Hoosier Lottery Beneficiary, Teachers’ Retirement Fund

Lifelong Hoosier Sue J. is energetic, always on the go and always looking for a new way to lend a helping hand. Sue dedicated 42 years to teaching first grade and was fortunate enough to spend each year in the same district, in the same school, in the very same classroom.

According to Sue, teaching is a talent. “You have to have a love for children and a love for teaching to be successful,” she said.

The most fulfilling part of her job was teaching kids how to read. “They’d start my class so scared, saying they couldn't read. And by the time they left, they’d be reading fluently,” Sue said.

In 2010, Sue decided it was time to retire on a high note. She wanted to end her career with a great class and was thankful her pension would be there to support her. She also couldn’t ignore the feeling that there was something or someone else out there who needed her help.

Soon after retirement, the idea that she was meant to continue to help others became a reality. Through a friend, Sue found Team of Mercy, a not-for-profit organization that helps people who have lost a loved one to suicide. They provide financial assistance, emotional support, counseling and more, all at no cost.

Sue now serves as the Board President of Team of Mercy and loves helping the group raise money for the important services they provide. “We also work hard to help people realize that mental illness is exactly that, an illness. We have to accept it and do something about it,” Sue said.

In addition to volunteering at Team of Mercy, Sue is also active in her church and enjoys spending time with her family. She loves going to Colts games with her nephews and family trips to Disney World.

When asked her favorite thing about living in Indiana, Sue replied without hesitation, “The people. People in Indiana are just so friendly and so kind, and they're always willing to help each other. I think that's why they call us the Heartland. Because we have big hearts

The Hoosier Lottery has a lot of heart for Sue and all the other teachers who make a huge difference in the lives of so many, each and every day.