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About IvyCARES at Ivy Tech Indianapolis

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

Flyers

General IvyCARES flyer Free counseling services

Contact Us

 Main Office

Phone: (317) 916-7968

Email: indianapolis-ivycares@ivytech.edu

Individual Contacts

Gisele "Gigi" BrownDirector

(317) 916-7539

gbrown106@ivytech.edu

Melissa Filock, M.A., Counseling and Mental Health

(317) 916-7627

Indy-StudentTherapist@ivytech.edu

Ramona Bracey, Program Assistant

(317) 916-7629

rbracey@ivytech.edu

Darlene Bumpus, Lead Resource Coach

(317) 921-4744

dbumpus2@ivytech.edu

Stephanie Massing, Resource Coach

(317) 921-4993

smassing@ivytech.edu

 

Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Videos

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
  • View the list here

Emergency Funds

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
  • To visit IvyAssist, visit ivyassist.auntbertha.com.

Mental Health

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." 

Central Indiana Resources

Indianapolis Area Community Resources During COVID

  • Facebook page dedicated to identifying up-to-date resources for the local community

Indiana's Novel Coronavirus Response

  • State page with the latest information from the state and Indiana State Department of Health
  • Scroll to the bottom to subscribe to their latest updates

IN.gov Community Resources

  • Access to all community resources available to Marion County/Indianapolis residents 

Johnson County United Way

  • 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 

Food

Indy Hunger Network

  • Food assistance program that lists drive-through and grab-n-go food pantries for Marion and Johnson counties

IPS Meals

  • 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. 

Citizens Energy

  • Citizens Energy will not shut off water and utilities services due to nonpayment through April 15
  • They will also be granting requests for water turn-on through April 15 

Indiana American Water

  • IAW will not discontinue or shut off service at this time, and will evaluate appropriately
  • They are working with customers with service that has previously been shut off prior to March 12 to restore access

Duke Energy

  • Duke Energy has suspended disconnections for nonpayment

Indiana Power and Light

  • IPL is not disconnecting service due to nonpayment
  • They will continue to read meters and send bills, and ask customers to pay what they can  

WiFi Access

Comcast free internet

  • Comcast is providing new customers with two months of free service, enabling you to get access to WiFi to continue your studies at home

Spectrum free broadband and WiFi

  • Spectrum offers free access to broadband and WiFi to qualifying households without internet access
  • Call (844) 488-8395 to see if you quality

Xfinity WiFi

  • Until further notice, Xfinity has open their public hotspots under "xfinitywifi"
  • These public hotspots can be found in small/medium businesses and outdoors in many commercial areas
  • Visit their website to find a map of available hotspots.