Donation part of longstanding relationship, serves to carry on Lori Casson’s legacy and support families experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis  

CARMEL, IND. – The MJ Companies, a leading business and financial services firm for more than 60 years, has donated $15,000 to Dayspring Center in honor of Lori Casson, the organization’s former Executive Director, who passed away in April. This donation holds particular meaning to The MJ Companies and the MJ Foundation, which has served as a partner for Dayspring Center for over 15 years. As Dayspring Center enters its next chapter under newly appointed Executive Director Vincent L. Smith, MJ remains committed to supporting the organization and the important work it does in the community. 

The primary objective of the MJ Foundation is to make a positive impact on local communities. Every year, the foundation allocates funds raised to award grants to local organizations that align with the four cornerstones of its mission: overcoming poverty, advancing education, fostering diversity, and embracing humanity. In 2025, the MJ Foundation awarded $25,000 to the Dayspring Center to fight family homelessness in Indianapolis.   

“Lori’s compassion and commitment to serving families in our community left an incredible mark on the Dayspring Center and on everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her,” said Britni Shrout, Executive Director of the MJ Foundation and Dayspring Center board member. “Having seen the impact of her leadership firsthand, it is especially meaningful to honor Lori through this gift. We look forward to helping carry on Lori’s legacy of providing hope and stability to families when they need it most and working alongside Vincent in his new role to do just that.” 

In 2025, the MJ Foundation donated more than $307,000 to local community organizations in the states MJ has a physical presence in: Indiana, Colorado, Tennessee and Arizona. The Foundation supported more than 66 organizations across these four states and MJ employees collectively volunteered 2,400 hours of their time. 

Learn more about the MJ Foundation through the organization’s Annual Impact Report. 

ABOUT THE MJ COMPANIES  

Indianapolis-based The MJ Companies, one of the largest privately held agencies in America, exists to inspire the success, fulfillment, and wellbeing of each person it serves — associates and their families, business partners, clients, and the community. MJ’s client base includes local, regional, and national companies in more than 54 countries and in every U.S. state. With offices nationwide, MJ specializes in a diverse selection of client services including commercial and personal insurance, risk management, employee benefits, retirement, compensation, and total rewards consulting. Additional information may be found at www.themjcos.com.   

ABOUT DAYSPRING CENTER 

Since 1986, Dayspring Center has been a place of shelter, support, and hope for families experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis. For 40 years, Dayspring has lovingly welcomed families of all shapes and sizes, providing a safe place where they can remain together while accessing the care, resources, and opportunities needed to achieve lasting housing stability. Through emergency shelter, individualized case management, children’s services and programming, and Follow Up Care, Dayspring meets families where they are and provides support that extends beyond shelter. Rooted in compassion and a belief in every family’s potential, Dayspring remains committed to helping families build a more stable future. 

Learn more at www.dayspringindy.org or follow us @dayspringindy