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clairerafford.bsky.social
Claire Rafford
@clairerafford.bsky.social
540 followers 82 following 90 posts
higher ed reporter w/ Mirror Indy and Open Campus. get in touch about #Indianapolis colleges or cats: claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org or 317-759-0249
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clairerafford.bsky.social
Claire Rafford @clairerafford.bsky.social · Nov 11
This first post feels like the right time to admit that I was pronouncing the name of this app as bluesky (rhymes with brewski) until very recently
clairerafford.bsky.social
The latest - Martin University alumni are calling on board of trustees chair Joseph Perkins to resign.

"This is accountability,” one alum said. “Martin has to answer from within as to what has happened.”

mirrorindy.org/martin-unive...
‘This is accountability’: Martin University alumni call for new leadership
The call comes after Martin announced Dec. 9 the university would close.
mirrorindy.org
December 17, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Reposted by Claire Rafford
emilyhopkins.bsky.social
Every detail coming out of the Martin closure story is wild.

@clairerafford.bsky.social brings you the latest

mirrorindy.org/martin-unive...
Martin University terminates staff, encourages students to transfer
The interim president told staff the university does not have money to pay them.
mirrorindy.org
December 17, 2025 at 12:40 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
New news re Martin University: The eastside college laid off all its staff and has not paid them because the interim president says the university does not have the funds to do so.

The college is also encouraging students to transfer.

mirrorindy.org/martin-unive...
Martin University terminates staff, encourages students to transfer
The interim president told staff the university does not have money to pay them.
mirrorindy.org
December 16, 2025 at 10:40 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
This food looks so fire!! a great community story by @mirrorindy.org's southside reporter, Elizabeth Gabriel

mirrorindy.org/philippine-c...
Kitchen of Culture bakes new life into south side food scene
The commissary kitchen provides an affordable cooking space for food entrepreneurs.
mirrorindy.org
December 15, 2025 at 4:14 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
Mi Guatelinda in Lawrence is more than a grocery store - it's a place for neighbors to connect.

Read more from @darianbenson.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/new-grocery-...
Find Guatemalan food and baked goods at new Lawrence grocery store
Tienda y Panaderia Mi Guatelinda is located at 4556 N. Shadeland Ave.
mirrorindy.org
December 12, 2025 at 2:54 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
If you read one thing today, it should be this story from @tyfenwick.bsky.social

“I do everything right,” mom of 3 Precious Sarver said, “and I end up here.”

mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Indy mom preps her 3 kids for Christmas in a hotel
‘I never would’ve thought in a million years that I’d be homeless,’ she said.
mirrorindy.org
December 12, 2025 at 2:18 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
New: I spoke with half a dozen students and alumni of Martin University, who expressed shock, frustration and most of all, a deep sadness at the closure.

Read more - including about what led to this point - here:
mirrorindy.org/martin-unive...
Martin University’s abrupt closure disrupts student plans, angers alumni
The university announced Dec. 9 it would pause operations with no plans to reopen.
mirrorindy.org
December 11, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Reposted by Claire Rafford
emilyhopkins.bsky.social
Big news: Martin University will close, stop classes in mid-December

mirrorindy.org/martin-unive...
Martin University will close, stop classes in mid-December
The eastside college is Indiana’s only predominantly Black institution and caters to Indianapolis adults who are returning to school.
mirrorindy.org
December 9, 2025 at 6:42 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
Winter break can be tough for LGBTQ+ college students returning home for break.

Free Press Indiana reporter @smashfizzle.bsky.social talked to experts who shared tips to make this holiday season both joyous and safe.

mirrorindy.org/lgbtq-holida...
Winter break can be tough on LGBTQ+ young people returning home
‘Live your truth:’ Indiana Youth Group offers resources to help stay safe, supported and connected
mirrorindy.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:44 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
Imagine living across the street from your neighbor and being in different congressional districts.

If the Republicans' proposed map passes, that'll be the case for these eastside neighbors. Read more from @tyfenwick.bsky.social

mirrorindy.org/indiana-redi...
Woodruff Place neighbors criticize redistricting map that would split neighborhood
A proposed congressional map would divide several neighborhoods into multiple districts.
mirrorindy.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:40 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
My fave tip on this list - you can swim laps at the Olympic-standard pool at IU Indianapolis for just $3. Bring your own towel!

More resources here -

mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
These Indy college campus facilities are open to community members
Go for a ride at the Indy Cycloplex or grab a meal at Ivy Tech’s student restaurant.
mirrorindy.org
December 4, 2025 at 5:27 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
If Aldi has no fans, I am dead !

read about how to save $ at the grocery store during the priciest time of year @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/stretch-your...
Coupons and beans: Stretch your dollars with these tips from Mirror staff
We’ve got recipes and some advice that helped us through tough times.
mirrorindy.org
December 1, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Reposted by Claire Rafford
emilyhopkins.bsky.social
Is IU Indy's men's basketball team having a moment? Some sports fans think so.

@clairerafford.bsky.social
Photos by Brett Phelps, Mirror Indy

mirrorindy.org/iu-indianapo...
‘Must watch TV’: Why college basketball fans are watching IU Indy
New head coach Ben Howlett is leading the team to high scores.
mirrorindy.org
November 17, 2025 at 4:03 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
I saw college basketball fans going nuts over IU Indy on social media. So I decided to go see them play for myself and y'all, it was chaos (complimentary)

Basketball stats courtesy of @tyfenwick.bsky.social and (slay) photos by Brett Phelps!

mirrorindy.org/iu-indianapo...
‘Must watch TV’: Why college basketball fans are watching IU Indy
New head coach Ben Howlett is leading the team to high scores.
mirrorindy.org
November 17, 2025 at 2:09 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
“I just like doing good things. It makes my brain a lot quieter,” York said. “There’s a lot of garbage things happening in this world, and I can shovel snow or build a bench or pick up trash, and it makes me feel okay.”

@peterblanchard.bsky.social

mirrorindy.org/indy-benches...
Meet the man making benches for Indianapolis
Anderson York’s benches are popping up at parks and bus stops across the city.
mirrorindy.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:47 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
Do you want to edit some of the coolest, best reporters around! (no bias here!!)

Apply to be @mirrorindy.org's news editor and work with us to do awesome, community centered journalism :)

www.freepressindiana.org/jobs/news-ed...
Jobs | Free Press Indiana
Free Press Indiana is on a mission to provide local news for Indiana that is anchored in and reflective of the needs of the communities they serve.
www.freepressindiana.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Reposted by Claire Rafford
emilyhopkins.bsky.social
About 1 out of 4 students at IU Indy transferred from another school or started college later in life.

This peer program helps them navigate unique challenges on campus.

by @clairerafford.bsky.social
Photos by @jennarwatson.bsky.social

mirrorindy.org/indiana-univ...
Transfer students adjust to IU Indy with help from students like them
A new peer coaching program helps transfer and older students adjust to IU Indy.
mirrorindy.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:02 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
Did you know that almost every Indy college has a food pantry on campus?

Bookmark and share this link!

mirrorindy.org/college-stud...
Indianapolis colleges, universities have food pantries for students
IU Indy, Ivy Tech and Butler are among local colleges with food pantries.
mirrorindy.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:16 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
Two women - both moms, both veterans and both aspiring lawyers - found connection through a new coaching program at IU Indy for transfer students.

“I felt like I was just talking to a big sister,” said mentee Kaylee Lewis.

Read more here @mirrorindy.org

mirrorindy.org/indiana-univ...
Transfer students adjust to IU Indy with help from students like them
A new peer coaching program helps transfer and older students adjust to IU Indy.
mirrorindy.org
November 6, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Reposted by Claire Rafford
emilyhopkins.bsky.social
The city is launching a program to give 100 families $20K over the course of their birth journeys — no strings attached.

mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Indy is giving 100 moms $20k each to support their birth journeys
Monthly stipends will go to families living in areas with the most infant deaths.
mirrorindy.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Reposted by Claire Rafford
tyfenwick.bsky.social
The Wayne Township who rules on eviction cases defended himself from social media critics during a meeting last week. He printed off orders from 87 cases. "The orders speak for themselves."

It all started with a post on Facebook from @mrwildstyle.bsky.social

mirrorindy.org/wayne-townsh...
Wayne Township judge defends how he handles evictions
Judge Gerald Coleman hosted a meeting with housing advocates to explain how he handles eviction cases.
mirrorindy.org
October 27, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Reposted by Claire Rafford
mirrorindy.org
The Nehemiah Project at New Direction Church is opening doors for young adults who’ve faced barriers to employment.

The 16-week construction training program also teaches leadership and financial literacy: https://bit.ly/47nTPgX
Eastside church provides construction training to young people
Nehemiah Project students learn career skills and construction trades.
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 10:00 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
At New Direction Church, students are exploring construction and learning about the trades. Church staff hope this opens up opportunities.

But they also hope investing in students will lead to a revitalization of their eastside neighborhood. More:

mirrorindy.org/nehemiah-pro...
Eastside church provides construction training to young people
Nehemiah Project students learn career skills and construction trades.
mirrorindy.org
October 22, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Reposted by Claire Rafford
mirrorindy.org
Seniors who were part of the federally funded SCSEP program are out of work because of funding freezes from the Trump administration.

There are about 272 positions funded through this program.

✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social discusses the impact this has on seniors: mirrorindy.org/senior-commu...
Seniors out of work because of Trump administration funding freezes
Goodwill's senior employment program helped older, low-income adults get job training.
mirrorindy.org
October 20, 2025 at 4:14 PM
clairerafford.bsky.social
Seniors have been out of work for months after the Trump administration withheld funding for the program that employed them.

It's unclear when they'll be able to go back to work - or if the govt will continue to fund the program.

Read more here - mirrorindy.org/senior-commu...
Seniors out of work because of Trump administration funding freezes
Goodwill's senior employment program helped older, low-income adults get job training.
mirrorindy.org
October 20, 2025 at 1:32 PM