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Dear Friends, I am writing a shorter newsletter message to you today with both deep gratitude and heartfelt honesty. Just yesterday we gathered for our annual Heels & Healing fundraiser—a night of gender-affirming celebration, creativity, and community care. Seeing so many of you show up in love and joy reminded me why we started ICC: to create spaces where every person is truly cared for. To our incredible volunteers, to those who attended and cheered, and to everyone who donated or sponsored the event—thank you. Your presence and generosity mean more than words can express. At the same time, I need to share that ICC is facing a significant and unprecedented financial challenge. Like many Indiana nonprofits, we are feeling the impact of decreased funding, rising costs, and delayed reimbursements—leaving us in a place where we need our community’s support more than ever. Our team has worked diligently to revise our budget and chart a path toward stability, and while I am confident in our plan, the truth is we cannot do it alone. Here is why your support matters so much: last year alone, ICC provided direct care to over 730 individuals. Among them: 65% are AFAB or transgender women 21% are AMAB or transgender men 14% are nonbinary or gender expansive 30% live with a federally qualifying disability 24% are immigrants, Black, Brown, or Indigenous 30% are living below the federal poverty guidelines
To learn more about our small but mighty team that makes a big impact, here is our 2024 Annual Report. These are the very communities most excluded by traditional mental health systems. And the outcomes are powerful: 98% of clients rate their care as excellent, participants in our BIPOC & Trans/Nonbinary Mental Wellness Fund report an average 54% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, and clinicians supported by our wellness fund report a 16% reduction in symptoms of burnout. This is what your donations sustain: life-saving, equity-centered care for neighbors who might otherwise go without. I am asking, from the heart, for you to help us sustain this work. If you are able, please consider supporting ICC with a one-time gift or by becoming a monthly Community Sustainer—even $10/month helps keep care accessible and provides us with the stability to plan ahead. And if a financial gift isn’t possible right now, know that your support still matters deeply. Sharing this email, forwarding our story, and spreading the word about ICC helps us broaden our community of care and reach new supporters. In this season, that outreach is just as valuable as a donation. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this community. Together, we can ensure that ICC not only weathers this moment but emerges stronger, continuing to be a safe, affirming place for all who seek care. With lots of gratitude,
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