INDIANAPOLIS — A church on Indianapolis' east side is getting the chance to make some major changes in the city.
“So many different calls to the church even our own parishioners that reach out, unemployment numbers are up, so many people have lost jobs,” New Direction Church Pastor Kenneth Sullivan said.
Sullivan said even though the church isn't holding services inside the building right now because of the pandemic, there’s still a ministry and work being done.
“I think this is going to help people rebuild their lives,” Sullivan said.
The church was selected to receive $75,000 from the Eli Lily Endowment Fund.
"This is something we were blindsided by the blessing," Sullivan said. "I got a phone call From Lilly’s Endowment. It was at the end of 2020. I was on the phone conference with them. They shared with me their desire to help us make a difference. They highlighted us and they thanked us for the work we've done in our community. They said 'We want to be a blessing to you all so you can continue the efforts.'"
Sullivan says the money will go right into his neighborhood. It'll be used to help with rental assistance, groceries for families, and scholarships.
“I was raised in my stomping grounds, there’s an old adage don’t forget where you have come from,” Sullivan said.
On top of that, the church is pitching in $25,000 dollars of their own funds to do even more good.
