Family Service of Central Indiana, Inc.

Salute to Family

Salute to Family was a huge success on April 23. The breakfast event was attended by more than 150 people and was held at the Riverwalk Banquet Center & Lodge.

Our theme, “Plant the Seeds of Hope, Nurturing Healthy Families,” was sprinkled throughout the hall, which was decorated in a “spring-time” atmosphere of potted flowers on each table. Bright yellow annual reports containing sunflower seeds were given out to all attendees. Cheryl Parker, Fox 59 News, served as mistress of ceremonies.

Three special families received an Alice M. Ross “Salute to Family” Award: the Allen Family from Plainfield, the Bleill family from Greenfield and the Miller family from Indianapolis. The families’ stories were uniquely shown by a video donated and designed by The Sanders Group

Here are a few highlights:

The Allen family adopted eight children worldwide—spanning from Columbia to China. When they adopted their first daughter, Whitney, 22 years ago, they had no idea they would welcome seven more children into their loving home. The Allen’s proceeded to adopt, Brady, 21, from Columbia and then Lael, 13, Arden, 13, Bret, 9, Stafan, 7, Lyric, 5 and Cokie, 5, from China.

Despite a celebrated array of language, cultural and personality differences, the siblings have bonded and blended harmoniously despite overcoming, sometimes, extremely difficult pre-adoption medical challenges.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Beatrice (Pete) Miller, who will celebrate their 57th year of marriage, have such a large family that they have gone to great lengths to make sure family values are passed down from generation to generation. From monthly gatherings to annual trips, this extended family is committed to spending time together and supporting each other through life’s trials while celebrating life’s joys.

Despite the responsibility of being the parents to so many children, Mr. and Mrs. Miller found the time to give back to the community. Over the years, Mrs. Miller has volunteered for Indianapolis Head Start. She also helped found the Southside Community Health Center. Mr. Miller was an active member of the Southside Men’s Club and assisted in starting the Southside Picnic, now in its 35 th year.
Lance Corporal Joshua Bleill was seriously hurt when his vehicle was struck with an improvised explosive device. His injuries included the double amputation of his legs, a broken jaw, and several other broken bones and fractures. Upon hearing the news of their son’s injuries, Virg and Myra Bleill mobilized their family, and they began a grueling a year and a half journey together as Josh faced multiple surgeries and an uncertain future. Joshua’s sisters rallied to his side with the help of supportive husbands who took responsibility for their children.

Through his positive attitude and his family’s support, Joshua has stabilized and been fitted with artificial legs. Joshua and his family have used this challenging experience to reach out to others in need. By reaching out to those who have had similar injuries, he has served as an inspiration to many.