Everyone needs a little help sometimes, and IvyCARES in the Ivy Tech Indianapolis Service Area is here to provide you the support you need throughout your academic journey - both in and out of the classroom. Formally known as the Early Resource Connections Center (ERCC), IvyCares houses a wide variety of services that include the following (more details about each service are below):
Access to emergency funds
Assistance to combat food insecurity
Link to IvyAssist's vast amount of local options
Mental health support
Transportation assistance
Looking for assistance due to the COVID-19 outbreak? Review the section below for local options available to you
In addition, IvyCares can help point former foster youth/foster alumni to exclusive resources, ombudsman services to help you resolve classroom and academic concerns, financial coaching and employment coaching.
Location
Downtown Campus: North Meridian Center, room 140
50 W. Fall Creek Parkway, North Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Ivy Tech Central Indiana's Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging hosts bi-weekly webinars about a variety of topics. View the most recent video below and find all videos below.
General Services and Resources
Note: Additional local and Ivy Tech resources to help you navigate through any difficulties you may have due to the COVID-19 outbreak are below.
CareSource Community Resource List
CareSource, a national leader of member-centric healthcare coverage, recently updated its list of Indiana resources to help you through the COVID-19 outbreak.
Includes 400+ resources in a variety of areas
Resources for individuals of all ages in counties all across the state
Ivy Tech understands that financial emergencies may happen.
Sometimes students just need a little financial help to get them through
IvyCares has an emergency fund set up for students when they need help the most
Food Insecurity
We know it is difficult for students to concentrate on doing well in the classroom if they are unsure of where they are getting their next meal.
IvyCares offers a variety of options to assist with helping you get food
You can also take advantage of the the sharing shelves at every Ivy Tech location in Indianapolis, as well as the Bear Necessities Food Pantry in the Illinois Fall Creek Center on the downtown campus
IvyCares also assists students by providing grocery gift cards to help you purchase what you need
IvyAssist
IvyAssist is an amazing website filled with local options to assist Ivy Tech students.
Use IvyCares for services available in your local area
It will connect you with organizations who provide food assistance, housing needs, transportation, health resources, financial assistance, education options, legal services and so much more
Nationwide, mental health is one of the biggest issues facing college students.
Whether you talk to a trusted friend, family member, or someone at Ivy Tech, we want you to ask for help when you need
Through IvyCares, get the connections to mental health resources you need
Additionally, many of our faculty and staff have received special training to know how to assist students by referring them to mental health services
Transportation
Transportation to and from classes can be a big issue for any student, but Ivy Tech is here to help you!
IvyCares will help you get access to local public transportation or bussing
Ivy Tech works with Uber to provide students experiencing a short- or long-term transportation barrier
Additional Resources
IvyCares Indianapolis can help direct you to assistance in these additional areas:
Former Foster Youth Assistance
The Ignite Former Foster Success program, sponsored by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, is open to current and future students at Ivy Tech Indianapolis that could benefit from program resources and supports. Through Ignite, students will receive coaching, mentoring, and other resources and supports to aid them in their educational pursuits at Ivy Tech. Learn more at IvyTech.edu/IgniteIndy.
Ombudsman Services
Having an issue in a class? Not sure where to go for help? The Ombudsman’s office helps students navigate the necessary course of action needed to resolve concerns with classroom issues, grade disputes, and other academic issues. Contact indianapolis-ivycares@ivytech.edu for ombudsman services.
COVID-19 Outbreak Resources
In addition to services available to you through IvyCares, both Ivy Tech and Central Indiana support services have options to help you and your family navigate through this "new normal."
United Way of Johnson County (UWJC) has compiled a comprehensive list of Johnson County resources for residents
The list includes resources for food, family support, local utilities, transportation, senior services, employment, and more
Shelby County: Healthy Shelby County - Healthy Shelby County has compiled a comprehensive list of Shelby County resources for residents - Click into the COVID-19 section to view the most up-to-date list of resources
The IPS Food Service team is distributing pre-packaged meals (breakfast and lunch) through April 3 at a variety of locations
Utilities
Note: If you receive a phone call or email demanding payment immediately or in a short period of time, be wary as it may be a scam. You can always get off the phone with the caller and contact the business directly (find their contact information on their website) to check on the status of your account.
