June 2026
STRIVING TO ACHIEVE RESULTS DAILY!
Recent Accomplishments & Impact
• Continued strong partnership with Synergy Recovery Network, supporting participants in housing, workforce, and employment outcomes
• Successfully assisted 2 Synergy participants in transitioning into safe and affordable housing
• Successfully assisted 4 Synergy participants in obtaining employment, helping advance financial stability and self-sufficiency
• Continued expanding the STAR Program’s focus on moving participants from crisis to stability through individualized coaching and support
Ongoing Work & Focus Areas
• Continuing to support active Synergy caseloads through case management, employment support, housing stabilization, and resource navigation
• Positioning Client Services as CAGI’s centralized intake and case management hub to improve participant experience and streamline service delivery across programs
• Expanding pantry operations and preparing for a site visit with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana to establish a formal food pantry partnership.
What’s Ahead?
• Launching an enhanced centralized intake and case management model designed to connect participants more efficiently to CAGI services and community resources
• Developing additional community partnerships to expand access to housing, food, employment, and supportive services
• Continuing to strengthen the STAR Program as a cornerstone of CAGI’s mission to empower individuals and families to become self-reliant and self-sufficient
Safe. Alive. Productive.
We CANN continues creating pathways that keep individuals safe, alive, and productive by equipping Champions with opportunities for workforce development, entrepreneurship, leadership growth, and long-term support. We remain committed to walking alongside participants beyond the classroom experience through individualized coaching, barrier reduction support, and sustainable career pathways.
We are excited to announce the launch of Blueprint to Business Cohort 2, developed in partnership with the BOI REDi Program and Indy Chamber initiative. This 8-week workforce and entrepreneurship experience is designed to empower justice-involved individuals through practical skill development and exposure to business and career opportunities.
Cohort Dates:
📅 First Day of Class: Monday, June 1, 2026
Program Schedule:
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Throughout the cohort, Champions will strengthen skills in:
✔ Leadership Development
✔ Job Readiness & Employability Skills
✔ Financial Literacy
✔ Entrepreneurship Exposure
✔ Accountability & Goal Setting
✔ Professional Communication
✔ Personal Growth & Mindset Development
✔ Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)
✔ Career Exploration and Workforce Pathways
Participants will also receive support from a dedicated Success Coach, who will continue walking alongside them for up to 18 months, helping address barriers and support continued progress beyond the cohort experience.
As we prepare to welcome Cohort 2, we look forward to seeing our Champions step confidently into new opportunities and build stronger futures for themselves, their families, and the community.
With Gratitude,
Destiny LeJohn
Director of Community Engagement and Learning Development
Housing counseling, financial literacy, ida
- Financial Literacy Cohort: Take control of your money and build a secure future by joining our Financial Literacy Cohort, running Saturdays from
June 13 to June 25 at 11:30 AM.
Contact: nice@cagi-in.org for more information!
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program at CAGI continues to make meaningful progress in expanding housing opportunities and strengthening community partnerships across Hamilton County and surrounding areas.
We are pleased to announce that the HCV team will be hosting a “Save the Date” Luncheon on August 19, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This event will provide an opportunity for partners, landlords, and community stakeholders to connect, learn more about program updates, and discuss ongoing initiatives to support affordable housing. Additional details will be shared soon, and we look forward to your participation.
In addition to upcoming events, the HCV Program is actively engaging with the community. On June 5, 2026, the HCV team will participate in the Hamilton County Community Resource & Health Fair. This event is an excellent opportunity for residents to connect with local organizations, access valuable resources, and learn more about the support services available within the community.
We are also excited to share continued progress in expanding housing access through landlord partnerships. The HCV Program has successfully partnered with new landlords, resulting in the addition of 44 new vouchers to the program. This growth reflects our ongoing commitment to increasing housing options for participants and building strong relationships with property owners.
The HCV Program remains dedicated to improving service delivery, increasing housing availability, and fostering collaboration throughout the community. We appreciate the continued support of our partners and look forward to building even stronger connections in the months ahead.
Weatherization
The Weatherization team continues to make strong progress in improving energy efficiency and supporting households throughout our community.
☀️ Recent Events & Highlights
Solar Power Program
We are invited by INCAA to submit previously weatherized participants for consideration for their new Solar Power Program and is currently seeking eligible participants.
Through this initiative, donated funding will be used to install solar energy systems at no cost for a limited number of income-qualified homeowners in Indiana. The goal is to further reduce energy costs and promote long-term energy efficiency.
Eligibility includes:
Indiana resident
Homeowner occupying the property as a primary residence
Participation in an income-qualified Weatherization program
Roof must be 5 years old or newer and in good condition
Additionally, we are proud to partner with the John Boner Neighborhood Center to have additional support for ERR (Emergency Repairs Replace), allowing us to better support households facing urgent need of furnace repair/replace.
📅 Future Forecast
Looking ahead, we have been informed that additional funds for IIJA will exceed our $1.3 million request.
New Contractors, two shell, & one mechanical interested in working with Wx.
Our department will continue focusing on maintaining strong production levels, improving scheduling efficiency, and expanding outreach efforts. We are also working to grow new initiatives, including the Solar Power Program, to extend our impact across the community
Dominic Coleman – Program Director
Jasmine Ice – Client Care Specialist
Chattaun Banks –Client Care Specialist
Beverly Smith – Intake Specialist / Outreach
Eric Soto – Pre-Auditor
foster grandparents
Join us each Tuesday at the Frederick Douglass Community Center for our weekly Senior Lunch & Learn! Together, we explore healthy eating habits, learn about foods that nourish and strengthen our bodies, and enjoy a delicious lunch in a welcoming and friendly environment.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, learn something new, and have fun while supporting your health and well-being.
For more information, you can contact Shelida Purnell (317) 524-6860 or Joni Collins (317) 524-6859
A Fond Farewell for the Summer
As the school year comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our wonderful Foster Grandparent volunteers. Throughout the year, they have brought kindness, wisdom, encouragement, and countless smiles to the children they served.
The joy shared between our volunteers and students created meaningful connections that enriched everyone involved. From helping with activities and offering guidance to simply sharing laughter and conversation, our Foster Grandparents made a lasting impact on the lives of our children.
We are sure they will be missed during the summer. We know the memories made this year will remain with both our grandparents and students. We wish our Foster Grandparents a happy, relaxing, and well-deserved summer and look forward to welcoming them back when school resumes.
Thank you for the joy, compassion, and dedication you bring to our program!
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