A celebration of life service will be held for Andrea Leadford on Feb. 7 from 1-3 p.m. at SVdP Indy’s Love Your Neighbor Center (2500 Churchman Ave). Andrea, who served as the director of the Changing Lives Forever program since 2021, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 12, 2024.
Those who knew Andrea Leadford well would likely say she was not concerned with legacy: only serving people. And yet, in the three years she directed the Changing Lives Forever (CLF) program, the growth she fostered—in the program and the people it touched—reveals a vision that was only beginning to crystallize.
“Those of us who worked with Andrea had a sense that she was just getting started,” says Wendy Braun, CLF Graduate Coordinator. “She had such enthusiasm about CLF and what it could do for people, and she was always full of ideas of what we should do next.”
While CLF has lost her leadership due to her sudden passing, what we haven’t lost is the foundation she built. Andrea left a legacy with CLF that will live on for years—in the programs she put in place, the people who worked for her, and the lives of graduates.
Under Andrea’s leadership, CLF graduated more than 250 graduates over the past few years. That’s more than 250 people who developed a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship with the world—an understanding that lifts up our entire community.
“Andrea broadened CLF into areas we hadn’t even dreamt of yet,” says Wendy. “She knew we could make a difference in the justice system, so she started showing up at the prison once a month to make herself available. And she built from there.”
One of those areas she built up was taking CLF to justice-involved women at the Indiana Women’s Prison.
“As a programs unit volunteer, Andrea would meet with inmates in groups of ten for an hour each time. She would talk about all the resources that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has to offer to inmates and their families,” says John Deiter, Programs Unit – Director, Marion County Adult Detention Center. “Andrea was so very kind and thoughtful in her program facilitating. She was so professional and patient and always showed great passion for helping others to help themselves.”
Empowering People With Care
Colleagues like Virginia Cox-Withers, CLF assistant and 2017 CLF graduate, say that Andrea was so effective because of her focus on others.
“Andrea was meticulous, straightforward, professional—and caring, very caring,” Virginia says. “She would go out of her way to help anyone.”
Connie Thomas, volunteer and 2018 CLF graduate, agrees: “Andrea was all about reaching people—in prison, on the street, at work, all around her. She wanted to make every person’s quality of life better, so she was willing to try new things to do just that.”
Forming partnerships—with organizations like WorkOne and John Boner Community Center, among others—is one way she sought to improve people’s lives through CLF. And as CLF grew, she continued support for CLF graduates through the Graduate Program and Graduate Advocacy Team.
“She wanted to empower graduates to get involved and influence change in their community,” explains Connie. “She strongly believed that this is their community, and they should help change it. The CLF Graduate Advocacy Team is focused on homelessness and affordable housing and is probably more dedicated now than ever to honoring Andrea’s vision for them.”
Inspiring Belief
Her belief in others is one of the things that made Andrea special.
“She didn’t believe in second chances, but in as many chances as necessary,” Wendy says. “Investigators, graduates, volunteers and staff—we all felt like we could do hard things because she believed in us.”
Late last year, Andrea hired a new employee who, unfortunately, never got the opportunity to work for Andrea.
“This employee shared that, through the interview process, she really felt like Andrea believed in her,” Wendy shares. “She is so empowered by a woman she hardly knew—and that was classic Andrea. She had that effect on people.”
Andrea was also known for celebrating people. Connie says that Andrea always had gift bags at graduation for the graduates.
“She wanted them to know that she appreciated how hard they worked—that was her, always being uplifting and encouraging,” Connie says.
A Life of “Yes”
Andrea lived her life with determination and enthusiasm—and it was infectious.
“She’d say, ‘We’re going to involve those in the justice system,’ or ‘’We’re going to support grads as they continue their journey of change,’ and we’d do it,” recalls Wendy. “The answer was always yes. Then we’d figure out how to do it. Once Andrea made up her mind, it was going to happen.”
And others quickly followed her vision because of her example.
“I loved what she stood for, so I would have done anything for her—and I’m not the only one,” says Virginia.
A Lasting Impact
If you interacted with Andrea, you’re likely not surprised by her lasting impact on others. It’s simply how she lived. Andrea devoted her career to helping people find resources to live, survive and, eventually, thrive. It was part of every job she’d held—at Community Action of Greater Indianapolis, John Boner Community Center, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and SVdP Indy.
When Andrea first learned about the SVdP Indy Changing Lives Forever program, she said she knew this was where she was supposed to be. We couldn’t have agreed more—and wished we’d had her for many more years to come. We greatly mourn her passing and also sit in gratitude for the legacy she left behind.
“The loss of Andrea will continue to be felt by all who knew her. Although it will be hard to fill her shoes, she left behind a strong foundation for future success,” says Peter Zubler, executive director, SVdP Indy. “She touched so many lives with her leadership, mentorship and encouragement—and her big smile that could light up a room. We will miss her presence every day.”
