Our History
ICAN is a small social services agency located on the east side of Indianapolis in the historic Irvington neighborhood. ICAN was founded by the Irvington Association of Ministers, an ecumenical group of pastors who saw a need to combine resources to support Irvington neighbors in crisis.
This unique, collaborative coalition has continued to evolve and has grown into the organization we have today.
Our Mission
ICAN is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed
to helping our neighbors lead healthier, safer, and
more stable lives.
Community-funded and community-focused, we provide essential goods and social services to individuals in crisis
with a strong emphasis on equity and dignity. Through our core programs, we address food insecurity, poverty, and related challenges by offering personalized support and connecting clients with a broad network of local resources
to promote lasting stability and well-being.
Address Barriers
When client's come into or make contact with ICAN, we first discuss what issues are preventing the client from accessing basic necessities, such as food, clothing, hygiene items, etc. Some times this is as simple as getting a client a bus pass to get to court or help with a job application, and sometimes the process is much more complicated - each situation is as unique as the client that walks through the door.
Provide Assistance
ICAN hosts a food pantry, a clothing closet, and provides personal hygiene items as well as bus passes when donations and grants allow us to do so. We provide information on continuing education as well as local job fairs. We distribute Narcan and fentany/xylazine testing supplies and substance use disorder education. We are also a part of several neighborhood coalitions and partner with community organizations to help address our neighbors needs.
Follow Up
Efforts are made to refer clients to outside organizations when they are better suited to their needs. We try to reach out and make sure that these referrals are successful and clients are able to get the assistance they are seeking.
What We Do
Our Goals
Spread empathy
for those in need
Increase funding to expand programming, services & impact
Partner with local businesses & organizations to increase community wellbeing