Good Samaritan Network (GSN) will play host to an InterFaith Summit from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at the Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel, 11925 N. Meridian St., Carmel.
The InterFaith Summit is free and includes entry, complimentary continental breakfast, and plated lunch. Space is limited, and online registrations are required. The registration deadline is Friday, March 22. Click here to register.
Chance
“Our objective for the day is to address significant challenges facing Hamilton County and its residents,” GSN Executive Director Nancy Chance said. “We want to recognize our similarities and embrace our differences, identify and consider solutions, and work together to be prepared.”
Conversations to develop a plan can be more important than the plan itself. The InterFaith Summit will engage in dialogue and possible plans to provide care methods for Hamilton County families in different areas, such as disaster and safety, seniors, homelessness, transportation, food, and work.
All Hamilton County churches and faith-based organizations are encouraged to be represented and engage in this extended discussion with guest speakers and expert panel members on challenging topics impacting the community.
“The ability to bring together Hamilton County residents and especially the inter-faith community to increase awareness and engagement with an eventual outcome of being prepared during a devastating disaster or emergency,” Chance said, “is really a return to the grassroots of being a caring community.”
Chance also said, “The event sponsors, Gaylor Electric – Chuck Goodrich, Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County, Inc., and Victoria Spartz, are crucial in making this free event possible for Hamilton County, and they deserve our support for taking on this unique event!”
Nation
The Keynote Speaker will be former Judge and County Councilman Steven Nation. Judge Nation, a native of Beech Grove, Ind., graduated from Cathedral High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University. Subsequently, he obtained a degree from the I.U. School of Law–Indianapolis and served as a Hamilton County Judge for 24 years and as a prosecutor for 16 years.
Throughout his career, Judge Nation has believed that serving the public is a great honor and privilege and has inspired many others. His unwavering commitment to positively changing the community has led him to collaborate with like-minded individuals to establish several impactful organizations. His extensive experience and dedication to public service make him a true asset to the legal profession and the community.
Hamilton County Challenges
Breakout Sessions and Panel Discussions
The summit will include a Q&A, breakout sessions, presentation handouts, and panel discussion topics to build a prepared Hamilton County community. Panelists are assembled from a cross-section of varied local organizations to lead the discussions, including:
- Disaster and Safety Preparation: Shane Booker, Hamilton County Emergency Management; Nancy Chance, Hamilton County C.O.A.D.
- Homelessness, Housing Instability, and Uncertainties: Andrea Davis, H.A.N.D.; Nancy Ramsey, Family Promise
- Mental Health Strategies and Mindful Resilience: Monica Greer, Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs; Holly Homan, Unlimited Potential JRNY Counseling; Mark Heirbrandt, Hamilton County Commissioner; Ben Lugar, Mental Health Officer
- Transportation Barriers and Challenges: Yolanda Kincaid, Janus Developmental Services; Gary Wagner, Prime Life Enrichment
- Redefining Solutions for Food Insecurities: Nancy Chance, Good Samaritan Network; Anita Hagen, Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank; Mark Hall, Feeding Team
- Aging Hamilton County and Senior Care: Lauren Guynn, Shepherd’s Center; Gary Wagner, Prime Life Enrichment
- Hamilton County Labor Force Demands: Mike Thibideau, Invest Hamilton County
“Understanding our differences while recognizing our similarities and working together to be better prepared and more resilient as a community is critical – especially in a disaster or emergency,” Chance said.