Together we are designing a more just community.

JUST Community equips families and communities with the care, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive. Through community rooted maternal and infant health programs, holistic wellness initiatives, and community-led partnerships, we nurture healthy beginnings, strengthen family bonds, and build the foundations of vibrant, thriving communities.

We recognize achieving the change we desire in our community requires dedicated effort. Here are the primary projects we are currently leading

Our core initiatives

The Community Bridge Project aims provides pivotal support in the continuum of care for pregnant women and families with young children. This program looks to change outcomes in maternal and infant mortality, access to nutrient dense food, and early childhood development by harnessing the interconnectedness within the community as a driving force for change. Initiated in Indianapolis' Near West and Near Northwest areas, this project introduces comprehensive services and programming for families including an exchange program that provides families with high quality toys and guidance to accelerate early child development and a doula services initiative providing holistic support and advocacy before, during, and after pregnancy. The Community Bridge Program Launch is June 2024!

The community bridge project

our 2024 Report on maternal wellness

This report, Elevating the Standard of Care for Black Mothers & Babies: A Report on Maternal Health, Infant Development, and Doula Care in Marion County --published Nov 13, 2024-- examines the unique challenges faced by Black mothers and infants within the county, with a focus on the roles that doulas and community-based supports play in enhancing maternal and infant health. Through data and personal stories, this report highlights health disparities, systemic barriers, and areas for improvement in prenatal and postnatal care, and it calls for community-wide involvement in elevating care standards. The findings underscore the need for culturally competent and accessible health services to foster better health outcomes for Black families.

Become a Doula: Empower, Support, Transform.

JUST Community Inc. (JCI) Doula Scholarship Applications Now Open!

JUST Community Inc. (JCI) is thrilled to announce the reopening of our Doula Scholarship Program for Indianapolis community members who are passionate about becoming certified, full-spectrum doulas. We are offering scholarships for our spring cohort.

Benefits for Scholarship Recipients

Beyond certification, JCI provides continued development and integration into our maternal health ecosystem:

🎓 Advanced Training Opportunities – Specialized workshops in lactation support, perinatal mental health, business development, and birth equity

📚 Cohort Learning Community – Ongoing learning spaces, reflection circles, and book discussions

🤝 Mentorship & Hands-On Experience – Structured mentorship while supporting prenatal, birth, and postpartum clients

🌱 Pathways to Paid Client Placement – Opportunities to serve families through JCI and Cradle Indy initiatives

🚨 Applications are now open for Spring 2026!

Eligibility Requirements:

📍 Applicants must reside in Marion County, Indiana

📩 Questions? Contact Shelonda at shelonda@justcommunity.care

📢 Apply today and take the first step toward becoming a certified doula with the support of JUST Community!

JUST Community is an organization grounded in the belief that community co-creation and collaboration are key to establishing holistic wellness that improves the lives of all of us. Our mission is to support and enhance community resources, programs, and organizations, leveraging evidence-based models and the voices from within the community. By doing this, we aim to forge stronger connections among and between communities, contributing to enhanced wellness in every facet of life.

meet our director

Nicole Carey, PhD, is the founder and executive director of JUST Community, Inc. With over 17 years of entrepreneurial experience, Dr. Carey has transitioned her expertise into the nonprofit sector to spearhead meaningful change. At the heart of Nicole's work is her expertise in equitable organizational leadership and the art of intersectional coalition building, a skillset honed through her deep commitment to community engagement. Utilizing design thinking and indigenous methodologies, she crafts strategies that draw upon the inherent strengths and wisdom of communities, creating solutions that are as impactful as they are insightful. This expertise is also at play in her role as a member of the Indianapolis Public School Board in District 5, where she is a vocal advocate for educational equity and excellence, striving to ensure that every child receives a quality education.

Dr. Carey's approach to leadership and conflict negotiation is both expert and engaging, making her a fun and effective facilitator. She is committed to holding leaders accountable to their promises, ensuring that the vision for a more inclusive and equitable world is not just a dream but a reality we work towards daily. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Carey is a dedicated partner to Chris and a loving mother to five children. Her personal life is filled with joy, from karaoke nights to embracing silliness with her family, as she believes that joy is the ultimate act of resistance.

Together we are designing a more just community.

We recognize achieving the change we desire in our community requires dedicated effort. Here are the primary projects we are currently leading