Hand Raisers and Game Changers: 100 Heroes Week 9
Welcome to week nine of United Way of Central Indiana's 100 Heroes! The Heroes this week have ingrained themselves in their service to make as much impact as possible. From helping Alzheimer's patients retain memories to assisting immigrants as they start a new life in America, these Heroes are improving lives in Central Indiana every single day. To see all of the stories of United Way’s 100 Heroes, look here.
James H. Smith
When James H. Smith joined a union, it changed his entire life. “For my father, the union stood for equality,” said Luita Williams, Smith’s daughter. “He saw it as a platform to educate people about their rights, but also their responsibilities. Read his story
Sharon Wade
As the coordinator for United Way of Central Indiana’s ReadUP program at her school, Sharon helped hundreds of children access the program and increase their reading scores. She even gave students books to take home with them and worked with staff to build bookshelves. Read her story
Rev. Charles Williams
As the catalyst for recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday in Indiana and the organizer for Indianapolis’ first Jazz Festival, Williams was a man committed to enhancing the cultural offerings of Indianapolis. Read his story
Maria Baca Vilchez
“Full circle” is the phrase that comes to mind when describing Maria Baca Vilchez. When Vilchez came to the United States 19 years ago, it would have been challenging for anyone to imagine that years later she would be able to give so much to so many. Read her story
Pastor Darryl K. Webster
Pastor Darryl K. Webster is known as a shepherd and leader in the 46218 community – an area that has been devastated by violence, addiction, imprisonment, unemployment and homelessness. Since 1996, he has dedicated his life as pastor of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church and instilled hope, faith and a passion for community within the hearts of his neighbors. Read his story
Betty Perry
Betty Perry has devoted her life to instilling the power of music in the lives of Central Indiana families. In 1996, she founded the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (MYO) because she knew first-hand that music education can transform the lives of young people and their families. Read her story
Rahil Thanawala
Rahil Thanawala is a remarkable 14-year-old. He developed an app to benefit individuals affected by Alzheimer's Disease, inspired by love for his grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Read his story