By Heather Hunter | Photos by Evan Meagher
CARMEL, IN – Synergize, the local social organization building relationships and creating community impact, hosted their final 4:30 Meetup of 2023 on Tuesday, December 12. The event was held at Anthony’s Chophouse, in the Glass Chimney Room upstairs.
Synergize has one 4:30 Meetup per month, and each one benefits a different local nonprofit. This month, they featured The O’Connor House. The O’Connor House is a long-standing local organization that provides a home, and long-term support, for single, pregnant, homeless women and their children.
Since 2001, The O’Connor House has supported over 530 mothers and children. While there are many houses like The O’Connor House across the nation, The O’Connor House is unique in that it allows pregnant mothers to bring their older children into the home. They also have a thriving alumni program that allows “graduates” of the home to support one another as they find jobs, complete their schooling, and raise their children.
Michelle Corrao, ED, spoke at the event. A long-time victim advocate, Corrao took the helm at The O’Connor House four years ago. Her own story of abduction and rescue, which she chronicles in her book, “Found”, inspired her career path.
“I never thought I would be blessed with the future I got, and my family,” Corrao said at the 4:30 Meetup. “My story isn’t easy to hear, but it’s enabled me to bring hope to others who are still where I was, years ago.”
“We always say that your story is the most important thing you can share with other people, because that helps bring purpose into our relationships and the world,” said Shaun Goodyear, co-owner of Synergize. “Michelle’s story is one of those. And the mission of The O’Connor House is awesome.”
Synergize chooses the organizations they impact in one of two ways; selections by their Corporate Sponsors, or nominations that are voted on by their members. The O’Connor House was a nomination by Synergize member Kathleen Ford, and was selected by popular vote.
Thanks to their sponsors, Indy Facets Private Jeweler and Current Publishing, Synergize was able to gift the O’Connor House a few in-kind contributions, meant to be leveraged to benefit the impact. They were also able to give a cash donation from member dues.
To get involved in the mission of the O’Connor House, or to attend their upcoming fundraiser, visit theoconnorhouse.org. To get involved in Synergize and start building meaningful relationships that create community impact, save the date for the group’s next event on December 29th. Tickets are available via synergizeindy.com.