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2008 12 05

Random Rippling

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v05n25)

School on Wheels helping children - By Larry Warner

posted: Dec. 05, 2008

by Larry Warner

It is late afternoon and the sun is streaming through the tall windows of the west side of the church building, the new home of School on Wheels.

And Sally Bindley is still going strong. Full of pep and energy, taking phone calls, directing staff and taking a few minutes to discuss her passion and current project: "School on Wheels."

For Sally, School on Wheels has been an ongoing seven-year project, one that she launched in September, 2001.

Sally Bindley of School on Wheels.

image courtesy of Larry Warner

Bindley had worked in the family business, Bindley-Western, a health-care distributor. When the company was sold in 1998, Bindley, who worked in the foundation area of her father's business, was suddenly out of a job. Following a series of personal challenges Bindley read an article in a magazine that struck a responsive chord.

She read about a nun in California who had started an after-school tutoring program to help children that are traumatized when being moved from shelter to shelter and school to school. Bindley contacted the nun, met her and the rest is history. The Indianapolis version of School on Wheels was founded.

Now located in a former church building at 2815 E. 62nd Street, Bindley, CEO and founder of the organization has a simple mission statement: "The enhancement and enrichment of educational opportunities for school-aged homeless children. Our vision is to break the cycle of homelessness through education."

School on Wheels provides tutoring help for the 400 to 500 homeless school-age children living in one of Indianapolis' shelters. This tutoring comes from a volunteer cadre of some 240 persons that includes retirees, college and high school students.

Typically the volunteers travel at their own expense to one of the twelve local shelters and provide the children with an hour of tutoring, typically after the child has finished their normal school day.

"We found that by going to the shelter, it's more convenient and transportation doesn't become an issue," said Bindley, adding, "our first tutoring session generally begins at 4 in the afternoon and we run to 8 p.m."

She added, "our time with the children varies. We may have them with us while they are located in emergency shelters (3 to 6 months) and later in a traditional shelter that may last us to two years."

School on Wheels not only provides tutoring assistance, but also gives children backpacks stuffed with school supplies and uniforms so that the children are dressed like the other children and are not singled out as being homeless.

Bonding between the tutors and the children is commonplace. Bindley tells of one homeless child (now a freshman at Broad Ripple High School) who has been out of the program for three years. "I remember helping him with spelling and homework. He called when he got his report card and proudly told me that he had received all A's and B's."

In addition to the 430 volunteers, Bindley also directs a paid staff of 18 persons.

She went on to add that the budget for the current fiscal year is $575,000 and is totally derived from grants and donations.

image courtesy of Larry Warner

Battling through a rough September (the building was burglarized and a lap-top computer along with several uniforms were stolen) Bindley has also had to deal with computer glitches and well as phone problems, yet remains upbeat.

Help came from an unexpected source. Bindley was invited to a recent Indianapolis Colts game and at halftime was asked to come to mid-field where the Colts Women's Organization presented her with a check for $11,500. Someone had notified The Colts of the recent theft and the Women's Organization wanted to help out.

"It was amazing, not only to receive the check, but to look up and see ourselves on the jumbo-tron," added Bindley.

In addition, School on Wheels, for the past several years, has also received funds from the Broad Ripple Kiwanis Clubs Auction for Kid's Sake.

For more information, School on Wheels web site can be accessed at indysow.org.

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