According to the most recent figures available from the Indiana Center for Housing and Urban Development, about 15,000 of our Indianapolis neighbors are homeless each year. Forty percent of those are families and 30 percent of those 15,000 are children. These children are at risk academically because they change schools at an average rate of three times a year, each time falling farther behind their schoolmates.
In 2001, School on Wheels was founded by Sally Bindley to help educate homeless Indianapolis children by providing tutors and on site ‘shelter schools.’ School on Wheels also provides financial literacy, skill and talent assessments and exploring career opportunities. Initially developed for children under age 12, the program has grown to include mentoring middle and high school homeless students to help them stay in school. These mentors provide life coaching conversations to help students consider their future successful adult lives, including jobs and the impact they want to make.
HardingPoorman has been supportive of School on Wheels since their 2001 launch, helping School on Wheels communicate with Indianapolis schools, homeless shelters, families in need, and potential contributors.
According to School on Wheels founder Sally Bindley, “HardingPoorman staff is truly an extension of the School on Wheels team. They are proactive, supportive and always ensure that our kids remain the real focus of communications.”
More information on School on Wheels may be obtained through their website or by calling 317-202-9100.