Indian Creek Foundation was born out of the efforts of local Mennonite Conferences to care for and serve individuals with special needs. Mennonites were very early adopters of community care models, which is one reason that the Southeastern Pennsylvania region is home to many longstanding resources for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).
As an organization launched by the Eastern and Franconia Mennonite Conferences, Indian Creek Foundation was built on Christian principles. The individuals we serve have always had access to a pastor or chaplain, and they are encouraged to participate in their faith out in the community.
We recently welcomed a new Faith Outreach Coordinator to Indian Creek, and we are excited to share how his unique background makes him a great fit in our mission. Jim McCarty jumped into his new role with great energy, and he has been making wonderful connections so far!
A History of Pastoral Ministry and Social Services
Jim McCarty is from southern Indiana, very near to Kentucky. After graduating from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, he moved to Pennsylvania to become the pastor of a church in Huntingdon County. He then relocated to lead a church in Quakertown for many years before finishing up his pastoral career back at the Huntingdon Co. church that first brought him to PA.
Like many pastors of smaller churches, Jim was bi-vocational. In addition to running a church, he applied his special education background to work in social services. He worked directly with individuals who had I/DD diagnoses, and also those with mental health diagnoses or addiction struggles. His work included providing support, sheltered workshop services, and competitive employment services.
As someone who enjoys trying new things, Jim wanted to expand his experience further. He pursued a teaching position at Lehigh Carbon Community College, but the school felt that he would make a great Dean of Academic Services. In that role, he oversaw employment services, grant writing, the college radio station, and other student services while also teaching a few classes. Jim continues to teach today at both Liberty University and Eastern University.
During their more than 45 years in Pennsylvania, Jim and his wife, Mary, raised four children. They now enjoy spending as much time as possible with their adult kids and 12 grandchildren. Still not ready to retire, Jim is embracing the opportunity at Indian Creek to blend all of his skills and passion for serving others.
Presenting the Mission to a Growing Community
Much has changed in the Indian Valley over the past 50 years since Indian Creek Foundation was formed. While our area is still home to many of the same families that settled here over 200 years ago, new people are moving in all the time to enjoy the lifestyle and culture that Montgomery and Bucks Counties have to offer.
This community growth means that we have gained hundreds of new neighbors who might not know us very well yet. We are excited to introduce ourselves! When our previous Chaplain retired, we saw potential to re-imagine the role. We decided that a Faith Outreach Coordinator could be instrumental in making connections throughout the community while serving the spiritual needs of our participants and staff.
Jim’s multi-faceted background of working as a pastor and in social services made him a great fit for exactly what we envision. In this role, he provides chaplain services to Indian Creek residents, Day Program participants, and staff. This includes leading Chapel during our Day Program twice a week – a lively event with interesting questions and discussions. He is also spending time networking with churches, faith-based organizations, and other nonprofits in the area. He uses this outreach time to introduce organizations to Indian Creek’s local mission, and to let their leaders know that Indian Creek wants to be a resource to them.
People with special needs participate in all aspects of community life, which includes faith-based and nonprofit services. Jim wants to make sure leaders have effective tools and information that ensures both children and adults with special needs are fully included. He helps faith leaders welcome individuals with disabilities, even connecting them with professionals at Indian Creek when extra insight would benefit the situation. If the people under his pastoral care want to worship, Jim will help to make that happen.
Caring for Every ONE
When Jim began at Indian Creek in early 2025, he said the first thing he noticed is, “Indian Creek really cares about people. It’s not just a job. It’s a calling to everyone on staff. They look at the needs of each person and find ways to respond to that. They believe in the value of serving people.”
Jim is excited to be part of an organization that strives to serve each person individually, knowing that the benefits of that care will reach far beyond. He believes his role is to offer total support to everyone at Indian Creek. He sees the passion that drives our staff to fulfill our mission, and he conveys that passion to others in the community.
Jim doesn’t want to be the only voice talking about Indian Creek Foundation! He noticed quickly that our staff members often tell the story best because the mission is so deeply rooted in their hearts. He regularly invites staff members to join him for speaking and sharing opportunities so that others can see what makes Indian Creek so special. This way of sharing the mission also grows the opportunities for local churches to know exactly who they are praying for when they support Indian Creek in that way.
Pastoral support is important in our current Mission to Serve Every ONE goals, as we hope to expand our services to families. Jim recognizes that the families of children and adults under the care of Indian Creek often have difficulties navigating many aspects of life. He plans to regularly reach out to families, especially when there are moments of crisis, to ensure they have access to a listening ear.
When asked what he has enjoyed most since coming to Indian Creek, Jim said, “I feel like I have already received more in coming here than I could ever give because I’m surrounded by people who really care. No matter what I give, I’m getting more back.”
That’s what we hope to accomplish in the mission of Indian Creek Foundation! If you attend a local church, mosque, temple, or other faith-based worship center, please contact Jim McCarty to schedule an introduction. He would be honored to meet with you to share more about Indian Creek Foundation, invite you to support our organization, and ensure that you have resources to welcome individuals with special needs to worship with you. Contact Jim at 267-203-1500 or [email protected].