Dawn Whalen, Realtor, F.C. Tucker Company

I wanted to share with you information about a wonderful business on the Southside of Indianapolis. As a member of the Greater Beech Grove Chamber of Commerce, I have the opportunity to meet many different individuals. At our monthly meeting in June, Melody Stevens, the Executive Director of Handi-Capable Hands Incorporated spoke to the group.

I was impressed with what I had learned about the business, and asked Melody for the opportunity to come in and meet with her, take some photos of the associates, and learn more about what they do. I was able to do so on Wednesday, July 2^nd. On this day, the group had just completed a 20000 piece mailing. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and meeting with the associates. I was greeted with sincere smiles and handshakes. After taking several shots of the small groups, everyone gathered for a group shot. As the associates went back to their tasks, several of them stopped to give me a hug, and I received several group hugs. There is no greater feeling, than someone appreciating you and showing you that by giving you a hug.

While the business has been in existence since 1981, I would venture to guess that Mrs. Stevens has been an irreplaceable asset to the company. Having spent 20 years in the non-profit sector, working for the Children's Museum, March of Dimes, & MADD just to name a few, she came to Handi-Capable Hands because it was close to her home in Beech Grove, as well as being impressed with how caring and loving the associates were for one another. She felt it was a good fit for both herself and Handi-Capable Hands.

She refers to those who work there as her associates. That says a lot about her as well. When I told her how that truly impressed me that she referred to them as her associates, and put them all on the same level, she responded that they are all in it together, they are a team. That is awesome.

As you may be able to ascertain from the name of the company, the associates are developmentally handicapped. But don't let that simple fact cloud your judgment. They are capable of doing many different jobs, and just need the opportunity.

The business was created by a group of parents who wanted their children and family members to have a safe environment to work using the skills they had acquired to perform various tasks. I did ask Mrs. Stevens, if she feels that there is a "stigma" attached to the associates being "Handicapped" when she presents quotes to various businesses. She did say that there are times that she feels that the unasked question is there, but she always addresses it upfront.

She does reassure any potential business that the associates care about their job and whether or not they do it well. All of the work is quality checked. The associates want to be there and want to work. When Melody leaves for a meeting, they always tell her to bring them more work. The associates are dedicated, and truly want to work. Mrs. Stevens told me about one of the associates who had been off due to surgery, and after a week wanted to come back to work, even though the physician had said she needed to be off for 3 weeks. That is admirable.

Not only does Handi-Capable hands allow the associates the opportunity to work, but they are also able to socialize with their peers.

Currently Handi-Capable hands does have a couple of large jobs coming up, Conference bags for the American Legion, Beech Grove School Corporation Newsletter, and gift bags for the Greater Beech Grove Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing. But they are always looking for more. Handi-Capable Hands receives no State or Federal funding. Their income sources are derived from job income, grants, fundraisers, and the generosity of individual and business community donations.

So if your business is looking for assistance with mailers, stuffing goody bags, assembly work, kitting or anything to do with business contact Melody Stevens at Handi-Capable Hands. There is no job too big or too small! They are located at 3215 E. Thompson Road, Indianapolis, In 46227, 317-396-2699 or email her at mstevens.hch@comcast.net

As she told me, "It is good for your bottom line, and good for your heart."

The kindest compliment anyone can give me is a referral. If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, build or sell in the Central Indiana area, contact me at www.dawnwhalen.com or 317-459-5182

Looking for something fun to do this summer? Check out the summer programs at the main shelter in Sara T. Bolton Park in Beech Grove.

Tuesday, June 24th @ 11:00 a.m. Jeff Sims Magic Show

Thursday July 3rd Fireworks Celebration

Wednesday July 9th @ 11:00 a.m. Marc & Max the Moose Show

Wednesday July 16th @ 1:00 p.m. Water Show/Paul Odenwelder - Wear your swimsuits!!

Tuesday July 22nd @ 7:00-8:30 p.m. Steve Jeffris & Friends Concert

Wednesday July 23rd @ 11:00 a.m. Joli Show-Mime

Wednesday July 30th @ 11:00 a.m. Bubble Show-Dawn Perry

As always, if you or anyone you know need the services of a Real Estate agent that lives and works in the Central Indiana area, please feel free to contact me at 317-459-5182 or visit my website at www.dawnwhalen.com

As a member of the Greater Beech Grove Chamber of Commerce, I diligently try to attend all functions. Today was our monthly meeting and we had a fabulous speaker, Melody Stevens from Handi-Capable Hands, Inc. Watch for an upcoming post about what ther services she & Handi-Capable Hands provide.

Today I learned about some various programs that our provided by our local library. The library has a Summer Reading Program for children. You will also find that the library has therapy dogs that come in for children to read to. This is a great program for children, who struggle with reading, and get discouraged by adults or other children correcting them. The kids can snuggle up and read to the dog, and the dog is not going to correct them. This is a great confidence builder for children.

I had heard of this program, but never realized that is was offered at our library.

You will also find the Dining Car Cafe, and The Crossings Gift Shop. Stop by to see what they have to offer. I can speak from expierence that the food in the cafe is wonderful, & they cater!

Are you a resident of Beech Grove who is homebound? No problem the library also has a program they offer for the homebound. You can have a friend or family member pick up books that were selected for you by the staff, and in some cases even have a library associate deliver books to you. There are meeting rooms, as well as many other services offered.

As a child, I loved to read and to go to the library. I still love to read, and although I haven't spent as much time at the library as I would like, still love to go. The Beech Grove Public Library has much to offer, and best of all the majority of it is free!

So if you haven't had the opportunity to visit the library lately, please do so. And if you or anyone you know of has a Real Estate need in the Central Indiana area feel free to contact me at www.dawnwhalen.com or 317-459-5182

May 31, 2008, from noon until 10:00 P.M.

Rock N The Grove is just a week away. This will be an event that you won't want to miss!

Are you curious about the type of bands playing and when?

For the schedule of bands click here

You can see the talent show schedule here

Do you want to know what type of food and drinks are available & where to get them? For that infomation you can click here

There will be so much more that you won't want to miss! Pizza Eating Contest, Raffle for a Bobber, and more. You will also be able to visit various vendors, including myself who will have booths set up from 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. on Main Street.

And remember, if while attending the days festivities & you decide you would want to live in Beech Grove, please give me a call. If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, build or sell, please contact me at 317-459-5182 or www.dawnwhalen.com

Hope to see you on the 31st!

Dawn Whalen, Realtor

FC Tucker Company, Inc

Are you looking for something fun to do with your family on Saturday May 17th? Why not attend the Grand Opening of Huddle Up Pizza in Beech Grove?

Details below:

Beech Grove is a great place to live. If you or anyone you know is interested in buying or selling in Beech Grove, or the Central Indiana area, contact Dawn Whalen Realtor at 317-459-5182