We Are Not Invisible: How JUST Community Is Building Healthier Beginnings Across Indianapolis

Indianapolis gathered with intention at the historic Madam C.J. Walker Theatre for the premiere of We Are Not Invisible — a powerful short documentary presented by JUST Community and produced by Weather House Pros. What unfolded was more than a film screening. It was a moment of truth, healing, and collective responsibility.

The room was filled with emotion, shared stories, and meaningful conversations that reminded everyone in attendance of a simple truth: visibility starts with listening. Through honest storytelling and lived experiences, We Are Not Invisible highlighted the importance of community-centered care and the urgent need to support families from the very beginning of life.

At the heart of this work is JUST Community, an Indianapolis-based organization rooted in the belief that community co-creation and collaboration are essential to holistic wellness. Their mission is clear: to equip families and communities with the care, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive. By leveraging evidence-based models and amplifying voices from within the community, JUST Community strengthens family bonds while laying foundations for vibrant, resilient neighborhoods.

Their impact stretches far beyond the screen.

Bridging Care, Culture, and Community

One of JUST Community’s cornerstone initiatives is the Community Bridge Project, a comprehensive program supporting pregnant women and families with young children across Indianapolis’ Near West and Near Northwest neighborhoods. The project focuses on improving maternal and infant outcomes by addressing access to nutrient-dense food, early childhood development resources, and culturally responsive care.

Families enrolled in the program receive holistic support that includes developmental guidance, high-quality toy exchanges, and doula services that provide advocacy and care before, during, and after pregnancy. By harnessing the interconnectedness of community, the Community Bridge Project works to reduce disparities while creating sustainable pathways to wellness.

JUST Community also recently released Elevating the Standard of Care for Black Mothers & Babies, a county-wide assessment examining maternal health, infant development, and doula care in Marion County. Through both data and personal stories, the report sheds light on systemic barriers facing Black families and calls for community-wide involvement in improving prenatal and postnatal care. The findings reinforce the urgent need for culturally competent, accessible health services — and highlight the powerful role that community-based support plays in saving lives and strengthening families.

Growing the Next Generation of Birth Advocates

In alignment with their commitment to long-term impact, JUST Community continues to invest in future leaders through their Doula Scholarship Program. Designed for Indianapolis residents passionate about birth work, the program provides full-spectrum training, mentorship, CPR certification, and hands-on experience. Scholarship recipients gain access to advanced workshops, cohort learning opportunities, and direct community engagement, ensuring they are equipped to support families with both skill and compassion.

With applications now open for Fall 2025, this initiative is helping grow a new generation of culturally grounded doulas who reflect and serve their communities — expanding access to quality care where it’s needed most.

Leadership Rooted in Purpose

JUST Community is led by Dr. Nicole Carey, Founder and Executive Director, whose work centers equitable leadership, coalition building, and community-driven solutions. With more than 17 years of entrepreneurial experience, Dr. Carey brings design thinking and indigenous methodologies together to create strategies that draw on the inherent strengths of communities. She also serves on the Indianapolis Public School Board, advocating for educational equity while working to ensure every child has access to opportunity.

Supporting this vision is Joslyn D. Cunningham, Director of Community Advancement, a lifelong Indianapolis resident whose journey into birth work and reproductive justice has included doula training, community education, and advocacy for Black and Brown families. Together, their leadership reflects JUST Community’s core values: accountability, collaboration, and deep-rooted care for people.

Backed by a dedicated Board of Directors and an expanding network of partners, JUST Community continues to push forward meaningful change across the city.

A Night That Reflected a Movement

The We Are Not Invisible premiere served as a living example of what’s possible when storytelling meets action. The documentary amplified voices often unheard, while the gathering itself created space for connection, reflection, and renewed commitment to community wellness.

JUST Community reminds us that transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people come together — when care is culturally rooted, when leadership is accountable, and when communities are empowered to shape their own futures.

To learn more about JUST Community, explore their programs, or find ways to support their mission, visit:

👉 https://www.justcommunityindy.org

Because every story matters. Every family matters. And together, we make sure no one is invisible.

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