Who knew a child-sized puppet could bring so much compassion to life?!

Ten years ago, the Joseph Maley Foundation was created with the mission, “serving children of all abilities.” Over the last decade, JMF has served more than 60,000 students in central Indiana, through five programs that teach compassion and respect, support families and educators, and develop youth leaders who advocate for acceptance for all.

Courtney Basso, Events and Communications Manager, The Joseph Maley Foundation, and Noah Bush, Puppeteer, Joseph Maley Friends, tells us more about the program that is changing lives: 

•    Our puppeteers are talented eighth grade students from central Indiana schools. These students attend a week-long summer camp, where they learn puppeteering techniques, as well as a number of skits covering a variety of topics. The Joseph Maley Foundation model uses the gifts of children to teach children, which provides an environment where discussion is contingent on the interaction between the puppets, puppeteers, and the audience. With each skit, there is a question and answer component during which the audience can ask the puppets about the topics presented. The puppets break down barriers, and offer children a relaxed setting to ask questions.  
•    While the Puppet Troupe is often used to introduce disABILITY Awareness programming in schools, puppets can be paired with all Joseph Maley Foundation programs. Each of these programs engages students with curriculum and activities that are aligned with state standards and tailored to fit the needs of each school environment.

•    One of the ways we are celebrating ten years of impact in 2018 is through our annual Run, Walk, Roll, which takes place on July 14th. This family-friendly event features a 5K course through beautiful downtown Indianapolis, as well as a new 10-mile option.  The race begins and ends at Michael A. Carroll Stadium, and participants of all abilities are welcome. Everyone can enjoy music, ice cream treats, a kiddie dash, face painting, and a host of other family-friendly activities. Funds from this event support Joseph Maley Foundation programs such as disABILITY Awareness, Joseph Maley Fitness, and HOPE.

To learn more, visit www.josephmaley.org.