On Tuesday, August 5, Brightlane Tutor Gretchen Sides was named Volunteer of the Year at IBJ’s inaugural Nonprofit Excellence awards, presented by KSM.

This event was a celebration of the organizations and people that make Indianapolis a thriving city for nonprofits and have significant impact in Indiana. Gretchen was one of just four individuals recognized, honored alongside Foundation Executive of the Year, Nonprofit Executive of the Year, and Philanthropist of the Year.

To have Gretchen introduced and honored as IBJ’s Volunteer of the Year alongside these philanthropic leaders in our community is a distinct honor and a true reflection of her impact on Brightlane Learning’s programs and students experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

This school year will mark Gretchen’s 13^th year as a Brightlane Learning tutor where she’ll work alongside students who reside at Wheeler Mission for Women and Children.

Kai Stevens, Brightlane’s Volunteer Manager says of Gretchen, “Volunteer tutors are the heart of our mission. These tutors are more than academic helpers; they bring consistency, encouragement, and hope to a student’s week. Gretchen exemplifies this impact. Over the past twelve years, she has brought calm, flexible, and skillful support to every kind of learner. From kindergartners to high school students, from advanced readers to those with special needs. Whether she’s switching gears mid-session, mentoring fellow tutors, or engaging students in meaningful conversations, Gretchen’s leadership reminds us all why we’re here. She brings out the best in our students and in us.”

Gretchen exemplified this passion from stage. As she accepted this award, she spoke not of herself, but of Brightlane. She shared our need for funding and for volunteers to continue the impact she witnesses firsthand during each tutoring session.

“Just one hour a week can make a huge impact on the educational lives of these kids who are really just trying to finish their homework while navigating some very challenging circumstances,” Gretchen shared.

Thank you to Gretchen’s friend and fellow tutor, Katie Wefler; Gretchen’s manager at Salesforce, Adam Mason; and Keith Bevacqua, Brightlane’s Education Support Coordinator who works alongside Gretchen at Wheeler Mission for Women and Children. Each of these individuals shared a letter of support that helped us express so many of the ways that Gretchen’s volunteer work stands out so that she could be recognized in this way.

Read more about Gretchen’s experience with Brightlane and why that one hour each week keeps her coming back each year and explore all the 2025 Nonprofit of Excellence Award winners here.

Learn more about becoming a volunteer or apply today!