Founder & Executive Director

For over three decades Chad and Cheryl have dedicated their lives to following God in ministry to people in urban settings. Whether it was Brooklyn, the Bronx, or Harlem in NYC or in many areas across Indianapolis, they have dedicated themselves to effectively presenting the gospel. For 30 years they led The Caring Place Ministry out of Calvary Temple/Caring Place. They were blessed with a tremendous team that gave of themselves to make sure children and families would be able to experience the love of Jesus Christ.

In 2022 they stepped into a whole new ministry, the iNDY Network, wanting to expand the effectiveness of the Gospel presentation by including organizations that were already impactful in their own right. United together, these ministries can accomplish even more for people.

Chad and Cheryl have four children, four children-in-law and ten grandchildren. They reside in Indianapolis.

Agency Communication & Finance Director

In 1990, Elissa moved to Indianapolis to work with an inner-city children’s ministry. Each week she visited children in their homes, building relationships with the families. Over 28 years, she watched children grow and families come and go and became part of their lives, celebrating the good times, being with them through some of the worst and always pointing them to Jesus. She was involved in writing curriculum, teaching, and coordinating volunteer staff. For 23 years she especially loved being a part of and then directing an event known as The Caring Place Christmas Store. Thousands of children were able to experience the true joy and meaning of Christmas—giving to others.

In 2022 she joined the iNDY Network and serves as the Agency Liaison and Finance Manager.

In 1994 Elissa married her husband, Jeremy. They have three daughters and two sons-in-law. They reside in Indianapolis.

Stakeholder Communications Director

Taylor has been involved in urban ministry for her entire life. She grew up riding the Caring Place busses and sitting in the Red Side chairs, and if you grew up there you would get what that means. She visited Caring Place routes since before she could walk. At 13 she became a Junior Staff Member, and then became a Staff Member and had her own route. Her commitment to touching lives is anchored in a deep desire to make a difference in someone’s life, real difference.

She joined the iNDY Network team to continue her life long commitment to impacting lives for Christ. She is the Director of Communication for the Stakeholders. This puts her in charge of the Newsletter and all communication to current and potential partners. And she serves as the Blue Tassel Farm Indianapolis Liaison, helping coordinate retreats to Blue Tassel Farms.

In 2014 she married Rick Thomas. They have three children and reside on the East Side of Indianapolis where he coaches high school and AAU basketball. This is a family effecting lives through iNDY Network and the partner ministries, and coaching young men.