Marvetta and Anthony Grimes Family Center honored with Excellence in Affordable Housing award from Indiana Affordable Housing Council after first year project success  

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (September 2026)

Volunteers of America (VOA) Ohio & Indiana and Seeds of Hope Indianapolis were honored with the Excellence in Affordable Housing Award from the Indiana Affordable Housing Council in the category of Special Needs Housing for their collaborative project on Indy’s west side, the Marvetta and Anthony Grimes Family Center which first opened its doors in September 2025. 

Since opening one year ago, the Marvetta & Anthony Grimes Family Center has served 41 women and their children.  

The Grimes Family Center is safe and affordable housing with a heart designed to give families affected by substance use disorder a place to heal, recover and rebuild their lives. The family center holds 36 two- and three-bedroom apartments in two buildings. One building consists of 12 units of recovery housing called Legacy House managed by VOA and the second building consists of 24 units of affordable housing managed by Seeds of Hope. 

The center also houses on-site daycare and preschool, a barber and beauty shop and a free medical clinic inclusive of dental, optometry and audiology services.  

In the past year, the VOA Legacy Grimes program has successfully closed five Department of Child Services (DCS) cases, as well as two more cases that are very close to closure.  In the Seeds of Hope program, six women have regained full-time custody of their children, 5 women have visitation rights and are actively working towards regaining full-time custody.  

“The Grimes Family Center carries deep meaning for VOA, Seeds of Hope, and their many partners on the project. This housing community as a whole is a demonstration of not only support for a mother in her recovery journey but also an intentional effort to lift up entire families and build healthier communities.”  

John R. von Arx III
President & CEO
VOA Ohio & Indiana

The award was presented at a luncheon event on Wednesday, September 2 at the Downtown Indianapolis Marriott. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and  Indiana Women’s Affordable Housing Network (IWAHN) recognized Grimes Family Center as being the most outstanding Indiana affordable housing development for Special Needs Housing, including housing for residents with substance use disorders and addiction. You can see pictures of the award presentation here, please courtesy VOA Ohio & Indiana.  

“While going through treatment for substance use disorder, Marvetta Grimes lost custody of her children, including her son Anthony, who tragically died from neglect while in the foster care system. The Grimes Family Center named in her honor was her vision, allowing families to stay together through the recovery process. Our team is proud to carry on her legacy.” 

Sean O’Connor
President
Seeds of Hope Board of Directors

In this Seeds of Hope program, every family participates in a comprehensive program that includes 7 life skills classes and recovery-based family groups designed to strengthen parenting skills, build healthy relationships, support long-term recovery, as well as create stable and nurturing homes for their children. 

Nearly all women or residents at Grimes Family Center have established employment, and those who have not are enrolled in education programs to provide support for their future employment opportunities. Several women in the program have been able to purchase their own vehicles, breaking down a common barrier to maintaining employment. 

For more information about the Marvetta and Anthony Grimes Family Center and other resources for recovery housing, please visit www.voaohin.org/services/recovery-housing