NeighborLink Indianapolis has slowly begun adding staff to its numbers in order to better serve the growing number of seniors in need in Marion County. Tom Miller, Director of Client Relations, was brought on board October of last year.
A native Hoosier, Miller has a background in teaching and a heart for helping a community. His volunteer work landed him on a nonprofit career path where he worked in adult education for nearly 19 years. He focused on teaching GED/High School Equivalency as well as reading and programs that provided services for adults with developmental disabilities.
“I was hooked with nonprofit work; I love the gaps they fill, the people they serve,” says Miller. “They do it for the people they work with, and not to make money, which is something that I really love. It is now in my blood and a part of who I am.”
NeighborLink’s clientele, seniors in need, weren’t too dissimilar from the individuals Miller worked at with a prior organization, Indy Reads. “I like the fact that NeighborLink Indy is helping people in our community who are looking for a little assistance to keep their independence, their homes, and to remain an asset to their neighborhood,” Miller explains.
NeighborLink is working on expanding to reach more clients while reducing the number of seniors on our waitlist. No small task for an organization that has primarily been volunteer run. To that point, Miller responds, “I enjoy being involved with an organization that is looking to grow and expand its footprint on the community. It is an exciting time for NeighborLink Indianapolis.”
Miller’s main focus early on was in working with the Operations team to set up repair projects for homeowners to age in place safely. Now, Miller will be moving to work closely with the homeowners to help them understand NeighborLink’s process and helping to remove any barriers that may interfere with the needed repairs/clean ups of their homes. This may be changing focus of a project or providing referrals to assist with areas NeighborLink doesn’t cover.
Covid-19 has been a trying time for many homeowners, arguably more so for those NeighborLink serves. The problems and issues that our homeowners are dealing with haven't gone away. Many are isolated without their religious or neighborhood communities. For many, it’s been difficult to get the help they need. Now that things are slowly opening back up, it is such an important time to step up and help a neighbor. NeighborLink, like many organizations, is moving forward with new Covid-19 related policies in place.
NeighborLink serves as the job however Miller, like any of us, has so much more than his day job. His wife, Janet, works in adult education and the both of them are launching into the world of parenting a high schooler. Their son is preparing to start his Freshman year.
If you have any questions or would like to chat with Tom Miller, he is always happy to respond, “my door, whether virtual or physical, is always open.”