New Far Eastside center focuses on community need

A new center on the Far Eastside aims to fill community needs.  The Ross Center is now open at 42nd Street and Post Road.

The intersection is in the heart of a neighborhood that lacks resources and investment. Ross Foundation founder Dee Ross says at the top of the list is mental health help.

“We have one of the highest rates of mental illnesses on this side of town and we don’t have a mental health and trauma clinic on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis,” Ross said.

The Medicaid provider clinic will offer anger management and trauma care. The Ross Center meets other needs, too, with a library, community garden, vegan popup restaurant, art and music recording classes for youth. A playground in the center's backyard opened last year.

Ross said the center is a direct response to what the community wants.  A new touch screen allows people to connect to services they need, immediately.

“Where you can just walk in, not even talk to a receptionist and you can go to the screen and find the nearest food pantry, clothes pantry or bus route,” Ross said.

The Ross Foundation will receive some money through the city’s Lift program, but the center is mostly funded by private donations.

The group hopes to reach 500 people in its first year.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.