Benedictine sisters to honor three ‘Angels of Grace’ on Aug. 23
By Natalie Hoefer
Throughout the Bible, three archangels are listed by name: Gabriel, messenger of good news to Mary and Zechariah; Michael, defender of heaven who cast the devil into hell; and Raphael, the traveling companion of Tobias.
The Sisters of St. Benedict of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove have annually identified three women who have heroically served in the roles of messenger, defender and companion, and recognized their service with an “Angels of Grace” award.
The 2025 winners are Project Play co-founder Angie Lacy for the “messenger” Angel Gabriel Award; Village of Merici executive director Colleen Renie for the “defender” Angel Michael Award; and Tara Treatment Center CEO Jessica Daugherty for the “companion” Angel Raphael Award.
The recipients will receive their awards at the Angels of Grace Awards Luncheon at Primo Banquet Hall in Indianapolis on Aug. 23.
Following is more information about the 2025 messenger, defender and companion award winners.
Angel Gabriel Award: Angie Lacy
Lacy co-founded Project Play, Inc., in October 2016.
In her 30 years as a pediatric occupational therapist for the Indiana First Steps Program, Lacy worked with children from birth to 3 years who had developmental delays.
While providing therapy services to children in their homes, she realized many children do not have toys or books. Lacy has a strong belief in the power of play and that toys and books are an important part of a child’s development.
She started Project Play to provide age-appropriate toys and books to children who may not have access to them.
Each child who is referred to Project Play receives a toy bag packed specifically for them with about five toys and up to 10 books. The bags are then delivered to the family’s home.
Project Play operates solely through volunteers and donations. Since its beginning in 2016, it has served more than 4,000 children. Lacy runs the day-to-day operations of the organization.
She also works as a preschool teacher at Downey Cooperative Preschool in Indianapolis. For more than 10 years, she has been teaching classes there for children ages 18 months to 3 years old.
Lacy has dedicated her life to serving children and their families. She is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis’ east side, where she is a member of Holy Spirit Parish. Lacy enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Tim, their six grown children and two grandchildren.
For more information about Project Play, Inc., go to projectplayinc.org.
Angel Michael Award: Colleen Renie
Renie has been the executive director of Village of Merici, Inc., in Indianapolis, since 2016. She was one of the original developers of the Village of Merici organization, having served as chairman of the board for nine years prior.
Renie has worked as an occupational therapist for more than 40 years in the field of developmental disabilities.
In addition to service delivery, she worked in operations and program management for 24 years in her previous position as coordinator of occupational therapy, physical therapy and assistive technology for the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township in Indianapolis.
Renie has a strong history of advocating for individuals with disabilities.
She provides guidance as Village of Merici grows and fulfills its mission of providing residential and community options for adults with developmental disabilities in central Indiana. She has guided the organization’s growth from its original five employees and two clients to its current staff of 75 serving more than 130 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with three residential partnerships.
Renie is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, where she is a member of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish. She cherishes time with her husband Joe and their four adult children.
For more information about Village of Merici, Inc., go to villageofmerici.org.
Angel Raphael Award: Jessica Daugherty
Daugherty is CEO of Tara Treatment Center in Franklin, a leading provider of addiction treatment services in Indiana.
With more than 23 years of experience in the behavioral health and addiction recovery field, Daugherty’s journey at Tara is a testament to her dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by addiction.
She began her career at Tara in 2002 as a nurse. Through the years, she advanced through various leadership roles, balancing high-quality patient care with operational success. Her pursuit of an MBA in 2021 highlights her commitment to contributing at the highest level and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving field.
In 2025, Daugherty’s leadership journey at Tara Treatment Center culminated in her appointment as CEO. In this role, she continues to champion personalized, high-quality care that empowers individuals on their path to recovery.
Driven by a profound desire to make a positive impact on those struggling with addiction, Daugherty is a visionary leader who inspires her team to deliver exceptional care and support. Her guidance helps clients achieve lasting sobriety and live fulfilling, meaningful lives.
With a compassionate and forward-thinking approach, she ensures that Tara’s mission of healing and hope is reflected in every aspect of the organization. Her leadership has been pivotal in cultivating a culture of high-quality care, financial stability, and unwavering compassion.
Daugherty remains steadfast in her commitment to advancing Tara’s mission to provide effective and compassionate addiction treatment programs that address the behavioral health needs of the community. She is proud to lead a team of professionals who are equally dedicated to providing the highest standards of care while empowering individuals and families in their recovery journeys.
The mother of three adult children is working on a master’s degree in counseling from Loyola University in Chicago and serves as a board of trustee member for University High School of Indiana in Carmel.
For more information on Tara Treatment Center, go to taratreamentcenter.org.
(The Angels of Grace luncheon will be held at Primo Hall, 2615 E. National Ave., in Indianapolis, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 23. The cost is $45, or a table of eight for $360. The event includes lunch, an awards ceremony, a fashion show, raffles for gift baskets and for a vacation at Lake Michigan, and a pop-up shop by Secret Ingredient Boutique. Proceeds benefit the Sisters of St. Benedict of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove. To register, purchase a sponsorship or make a donation, go to tinyurl.com/AngelsOfGrace2025 or call 317-787-3287, ext. 3033.) †