OUR STORY

About Brightwood–Forest Manor Community Center

Transforming lives through community empowerment, Health & Wellness, and Community Safety programming for over 90 years.

90+ YEARS IN THE COMMUNITY

A Cornerstone of Indianapolis's Near East Side

Founded over 90 years ago, Brightwood–Forest Manor Community Center has been a cornerstone of Indianapolis’s near east side for generations. What began as a neighborhood resource has grown into a comprehensive social services hub, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of the Brightwood–Forest Manor community.

Today, we operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serving families, youth, and adults through programs in food access, youth development, workforce training, mental health support, legal aid, and community safety.

We believe in the power of personal empowerment — that individuals, given the right support and resources, can strengthen themselves and lift up everyone around them.

90+
Years Serving Indianapolis
7
Active Programs
24+
Community Partners

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission

To transform lives by fostering community empowerment for youth, adults, and families through Health & Wellness and Community Safety programming.

Our Vision

To be a community core service center that engages in holistic, inclusive, and equitable practice for all community members.

Our Values

We believe in personal empowerment — that individuals, given the right resources and support, can strengthen themselves and lift up everyone around them.

TRANSPARENCY & IMPACT

Read Our Impact Reports

We believe in accountability to the community we serve. Download our latest reports to see our programs and outcomes in detail.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Our Agency Partners

We are proud to collaborate with 24+ Indianapolis organizations to extend our reach and deepen our impact.
Indy Parks
IUI (Indiana University Indianapolis)
National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
WorkOne
Lilly Foundation
The Indianapolis Foundation / CICF
One Voice
Indianapolis Urban League
Thomas Ridley's 1 Like Me
Like No Other / HAMP
IU Health
Eskenazi Health
Edna Martin Christian Center
KIPP Indy & IPS Schools
Martindale-Brightwood Education Zone
Domestic Violence Prevention Network (DVPN)
Midwest Food Bank
Indiana United Methodist Churches
The Office of Public Health and Safety
The Marion County Prosecutors Office
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
Indy Champions / Indy Public Safety Foundation
LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

Our board provides strategic oversight and governance, guiding the center into its next chapter.
board-beatrice-beverly

Beatrice Beverly

Board Chair

Beatrice brings decades of community leadership and advocacy to guide BWFMCC into its next chapter of growth and impact.

board-shani-warren

Shani Warren

Vice Chair

Shani’s passion for community development and nonprofit strategy strengthens our mission and helps shape the center’s vision for the future.

Tia Donaldson

Secretary

Tyrek Swanigan

Treasurer

Lakisha Molin

Board Member

Jennifer Joy

Board Member

Kelly Jack-Kelly

Board Member

Elizabeth Gore

Board Member

Meet Our Staff

Dedicated to serving the Brightwood and Forest Manor communities, our team works every day to create opportunities, strengthen families, and build a brighter future for all.

Shonna Majors

Executive Director

Jamanique Best-Isiwele

Deputy Director

Dewayne White

Youth Coordinator

Vanessa Olivo

Employer Coordinator

Darrell Edmond

Part-time Maintenance

Ready to support your community?

Every donation, volunteer hour, and donated item makes a direct difference for families in Brightwood–Forest Manor.