Best volunteer organizations in Indianapolis: find options near you

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

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!

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

This is one of the best resources in the city for people who find themselves in need. It all starts with a two-week new beginnings class that helps individuals prepare themselves to go on the job market. They help you with resumes, job interview skills, and to find immediate resources to get your life together. There is so much information given in this class that it takes two full weeks to complete. But once your finished, you are ready to start working. Once you finish this class, a many different doors open to their many programs such as veterans programs, family support, credited schooling, entrepreneur training courses, health and fitness, rental assistance, financial planning, legal assistance , community outreach, and counseling services, and banking. I finished new beginnings in August of 2024 and I got the grants that I need to start school in spring for IT. Because of the help I received in this class, I was able to find a job that I am making great money at and when I finish school, I get to transfer to the IT department for an even better salary. I have sent people I know to them and they have helped them enter the job market as well. If you need assistance with anything in your life, you can find it here. You just have to be willing to put the work in. Amazing people, amazing program!!

This organization and the people that make it happen- are extraordinary!! I love this place and the beautiful souls that serve from it!!

Attended class back in August 2024 completed program. Class was awesome, the testimony’s were great, gas cards & overall class was ran well. After the program is when my nightmare begin. I don’t want this to discourage any1 trying to better there life. This was just my journey with them & this does not mean it will b yours. I am a single father of 5 kids all 6 and younger. X gang banger and street sales. Went threw this program to help gain resources to change my life cuz I left my state to change my life. I completely have no family help, friend help, 211 help, non of that. completely solo so naturally was excited to hear what they were saying they would help us with. Everything fought me not to get to those classes I went threw so much just to make it cuz u can’t miss more than 1 or 2 days. Anyway 2 weeks go by I finish and from that point on all the way to about a week ago when I gave up on them I have talked 2 times to someone. Never return text just flat out ignore u, have no resources at all I could not get help with a $13 dollar birth certificate let alone help with anything else. Took almost 2 months to email me a copy of the resume we worked on and never ever heard anything about my flooring career they were going to help with. I was facing eviction, after 14 turned down interviews and every resource available on 211 and more all doors closed, shelters full, I still gave it my all and they did absolutely nothing. I understand my situation is my own but the way they pump u up and then just dump u to the side, well at least me just crushed me man and really made me loose hope in programs like this. I am currently enrolled to go to this program called fathers and families starting November 26th and they have same type of setup. 3 weeks 9am to 3pm and I told the lady like please don’t waste my time. It’s sad I have no hope going into this program because of the experience I had at this place. This is my first review I have ever did on a Google. I only left it cuz there might be someone else like me Cumming off the streets coming from selling drugs coming from gangster life and I just want to let you know if you’re really trying to get your stuff together still go here but I wouldn’t expect to get the help you hear but still try it because you never know it could work for you I’m just want to warn you that it could happen so prepare your mind cuz I don’t want you to get blindsided like I did and lose hope in people. Strength and peace be with us all I’m not saying it’s a bad place at all, I’ve only spoken what happened to me.

Awesome staff they are so very helpful . It is also a really nice place . Everyone in the building that I interacted with was so very respectful, courteous, & very helpful.
Sincerely
M. R. Scott

This was absolutely a bunch of cracker bully. Not once did they help you with anything Vera Graves had no idea what she was doing she was always high stressed. This is not somewhere you want to waste your time or money because the most you’re going to get as a free gas card. This is unbelievable for all of the millions that they get to help people they are not helping anyone putting them in the lowest of cheesiest positions spending little or no money on that person try failing university it’s a better fit it’s a black man and he will give you a scholarship for your education upfront

The new beginnings program was not for me. I didn’t feel comfortable with their staff and I felt like they didn’t want to be bothered with helping me. I understand Covid is making things difficult but I truly feel like the new beginnings program was a waste of time. Some of their staff are not at all welcoming & seem like they want you to do certain job fields. The food drive is okay but you do have to check the dates to make sure things are not expired.

Overall, they are amazing. They really want to help people become better. There’s just always an employee or 2 that always lacks communication. They deal with dozens, if not hundreds of people a week so a delay is understandable. I’ve experienced sending several emails though, over the course of weeks and got no reply. Other than that, these people care. To get training is a long, drawn out process, but they are there for you every step of the way.

You guys are amazing. You make us feel welcome. Always a smile and positive input! Thank you ❤️

Incredible Non-Profit making a positive impactful difference for SO MANY!!
Check out the NEW location in 2025!
6025 Madison Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227

I went to Servant’s Heart for the first time today. It’s a great pantry. They gave a wonderful variety of items. And because I’m a veteran I can visit the pantry more often than twice a month. It is a blessing. The volunteers were very friendly and helpful. And on Saturday they also have items that are not food that you might need for your household.

This place is a blessing!! Food pantry Thursday and Saturday and a warehouse for shopping on Saturday.. great people as well

Nobody wants to have to utilize a place such as this one.(thank god for these places) However, there’s came a time in my life that I needed a hand up and this place is absolutely fantastic. The volunteers are humble and the food is great. Not expired. Since they have given me a hand up my daughter and I are going to volunteer on the Saturdays we can!!! Thank you!

Helps so much. Have a lot to choose from for household or socks personal items. They put the food in the trunk. Very helpful

This is a great pantry. It’s kind of in an odd spot. But, I was told that they’re actually moving to a new location soon. So if you do plan on going there you might want to check to see if they’ve moved yet. They give a nice variety of items. The people working there are very friendly. If you are a veteran you can go every time they’re open. If you’re not, then you allowed to go twice a month. On Thursday they just give food but if you go on a Saturday they have food as well as household items that you can get.

Great place, helpful friendliest staff in town. Went there to pick up food for our Church kids camp. Everything I got a young man help me put it in the truck. Quick and easy!

So thankful for Midwest!! The volunteers are so friendly and helpful!! They are really a God send for our community!!

My husband volunteered here and really enjoyed it. Everyone was so welcoming and kind.

My leadership group did a service engagement there recently and we had a great time. The lady on staff was amazing to work with as well as the gentleman that is a regular volunteer there. Great service to the people of Indiana!

This is not a food pantry. They distribute food to the food pantries in the area.

This is amazing place dedicated to making sure everyone is fed. Businesses donate food to the warehouse and local non-profits come and select different foods and products to help the people they serve. They only have approximately 5 people working there, so they rely heavily on volunteers to help with loading and many other things. My 2 co-workers and I volunteered and it was amazing here. I highly encourage individuals to volunteer or donate $$$ to help this wonderful organization provide much needed support to people that consider food a luxury rather than a necessity. If you are a business, please consider donating food or $$$ to help Midwest Food Bank. However you help, I know you will be blessed and grateful for the experience.

Picked up food today for a non-profit sober living program in Crawfordsville. It was my first time so I went in with no clue what to expect. And… wow. From the moment I walked in the (wrong) door to the moment I drove away this was a fantastic experience. Every single person had a smile on their face and seemed eager to serve. They walked me through with humor and patience. They even let me sample a bottle of ‘pea milk’ so I could be reasonably sure it wouldn’t go to waste if I got it (it is DELICIOUS!) I left with a van full of nutritious food (boiled eggs, cheese cubes, apple slices, potatoes, strawberries, watermelon, papayas, protein snack packs, and Propel) and some fun stuff(chips and salsa, guacamole, cherry pie!) and more! I felt like a kid at Christmas. I’m looking forward to going back next month! Thank you, Midwest Food Bank, for your service to the people of Indiana!

Currently should have an open food pantry on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, for those living in the same 46268 zip code.

It’s also a resource listed on CHIP’s “Indianapolis Winter Contingency Plan 2024-2025.”

On July 25, 2025, at 1:55 PM, I received a message through Procare from this daycare stating that all FBGNC scholarships were being terminated—effective the same day at 6:00 PM. No prior notice, no email, no policy update—just a last-minute message with no time for families to financially prepare.

This is completely unacceptable. Families were blindsided. There was:

No transparency or advanced warning,

No grace period or transition plan,

And a sudden jump to $275/week starting August 4 with zero support.

The message wasn’t even sent in a professional way—just dropped in Procare chat, which felt careless and disrespectful. If this center receives state funding like CCDF, they should be held to a higher standard.

For families like mine who don’t qualify for CCDF, this has created unnecessary financial stress and shows a real lack of care or planning. If you’re considering this provider, I strongly recommend asking detailed questions about their tuition, scholarship policies, and how they communicate major changes.

The quality of service at the center has noticeably declined. Communication with parents has become increasingly poor. Most recently, families were notified through a brief Procare message that FBGNC scholarships would be terminated effective immediately, with no prior discussion or explanation. This abrupt approach is disappointing, especially considering FBGNC’s long-standing reputation as a supportive and community-focused organization — a reputation that now seems to be in jeopardy.

Additionally, the conduct of some staff members has been unprofessional. On a recent visit, I observed a front desk employee (Precious) engaging in loud, inappropriate conversations about colleagues — a behavior that reflects poorly on the center. When concerns are raised, parents are often redirected to a board member, Jason, who has allegedly asked families to provide false statements regarding staff, which is deeply troubling.

At this time, I do not feel comfortable continuing my child’s enrollment. We will not return unless meaningful changes are made to restore the professionalism and care that once defined FBGNC.

I’ve tried for several weeks to get in contact with someone about the services they offer. I have left several messages for Mr. Cedric without any return call. The people answering the phones have no clue who is in charge or what programs they are in charge of. They are very unprofessional when it comes to getting answers

My daughter went to this place to get her taxes done. A free service. You get what you get when it’s free I guess. Especially when it’s Us you’re dealing with. She called the IRS to see about her filing and to no avail the ors could t find ANYTHING in regards to her filing NOR THE GLICK CENTER as a filing participant. Lol!! I can’t make this up! The. To top it off she owes money!!! How does a 22 year old owe taxes? The excuse he gave she check out and they said they taxed the money he suggested she looked into. My daughter was referred to this place by my aunt who’s heavy into the church. I try to trust her judgment because of that yet it’s failed me/us for the last time. Kevin Brooks, Community Sustainability Coordinator. No mention of tax services. Not sure if that’s what it applies too. At any rate my daughter has called the center to see what’s going on and to no avail she was told he’ll be in a meeting till 3pm and she’ll leave a message for him to call her when he’s done. She called the center on her lunch break at between 11-12pm. WTH in a meeting for the majority of the work day?! When do you service the community? When I went there he wasn’t there when they opened. Don’t let me find out he did her taxes wrong or she haha to file them herself before the 15th. I’ll be back with an update..

I went here for a boxing match in the gym and the parking was horrible. The event itself was great, and there were snacks, cold drinks, and food. The setup up was ok, but the announcers microphone was garbage. Most of the time, he couldn’t be understood. The downside was definitely the parking, and a lot of cars were parked in muddy areas or forced to double park and block other cars in to get a spot at all. In the future, it would probably be best to park an hour early or plan to park at Churches Chicken or CVS to avoid the mess.

Some of the staff are questionable specifically in the childcare side “attention HR” other are very professional and helpful overall I think that place needs a good clean up and stronger leadership if not that place going to get defunded.

I knew it was coming.

I am beyond grateful for the incredible blessing Servants at Work provided by building a beautiful ramp for my home. As I’ve gotten older and faced increasing mobility challenges, navigating my deck had become extremely difficult. This ramp has completely changed that—it is sturdy, safe, and built with such care that I now feel confident walking up and down it.

The team of volunteers was truly amazing. Despite the intense heat, they worked together with kindness, professionalism, and genuine compassion. Watching their teamwork was a joy in itself, and I’m still in awe of the time and effort they so generously gave.

There are not enough words to express my gratitude. This ramp is more than just a structure—it’s a life-changing gift. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This was truly God-sent.

These kind hearted volunteers take time out of their busy schedule to help those in need. I can’t thank these volunteers and the people that donate enough. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts

Servants at work or SAWS is the best company you could have to come and build a rent for you not only are they caring and dependable but they were like a family. They treat you like your family and they do this all voluntarily with donations that are given to them they will even allow you to work along side of them and even have family or friends come join in. My son and I both thank you all so very much! My son just loves the ramp and it’s so much easier to get in and out. Thank you so very much everyone of you!

They give people quality of life! Thank you for your service and also thank you too Granger Community Church for all the volunteers who built this amazing ramp from me. Don’t know how I could manage without it now. Thank you again ❤️

Saws was amazing to us!!! They were very nice and friendly and gave us a true gift. My dad is now able to leave my house because of what they did! I am very grateful for all of them!

Such a blessing!
I had some falls on the old ramp as it was way too short and steep.
A gentleman came and took measurements, probably a few days before.
When the ‘whole crew’ came they went right to work.
It seemed like it only took a few hours to complete.
They were so respectful.
They even gave me a ‘stoop’ at the top to put my bundles down to make it easier and safer to get in the door.
I can even sit in a chair and watch my granddaughter do cartwheels .
I am so very grateful!!

The SAWS people are amazing. Truly fantastic. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving mobility back to our loved one who, without the ramp that was built, would otherwise be housebound and would not be able to make it to dialysis and other doctor appointments from a below the knee amputation. Thank you for giving them back a part of their life!

Don’t throw any piece of clothing away. Catholic Charities will accept all. Expiernce the heart felt joy of helping the homeless. Catholic Charities does it right.

Haven’t use them personally myself but my niece got a referral for them and I took her here she didn’t have to wait long and they gave her a good amount of stuff for her and her baby. Not sure of whether or not you need a referral or if you can just schedule an appointment. The stuff was very kind though

Dear Mrs.
Hello,

I take the occasion to congratulate you for the amazing task that you are realizing in this community. Due to ongoing immigration crises occurring in the US, I would like to know if you provide immigration assistance, especially in TPS case?
Best regards!

This place has helped thousands of refugees including me. I’d recommend anyone in need to give them a visit

The help i got and still get is beyond belief, I’ve been visiting this place for my legal assistance on immigration and i have been very happy with them, they are very honest and polite not to mention very respectful towards you since the get go…i love their attention to detail.

I went for rental assistance unfortunately they were out of funds, but the gentleman was courteous and I like that they do help the community when funds are available

They are servantsof God. Loving the poor and all in need.

Wonderful non for profit clubhouse grill will be doing catering events. We love what they do for our youth and community.

If I could give it negative stars, I would this place is terrible. I decided that I wanted to help and wanted to volunteer cause I have a passion in it and took my time to go to the location on New York St. and the staff judged me saying I smell like marijuana and I’ve never smoked a day in my life. They look upon people they do not stand for what they are they gossip they lie they judge people and that’s the worst place and I feel bad for them because that’s not what they said that’s not what they should stand for they judge people and they are this very disrespectful, worst place to volunteer ever and they’re not even doing the work that God is that they claim that God is supposed to do They suck and disrespectful

My diversity specialist JP is amazing she deserves a reward or something promotion. I just love her

This place is wonderful. I recommend it for any young adult in need. The staff and volunteers are welcoming and helpful. The building is awesome. And the services are robust.

I was an outreach kid they helped me turn my life around Eric was a big part of that. My case manager no longer works at outreach he left right before I left for job corps. With everything outreach has helped me do I am thankful for. If I was able to I would go and stop in just to see Eric again.

This was an amazing experience and the help me alot with bus passes and many other resources They have an Amazing staff who feed me even on monday when their closed and provided me essential things that could help me get my life together. Big thumbs up from Me and my Family.Good job.

I was very disappointed in how they run this business and treat family members of the people they are supposedly helping. I don’t think this is a very good place for teens and young adults that are influenced easy.