If you have volunteered with NeighborLink Indianapolis at all this summer or fall, there is a good chance you have either emailed with or met Lisa Cole. Lisa joined the NeighborLink Indianapolis team this past June as Director of Community & Partner Engagement. Her history in the nonprofit sector speaks to her dedication with helping not only her community, but the broader community of people served as well.
Lisa is from Indianapolis and started her career life as a registered nurse. She continued her education to then earn a Masters in Gerontology. She moved from clinical work to managing community outreach and engagement efforts for a local health system. One of her larger endeavors was developing and launching its team member volunteer program that still is in existence today.
For the last three years, she led the global nursing development efforts for an international medical missions organization. That opportunity offered her the ability to travel to Kenya and Malawi and help grow nursing in those countries.
Lisa is no stranger to volunteering herself. Early in her career, she actively volunteered in the community not only because she felt it important to give back but also to learn new skills, including leadership, and to meet others outside of healthcare. It’s a passion she instilled in her kids as she included them whenever able in community work she was doing.
This passion for serving the community and her experience with volunteering made Lisa an ideal team member for NeighborLink Indianapolis. The vast majority of our work is powered by volunteers. Lisa’s focus is to strengthen and expand our current volunteer recruitment and engagement efforts as well as develop strategic partnerships with local businesses, schools, faith and other community based organizations who can help us accomplish our mission and grow our impact.
“Joining NeighborLink Indianapolis has provided the perfect opportunity to come full circle with my education, career, and life experiences to make a difference in the community,” said Lisa. “I was drawn to NeighborLink’s mission of helping seniors and those with disabilities most at risk in our community. With COVID-19, NeighborLink’s mission has become even more critical. Helping these individuals be able to stay in their homes and age-in-place is the safest alternative.”
When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog and entertaining friends. She looks forward to traveling again when we’re able. She and husband, Bob, are proud parents of Sam, a business consultant in Chicago and daughter, Annie, a teacher in Indianapolis.
Lisa’s biggest ask of her fellow Indianapolis residents is,
“If you have a heart for serving seniors and want to be able to see the immediate impact from your volunteer efforts or financial support, reach out and let’s talk!”
If you would like to chat with Lisa about a project or any other volunteer related idea, let her know!