You don’t have to travel far from Monument Circle to find one of our city’s most active and vibrant community centers: Westminster Neighborhood Services. Located at the corner of New York and Keystone, Westminster has been providing support for children and families on the Near Eastside for over 38 years.
Without a doubt, neighbors within Westminster’s service area face a multitude of challenges: 36% of households live at or below poverty levels, with 21% surviving on an annual income of $10,000 or less. Additionally, this part of Indianapolis is a known food desert, making it especially difficult for families and seniors to access affordable and nutritious food.
Smack-dab in the middle of all this is Westminster Neighborhood Services, offering programs to some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. From after-school programs for kids to a thriving food pantry for families and seniors, Westminster serves as an oasis of hope and help for neighbors in need.
When it comes to nonprofit organizations like Westminster, which is admittedly smaller than other agencies in Indianapolis, size is a factor. “We may be small, but we’re making a big impact,” said Executive Director Chrissy Petersen. “Because we’re smaller, we have the ability to build relationships with our neighbors and go the extra mile to really help them tear down obstacles and make changes in their lives.”
She’s right about that: there’s certainly nothing small about Westminster’s outcomes. In 2019, the staff distributed more than 300,000 pounds of food from its food pantry to 7,300+ neighbors. Additionally, Westminster offers after-school and summer programs for 40-45 children, providing academic enrichment, field trips and daily meals.
The impact of these and several more programs is the driving force for Peterson and the agency’s staff and volunteers. “Lives are being changed through the work at Westminster. If we can help our families break down the obstacles of oppression and generational poverty, the kids in those families have a better chance of breaking the cycle.”
Here’s how you can help:
- Get to know Westminster Neighborhood Services and spread the word to build awareness. Visit their website (www.westmin.org) and follow WNS on Twitter (@westmin) and Facebook (@WestminsterNeighborhoodServices).
- Volunteer to pack and distribute food in the food pantry. Click here to submit volunteer application.
- Donate to fund Westminster’s ongoing programs. Click here to donate.
Do you know a nonprofit organization that’s doing great things in our community? Let’s talk.