Hamilton County Publisher

Hamilton County ought to congratulate itself after two events last week served as prime examples of a community coming together to solve its problems. Not the back-slapping, hand-shaking kind of congratulations, but the more subtle kind of introspective self-congratulation that comes from knowing that your community’s heart is in the right place.

The first is the amazing local response to Michael Treinen’s medical emergency. When his insurance ran out, his local community rallied and you couldn’t travel more than a few bocks in Noblesville last week without being reminded of the need. School kids took collections, his friends took to the streets, restaurants stepped up and his supporters used the awesome power of the internet to leverage their efforts. As of the week-end they had far surpassed their financial goal and the money was still rolling in. Michael will get his bone marrow transplant thanks to thousands of his neighbors he doesn’t even know but who care about him anyway.

The other event is the opening of Hamilton Centers’ new home for pregnant and parenting teens, a house on Clinton Street in Noblesville called Promising Futures. The home is the culmination of more than a year’s work by the dedicated staff at Hamilton Centers, and will offer a place for teen girls who find themselves in a situation they might not be prepared for. Teen pregnancy is an emotional issue but Hamilton Centers sets the emotions aside and provides help for these young people who find themselves in an overwhelming situation.

It’s hard not to be moved by the efforts of the Hamilton Centers staff and volunteers. This is the first social service organization I’ve been closely associated with and the past year has been an education. Like many charities, it’s a privately run organization, so is always seeking new ways to find funding. But, despite the constant need for fundraising, these people persevere just because they genuinely love to help other people. It’s a wonder to behold. Their pride was evident in Wednesday’s open house as they showed the new cribs, toys, furniture and fixtures donated by the community to help those who find themselves in a tough situation.

Of course, there is always more to be done. Michael Treinen and Hamilton County’s expectant teens are a little better off today because this community has been so generous, but there are always new needs and new crises to be fixed. We’ll get to those, but let’s take a moment to thank those who did their share to work toward these solutions and to be thankful we have people like that as neighbors.