Where Equity Meets Action: Annie’s Story

Annie believes in the power of storytelling—especially when it comes to connecting people to causes she cares about. She credits her mom, Lisa Cole, for raising her to be civically engaged and for showing her what it looks like to bring people together in meaningful ways.

“Equity is at the heart of everything that I’m drawn to—whether I’m aware of it or not,” she shares.

Looking back, Annie realized she noticed inequities in Indianapolis as a kid. That early awareness stuck with her and has continued to guide both the career and volunteer opportunities she chooses today.

She first volunteered with us in the summer of 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. For Annie, it was a way to safely connect with others during a time that many people felt resoundingly disconnected.

Despite what she calls having “zero handy skills,” Annie was excited to give back to her community. She had never painted before—"unless you count art class", she jokes—and was honestly surprised by how much trust she was given as a first-time volunteer. That surprise only grew when Tom Hawkins, one of our founders, asked if she’d painted before and then told her she was a natural.

Annie (far left) at one of her first painting projects.

After her first project, the mission of Home Repairs for Good immediately resonated with her. Helping older adults and those with disabilities to stay in their homes through no cost, owner-occupied repairs aligned with her belief of supporting equitable solutions in her community. 

Through her time volunteering with us, whether painting homes or serving as an Engagement Lead welcoming volunteers, she shares how she has grown personally. One example being the confidence she gained as a homeowner to take on some projects on her own—even discovering that she likes to use power tools. Aside from her own growth, she has been pleased to see how Home Repairs for Good has evolved since she first started volunteering. A larger staff and increased recognition for the work they've been doing since 2013 is allowing for more older adults to age in their homes safely and comfortably.

Annie affectionately refers to the homeowners we serve as our “local historians.” Many have lived in Indianapolis their entire lives, contributing to the city’s rich history and witnessing the changes over the years. A natural lover of stories, Annie takes pride in sharing the mission behind Home Repairs for Good by passing along homeowners’ experiences to introduce others to the organization. She even takes it a step further by inviting friends and coworkers to volunteer alongside her on the occasional Saturday—many of whom are still involved years later after seeing the impact firsthand.

That's why she believes deeply in the power of connecting, stating that "strong communities are built through collective civic engagement"—with equity at the foundation. 

Annie's character and volunteer engagement across multiple organizations have not gone unnoticed. Recently, she has been named a finalist for United Way of Central Indiana’s 2026 Elevate “Volunteer of the Year” award. When she first found out, Annie admits she thought the email was spam. Once the surprise wore off, the honor really sank in. She shared how humbling, and heartwarming, it felt to know someone thought of her for such a meaningful recognition.

To cast your vote for Annie as “Volunteer of the Year,” click here.