Arthur Dean Family Foundation

05/18/2026

In case you missed it, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. 💚

More than 35% of CYAP referrals have an unmet mental health need. This means far too many youth in our community are seeking help but haven’t been able to find it. We’re committed to closing that gap, but we can't do it alone.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨?

➡️Check In: A simple "How are you, really?" can change someone's day.

➡️Advocate: Support policies that increase funding and access to local mental health services.

➡️Share Resources: If you or someone you know is struggling, don't wait. Reach out to 988.

04/22/2026

💜💜💜

03/18/2026

We’re grateful to be in partnership with Voices Corp. and to witness the care and intention behind spaces like Blossom House.

This kind of work reflects what it means to create safety, stability, and opportunity alongside young people. 🩵

03/05/2026

Loved starting our day off visiting Kids Dance Outreach in-school programming!

There is something magical about being a part of the joy, creativity, and confidence that unfolds when young people have space to move, express themselves, and be celebrated.

And yes — Jenny absolutely killed it on the dance floor with the students. 🪩

Thank you to the Kids Dance Outreach team for welcoming us in and for the work you do every day to support young people.

03/04/2026

We are excited to share that our CEO, Dr. River L. Sturdivant, has been selected for the inaugural cohort of The Next Chapter!

We look forward to learning from the insights and experiences that River and this inspiring group of women leaders will bring forward.

Congratulations to the entire cohort! 💙

We’re proud to introduce the inaugural cohort of The Next Chapter — a new experience for women 45+ navigating transition, reinvention, and legacy.

Inspired and made possible by the vision and generosity of Marianne Glick, this program creates space for accomplished women to reflect on what’s next and the impact they want to make.

Please join us in celebrating: Akilah Darden, Caroline Dutkanych, Jennifer Dzwonar, Shannon Forsell, Amber Garcia, Kim Gattle, Jennifer James Gause, Hon. Christina Hale, Hon. Carey Hamilton, Holli Harrington, Tavonna Harris Askew, Charlotte Hawthorne, Denise Herd, Abby Hunt, Kristen Matha, Ann Merkel, Nikki Myers, Chris Paulsen, Beth Perdue Outland, Ellen Saul, Kari Strolberg, River Sturdivant, Karin Veatch, Erin Weesner, Tamara Winfrey-Harris, and Lacy Wooden.

02/12/2026

Yesterday, our team attended Sparking Conversations: Family Homelessness – Overcoming Obstacles with our grantee partner .

The discussion highlighted how homelessness is impacting young people and families across our city. We're so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from panelists Allison Segarra Hansen (Marian University), Chelsea Haring- Cozzi, Ph.D. (CHIP), and Jessica Preddie (Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis).

During the conversation, Chelsea grounded us with a reminder that people are more than data points. Personal stories matter. When we listen closely, we can begin to challenge harmful narratives and move toward solutions rooted in dignity and possibility.

Thank you to Brightlane Learning for convening this important conversation. 🤍

02/10/2026

We are pleased to announce that Dr. River Sturdivant has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Arthur Dean Family Foundation.

This change reflects the scope, complexity, and level at which River has been leading the Foundation: stewarding strategy, strengthening partnerships, and guiding long-term sustainability.

"I am honored to continue stewarding the Foundation's mission alongside our Board, team, and partners as we deepen our impact and strengthen the ecosystem supporting young people and families." - Dr. Sturdivant

01/06/2026

Big congratulations to our very own Haley Logan on being selected for OPTIONS Class 25 with Women's Fund of Central Indiana! ✨

Women's Fund of Central Indiana is thrilled to announce OPTIONS Class 25. Congratulations to each member on their accomplishment, and we can't wait to see their impact in the coming year.

Aliya Amin
Kenzie Anders
Dr. Jessica Braidden
Sonya K. Broadnax, Ph.D.
Dr. Lovette Coston
Lauren Hernandez DeCrane
Madeline Everhart
Anita Ford
Carrie Gale
Sara Hindi
Brittany Laguerre
Haley M. Logan
Joi Nichelle McCrary
Julie Mahomed
Chelsea Ohlemiller
Sandy Palaguachi-Ramirez, LCSW
Allie Poznanski
Amy Schwarz
Elizabeth C. Scott
Wendy Sedlak, Ph.D.
A’Mya Springer

11/25/2025

LYN House is a steady source of support, connection, and opportunity for young people on the Near Eastside.

Their after-school programs, 1:1 tutoring, and creative “Express Yourself” camps give students a safe place to learn, explore, and build confidence. Teens also gain leadership experience through job readiness and financial literacy programming.

What makes LYN House special is the way they show up for their neighborhood. They partner closely with their local IPS school, offer in-school tutoring, and intentionally bring neighbors together.

LYN House continues to be a place where young people are seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. 💛💙

11/20/2025

We're excited to welcome Jenny Menelas to the ADFF team as our Manager of Partner Relationships!

Jenny will serve as the Manager of Partner Relationships, where she will help steward the Foundation's relationship-centered philanthropic approach.

In this role, Jenny will manage a portfolio of grantee partners across Marion, Hamilton, and Whitley Counties, supporting investments that strengthen young people and the organizations that serve them.

Drawing on her experiences in grant making, community engagement, and public service, Jenny brings strong relational instincts, strategic insight, and a genuine commitment to fostering belonging and shared purpose.

Please join us in welcoming Jenny!