Transforming Lives in Indianapolis: Cindy & David Palmer’s Journey Through Heart Change and Purposeful Design

In this inspiring episode of the Senior Home Companions Podcast, host Kirstin McCarthy interviews David and Cindy Palmer. This remarkable couple leads two life-changing nonprofit organizations in Indianapolis. Cindy serves as Executive Director of Heart Change Ministries, while David is CEO of Purposeful Design.

Their work centers on restoring dignity, purpose, and opportunity to women and men overcoming poverty, trauma, or employment barriers. Through faith-driven service and deep relationships, the Palmers are building lasting change in their community.

Heart Change Ministries: Empowering Women Through Relationship

Heart Change began after Cindy witnessed the overwhelming challenges faced by vulnerable women—homelessness, joblessness, and isolation. Over time, she realized that meaningful transformation happens through supportive, long-term relationships.

Heart Change now serves women and their children with programs like:

• Mother’s University (six core classes)
• Invested Moms parenting curriculum
• Trauma recovery support
• Faith-based mentoring and community

A typical day includes worship, classes, family-style meals, and child care—all designed to help women heal, grow, and thrive.

Purposeful Design: Restoring Dignity Through Woodworking

David founded Purposeful Design after years of volunteering at Wheeler Mission, where he saw men struggle to find jobs due to their past. He asked, “What can I do to help?” The answer came through woodworking.

Purposeful Design trains and employs individuals with barriers to employment—many formerly homeless or incarcerated—by teaching them to build beautiful furniture from Indiana hardwoods. The work becomes a metaphor for their own transformation.

"I was rough around the edges, but the Lord has sanded me off and put me back on the shelf."

— Purposeful Design participant

With every table, chair, or cabinet they create, workers gain confidence, stability, and a future they never imagined possible.

Faith and Community: The Driving Force

For both David and Cindy, their Christian faith is at the heart of everything. They followed God’s prompting into unfamiliar and difficult spaces, only to discover profound purpose. They emphasize that transformation takes time, trust, and a village of support.

As Cindy says, “God doesn’t waste anything in our life.” Their former careers in marketing and consulting now serve their missions in unexpected ways.

Listen to the full episode above for a deeply moving conversation about hope, second chances, and the power of serving others.

Looking to get involved or support their work?

• Visit Heart Change Ministries
• Explore Purposeful Design

Let’s keep building purpose and hope—together.