After the Civil War, some of the most vulnerable people in the U.S. were elderly African-Americans who could no longer work and had no family members to see to their wellbeing.
Eliza Goff, an elderly Black woman in Indianapolis, was aware of the reality many in her community were facing, so she got to work. Three years later, in 1886, the Alpha Home for Aged Colored Women opened in a three-room house on two acres on Darwin Street.
The historic Alpha Home, as it’s now called, still operates today — it’s evolved to an 86-bed facility on Cold Spring Road that houses both men and women.
The facility itself is steeped in history, but it’s the residents inside who have the truly valuable stories.
Sherri Akers, Alpha Home’s activities director, makes it part of her job to celebrate the people living in the home and honor their storied lives.
“Some of these people don’t have families at all; they’ve been dropped off,” Akers said. “But these are my people! I love my residents.”
Akers recently helped organize a huge celebration for the 100th birthday of resident Lucille Moseley, whom staff at Alpha Home affectionately call “Grandma.” Moseley has been an Alpha Home resident since 1999.
The party included 100 balloons, a crown for the birthday girl, cupcakes from Flying Cupcake and more. Akers also chose to mark the occasion by documenting some of Moseley’s history.
Through her research, Akers learned that Moseley was somewhat of a pioneer in her career, becoming a nurse in 1955, a time when people of color were not widely accepted as practitioners in the medical field.
“We’ve come a long way,” said Akers, a Black woman who also pursued nursing as a career path. She said working with Moseley and other residents has been truly special, and she cherishes the opportunity to brighten their remaining days.
“It’s an honor,” she said. “I like to see them smile. If I can get that glimmer in their eyes, I know I’ve done something.”
Akers said Moseley’s party was a smashing success with a big turnout, including guests from the Black Nurses Association. She’s already looking ahead to her next big plan: creating a community garden on the Alpha Home grounds, teaching residents how to help maintain it and providing fresh vegetables to the surrounding community.
As for Moseley, she continues to put into practice her secret for living so long: “Praisin’ Jesus and thankin’ the Lord.”
Alpha Home history
1883
Eliza Goff organizes the Alpha Home Association dedicated to creating a dignified home for “aged colored women.”
1886
The Alpha Home for Aged Colored Women is officially dedicated. It’s located on Darwin Street in the Brightwood area.
1914
A house on Boulevard Place is purchased, and plans for the Alpha Home to move and expand are in the works.
1928
The Alpha Home begins caring for men.
1971
The facility’s new location, on North Senate Avenue, expands to accommodate 44 residents.
1992
The Alpha Home moves to its current location on Cold Spring Road.
