Our Story - Charity Cares
29 Years of Service

Our Story

Since 1988, Charity Cares has been a cornerstone of faith-based community care, nurturing families through education, support, and unwavering compassion.

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Our Foundation

A Legacy Built on Faith & Love

Charity Cares began in 1988 when Pastor Jeffery L. Thomas Sr., supported by his wife Anita, founded Charity Church Ministry with a vision to impact change through faith in the overlooked Haughville neighborhood.

Starting in a former beer garden on 10th Street and Holmes Avenue, the ministry grew from "starting five members" - Pastor Thomas' family - and became known as love and light for families with young children.

"Today, our organization spans multiple campuses - all unified under our mission of Christ-centered service to under-resourced families of Color in the Haughville community."

Charity Cares through the years
What Sets Us Apart

Faith Founded... Family Focused... Future Forward

Charity Cares is a 501c3 religious, non-profit organization committed to serving families through faith-based resources, social impact, high-quality early care and education, and family-strengthening programming.

Faith Founded

With God as our foundation, we live up to our name "Charity Cares" and represent Him well through faith-based programs that plant seeds of hope for families.

Family Focused

Strong families are cultivated when children are rooted, watered, and nourished. Charity Cares is a family extension representing the model for "strong families."

Future Forward

Intentionally investing in the next generation's lives has been our mission since 1988. Continuous evolution while remaining true to our foundation fuels our work.

Love-Centered

Our philosophy is established in LOVE as defined in 1 Corinthians 13. Our service, care, and conduct are all guided by this biblical definition of love.

Our Community

We Call Them Partners, Not Customers

We serve families of Color and lower socioeconomic status from the Haughville community through faith-based resources, social impact, and comprehensive family-strengthening programming.

Families of Color

Families of Color and lower socioeconomic status from the Haughville community who trust us with comprehensive care, education, and family-strengthening services.

Working Families

Working families who receive CCDF (Child Care Development Fund) support, providing them with quality early childhood education and wraparound services.

Faith Community

We welcome all people into relationship through The Bridge Indy Church, our spiritual anchor offering worship, community, and spiritual growth opportunities.

State of Indiana

As an Indiana registered childcare ministry and Level Four Paths to Quality provider, we collaborate with the State to deliver high-quality early childhood education.

Community Partners

Community organizations and local schools that collaborate with us to provide academic enrichment, therapeutic services, and comprehensive family support.

Funders & Supporters

Funders, donors, and advocates whose generosity and belief in our mission sustain our work and expand our impact in the Haughville community and beyond.

Our Journey

37 Years of Faithful Service

1988

Charity Church Ministry Founded

Pastor Jeffery L. Thomas Sr. and his wife Anita founded Charity Church Ministry in a former beer garden on 10th Street and Holmes Avenue, starting with five family members.

1996

Charity Child Care Begins

Pastor Thomas launched Charity Child Care at 10th and Haugh Street with 13 children, establishing Haughville's first provider of infant care and door-to-door transportation.

1997

Dr. Juaneka Thomas Joins

18-year-old Juaneka Thomas begins her journey as the "snack lady," eventually becoming Program Director and transforming the organization into a community asset.

1999

Christian Academy Emerges

Charity Church Christian Academy emerged, providing private Christian elementary education from kindergarten through fourth grade.

2001-2008

Building Our Campus

Seven years of construction created our current state-of-the-art facility, restoring historic 1920s properties including Turk's Tavern, Zuenik's Grocery, and Dezelen Bowling Alley.

2020

The Cookhouse Opens

During the pandemic, The Cookhouse opened to serve free meals to any child under 18 in a family-style dining environment with academic enrichment activities.

2022

Children's Closet Established

The Children's Closet opened as a boutique-style free store where families can "shop" for clothing, shoes, coats, and accessories with dignity.

2025

Continuing the Legacy

Today we serve hundreds of children and families across multiple campuses, including the historic St. Paul Baptist Church Complex, maintaining our commitment to faith-based, community-centered care.

Our Impact

Numbers That Tell Our Story

These statistics reflect our deep commitment to serving our community with excellence and integrity for nearly four decades.

1988

Year Founded

37

Years of Service

400+

Children Served

5

Program Areas

Primary Focus

Haughville Community & Families of Color

Age Range

2 Months to 12 Years + Family Services

Recognition

NECPA Accredited & Level 4 Paths to Quality

Become Part of Our Story

Join a community where faith, education, and love transform lives for generations to come

Support Our Mission

Give & Support

Your generosity helps us continue our 29-year legacy of serving children and families in our community.

Financial Donations

Your financial gifts support our programs, facilities, and staff development, directly impacting the children and families we serve.

Call Us to Donate

Clothing & Item Donations

Donate new or gently used children's clothing, books, and educational toys to our Children's Clothing Closet.

Learn What We Need

Volunteer Opportunities

Share your time and talents to support our programs, events, and community outreach initiatives.

Volunteer With Us

Legacy Giving

Make a lasting impact by including Charity Cares in your estate planning. Your legacy gift ensures our mission continues for generations to come.

"Plant seeds of faith and love that will continue to grow for generations."

Get In Touch

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out with questions about our programs, enrollment, donations, or volunteer opportunities.

Send Us a Message

Contact Information

Address

959 N Holmes Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222

Hours

Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

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