Youth Directed and Community Connected
If you’re between the ages of 12 and 24 and are experiencing homelessness or fear you may be soon, please don’t wait.
Call our 24-Hour Crisis Line 317.635.9301
We believe that the young people we serve actually do know what they need. So we empower them to play an active role in designing our programs. We encourage them to take personal responsibility for creating a more promising future for themselves and their peers.
We are one small part of a larger community of agencies and service providers committed to helping youth and young adults escape homelessness in Indianapolis and learn to live self-sufficiently.
We are one small part of a larger community of agencies and service providers committed to helping youth and young adults escape homelessness in Indianapolis and learn to live self-sufficiently.
Our Commitment
We show up when we’re needed most—helping at-risk youth out of harm’s way. Giving them a safe place and a caring community to sort through the messiness and move forward.
We play the long game. We meet young people where they are, but we don’t let them stay there. We help them see what is possible and then equip and empower them to create a plan and stick with it.
We are more than a shelter. We are a welcome place to heal, learn, and grow. We counsel, coach, and connect young people to the resources they need to make the journey safely from adolescence to adulthood.
Focus on Four
Everything we do is rooted in providing these four things to the young people we serve.
Shelter
We believe that before you can address the complex needs of young people struggling with hardship, trauma, or conflict, you must first meet their basic human needs of shelter and safety. At Stopover, young people will have a roof over their head, a bed to sleep in, food, and clothing—which may not sound like a lot unless you’ve been doing without.
Safety
This isn’t just about physical safety—it’s about emotional safety as well. We believe that for young people to grow into their true potential, they should feel safe to be exactly who they are right now. Everyone should feel welcome, affirmed, and safe to advocate for their own needs in an environment that creates space for healing-centered care.
Connection
Everyone needs acceptance and belonging — people they can connect with and count on. Meaningful interaction with others (especially those with shared lived experiences) helps to build self-esteem, empathy, and mutual respect. Healthy relationships with peers, mentors, and family (both natural and families of choice) help young people to build trust and establish appropriate boundaries.
Self-determination
By listening to our young people and allowing them to shape their own experiences, we encourage them to act in ways that will benefit themselves, their neighbors, and the community. By setting personal goals and contributing to the development of an individual plan, young people build both competence and confidence, taking responsibility for their future.
“Stopover’s ability to invest in a young person as they are just becoming an adult is huge!
There aren’t many programs like theirs—expanding Housing First to housing readiness. The likelihood that a young person would return to homelessness is so significantly decreased when you can come alongside them and teach them those critical life skills. I wish we had more programs like that.”
—Brian Paul, Team Lead
Homeless & Housing Resource Team, Adult & Child
Homeless & Housing Resource Team, Adult & Child
Our Story
The Stopover story is the story of Wayne—an 18-year-old who, unable to stay at the family shelter with his mother and younger sister, came to Stopover with the goal of being reunited with his family. With the help of his case manager, Wayne earned his GED, got his first job in a local warehouse, and was able to earn enough to help his mother and sister move out of the shelter.
It’s the story of 19-year-old Stacia, who loves to cook, plays four musical instruments, and lost her mother at age 6. She moved from our Transitional Living Program into her very first apartment after 12 years of being passed from relative to relative, enduring neglect and abuse along the way.
It’s Jack’s story, who was ranked in the top 10% of his class and came to live with us while he finished high school because he could no longer live safely with his mother and her abusive boyfriend after coming out as gay.
It’s Brandi’s story, Evan’s, Justin’s, and Makayla’s. Each one, reminding us why we do what we do.
Since 1970, our story has been one of responding to the needs of our city’s at-risk youth. Over the years, we’ve expanded our physical footprint and our scope of services in order to be ready to enter the stories of young people in search of a new and hopeful chapter. Their stories are our story in every way that matters.
It’s the story of 19-year-old Stacia, who loves to cook, plays four musical instruments, and lost her mother at age 6. She moved from our Transitional Living Program into her very first apartment after 12 years of being passed from relative to relative, enduring neglect and abuse along the way.
It’s Jack’s story, who was ranked in the top 10% of his class and came to live with us while he finished high school because he could no longer live safely with his mother and her abusive boyfriend after coming out as gay.
It’s Brandi’s story, Evan’s, Justin’s, and Makayla’s. Each one, reminding us why we do what we do.
Since 1970, our story has been one of responding to the needs of our city’s at-risk youth. Over the years, we’ve expanded our physical footprint and our scope of services in order to be ready to enter the stories of young people in search of a new and hopeful chapter. Their stories are our story in every way that matters.
1970
Stopover begins as a host home program of Episcopal Community Services
1973
The first onsite shelter opens on the grounds of Holy Cross Parish on the Near Eastside
Stopover becomes an original member of the Indiana Youth Services Association
Stopover becomes an original member of the Indiana Youth Services Association
1975
Original recipient of Runaway & Youth Services grant (Basic Center Program)
Carol Schwab joins Stopover as the first Executive Director
Carol Schwab joins Stopover as the first Executive Director
1976
Transitioned to status as an independent organization
1982
Stopover is the first program to offer home-based counseling services
1983
Stopover purchases the current emergency shelter home in Woodruff Place!
1987
Elizabeth Malone becomes the second Executive Director
1991
Stopover becomes an umbrella organization of the near eastside Multi-service Center (now known as the John H. Boner Community Center)
2008
Stopover awarded Runaway and Homeless Youth grant for the transitional living program, originally located on Beville Avenue (rental)
Community Service Program for suspended and expelled students begins.
Community Service Program for suspended and expelled students begins.
2011
Stopover grows into an independent organization, no longer under the funding umbrella of the John H Bonner Community Center.
Transitional Living Program moves to Little Flower neighborhood as a rental.
Transitional Living Program moves to Little Flower neighborhood as a rental.
2012
Elizabeth Malone retires
Amber D. Ames hired as new Executive Director
Amber D. Ames hired as new Executive Director
2013
Partnership with Merchant’s Affordable Housing to purchase the transitional living home in Little Flower
2015
Became the coordinating agency for National Safe Place in Marion, Hamilton, and Tipton Counties
2016
Secured independent mortgage for our Little Flower Home
2020
Launched joint component transitional housing – rapid rehousing program in partnership with HUD and the city of Indianapolis.
We could use your help
As a community, we can work together to end youth homelessness and give young people the opportunity to build a life of their own.
Our Team
Executive Director: Amber D. Ames, MSW
Amber Ames is a big believer in empowering young people to advocate for their own needs. A life-long resident of Indiana, she earned her MSW from Indiana University and has been on a mission to listen ever since.
When Amber was in high school, her life was turned upside down by a serious illness. Undergoing treatment that put much of her future in question, Amber was struck by how frequently the adults in the room spoke about her, but not to her. Read More »
When Amber was in high school, her life was turned upside down by a serious illness. Undergoing treatment that put much of her future in question, Amber was struck by how frequently the adults in the room spoke about her, but not to her. Read More »
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING/RAPID REHOUSING STAFF
Gloria Pettie
Charity Cross
Elmetris Fickling
Brenden Jones, Operations & Facilities Manager
Adam Sessoms, Peer Support Specialist
TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM STAFF
Brettany Ervin
Trevor Sebastian
Christine Overton
Chantay Fall
Kyle Carson
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Emily Gilhooly
Benjamin Carter
Our Board
Dr. Richard Reifenberg, MD
Board President
Chief Medical Officer, HealthNet Community Health Centers
As a Physician who has worked with medically underserved populations for over 25 years, I have seen the consequences of lack of secure housing in the lives of my patients, especially children and young adults. I am passionate about seeing that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and meaningful life, and over the years I have seen Stopover help provide that opportunity to many young people!
Steve Zetzl
Vice President
VP, Client Strategies, Northwind Pharmaceuticals
People, particularly youth and young adults, have nearly unlimited talent and potential but they need a safe, stable environment that allows them to grow into the best version of themselves. I enjoy working with Stopover because it provides not only shelter but other essential resources and development opportunities. It is amazing to watch the transformation that can occur when someone is released from the challenges of being homeless. They are able to continue their education, seek job opportunities and follow their passions. It is a blessing to be a small part of their journey.
Joe Lackey
Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer, HealthNet
I serve on Stopover’s board because I am passionate about providing opportunities to underserved populations.
Dominique Stuart
Learning & Development Specialist, Damar
Stopover’s mission and vision—empowering people to overcome life’s challenges and rediscover their confidence—truly resonates with me. We all face tough seasons, but having a strong, caring community like Stopover can make all the difference. It’s a reminder that we’re not meant to do life alone. When we believe in one another and walk together through the hard times, we not only rise individually, but we lift our communities too.
Dawn Sparks
Owner, SparksFly
I was drawn to Stopover because they encourage young people not to let their obstacles define them. Every time I meet one of our “kids,” I’m inspired by their resilience and self-determination.
Beth Litteral, RN, MSN, CPNP
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, HealthNet Community Health Centers
I have a passion for working with teens and young adults, helping them acquire resources to optimize their potential!
Tamara Mayo
Regional Manager, Josiah White’s
I was motivated to become a member of the board because I am passionate about outreach. I believe in the Stopover mission of ensuring that youth have a safe and secure home where they are accepted and given the space to create goals for their future success.
Angel Knapp
Senior Director, Damar Services
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