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 1 Synergy participant in transitioning into safe and affordable housing
Enrolled 38 Synergy participants (March & April) into the Job Readiness Program, expanding access to career development and employment preparation
Provided ongoing employment support to Synergy participants throughout the job search process
Supported 7 Synergy participants (February) through intake, referrals, and supportive services
Connected Synergy participants to additional resources, including STAR Program enrollment, pantry services, and EAP (Energy Assistance Program) assistance
Ongoing Work & Focus Areas
Serving as a central hub for Synergy participants, connecting individuals to housing, workforce, and supportive services
Continuing to support active Synergy caseloads, including participants enrolled in Job Readiness and STAR programming
Strengthening service delivery through staff training, including completion of the United Way Case Management Institute
Expanding partnerships, including Safe Passage Housing, to provide housing support for Synergy participants and women with children
Maintaining consistent engagement through monthly service touchpoints, intake support, and referrals
What’s Ahead?
Expanding job placement opportunities for Synergy participants following Job Readiness completion
Increasing housing stability outcomes through enhanced partnerships and resource alignment
Growing participation in the STAR Program and workforce initiatives for Synergy participants
Continuing to improve service coordination to deliver a more efficient, participant-centered experience
Expanding pantry partnerships to increase the availability of food, clothing, and essential goods for participants and families
Strengthening the CAGI–Synergy partnership to increase overall impact and long-term outcomes
Safe. Alive. Productive.
We are elated to announce the successful completion of Blueprint to Business Cohort 1. This cohort included 15 dedicated Champions who committed themselves to growth, discipline, and opportunity. Throughout the program, participants engaged in a well-rounded curriculum designed to strengthen both personal and professional capacity. Champions participated in Financial Literacy led by CAGI’s own Nicole Ice, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) facilitated by Richard Samuels—who energized sessions with impactful lessons on coping with anger—Blueprint to Fitness with Darrick Valentine, reinforcing discipline and self-control, and the BOI REDi – Reentry Entrepreneurship Development Initiative in partnership with the Indy Chamber Business Ownership Initiative, facilitated by Jon Johnson. We extend our sincere appreciation to all facilitators for their commitment to transformation and excellence
Cohort 1 produced meaningful outcomes, with seven Champions successfully launching their own businesses and securing both LLC formation and EIN registration. In addition, participants received one-year access to Indy Chamber resources, positioning them not only to start their businesses but to sustain and grow them. Champions also showcased their ventures during the REDi Pitch Event, where they presented to a panel of judges who offered valuable feedback, encouragement, and professional insight. Featured businesses included Trusted Keep, LLC, a mobile pet grooming service; JPD Lawn Care Specialist, LLC, providing residential and commercial lawn care; Crates & Cargo, LLC, a logistics and transportation company; BMC Corporation, offering motor vehicle sales and detailing services; and iTap, a curated resource supporting parents by identifying top-rated infant products and saving them time through trusted research. This cohort demonstrated that with the right support, structure, and opportunity, transformation is not only possible it is happening.
Currently, We CANN is actively transitioning into a workforce development model to strengthen long-term success for our Champions. Our work remains grounded in our core principle of keeping participants Safe, Alive, and Productive. Key priorities include stabilization services that address real-life barriers before employment, 18 months of structured coaching and support, comprehensive barrier removal such as access to food and care packages, and an 8-week job readiness and employability training program designed to prepare Champions for sustainable career pathways. We are committed to ensuring that participants are not only job-ready, but life-ready.
Looking ahead, We CANN is preparing to launch Blueprint to Business Cohort 2, building on the momentum and lessons learned from Cohort 1. We are also expanding strategic partnerships to create stronger pathways into employment and career advancement. These partnerships include CAGI’s Weatherization Program to provide apprenticeship opportunities, IndyGo for Bus Operator Trainee pathways, and the Indianapolis Urban League for customer service and call center training. Our goal is not simply to help Champions find jobs, but to help them identify meaningful career paths, build sustainable income, and establish long-term stability.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all Champions, facilitators, and We CANN staff who made Cohort 1 a success. Because of your dedication, impact was made, transformation occurred, and lives are moving forward.
With Gratitude,
Destiny LeJohn
Director of Community Engagement and Learning Development
Housing counseling, financial literacy, ida
Previous Accomplishments
Over the past year, Our Housing counseling and educational services program has achieved significant milestones in our mission to empower our community through education and financial literacy. As the IDA administrator and housing counseling program leader, several key accomplishments stand out:
HUD Housing Counseling Certification: Successfully passed the HUD housing counseling certification test, enhancing our capacity to provide high-quality 1-on-1 counseling and educational services.
Program Reach: Managed multiple cohorts, serving a total of 259 individuals across various workshops, including Homebuyer Education (HBE) cohorts and Financial Literacy programs.
Workshop Delivery: Conducted 71 workshops in 2025, with a significant focus on financial literacy and empowerment, especially through the Synergy Women and Synergy Men programs.
Curriculum Development: Created tailored curriculums for workshops, ensuring that content is relevant and impactful for all participants.
HUD Certification Leadership: Leading efforts to secure HUD certification for our agency, positioning us as a trusted resource in the community.
Current Initiatives
As we move forward, our ongoing initiatives focus on expanding our impact and refining our services:
We Cann Program Expansion: With the conclusion of services with Synergy, we are now channeling resources to expand the We Cann program. This includes developing a new job readiness curriculum to better equip participants for future success.
Client Engagement: Currently managing five IDA contracts, serving over 23 clients, which marks a new chapter in our client engagement strategy.
Community Partnerships: Continued collaboration with community partner educators ensures diverse and comprehensive workshop offerings.
Intake and Compliance Management: Strengthened processes for intake, correspondence, compliance, and file management to maintain the highest standards of service delivery.
Future Plans
Looking ahead to 2027, we have ambitious goals to further our mission:
Increased Educational Offerings: Plan to introduce more educational workshops to cater to a broader audience and address emerging community needs.
Expansion of IDA Contracts: Aim to increase the number of IDA contracts, providing more individuals with opportunities to achieve financial independence.
Staff Augmentation: Explore options for hiring additional staff to support counseling and workshop facilitation, as well as enhance intake support, ensuring we meet the growing demand for our services.
Wealth Development
Previous Year: Key Accomplishments, Milestones, or Outcomes
- Successfully hosted CAGI’s 60th Anniversary Partnership Luncheon, bringing together corporate partners, funders, elected officials, and community stakeholders to celebrate six decades of impact.
- Secured $850,000 in grant funding for CAGI programs and services
- Successfully developed and sold 10 homes in Riverside, ensuring housing affordability
Current Year: Ongoing Initiatives, Priorities & Focus Areas
Major Investment in Workforce Development: Secured a transformative $250,000 grant from IAAQLI, significantly expanding the reach and impact of the WE CANN Champions program.
Expanded Legal Access Through Healthcare Partnerships: Strengthened collaboration with IU Health to sustain quarterly legal clinics, collectively serving more than 100 individuals since launching last year, demonstrating both demand and impact.
Strengthened Housing & Systems Partnerships: Continued collaboration with INHP as a key grantor, securing $300,000 in operational funding while deepening a strategic partnership focused on housing stabilization and long-term affordability solutions.
Diversifying Fundraising Efforts: Launching CAGI’s first-ever direct mail campaign, marking a strategic shift to engage private donors and broaden philanthropic support.
Cultivating Anchor Institutions: Established new relationships with anchor partners, including the Children’s Museum, positioning CAGI to expand its community impact and visibility through collaborative engagement.
Advancing Affordable Housing & Community Revitalization: Progressing efforts in Martindale-Brightwood to support affordable housing development, increase access to homeownership, and drive neighborhood revitalization.
Future: Upcoming Plans, Goals, or Anticipated Changes
- Expand WE CANN Champions and other CAGI programs to serve more participants annually while increasing employer partnerships and credential pathways.
- Grow individual giving through monthly donor programs, digital campaigns, and legacy giving opportunities.
- Secure multi-year funding commitments from foundations and corporate partners to ensure long-term program sustainability.
- Increase affordable housing inventory and strengthen pathways to first-time homeownership.
Finance
Previous: Key accomplishments, milestones, or outcomes from the recent period
Over the last 6 months, Finance has worked with vendors and other CAGI Departments to sign vendors up for Direct Deposit. Currently, 71% of the payments issued by Finance are electronic payments.
Current: Ongoing initiatives, priorities, or focus areas
Finance is currently focusing on preparation for audits. The auditors will be in the building the first week of June.
Future: Upcoming plans, goals, or anticipated changes
Finance will add a SharePoint site in May for Director’s to access to see the payment activity on their programs.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program at CAGI has continued to advance its mission by strengthening program operations, enhancing compliance, and improving the overall experience for families and property owners. In the recent period, the team achieved several key accomplishments, including maintaining full program functionality while meeting HUD and IHCDA requirements, improving inspection quality through NSPIRE‑aligned practices, and streamlining internal processes to reduce delays in eligibility, leasing, and annual recertifications. These efforts have contributed to more consistent service delivery across counties and increased visibility of the program through clearer, updated communication materials.
Currently, the department remains focused on supporting families throughout the full HCV lifecycle with an emphasis on accuracy, timeliness, and customer service. Ongoing priorities include strengthening landlord engagement, improving inspection scheduling and follow‑up, and advancing readiness for full NSPIRE implementation. The team is also enhancing internal documentation, workflows, and staff training to ensure consistency, reduce administrative burden, and improve data tracking for greater transparency and accountability.
Looking ahead, the HCV Program is preparing for several important initiatives designed to expand impact and improve efficiency.
Upcoming plans include implementing additional process improvements to reduce wait times, expanding outreach to recruit new landlords and increase housing opportunities, and continuing to refine NSPIRE practices to ensure high‑quality inspections and compliance. The department also aims to strengthen cross‑department communication in support of agency‑wide goals and the new organizational newsletter, while developing clearer, more accessible communication tools for participants and property owners.
Weatherization
We’re excited to share the latest updates from our Weatherization Program, where our mission is to help eligible households reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and create healthier living spaces.
Recent Events
The Weatherization Department was proud to attend several community events, where staff engaged with community members and assisted potential clients by answering questions and addressing concerns related to weatherization services and eligibility.
· CAGI Foster Grandparents Wellness Fair
· Citizen’s Gas – Energy Resource Fair
· Andre Carson – Utility Resource Fair
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By the Numbers
· Homes served this period: With the LIHEAP 25 93 homes were weatherized.
· Counties/areas served: Marion, Hamilton, Boone, and Hendricks
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Future Forecast
· Preparation is underway for the close-out of DOE and IIJA grants, in June 2026.
· Partnership with the John Boner Neighborhood Center to deliver ERR (Emergency Repair Replace) program
· We requested additional funds ($1.3mil) on the IIJA contract
· Ongoing efforts are focused on improving Monday.com workflows to enhance tracking, efficiency, and internal communication.
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Program Update
Our Weatherization team continues to serve households across the community by providing free energy efficiency improvements to eligible residents. These services help lower heating and cooling bills while improving home safety and comfort.
Services may include:
· Insulation and air sealing
· Furnace repair or replacement
· Energy-efficient lighting
· Health and safety improvements
· All services are provided at no cost to eligible households.
— What to Expect During Weatherization
If you are scheduled for weatherization services, here’s what the process looks like:
1. Pre-audit – Pre-auditor will complete initial assessment of the home.
2. Energy Audit and Work Plan – A certified auditor evaluates your home and improvements are identified based on need.
3. Installation (Mechanical and Shell) – Licensed professionals complete the work.
4. Final Inspection (QCI) – Ensuring quality and safety standards
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Energy-Saving Tip of the Month
Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature and seal drafts around windows and doors to reduce energy loss and maximize savings.
foster grandparents
Previous: Key accomplishments, milestones, or outcomes from the recent period
The Senior Services / Foster Grandparent Program has maintained the number of grandparents in the program and sites. Each grandparent is responsible for mentoring and or tutoring at least 2 children each year and more if possible.
Our milestones include initial placement of the grandparents and the onboarding process.
We also must be able to complete the required volunteer service hours within a program grant year.
We accomplished having our April annual Senior Expo with 32 vendors present and approximately 160 seniors to participate.
Each week, we have our Senior Lunch and Learn with the seniors on Tuesday, and on Saturdays, we meet up for health and wellness.
Current: Ongoing initiatives, priorities, or focus areas
Currently, the Senior Services department is visiting bi-weekly at 3 apartments, with staff assisting clients with the Rental Bridge Program, Nutritional Health, and Fraud and Scams.
Visiting with the apartments has become a priority due to the commitment to Herman and Kittles.
Future: Upcoming plans, goals, or anticipated changes
The Senior Services department would like to expand more into the community and visit with more senior communities. Budget and not enough staff stop us from performing at our highest level. My goal is to find grants to support barrier-busting for seniors in great need.
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