Brightlane Learning works to break the cycle of homelessness.

By providing personalized academic support to students—and critical guidance to their families and caregivers—we interrupt the cycle of homelessness with the power of education.

About"

Our experience is unmatched.
Our expertise is proven.

  • 20+
    years of fighting homelessness with educational support
  • 30+
    community partners, including schools, shelters, and community centers
  • 750+
    students served each year

Thousands of children are homeless in Indianapolis. This includes youth living in shelters, motels, “doubled-up” housing, and on the streets. The problem is far more pervasive than most people realize. 

We help these children get the education they deserve. Students experiencing homelessness face many barriers to a full education. We break down these barriers with on-site academic support and critical guidance for caregivers.

When young people thrive, our community thrives. Young people experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness are at an increased risk for a range of health and social issues. Education can pave the way to a brighter future for both them and the wider community.



Our Mission:

We transform the lives of students impacted by homelessness and housing instability with personalized tutoring and academic support while advocating for their families as they navigate the educational system.

 

Our Vision:

We envision a future where youth homelessness is eliminated, educational equity is a reality, and every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Timeline
2001
Founded by Sally Bindley
2001
Launched flagship “Tutors in Action” program at two locations
2004
Received Indiana Achievement Award
2008
Launched “Ignite Learning” parent advocacy program
2009
Received CHIP Blueprint Champion Award
2010
Piloted summer arts enrichment program
2010
Provided tutoring at 11 partner locations
2014
Expanded into Washington Township
2017
Piloted post-program support for families
2020
Added our first high school partner
2022
Expanded programming to include community centers
2022
Rebranded to Brightlane Learning
Why Brightlane

People make the difference.
Meet ours.

  • Gabby Allison

    Gabby Allison

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Erin Beuoy

    Erin Beuoy

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Keith Bevacqua

    Keith Bevacqua

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • LaToya Black

    LaToya Black

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Patricia Bosley

    Patricia Bosley

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Tara Brugh

    Tara Brugh

    Communications Coordinator
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  • Shannon Cochran

    Shannon Cochran

    Donor Engagement Manager
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  • Katie Doughty

    Katie Doughty

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Jim Elias

    Jim Elias

    Controller
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  • Amy Gardner

    Amy Gardner

    Curriculum Specialist
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  • Anna Gaoat

    Anna Gaoat

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Elaine Haney

    Elaine Haney

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Owen Harrington

    Owen Harrington

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Erin Haring–Switzer

    Erin Haring–Switzer

    Education Manager
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  • Arielle Hirt

    Arielle Hirt

    Volunteer Manager
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  • Kayla Hochstetler

    Kayla Hochstetler

    Learning Assistant
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  • Fatima Johnson

    Fatima Johnson

    Community Engagement and Diversity Strategist
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  • Hanna Leach

    Hanna Leach

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Laura Long

    Laura Long

    Development and Database Administrator
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  • Natalie Mazany

    Natalie Mazany

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Jen Meeks

    Jen Meeks

    Education Manager
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  • Amy Michie

    Amy Michie

    Learning Assistant
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  • Erin Moore

    Erin Moore

    Learning Assistant
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  • Melissa Moore

    Melissa Moore

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Alyssa Newell

    Alyssa Newell

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Susan Obbagy

    Susan Obbagy

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Natalie Palin

    Natalie Palin

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Karen Routt

    Karen Routt

    Education Director of School-based Services
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  • Cindy Ruby

    Cindy Ruby

    Operations Manager
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  • Stefanie Thomas

    Stefanie Thomas

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Chad Cassinelli

    Chad Cassinelli

    Board Chair
    Managing Director, BMO Harris Bank
  • Doug Carpenter

    Doug Carpenter

    Vice Chair
    Tax Director, Katz, Sapper & Miller
  • Cathy George

    Cathy George

    Treasurer
    Accounting Consultant
  • Jeremy Morris

    Jeremy Morris

    Secretary
    Senior Counsel, Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP & IU Trustee
  • Gbile Adewunmi

    Gbile Adewunmi

    Executive Director, Power Systems Business Unit, Cummins Inc.
  • Kim Borges

    Kim Borges

    VP, Market PR Specialist, Regions Bank
  • Román Graff

    Román Graff

    Director, Adjunct Faculty Office, Ivy Tech Community College
  • Linda Gunn

    Linda Gunn

    Advisor, Oncology Customer Support Programs, Eli Lilly and Company
  • Erik Long

    Erik Long

    Immediate Past Chair
    Partner, Ice Miller LLP
  • Allison Segarra Hansen

    Allison Segarra Hansen

    Assistant Professor of Education, Marian University
  • Sally Bindley, MSW

    Sally Bindley, MSW

    Founder & CEO
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  • Kelly Coker

    Kelly Coker

    Chief Operating and Program Officer
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  • Amber Ewing Kostoff

    Amber Ewing Kostoff

    Chief Philanthropy Officer
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  • Bill Bindley

    Bill Bindley

    Chairman
    Bindley Capital Partners
  • Cindy Simon Skjodt

    Cindy Simon Skjodt

    Community Volunteer
  • Claire Brosman

    Claire Brosman

    Vice President of Grants & Communications
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  • Dennis Martin

    Dennis Martin

    President, Individual Life and Financial Partners, OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc.
  • Scott Thiel

    Scott Thiel

    Head of Regulatory Policy and Intelligence, Hologic, Inc.
  • Blair West

    Blair West

    Executive Director, Global Marketing Communications, Cummins, Inc.
  • Emily Wolfington

    Emily Wolfington

    Sr VP of HR & Talent Management, Elements Financial
  • Sabine Shaffer

    Sabine Shaffer

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Brittany Still

    Brittany Still

    Education Director
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  • Erin Stottlemyer

    Erin Stottlemyer

    Grants & Data Manager
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  • Howard J. Lacy IV

    Howard J. Lacy IV

    Community Volunteer
  • Nancy Wertz

    Nancy Wertz

    Learning Assistant
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  • Konah Williams

    Konah Williams

    Education Support Coordinator
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  • Kimberly Witchger

    Kimberly Witchger

    Fundraising Consultant
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  • Mike Smith

    Mike Smith

    Chair
    Former Executive VP & CFO, Anthem, Inc.
  • Sally Bindley, MSW

    Sally Bindley, MSW

    Founder & CEO
    Learn More
  • Kelly Coker

    Kelly Coker

    Chief Operating and Program Officer
    Learn More
  • Amber Ewing Kostoff

    Amber Ewing Kostoff

    Chief Philanthropy Officer
    Learn More
  • Claire Brosman

    Claire Brosman

    Vice President of Grants & Communications
    Learn More
  • Chad Cassinelli

    Chad Cassinelli

    Board Chair
    Managing Director, BMO Harris Bank
  • Doug Carpenter

    Doug Carpenter

    Vice Chair
    Tax Director, Katz, Sapper & Miller
  • Cathy George

    Cathy George

    Treasurer
    Accounting Consultant
  • Jeremy Morris

    Jeremy Morris

    Secretary
    Senior Counsel, Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP & IU Trustee
  • Gbile Adewunmi

    Gbile Adewunmi

    Executive Director, Power Systems Business Unit, Cummins Inc.
  • Kim Borges

    Kim Borges

    VP, Market PR Specialist, Regions Bank
  • Román Graff

    Román Graff

    Director, Adjunct Faculty Office, Ivy Tech Community College
  • Linda Gunn

    Linda Gunn

    Advisor, Oncology Customer Support Programs, Eli Lilly and Company
  • Erik Long

    Erik Long

    Immediate Past Chair
    Partner, Ice Miller LLP
  • Allison Segarra Hansen

    Allison Segarra Hansen

    Assistant Professor of Education, Marian University
  • Dennis Martin

    Dennis Martin

    President, Individual Life and Financial Partners, OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc.
  • Scott Thiel

    Scott Thiel

    Head of Regulatory Policy and Intelligence, Hologic, Inc.
  • Blair West

    Blair West

    Executive Director, Global Marketing Communications, Cummins, Inc.
  • Emily Wolfington

    Emily Wolfington

    Sr VP of HR & Talent Management, Elements Financial
  • Bill Bindley

    Bill Bindley

    Chairman
    Bindley Capital Partners
  • Cindy Simon Skjodt

    Cindy Simon Skjodt

    Community Volunteer
  • Howard J. Lacy IV

    Howard J. Lacy IV

    Community Volunteer
  • Mike Smith

    Mike Smith

    Chair
    Former Executive VP & CFO, Anthem, Inc.

Meet our passionate partners.

Our work wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships with schools and community organizations who share our commitment to serving children affected by housing insecurity and homelessness.

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Testimonials

I want to have Brightlane work with me everyday.

This was the best experience I ever had in school.

Tutoring is always the best hour of my entire week.

I love working with each child. It’s sometimes challenging, but always fun. I look forward to each Wednesday. Brightlane Learning has made an impact on me!

Everyday that my kids work with Ms. Amy they tell me all about it! They love working with her and enjoy her time! She has helped them progress so much! Thank you.

My students that participated really enjoyed their time with their tutors and built great connections.

Erin has been a wonderful resource for the kids in my class that she has been working with. They enjoy their time and come back motivated to improve.

Brightlane Learning Student, Greenbriar Elementary
Brightlane Learning Student, Matchbook Learning
Chris Golightly, Brightlane Learning Volunteer
Donna Twedt, 2022 Volunteer of the Year
Parent of Brightlane Learning student
Matchbook Learning Teacher
Fox Hill Elementary Teacher

Take action now.

Join us in interrupting the cycle of homlessness.

DONATE