Managed Health Services (MHS) announced the recipients of a $1.2 million investment targeting youth mental health services across Indiana on Aug. 7. The funding comes from MHS Serves, a $12 million initiative focused on reducing health disparities.
Eighteen organizations spanning 28 counties and four statewide groups will receive partnership grants. This funding supports the Youth Mental Health Empowerment Program, which aims to expand or enhance programs that improve youth access to healthcare, mental health services and trauma-informed care.
The grants fund effective program practices and professional development. MHS Serves manages the program collaboratively. Partners include the Indiana Minority Health Coalition and Black Onyx Management. The goal is empowering communities through health-focused partnerships.
The funded organizations operate in these Indiana counties: Allen, Boone, Clark, Delaware, Elkhart, Floyd, Grant, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Henry, Howard, Jasper, Johnson, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Montgomery, Newton, Putnam, Porter, Scott, Starke, St. Joseph, Vigo and Washington.
The recipient organizations are:
Cultivating Life
Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Inc.
VOICES Corporation
Family Ark
Firefly Children & Family Alliance
Foster Success
Girl Talk Incorporated
Heart City Health Center, Inc.
Indiana Family to Family
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion County Commission on Youth
Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center Indianapolis Incorporated
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook and TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more news, click here.
Walker & Bulwark Consulting is a business consulting firm based in Indianapolis that provides strategic guidance aimed at helping small businesses grow.
Isiah Walker, the principal strategist, founded the company. Walker holds advanced business studies from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and has experience in financial markets and business development.
The company offers tailored consulting services to address challenges small businesses often face, such as market visibility and access. The firm emphasizes creating customized strategies rather than applying generic solutions. Its services focus on improving operational efficiency, client engagement and market positioning to support sustainable, long-term business success.
Walker & Bulwark Consulting offers tailored strategies to help small businesses improve operations, increase market visibility and achieve sustainable growth. (Photo/Getty)
The company operates with core values, including humility, integrity and a commitment to excellence. Walker & Bulwark Consulting seeks to build client partnerships based on ethical leadership and collaborative growth.
Walker has noted that many small businesses struggle with connecting their vision to actionable growth strategies. The consulting firm aims to assist businesses by providing strategic planning and practical implementation support to help clients meet their goals.
Walker & Bulwark Consulting offers tailored strategies to help small businesses improve operations, increase market visibility and achieve sustainable growth. (Photo/Getty)
The firm is a resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking to improve their competitive position through customized, principle-driven consulting services.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.If you want your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
DebbieKakes and More, LLC is a home-based vendor specializing in sweet treats.
Debbie Butler started her baking business seven years ago, after her son and daughter-in-law requested she make the cake for their wedding instead of purchasing one. Since then, Butler has been churning out made-to-order cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies and other specialty desserts made right in her home kitchen.
“Nobody is a baker in the family, but being in the kitchen with my mom, bless her heart and bless her soul, I always stood by her side and just assisted her whenever she was baking,” Butler said. “When she couldn’t do it anymore, I would do it. … I would bring cakes to her, to Chicago, or ship them to her, and she would say, ‘You need to really get into this, because your cake arriving is good.’”
Butler grew up helping her mother in the kitchen and uses a blend of family recipes, suggestions from friends and a handful of her own creations. However, each dessert that comes out of Butler’s kitchen features her unique spin on it, she said.
Butler started DebbieKakes & More, LLC with her signature pound cakes, but quickly grew to incorporate more variations and family favorites, including the Shay strawberry crum cheesecake — named after her niece.
DebbieKakes & More, LLC operates primarily through word of mouth, festivals and pop-ups, Butler said. However, she takes orders through her Facebook page and by phone. The business is a one-woman show most days, although she gets help from her daughters and sisters for specials events, such as the Juneteenth Foodways Festival.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Ashley Hazelwood’s Sable Sweets bakery, founded in 2024, transforms childhood memories into edible artistry.
“I grew up surrounded by cooks and bakers,” Hazelwood told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. “Food was the center of our family gatherings. When I sought a creative path, I returned to what I knew — baking is my homage to that love.”
While her bakery offers classic cookies and pies, Hazelwood’s self-taught macaron mastery has become legendary.
(Photo provided/Ashley Hazelwood)
“I picked it up almost immediately,” Hazelwood said of the notoriously finicky French confection.
Her dedication shows in her creations, achieving the elusive balance of crisp shell and lush filling.
The bakery’s success stems from Hazelwood’s fusion of nostalgia and innovation. Cases display treats reminiscent of lunchboxes alongside avant-garde offerings of colorful macarons. This duality reflects her philosophy: “Baking connects generations but should still surprise you.”
From farmers ‘ market to co-op hub, Sable Sweets thrives on human connection. Locals flock for weekend macaron drops and Hazelwood’s service.
One reviewer notes, “You taste her history in every bite.”
Those interested in placing an order from Sable Sweets can do so here. Follow Hazelwood on social media here.
This minority business highlight was created by Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham. Contact him at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Facebook and TikTok @horsemensportsmedia. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
ESPN will acquire NFL Network and related media assets — including NFL RedZone and NFL Fantasy — in exchange for granting the National Football League a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
The transformative agreement, announced on Aug. 5, aims to consolidate football media under ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service while expanding fan access.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell noted the legacy of the NFL Network over the last 22 years.
“Its sale to ESPN builds on our remarkable history, providing more football in innovative ways,” Goodell said.
CINCINNATI, OH- DECEMBER 10: Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) celebrates his touchdown during a NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals on December 10, 2023 at Paycor Stadium in, Cincinnati , OH . (Photo/Jeff Brown)
Under the pending deal, ESPN will acquire NFL Network’s linear and digital operations and integrate them fully into ESPN’s standalone streaming platform, which will launch Aug. 21. NFL RedZone will join Disney’s linear network portfolio for traditional TV distribution, while ESPN Fantasy Football and NFL Fantasy will merge into a unified, league-sanctioned product.
ESPN also secures rights to three additional NFL games annually for NFL Network, adjusting its overall schedule to include four shifted matchups. The network will continue airing seven games per season.
Chief Executive Officer of Disney Bob Iger emphasized consumer benefits.
“This paves the way for more compelling experiences only ESPN and Disney can deliver — increasing choice, convenience and streaming value,” Iger said.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 10: Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) reacts after his big run during a NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and the Indianapolis Colts on November 10, 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Jeff Brown/Indianapolis Recorder)
The acquisition positions ESPN’s streaming service as football’s central hub. NFL Network content will remain accessible via cable/satellite while flowing into ESPN’s digital ecosystem.
The NFL retains ownership of NFL Films, NFL+, team sites and digital rights for RedZone.
The transaction requires final approvals from NFL team owners and definitive agreements. If ratified, it will reshape football media ahead of ESPN’s DTC launch.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook or TikTok @Horsemensportsmedia.For more sports, click here.
Staffing agency 19th State Group focuses on connecting qualified professionals with employers in the health care, pharmaceutical research and medical technology industries.
The company offers a range of staffing services including temporary, contract, contract-to-hire, direct hire and executive search to meet the specific needs of its clients. Positions they fill include research scientists, clinical researchers, lab technicians and data analysts.
The agency aims to address the growing demand for skilled talent in health care and pharmaceutical sectors by providing reliable and specialized staffing solutions. The organization works to match candidates with organizations seeking expertise to support innovation and advancement in medical research and health care delivery. Their approach emphasizes understanding the unique requirements of both employers and job seekers to facilitate effective placements.
19th State Group connects skilled professionals with health care and pharmaceutical organizations in Indianapolis through specialized staffing solutions. (Photos via/19th State Group website)
19th State Group operates with a set of core values intended to guide its business practices.
These include integrity, which involves conducting business with honesty and transparency; excellence, by consistently delivering high-quality services; collaboration, fostering strong relationships built on trust; innovation, seeking continuous improvement and adaptability; and empowerment, supporting the growth and development of individuals and organizations.
The company aims to be recognized as a premier partner for pharmaceutical research and health care by consistently delivering talented professionals who can contribute to industry progress. Through its network and tailored service offerings, 19th State Group strives to play a role in advancing health care outcomes by ensuring organizations have access to the workforce they need.
For more information about 19th State Group’s services or career opportunities, interested parties can visit their website at 19thStateGroup.com or contact them directly at 317-361-9510.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Central Library proudly presents its annual small business series of free, in-person workshops plus a dedicated legal clinic tailored specifically for both established business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
This year’s series promises to be more comprehensive than ever. The series includes workshops delving into crucial topics such as financial statement analysis, legal considerations for businesses, effective marketing strategies and safeguarding intellectual property. This year’s series also includes two workshops presented in Spanish.
In addition to our hands-on workshops, we offer a curated selection of business books designed to inform, inspire, and guide you through every stage of your business journey. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine and expand your existing enterprise, our resources will provide valuable insights and practical advice.
Join us at Central Library to gain expert knowledge, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and access tools that will help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to supporting your success and equipping you with valuable resources to help you thrive in today’s competitive business environment.
Questions? Call Central Library and ask to speak with a Business Librarian.
Feel free to walk in, but we encourage you to register.
2025 Small Business Series
Event: Aprovechando las Redes Sociales para el Crecimiento Empresarial/Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth
Date & Time: Monday, September 08, 6:00pm
Location: Central Library
Description: Presented by Alex Balbuena, Latinos Indy Media *This program will be presented in Spanish.
Event: The Legal Aspects of Starting a Small Business
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 09, 6:00pm
Location: Central Library
Description: In this workshop you will be introduced to some of the essential legal aspects of starting a small business, such as how to choose a legal structure for your business. Presented by attorney Zachary Lange
Event: Don’t Fear the Spreadsheet: Small Biz Setup, Financial Statements & Reporting Requirements
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 16, 6:00pm
Location: Central Library
Description: This workshop will explore different types of financial statements, how to understand them, and how to use them to manage your business and make numbers-informed business decisions. The workshop will be presented by Hassan Khan, CPA.
Event: Small Business and Intellectual Property Legal Clinic
Date & Time: Monday, September 22, 4:00pm
Location: Central Library
Description: Do you have questions about the legal aspects of starting a business or intellectual property such as trademarks and patents?
No Registration Required.
Event: Protecting Your Business: An Intellectual Property Masterclass for Entrepreneurs
Date & Time: Monday, September 22, 6:00pm
Location: Central Library
Description: Learn how to safeguard your groundbreaking ideas with patents, protect confidential data with trade secrets, establish a strong brand with trademarks, and secure your creative works with copyrights. Presented by attorneys Matt Metzger and Garrett Hutchinson
Description: We’ll cover some basic information about Indiana business taxes including how to register to collect and remit state taxes, an overview of common tax types that your business may deal with, and how to file and pay business taxes correctly.
Event: Reach Your Target Customer: Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Business
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 30, 6:00pm
Location: Central Library
Description: Learn practical strategies and actionable insights to effectively connect with your desired target audience, including how to develop a robust marketing plan tailored to your unique business objectives; leverage various marketing channels—both online and offline; and craft compelling messages.
Founded by Amber Green, Tasty Treats Bakery is an online vegan dessert company specializing in plant-based deliciousness for the Indianapolis community.
Operating out of a commercial kitchen, Green’s business makes wholesale desserts in an effort to “make memories sweeter” around the city, including pop-ups, like Melanin in May and various farmers markets.
Her offerings pair bold, creative designs with unique, vibrant flavors across a variety of desserts, including custom-order cakes, made-to-order cupcakes and cinnamon rolls, oatmeal cream pies and other deluxe and specialty cookies — such as chocolate chip, peach cobbler, red velvet, lemon, snickerdoodle and white chocolate.
Tasty Treats Bakery currently has product offerings at Chicken Scratch, Good Vegan, Bad Bad Vegan and Yats on College Avenue. Tasty Treats Bakery has a booth at the Original Indy Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, at the Fort Ben Farmers Market form 4-7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays and at the Fishers Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery announced Tuesday that he will step down in October after three years in the role, citing a recent health scare and a desire to pursue personal and professional writing projects.
Lowery announced his resignation in a message sent Tuesday morning to university and government officials. His departure will take effect Oct. 10.
“After considerable thought, contemplation, and prayer, I have decided to step away from my role as Commissioner for Higher Education,” Lowery wrote in the email obtained by the Indiana Capital Chronicle. “Serving students has been the highest honor of my professional career, and one that has been humbling and blessed.”
Serving students has been the highest honor of my professional career, and one that has been humbling and blessed.
– Indiana Higher Education Commissioner Chris Lowery
Lowery issued a separate public comment Tuesday afternoon.
“Serving alongside Commission members and staff, Governor Braun, Secretary Jenner, leaders of our higher education institutions, and our fellow Hoosiers has been a privilege. And, most importantly, serving students has been the highest honor of my professional career, and one that has been humbling and blessed,” he said.
He cited a “health scare” earlier this year that prompted his decision to step down.
“Everything is ok, but for a brief period I was left unsure and deeply reflective,” Lowery wrote. “Again, considerable thought, contemplation, and prayer went into this decision.”
During his tenure, Lowery spearheaded multiple policy overhauls, including a revamped higher education funding formula, a tuition freeze at public colleges, and efforts to simplify student aid access and boost completion rates.
He noted, too, that Indiana’s college completion rates and ranking have improved, up from 14th in the nation to 9th.
Still, Lowery pointed to improvements in several key areas. He emphasized that the number of students enrolling annually in the state’s 21st Century Scholars program has grown from fewer than 20,000 to about 50,000 in three years. That is partially due to a move to automatic enrollment.
He also said that filing rates for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, have jumped, as well — boosting Indiana’s rank from 39th in the nation to 15th. That ranking appeared to be outdated, however. The latest nationwide report published by the National College Attainment Network showed Indiana in 17th place for the current FAFSA completion cycle, which is still active. Indiana was 29th for the most recently completed FAFSA year.
Lowery additionally highlighted that, for the first time, all public institutions in the state have adopted the commission’s recommendation to freeze tuition and fees for two years.
He said he plans to support his wife Jerilyn’s new writing and publishing venture while also “feed(ing) my own longtime desire to write and publish works of fiction and nonfiction.”
Lowery said he would continue to advocate for improved postsecondary attainment in Indiana, which he called “the decisive differentiator” for economic and social prosperity in the state.
“Hope grows in Indiana,” he said. “Please continue to expect the same from me, just from a different place.”
The 14-person commission will conduct a search and select a replacement.
Fewer than 3 in 10 Marion County public school students passed Indiana’s latest ILEARN exam, underscoring wide and persistent gaps by race and district.
Countywide, just 26% of third through eighth graders in district and charter schools passed the English Language Arts section — a drop of more than 2 percentage points from last year, a WFYI analysis found. Math scores were similarly low, with 27.4% of students proficient.
“It’s a crisis for Marion County,” said David Greene, president of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis. “We’re so far behind. We need a significant jump, and that jump will not happen within the current structure we have right now.”
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Greene said the county’s long-standing gaps stem from structural inequities in funding, class size and early education access.
Indiana just limited available seats in its state-funded preschool program On My Way Pre-K, a voucher program that pays for 4-year-olds from low-income families to attend participating preschools.
“If these children come to school in first grade and they’ve never been in a classroom, it’s going to be hard,” Greene said. In Indiana kindergarten is optional and state law doesn’t require children to attend school until age 7 — about the time most are beginning second grade.
ILEARN is the statewide growth assessment that measures English language arts, science, social studies and mathematics skills for students in grades three through eight. Overall, 40.6% of Indiana students were proficient in ELA and 42.1% in math.
Statewide, 12.8% of Black students and 18.2% of Hispanic students passed both the English and math sections, compared to 37.7% of White students. In many Marion County districts, Black and Hispanic students scored significantly lower than the statewide averages.
In Indianapolis Public Schools, only 5.8% of Black students and 8.2% of Hispanic students passed both sections, compared to 37.8% of White students.
IPS had one of the lowest overall proficiency rates, with just 20.8% of all students passing English Language Arts. In math, 21% were proficient.
IPS reconfigured grade levels and opened new middle schools last year through its Rebuilding Stronger overhaul, aiming to strengthen academic offerings.
“While there is still important work to be done, with even more focus needed in English Language Arts for older students, we are encouraged by the momentum we’re seeing — particularly in Math and among historically underserved student groups,” said IPS Superintendent Aleesia Johnson. “Our strategic initiatives, including Rebuilding Stronger and the substantial investments we’ve made in high-quality curriculum, are beginning to show measurable results.”
Other township districts also struggled. Fewer than 20% of students in Pike, Warren and Wayne townships passed the math portion of ILEARN. Warren Township had the lowest math proficiency at 18.3%.
For reading and English skills, Franklin Township (39.4%) and Washington Township (37.9%) were near state average.
The School Town of Speedway had the highest proficiency rate in the county with 55.4% of students passing English and 61.2% passing math.
Achievement divides across districts
The test scores also highlight persistent disparities in academic achievement across race and ethnicity in Marion County district, despite years of local and state efforts to close them.
In Washington Township, White students outperformed Black and Hispanic students by more than 50 percentage points on the ILEARN math exam, and by similar margins in English Language Arts.
About 75% of White students in the district passed the math portion of the test, compared to 23% of Black students and 24% of Hispanic students, according to state data.
A spokesperson for Washington Township did not respond to a request for comment.
Lawrence Township posted similar disparities. White students passed the English test at 59% and 57% passed math, while fewer than 21% of Black and Hispanic students passed either subject.
Franklin Township, a district on the city’s southeast side, had slightly smaller but still significant gaps: In math, 51% of White students were proficient, while 24% of Black students and 31% of Hispanic students passed.
WFYI education reporter Sydney Dauphinais covers Marion County schools. Contact her at sdauphinais@wfyi.org.
Eric Weddle is WFYI’s education team editor. Contact Eric at eweddle@wfyi.org or follow him on X at @ericweddle.
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