Life is often filled with overwhelming challenges for parents and children on the near Eastside of Indianapolis.

One example: In 2023, staff at Shepherd Community Center learned that 61 students living in nearby neighborhoods and attending Indianapolis Public Schools were pregnant.

Now, the staff could have said, “How awful,” and gone back to chipping away at an already full workload. But that’s not the Shepherd way.

Instead, the Shepherd team organized the first Kids Day in October 2023 to help parents and their kids connect with local service providers, obtain free resources and have fun engaging in family activities. On that first Kids Day, 232 parents, caregivers and children participated at Shepherd.

This year, on Sept. 28, even more people – 285 – attended the second Kids Day at Shepherd to receive children’s clothing, diapers, books, hygiene items and toys – all provided at no cost.

“What stood out to me was seeing our kids and caregivers receive tangible resources for their families andspend quality time with our staff, partners and one another,” Karalee White, Shepherd’s director of Family Engagement.

Staff from Eskenazi Health were on site to provide immunizations and flu shots. The Indy District Nazarene Ladies sponsored free meals from Maria’s Food Truck and coffee and smoothies from A Cup Above. In all, 11 partners, including Gleaners and IU Health, provided a range of services to families who attended Kids Day.

With the help of 70 volunteers, families also participated in a STEM activity, played carnival games and took family photographs at the fall themed photo booth.

“It is often easy to identify the physical needs that our families have, but we talk a lot around Shepherd about our deep need as humans for connection to one another, too,” White said. “This event gave all who attended the opportunity for both.”