Indiana Youth Services Association

10/13/2026

Behind The Journey is a dedicated team committed to supporting youth workers:
Tom Plake, Melinda Bowman, Ashley Moore, Anthony Dumas, and Shawna Meyer-Niederman 👏
Their work helps create the spaces where youth professionals can grow, connect, and renew.
Thank you to the people who support the people who support our youth. 💙
https://indysb.org/the-journey/fellowships/

10/12/2026

🌿 Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day 🧡
Today, we honor and celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. As we recognize the importance of respect and understanding, we’re also reminded that every person deserves to be seen, valued, and treated with kindness.

During National Bullying Prevention Month, let’s stand together against bullying, prejudice, and exclusion—and create communities where differences are respected and everyone feels a sense of belonging. 💙

Honor. Respect. Include. Belong.

10/11/2026

Do you work full-time in Indiana supporting young people through programs, advocacy, or policy?
If you’ve ever asked yourself:
👉 “How do I define myself in youth work?”
👉 “What’s next for my growth?”
You’re not alone—and The Journey Fellowship is designed for you.
💬 “I’m definitely struggling with how to define myself in the youth work profession.”
Let’s grow together. Applications open soon! https://indysb.org/the-journey/about-the-journey/

10/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day 💚
As we recognize World Mental Health Day during National Bullying Prevention Month, we’re reminded that kindness, compassion, and inclusion can have a lasting impact on someone’s well-being.

Bullying can leave emotional scars that aren’t always visible. That’s why it’s so important to speak up, stand together, and make sure no one feels alone.

Let’s create communities where people feel safe, supported, valued, and heard. A simple act of kindness or a willingness to stand up for someone can make a difference.

💚 Be kind. Check in. Speak up. You never know what someone may be going through.

10/09/2026

💙 Heroes Choose Kindness. 💙
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and as we recognize National Hero Day, we’re reminded that heroes aren’t always the people who wear capes — sometimes, they’re the people who simply choose to do the right thing.

A hero is the person who stands up when someone is being bullied, includes the person who feels left out, speaks up when something isn’t right, and chooses kindness when it would be easier to look away.

This month, let’s all be heroes in the everyday moments. Stand up. Speak out. Be kind. You never know whose life you may change. 💙

10/08/2026

Thank you Ironworkers Local Union No. 22 for partnering with us and making a difference in this state!

Investing in Indiana’s future starts with showing up for the next generation. 👊

Local 22 Business Manager John Whitaker and other Local 22 officers recently attended the Indiana Youth Services Association’s INvesting in Youth Luncheon, bringing together people committed to supporting young Hoosiers and their communities.

Local 22 was proud to be part of the event and sponsor the meal during the luncheon. It was a great opportunity to support the work being done for Indiana’s youth and connect with community and state leaders who are helping strengthen our state.

We’re proud to have Local 22 represented in conversations and events that invest in the people who will shape Indiana’s future.

10/08/2026

✨ A Special Thank You to Our Grand Royale Emcees! ✨
We are incredibly grateful to Sampson Levingston and Samantha Johnson for lending their time, talent, and energy to help make The Grand Royale such a memorable evening.

Sampson Levingston is an Indianapolis-based Indiana history storyteller and creator of Through2Eyes and Walk & Talk Indy. Since 2020, he has led more than 2,500 historical tours, bringing Indiana history to life and inspiring young people to connect with their history and community.

Samantha Johnson is a reporter with WTHR 13News and an Indiana native who calls Carmel home. A Ball State University graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism, Samantha is passionate about telling the stories that matter most to Hoosiers and connecting with the community.

Thank you both for sharing your voices, personalities, and passion with us. Your presence helped make The Grand Royale an unforgettable night! ❤️✨
Samantha Johnson 13 News

10/08/2026

📣 Big news! Applications for the 2027 Journey Fellowship open this September!
This year-long experience includes:
✅ Leadership development
✅ Career growth opportunities
✅ Time for personal renewal
✅ A supportive community of peers
Best of all? There’s no cost to participate, thanks to Lilly Endowment sponsorship.
If your work positively impacts Indiana youth—this could be for you.
Stay tuned: https://indysb.org/the-journey/fellowships/

10/07/2026

Remembering the Impact of The Indiana Lifeline Law ❤️
This photo of Jim Merritt and Governor Mitch Daniels represents an important moment in the history of Indiana’s Lifeline Law — legislation designed to encourage people to call for help during an alcohol-related emergency without fear of certain criminal consequences.

The Indiana Lifeline Law holds a special significance in remembering Brett Finbloom and the importance of making sure young people know that calling for help can save a life.

We are grateful to everyone who helped make this law possible and to those who continue to share its message and honor Brett’s legacy. Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation

Watch Governor Mitch Daniels speak about the Lifeline Law:
https://youtu.be/zf83l_KmEpc

Know the law. Make the call. Save a life. ❤️

10/06/2026

✨ A Special Thank You ✨
We are incredibly grateful to President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, President of University of Evansville, for joining us as a guest speaker at The Grand Royale.

Thank you for sharing your time, your words, and your support. Your presence helped make the evening truly special, and we are honored to have had you with us. ❤️

Thank you, President Pietruszkiewicz, for being part of such a meaningful evening and for supporting the mission of IYSA.