Growing Places Indy has long been a cornerstone for wellness, sustainability, and resilience in Indianapolis. Yet, true to its values of growth and transformation, the organization recently embraced a pivotal shift in its operations.

Recognizing that justice requires not only action but space for others to lead, Growing Places Indy executive director Laura Henderson intentionally decided to reimagine how the nonprofit operated. She wondered about a radical departure from business as usual. Rather than continuing as they always had, the organization chose to invite others into their space, welcoming new voices, ideas and approaches to steward the mission in ways they might not have imagined alone.

Growing Place Indy decided to end its production farm and winter market, turning both of these projects over to other nonprofits in Indianapolis. Then, the organization asked the current cohort of Community Practitioners if they would like to take over the organization and recast it according to the cohort’s collective vision.

This decision was not made lightly but was rooted in an expanded view of justice that prioritizes equity, inclusivity, and shared opportunity. By stepping back, Growing Places Indy is stepping forward into a new chapter of partnership and possibility, where collective leadership and collaboration redefine how we create impact.

Strategic Remembering + Organizational Storytelling is a key part of this transition. Through reflective dialogue, participatory storytelling, mission analysis, and community-centered memory work, we aim to:

• Honor the past: Gathering the voices, memories, and lived experiences of those who shaped Growing Places Indy, ensuring their contributions are recognized and celebrated.

• Illuminate the present: Sharing the story of this transformative decision and its alignment with our values of justice and sustainability.

• Inspire the future: Co-creating a vision that opens the door for others to innovate, grow, and reimagine what’s possible in our shared community.

By embracing this intentional pause and opening the door for others, Growing Places Indy continues to cultivate justice and transformation—not just for themselves but for all who are a part of this vibrant, ever-growing ecosystem.