About
Building Community on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis
Who We Are
Our Vision
The Near Eastside is a vibrant, thriving, welcoming community.
Our Mission
John Boner Neighborhood Centers inspires neighbors and partners to improve the quality of life on the Near Eastside by providing tools for change and growth.
Our Values
- We hold an unshakable belief in the power of individuals and communities to create change that promote a shared destiny, social justice, and equality.
- We work to build a community where people want to live, work, and leave an impact.
- We ensure a welcoming and active environment for community residents, programs and services, and partners that will facilitate relationship development.
- The ability to impact the quality of life on the Near Eastside is defined by the breadth and depth of collaboration with partners.
- We are a community where residents set the agenda for the neighborhood and individuals define success.
- The center leverages resources and demonstrates good stewardship of investments within this community.
- Cultivation of leadership is the ability to attract, retain, and develop individuals.
Commitment to Diversity
Since 2012, the John Boner Neighborhood Centers has had a board reviewed and approved diversity plan, that includes the Diversity Statement & Goals provided below.
The organization is currently undergoing the process to develop a new strategic plan with guidance from Social Legends, a local philanthropic consulting firm and community partner, and Social Currents, formerly the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities and the Council on Accreditation. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be used as a framework throughout the strategic planning process, and will include elements of the following: define/redefine what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to the organization; review and update the Diversity Statement & Goals; create actionable steps for implementation of established goals. Together, the board, executive leadership, and staff members will focus on the future of the John Boner Neighborhood Centers’ services, resources, and assets.
To continuously ensure inclusive and equitable programming, the John Boner Neighborhood Centers engages neighbors and voices through its Quality of Life Plan; a living plan focused on equity, sustainability, economic mobility, and resiliency.
Diversity Statement
John Boner Neighborhood Centers believes in fairness and equality and encourages the full participation of all individuals in fulfilling its mission to promote self-reliance and an improved quality of life for Near Eastside residents. The organization recognizes the strength of diversity and celebrates a society of different individuals, cultures, and prospective whose knowledge, skills, and talents enrich and strengthen us as a people. John Boner Neighborhood Centers believes in and promotes equal opportunity in operations, community engagement, employment, decision-making, and inclusion of diverse members of our community. These differences include race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, veteran status, and political affiliation.
Diversity Goals
Create Awareness: Share our diversity principles and values with staff, partners, supporters, and general public.
Inclusive Culture: The Center is an inclusive environment in which differences are recognized, respected, valued, and even celebrated.
Accountability: Diversity scorecard is maintained annually and reviewed annually by our board of directors.
Outreach: Seek organizations, employees, board members, and volunteers to strengthen our diversity inclusion principals.
Business and Community Relationships: Engage with and conduct business with those of diverse backgrounds.
Ongoing Learning: Identify and address specific inclusiveness issues, barriers, and/or opportunities.
2021 Organization Demographics
Gender
| Neighborhood | JBNC Clients | JBNC Board | JBNC Leadership | JBNC All Staff | JBNC F/T Staff | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Served | 30,356 | 7,428 | 11 | 12 | 138 | 73 |
| Female | 50% | 66% | 64% | 67% | 75% | 68% |
| Male | 50% | 34% | 36% | 33% | 25% | 32% |
Scroll left to see additional demographics.
Race
| Neighborhood | JBNC Clients | JBNC Board | JBNC Leadership | JBNC All Staff | JBNC F/T Staff | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Served | 30,356 | 7,428 | 11 | 12 | 138 | 73 |
| Caucasian | 53% | 23% | 64% | 58% | 38% | 44% |
| African-American | 31% | 69% | 18% | 33% | 41% | 40% |
| Asian | 1% | 1% | 0% | 0% | 1% | 1% |
| Other | 16% | 7% | 18% | 8% | 13% | 13% |
Scroll left to see additional demographics.
Ethnicity
| Neighborhood | JBNC Clients | JBNC Board | JBNC Leadership | JBNC All Staff | JBNC F/T Staff | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Served | 30,356 | 7,428 | 11 | 12 | 138 | 73 |
| Hispanic | 14% | 5% | 9% | 8% | 9% | 11% |
| Non-Hispanic | 86% | 95% | 91% | 92% | 91% | 89% |
Scroll left to see additional demographics.
Age
| Neighborhood | JBNC Clients | JBNC Board | JBNC Leadership | JBNC F/T Staff | JBNC All Staff | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Served | 30,356 | 7,428 | 11 | 12 | 138 | 73 |
| Under 19 | 27% | 9% | 0% | 0% | 2% | 0% |
| 19 - 44 | 39% | 36% | 55% | 42% | 64% | 49% |
| 45 - 64 | 25% | 30% | 45% | 58% | 28% | 40% |
| 65 and Over | 7% | 25% | 0% | 0% | 7% | 8% |
Scroll left to see additional demographics.
Our History
It started with a card table and two folding chairs.
In 1971, a group of neighbors on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis determined the need for a neighborhood service center. With the community’s help, John Boner and Richard Moore set up a small, makeshift office on East 10th Street; and that’s where the Near Eastside Multi-Service Center was born. Over the years, this philosophy has inspired the creation of services and programs in response to the changing needs within our community.
A few years later, in 1994, the Near Eastside Multi-Service Center was renamed as the John Boner Neighborhood Centers, in honor of John Boner’s unwavering dedication to the community.
Growing with the community
Today, the John Boner Neighborhood Centers is a 501(c)3 social services and community development organization serving residents living in the community.
The energy, commitment, and dedication of center staff is the driving force behind our success and the unique opportunities offered to our neighbors. Through programs, services, and community development initiatives, staff help to inspire and support those who are committed to thriving towards an improved quality of life: Not just for themselves, but for the community they live in.
We believe that neighborhood-driven efforts are essential in developing a healthy, thriving, and vibrant community. We provide numerous tools for change and growth for our residents and community partners. Through our work, we hope to inspire and foster change to improve the lives of those we serve.
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