in downtown Indy. The stained glass is very vibrant.

A very beautiful Church in downtown Indianapolis. Harkins to some European churches that I have been in. The sound quality is quite good because even in the very back of the church I could hear the priest perfectly.

Are you looking for a sweet bookstore in Indianapolis? I took a walk down the culture trail from the Hyatt place and the journey was well worth it. I found a wonderful used/new bookstore that has literacy programs. Feed my book addiction and help others? Pick me!!

My husband and I are book lovers and collectors. We found the most beautiful copy of Wind in the Willows (vintage) and had to purchase it today. The store attendant was so pleasant to interact with and had several recommendations on where to find readings locally. The store was beautifully decorated (see my photos) and had a great selection of new and used books. We were also able to contribute to literacy when checking out. All in all a great experience. Stop in here if you’re checking out Mass Ave!

I like what I witnessed and a very good conversation circle for people trying to improve their English Language skills. I’m looking forward to learning more about their services to potentially help my student families learning English and also may need help with literacy. Thank you!!

This was my first time going to a non-chain bookstore and it was great! The atmosphere was very bookish, the place was nice and clean, and the displays were interesting. It had a very “come sit down and read or play some chess or do some homework” feel to it, which I loved. Wish I had one of these close to my house!!

Indy Reads is a wonderful place dedicated to literacy and fostering a love of reading. There’s always some fun event there to attend, and the collection of books they have is impressive.

This is one of my favorite bookstores. I love the work they do for the community. They have great prices and have had free books from time to time. They also support local artists and crafts makers. When I think of community I think of Indy Reads

Great selection of books for great prices, and purchases support literacy programs on the city! Love the activism and gathering space!

I was part of a charity clean at this house. The staff are wonderful to work with and truly care about their house and the people there.

My family with 3 young children, have been over night guests many times! Our daughter visits her plastic surgeon @ Riley Hospital annually and the trip takes us 4-hours one way. For different reasons, her Dr may order additional tests to be run. Unfortunately they can’t always schedule the tests to get done that same day, so we would have to stay overnight, with little notice. Any of the last minute, over night stays, that Ronald McDonald house could accommodate us for, they never hesitated to get us taken care of! Staff would always be nice and very helpful, no matter the time. They provide most every commodity a family would need during their stay, free of charge!! Donations are encouraged from guests at check out time, but not mandated. They run off of a waiting list when they get booked up & always allow current guests to stay as long as needed until their child is discharged from the hospital. ** All guests are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and for cleaning of their rooms & bathrooms! These Common Areas are intended for ALL GUESTS TO RESPECTIVELY USE & SHARE ** The Kitchen/Pantry Areas include Refrigerators​, Ovens & a Dishwasher. The Laundry/Utility Room has washing/drying machines..**

The Staff are fantastic. Especially Julia and Sophia. They made our trauma easier to bear. Mack is a must see when you enter the doors. We have made a lot of people we call friends. I don’t know what we would have done without the RMDH!

Every aspect of our stay at this Ronald McDonald House was perfect! Comforting environment, kind service, tasty food, good beds. Took a financial strain off of us. Such a tremendous blessing to my daughter and I during her surgery! So very thankful!

My first experience with RMH was as a little girl over nearly forty years ago when my brother was recovering from a surgery at the Chicago Children’s Hospital. Recently my son (19) came down with a rare and mysterious illness and I found myself in the middle of Indiana with only expensive hotels as an option to be near him. Ronald McDonald House hooked my family up! The room was spacious and clean. The beds were comfy and firm. There were so many helpful amenities (laundry, kitchens). The staff was friendly and there was even an adorable doggo to love on. I cannot praise this place enough for being what it is to the families who need it!

There were bed bugs in our room when we checked in the first night. The staff did not assist in any way and didn’t seam like they thought it was a big deal. They told us we needed to wash our clothes in hot water but could not move ya to a different room?We ended up having to go to a hotel for the remainder of our stay at Riley. Thank god I was the only one bitten and my 3 month old who had surgery in the morning was not…

The most amazing people in the entire world !!!

I visited this parish briefly while passing through Indianapolis. I attended the Saturday Evening Mass. The Mass was one of the most beautiful I have ever attended! The music was beautiful, the homily was great, and the Church featured amazing artwork. I highly recommend this parish if you are looking for a Reverent Novus Ordo or Traditional Latin Mass in the Indianapolis area!

The roof was able to shield me from the lightning bolts, and that was much appreciated. Latin mass was interesting… not too many congregations still perform a traditional Roman Catholic mass. Beautiful Church!

I was in town for the NEC, decided to attend this church because of the Tridentine mass. I went at 4:00 both days, and 6:30 am on the 21st. It is a great church, traditional, beautiful, and spaghetti dinner was available. It was packed full both days. I wish more parishes and bishops took an example from this parish, and could see the TLM’s beauty and how it unites the church.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) offered here. The liturgy was reverent, the church beautiful, and the sense of tradition deeply moving. It’s a wonderful place for prayer and reflection and for the reception of sacraments, especially if you’re visiting Indianapolis and appreciate a spiritually rich experience rooted in sacred tradition.

Very reverent holy sacrifice of the mass at Holy Rosary church. Mass in Traditional Latin (four times each week, as of May 2025) as said by RC priests since St. Gregory in the 6th century. Reverent Novus Ordo mass in english and sometimes in latin. Pastor who cares about the souls of his flock. Stain glass windows from early 1900s and beautiful marble altar. Many large families with young and older children give it a feel of vibrancy.

I am not making my review about the church… it’s for the Italian food festival ! They claim that it is homemade.. it most def is not.. almost none of it. It’s all from vendors and big box stores which has been very disappointing in the last couple years at least. The same breadsticks come from turanos and the pizza made with flour tortillas.. none of this is homemade.. even the dressing on the salad is store bought and the bruschetta is just uncooked garlic bread w tomatoes.. and they didn’t even care to switch it out or anything and they KNEW it was bad smh. We won’t return next year and neither will our friends and family that came along w our companies . We won’t be back. It should be at least a little authentic.. but they have made it all about the money and no authenticity.

The Italian Street Festival was okay I’ve been nicer if they had some shaved ice or Italian ice but all in all pretty good best choice of the evening was just a sausage pizza and the cannoli

Be prepared!! I was excited to go to Indy to celebrate with my husband. He found a cool Tiki-themed place to go. We decided to park and walk up to the Fountain Square. We were met with a tent city, then several encounters with homeless getting way to close to us. We took the pictures of a couple small fountains. I was already uneasy, so we decided to head back. Not much good to see in the area… another homeless man came up on us from behind a building and then a big truck tried to run a man down across the street from us and he pulled out his gun on the guy!!! To say I was ready to leave without even going in the Inferno Room was so sad. Bet we were not safe in this area!!!!

We went to Fountain Square for my brother’s girlfriends birthday we went bowling at Atomic bowl. It was different to say the least. It was original duck pin bowling with these baby pins and little ball. It was a very old bowling alley (rustic) but we did have fun but I think I will stick to regular bowling next time.

A place that is coming alive. We enjoyed walking around and the square area. We were on the hunt for things the the two chicks and a hammer talked about on GOOD BONES. The square are was clean, safe, and inviting.

Neighborhood is coming together. It definitely has grown to be trendy. Enjoyed our good eats at Siam Square

Always a good time. Played some duckpin bowling and soaked in the nostalgia.

Went to Indy reads book store always spend a lot of money in there cause they have great selection. We are big readers at my house. They have everything from children’s books the political books. My favorite is the cooking books.

This was a very nice place to visit. A revitalized section of town with a lot to offer

There is no greater substitute for caring and compassion towards others, and this place is full of staff and volunteers, all on mission to serve Jesus Christ by being His hands and feet for so many in need.

I understand this organization is very helpful to the community it serves. Our family visited the Freedom Barn where our sons wedding took place. Older buildings, kept in order. Beautiful outdoor landscape. Helpful staff.

Hope Center Indy provides an awesome ministry to women who have been trafficked or who are dealing with drug or alcohol problems. The facility is clean, well kept, the staff are friendly and the ministry invaluable, supported by numerous local churches.

My strawberry refresher was amazing ! Casey was so helpful and nice !

Shopped the adorable boutique, savored not one, but two delicious lattes, and enjoyed an inspiring tour about the work and history of Hope Center Indy. I left full of faith and hope with a renewed understanding that beauty can be birthed from the deepest pain. Will most certainly be back!

Hope Center is an extremely important organization that has many resources and avenues to help women who have been victims of sex trafficking…The boutique, Redefined Hope, is an enjoyable shopping experience with fashionable clothing and home decor items..Stop in for coffee or ice cream.. Make an appointment to get your hair styled in their beauty salon.
Every purchase you make helps to raise money for women trying to better their lives.

I was looking forward to come share experience strength an hope an learn a lot from you ladies how ever my ex husband is not so good in health I pray I get another chance at it thank you for all you do for gods children

From beginning until the end was perfect. The customer service was top tier. Even on the day of my event (yesterday 8/23) the staff made sure all of my needs were met. They even checked on me during the event, but still kept their distance.The space I chose was exactly what I needed for my Sneakerball Memorial Dinner. I would recommend this venue. I would most definitely return to this venue if I ever needed one in the future. The owner and staff did not disappoint. (Decor done by me)

We loved the event space at The Spotlight Center. Randall, the owner, was very helpful. It has plenty of parking, nice decore, plenty of chairs and is very spacious. We will be back!

The owner Randal is awesome! He’s a very good and down to earth person. He listened to our ideas on how we wanted everthing to look and flow at our wedding reception. Him and his team delivered and made our special night beautiful! We will definitely refer and use their event center and services in the near future!

Thank you to the Spotlight Center and everyone there for your amazing assistance in making our mothers 60th birthday a night to remember. You all were amazing and so easy to work with from booking the event center all the way to the end with the clean up. We greatly appreciate you all and can’t wait for our next event. We will definitely be booking with you again.

This is the best venue I have used since my very first production. The owner Randall is the absolute best! The staff at The Spotlight Center are very professional, accommodating and so fun to work with! And Jenn is always right there walking through the production step by step. A huge help and a great friend! I’ll be back this fall.

BOOK THEM!!!

The best place to host an event. Randall is very helpful and he makes things easier for his clients. The place is nice, counts 6 restrooms, kitchen area that can be used. The staff was also attentive and ready to assist with the requests we made. Great place and service. Highly recommended!

Really enjoyed The Spotlight Center today as they hosted Black Friday Small Business Marketplace. The place has multiple rooms.. vendors were in 2 different rooms, they have security and maintenance crew! So if you had a spill they helped cleaned. DJ Rob B was on the 1s and 2s. Overall once the second room reached temperature the place was absolutely comfortable! Thank you for this experience and hope to see you next Black Friday! Blended Paradise Owner ~ Kay D