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“I believe in my neighborhood,” Valerie says firmly. Six years ago, Valerie had hit rock bottom, after battling years of unemployment, drug abuse, and severe clinical depression. She had temporarily lost custody of her daughter, and found herself homeless and alone.

But in May of this year, Valerie became the first home-owner in Jefferson Apartments, at the corner of 10^th Street and Jefferson Avenue on Indianapolis’ Near Eastside. Through the help of the Boner Community Center and funds contributed through the Super Bowl Legacy Project, Valerie was able to purchase a brand-new condo for $75,000. “To have my own house and bedroom, I can’t even explain this to you,” she said.

These days, Valerie serves on two local boards—Eastside Promise Advisory Board for People’s Health Center as well as Healthnet—and also chairs Jesus Food Pantry, where she used to collect food herself. Her daughter Courtney (whom Valerie eventually regained custody of) is now an honors student at The Oaks Academy.