Marvetta & Anthony Grimes Family Center
Celebrating a new community center designed to give families affected by substance use disorders a place to heal, recover and rebuild their lives.
On September 4, 2025, VOA Ohio & Indiana, along with Seeds of Hope and many community partners, celebrated the grand opening of the Marvetta & Anthony Grimes Family Center. This new facility is an affordable housing community with a focus on recovery and hope for families on the west side of Indianapolis. It was a joyous day, years in the making.
Honoring Marvetta & Anthony Grimes
Marvetta Grimes served as the executive director of Seeds of Hope prior to her passing in May of 2023. Her passion for the mission and this project was rooted in her own personal experience. While going through treatment for substance use disorder, Marvetta lost custody of her children, including her son Anthony. When Anthony was four years old, he tragically died from neglect while in foster care. Marvetta made it her personal mission tohelp prevent other mothers from experiencing this pain and keeping children safe whilemoms are in treatment.
The Marvetta & Anthony Grimes Family Center will honor their memory and carry on her legacy of creating positive change in the community.
A Foundation for Healthy Families
The Marvetta & Anthony 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.
This new affordable housing community aims to increase successful recovery rates and create healthier communities for Hoosier families.
“For so many years, women have had to choose between their recovery and being a mom, and that’s impossible,” said Patricia Vandervort, Seeds of Hope executive director. “Speaking from personal experience, that kept me in my addiction. I didn’t have a safe place to bring my children and get help.”1
Stable housing plays a vital role in people’s recovery from substance use disorders. It provides a foundation for sustained recovery and overall well-being. Housing with services improves housing stability, employment, mental and physical health, school attendance, and reduces active substance use.
“Marvetta always felt that if she had a place to take her children, that Anthony would still be here,” shared Patricia. “And I believe that’s true.”
Building Stronger Communities
The new Marvetta & Anthony Grimes Family Center includes two buildings for low-income families. The first will consist of a 12-unit recovery community for families, including two- and three-bedroom apartments. This building also includes administrative offices, a daycare, preschool and a free medical clinic. The second building consists of 24 two-and three- bedroom apartments. All families will have access to on-site supportive services including a full outpatient clinic in partnership with local agencies and community members.
The Power of Community & A Project Come to Life
The $11 million endeavor is a joint venture between Seeds of Hope and Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana (VOA Ohio & Indiana). This project and its developer received low-income housing tax credits as part the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA)’s first-time minority developer initiative.
“We are excited to officially open the doors to this vital community resource on the west side of Indianapolis. This area needs a safe place for families to heal, and get the support they need to rebuild their lives. Establishing this location in honor of the Grimes family is a crucial step in the process for families in need of housing and resources in Indianapolis,” said John R. von Arx III, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana.
Celebrate the ribbon cutting with us by enjoying the photo album:
You can help more families recover and heal by making a gift today:
Quote Sources: 1- https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/i-didnt-have-a-safe-place-to-bring-my-children-expansion-of-recovery-campus-keeps-families-together