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Minority Business Highlight: Cornerstone Support Services

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: Cornerstone Support Services

Founded by Desmond Mathews and Sean Usher, Cornerstone Support Services is a certified rehabilitation provider accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).  

The Indianapolis-based agency operates three emergency shelters, the most offered by a single provider in the state. They serve youth, adults and families with intellectual, cognitive, emotional and behavioral challenges. 

Its mission is to foster inclusion and support clients in “exploring possibilities, discovering opportunities and achieving dreams.” 

The organization’s philosophy is strengths-based, prioritizing the desires of all people to be accepted, feel love, make meaningful contributions and receive respect. Services include emergency shelter care, child mental health wraparound, family preservation, counseling, substance abuse assessment and transitional housing. 

Cornerstone Support Services operates from two Indianapolis locations: 3949 Meadows Drive and 6214 Morenci Trail, Suite 100. 

More information is available at cornerstonesupportservices.net. 

This highlight was written by Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook and TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here. 

Minority Business Highlight: Safe Travels Transport 

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Safe Travels Transport 

Safe Travels Transport offers non-emergency medical transportation services aimed at helping individuals with mobility challenges travel safely to appointments. 

The company provides a variety of services, including medical courier delivery, ambulatory assistance, wheelchair transport, stretcher transfers and broker and rental services.  

According to its website, Safe Travels Transport is designed to support passengers needing reliable travel to doctor’s visits, hospital discharges, therapy sessions and other essential destinations. Services are also available for airport trips and group outings, reflecting an effort to serve a wider range of transportation needs beyond medical care. 

Customers can book services online, where the company lists estimated booking times depending on the type of transport required. For example, ambulatory assistance requests are scheduled with a 45-minute lead time, while wheelchair transport may take up to 2 hours and 45 minutes to coordinate. The company states that this system is intended to provide transparency and help riders plan. 

Safe Travels Transport provides non-emergency medical transportation services in Indianapolis, helping residents access appointments and essential destinations safely and reliably. (Photo/Safe Travels Transport)

While the company is still in its early stages and does not yet have independent reviews, it promotes itself as a dependable option for patients, families and health care providers seeking accessible transportation. 

Based in Indianapolis, Safe Travels Transport joins a growing industry of non-emergency medical transportation providers working to address the needs of residents who may not have consistent access to reliable travel. As it builds its operations, the company’s focus on accessibility and scheduled service delivery may help strengthen its position in the local market. 

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. 

Minority Business Highlight: Optimal Dialysis Center of Indy

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: Optimal Dialysis Center of Indy

Optimal Dialysis Center of Indy is a Black-owned and operated renal company specializing in hemodialysis for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). 

Led by CEOs Yvette Dupree and Richard Russell Sr., the company aims to provide patients with the highest quality dialysis services in a professional and dedicated environment. Staff follow, provide care for and support each patient in an intimate, cubicle-style, four-station clinic that “operates like a family,” according to the website.

“Our mission is to provide optimal services and an optimal experience while being cared for by the Optimal Dialysis staff,” the website states. “Our facility and staff are dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused service in everything we do.”

READ MORE: Minority Business Highlight: Walker & Bulwark Consulting 

Optimal Dialysis Center of Indy features a deficiency-free facility, as labeled by the State of Indiana, and staff are fully trained and have decades of experience in consulting and initiating new start-up dialysis facilities, according to the website.

The onsite medical doctor is a leading nephrologist known for hypertension maintenance and ensuring patients’ placement on the kidney transplant list. Optimal Dialysis Center of Indy also has the capability of providing in-house dialysis treatments in nursing home facilities. 

Optimal Dialysis Center of Indy is located at 8315 E. 56th St., Suite #120. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit optimaldialysis.org. To get in contact, email optimaldialysis@gmail.com, or call 1-888-261-2206.

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.

Minority Business Highlight: AEM Analytics Consulting

Noral Parham
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Minority Business Highlight: AEM Analytics Consulting

AEM Analytics Consulting, a women-led digital transformation firm, provides enterprise technology solutions focused on inclusive innovation. 

Founded in 2019 and co-founded by CEO Brandy Smith, the company specializes in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), artificial intelligence, cloud integration and custom application development. 

The firm serves Fortune 500 clients and government agencies, including the U.S. Army, Navy, NBC, BMW and X (formerly Twitter.) Its mission centers on bridging technology gaps for underrepresented communities while delivering scalable AI and cloud-based systems. 

AEM Analytics Consulting will host the “AI Forward Conference” in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 29–30. The event focuses on AI-driven career opportunities across healthcare, government, education and transportation sectors, emphasizing accessibility for non-traditional professionals. 

Learn more at aemanalyticsconsulting.com. 

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.  

MHS awards $1.2 million for Indiana youth mental health programs

Noral Parham
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0
MHS awards $1.2 million for Indiana youth mental health programs

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 
  • New Hope Family Life Center 
  • Playworks Indiana 
  • Struggle Made Us 
  • The Bloom Project, Inc 
  • The Villages of Indiana, Inc. 
  • Tindley Accelerated Schools 
  • Uthiverse Incorporated 

More details are available at mhsserves.org.

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. 

Minority Business Highlight: Walker & Bulwark Consulting 

Hanna Rauworth
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Minority Business Highlight: Walker & Bulwark Consulting 

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. 

Minority Business Highlight: DebbieKakes & More, LLC

CHLOE McGOWAN
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Minority Business Highlight: DebbieKakes & More, LLC

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.’”

READ MORE: Minority Business Highlight: Tasty Treats Bakery

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.

For more information, or to place an order, visit facebook.com/DebbieKakesandMore or text 317-490-0015.

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.

Sable Sweets: Family traditions fuel Indianapolis macaron mastery 

Noral Parham
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0
Sable Sweets: Family traditions fuel Indianapolis macaron mastery 

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.  

owner of Sable Sweets Ashley Hazelwood holding a dish of macarons.
(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 and NFL ink historic deal

Noral Parham
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0
ESPN and NFL ink historic deal

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.  

Indianapolis Colts vs the Cincinnati Bengals football game
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.

Minority Business Highlight: 19th State Group 

Hanna Rauworth
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0
Minority Business Highlight: 19th State Group 

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. 

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