After losing two of her sons to suicide and a nephew to gun violence, Michelle Sanders decided to do something about the violence and depression “running rampant” within her community. 

Joyful Journeys, a faith-based nonprofit organization designed to uplift and empower youth and families, was Sanders’ solution. Created in November 2024 — and staffed by a team of community volunteers and church leaders — Joyful Journeys works to secure mental health resources, education initiatives, mentorship programming, field trips and safe spaces for Indianapolis youth and their families.

“It is my ministry for sure,” Sanders said. “We are trying to show up as just a faith-based organization, that we’re doing something different so the kids and families can have something different to participate in.

See Full Page