Dathouse Fall 2021 Newsletter
Happy Fall from everyone here at Dathouse!!!
It’s hard to believe that 2021 is drawing near to an end. It seems like just yesterday we were launching a new year with new dreams and goals for Dathouse. And although it’s went quickly, as the years often do, I couldn’t be more proud of all our team has done to continue to grow Dathouse and accomplish our mission. Not only have we continued to tackle the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, but our team has continued to innovate and create more and better ways for us love our neighbors. A big thanks is due to all involved. We are so thankful to get to do what we do. Thank you for being on our team. -Executive Director Brandon Mott
Executive Director Brandon Mott teaching DATKids Academy students during his weekly nature lesson.
Meet Maria.
This August, we were so pleased to hire Maria Abner as our very first Dathouse resident intern.
Maria is the oldest child of Dathouse founders Derek & Laura Abner. She comes to us from Hazelton, IN, with previous experience working with youth at Camp Challenge. Maria’s future goals include launching a nonprofit organization to support women coming out of abusive situations.
When asked about her experience with Dathouse thus far, Maria says: “My favorite thing… to be able to watch how deep love can truly change people’s lives. How a simple hello can make someone’s days a whole lot better. How a kid is excited to be able to freely express themselves without being turned away. How the staff has taught me that a work team is just a family that loves and supports each other. How the neighbors seek complete comfort inside the Lincoln Center like it’s a cozy fire on a winter day! Dathouse has shown me a love I cannot explain… but I am now able to share it on a daily basis!”
Maria splits her time evenly between DATKids Academy, The Lincoln Center, and DATKids After School Program at IPS #31. She also assists with women’s days & youth events. Maria’s Lincoln Lane drink of choice is a dirty chai.
Meet Melissa.
With the growth of our DATKids programs, we were thrilled to hire Melissa Barnett this fall as the Associate Program Director. Melissa’s main responsibilities revolve around directing the DATKids After School Program at James A Garfield, IPS #31, as well as assisting with other programs, and fundraising.
Melissa, originally from Hampton, Virginia, comes to us with experience directing and training after school and family programs through the YMCA of Indianapolis. She has also had past roles as Director of Marketing with Sophia’s Bridal & Angie’s List. Her greatest passion is her ongoing trauma informed mentorship in her community.
Her future goals are to create and lead programming centered around parents who overcame childhood abuse. Travel the world with her family. And create transitional housing for former foster adults.
Melissa says of her experience with Dathouse thus far, “My favorite things is that I can be who I am,” as well as loving the authenticity of the mission.
Her favorite drink at Lincoln Lane is a mocha latte. Came say hello when she works the counter on Thursdays and welcome her to the team!!
Good Neighbor Alliance
The Good Neighbor Alliance is both the brain child of Lincoln Center Director Jalen Roseberry, and in some ways the culmination of years of work of Dathouse and Lincoln Lane in the larger Indianapolis community.
The Goal is for Indy’s Coffee Community to be a safe and inclusive space where all people belong, feel loved, and have an opportunity to thrive. All local coffee shops are welcome to participate - the first three are already signed up. The tenets are simple:
Be Generous. Be Ethical. Be Kind. Be Community Minded. Be Peaceful.
We believe in loving your neighbor no matter the circumstances.
We believe the best way to love your neighbors is to know them.
And the best way to know your neighbors is to LISTEN to their different experiences and perspectives, with an open mind and an open heart.
We believe that this process is the key to build a strong community.
The Good Neighbor Alliance is just getting started - you’ll hear plenty more in the future. Contact Jalen directly with any inquiries about joining at lincolnlanecoffee@gmail.com
Happy Fall from Program Director Bethany Friesen & the DATKids Academy! A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and reached out during our fundraising challenge this summer. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we qualified to receive an addition $2500 local operating grant from the “A Community Thrives” Challenge!
