Indianapolis Professional Football Team visits Marion Superior Court Youth Services Center after Inspire Change award
By Abby Halpin, Oct. 21, 2026 — Members of the Indianapolis Professional Football Team on Tuesday visited the Marion Superior Court Youth Services Center to view outdoor improvements funded by a $10,000 NFL Foundation donation tied to the team’s 2025 Inspire Change Changemaker Award. The award recognized Chanel Parker, the center’s quality-of-life coordinator, and she directed the grant to the Youth Services Center. The center moved into its new space about a year and a half ago, and Parker has worked there for 21 years. “I wanted to brighten up that courtyard,” Parker said.
Parker commissioned Indianapolis artist Michael Martin, known as Kwazar, to paint a mural in the courtyard, and he worked with several residents on the piece. The project took six days to complete. Paige Bova, the court’s chief operations officer, said selecting a local artist who reflects the population in custody and care was important and provided an opportunity to elevate the creative talents of the young people at the facility. Bova said the children’s artwork is visible throughout the building and that the mural was a real opportunity for them.
Players and the team’s cheerleaders have visited the center for nearly a decade, and Tuesday’s group included the linebacker unit, safety Daniel Scott, kicker Spencer Shrader and rookie running back Seth McGowan. The visitors split into small groups to color, talk and play basketball with residents. McGowan said he intends to continue attending Community Tuesday events this season and wants to be a steady presence for the youths. “I want to be an anchor for a lot of the kids in here,” McGowan said.
McGowan said serving in the community “grounds you” and keeps players’ minds and spirits fresh, and he added that one does not have to be a veteran or the biggest name to create change. The NFL Foundation gives each Inspire Change Changemaker Award winner a $10,000 donation, and winners are chosen for social justice work in their team’s market. Parker chose to use the funds to revitalize the courtyard, creating a more inviting space for residents and staff. Team representatives came to see the finished project Tuesday.
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The visit highlights how the Inspire Change Changemaker Award and the NFL Foundation grant can translate into tangible, locally driven projects. Directing the donation to a visible courtyard mural created by a local artist and involving residents reinforced long-term staff investment and created an entry point for ongoing player engagement. Continued in-person visits by players and cheerleaders help sustain relationships and provide recurring support beyond the initial funding.