Kathleen Brannen was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. She attended Butler University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors in Anthropology and Religious Studies. Through different internships and volunteer opportunities in nonprofit organizations, Kathleen found her niche within the Indianapolis community.

While at Butler, Kathleen secured a job working with refugees that continued after her graduation. She was the coordinator of a self-sufficiency program to aid refugees and their families in becoming self-sufficient by their 120th day in America. This program helped refugees with English lessons, job security, budgetary skills, and basic cultural understanding of America.

Kathleen continued her professional journey at a local organization that serves the needs of those experiencing homelessness. Kathleen conducted street outreach by providing basic needs and resources for clients to help initiate the process of ending homelessness. She also coordinated volunteers by teaching and training them on the proper ways in which to interact with homeless clients and how they can best assist in creating positive outcomes for those in poverty.

Kathleen has returned to school full-time to complete her Master’s in Social Work. As a young millennial, Kathleen has found a passion for the Indianapolis community. She is excited to be part of Helpings of Hope in order to help decrease food insecurity and poverty in the community she now calls home.