If you’ve been to the Redefined Hope Boutique in the last few years, you’ve probably seen Maddy Potter and Rylee Kleine working the register, hanging clothes, and making coffees.
These young ladies are not only connected through Hope Center Indy, but also share the distinct honor of being awarded Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships. These full-tuition scholarships are awarded each year through local community foundations in all of Indiana’s 92 counties.
Maddy, who graduated from New Palestine High School this month, first began volunteering at the Redefined Hope Boutique in 2018. In addition, after hearing about the need for hygiene products for the survivors, Maddy and a friend started a program called, “Hope, Healing, & Hygiene.” They were able to raise almost $2,000 worth of high-quality hygiene products for the residents at Hope Center Indy.
“One of my favorite parts about volunteering is the people! I have seen employees and volunteers praying for customers in the boutique, sweating while working in the garden, serving with a joyful heart, and leading in excellence,” says Maddy. “Seeing the servant attitude at the Hope Center encourages me and reminds me of my purpose in Christ.”
Rylee graduated from Morristown Jr. Sr. Highschool in 2021 and has been a part of Hope Center Indy from the beginning. As the grand-daughter of Hubert Nolen, co-founder of the organization, Rylee remembers Hope Center Indy when it was just getting started. She put in many hours as a volunteer before coming on as a sales associate in the boutique, barista in the coffee shop, and part time communications director for the Freedom Barn.
“The Hope Center has not only allowed me to have ample volunteer opportunities, but it has opened my eyes to the need for non-profits in America and the impact they can have when strong passion is matched with hard work and reliance on God to accomplish big things for His kingdom,” says Rylee.
Both Maddy and Rylee have career goals that involve service to those in need.
Maddy will be attending Taylor University in the fall and plans to major in biology. She hopes to be a pediatric physician and help vulnerable, underprivileged children, including those in foster care.
Rylee is a sophomore at Indiana Wesleyan University where she studies marketing and entrepreneurship. She intends to continue working in the non-profit sector.
Hope Center Indy is incredibly grateful and proud of Maddy and Rylee. Please keep them in your prayers as they further their studies and pursue God’s will.
Learn more about how you can volunteer here. For students interested in internship opportunities, click here for more info!