Max-imum Joy

This post is courtesy of our friends at ICAN.

At Outside the Box (OTB), an adult day center dedicated to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, each morning begins with a joyful welcome from Max, a friendly black Labrador facility dog who brightens the day for everyone. 

Max, alongside his handler, Michelle Miller, the center's director, plays a vital role in enriching the participants' experiences. He transforms learning into fun and interactive activities—whether it's encouraging them to hone their hand-eye coordination through playful ball games, serving as a measuring tool for math practice, or even joining in on creative painting sessions using his paws.  

Beyond all that, Max has a remarkable ability to bring calmness and comfort, helping participants feel relaxed and at ease.  

“His presence has truly revolutionized how individuals learn and engage at OTB, making each day a unique opportunity for growth and connection,” said Michelle.  

Max is the second ICAN facility dog to enrich OTB, following the legacy of ICAN Jolly, who served OTB for several years. After Jolly retired, OTB welcomed Max, thanks to the generous support of ParkIndy—a local business committed to innovative parking solutions in downtown Indianapolis.  

Almost a year and a half into their incredible partnership, Michelle and Max had a reunion with Adam Isen, ParkIndy’s program director. During his visit, Adam witnessed firsthand how ParkIndy’s generosity was impacting OTB participants, observing a class where Max carried a bucket of pencils to each student, enhancing their dexterity skills. 

“Seeing this today adds a whole new dimension to our donation efforts which is such a pivotal part of what we do at ParkIndy,” Adam said. “Philanthropy holds a deep significance for us, making it incredibly fulfilling to witness the tangible impact we’re creating together.” 

As their conversation unfolded, Adam also shared the story behind Max’s name. “When we decided to sponsor Max, ParkIndy was rolling out these innovative double space parking meters called the “MAX” meters’ in downtown Indy ... so we thought 'Max' was very fitting.” he explained.

Michelle also shared countless stories about Max’s profound influence with Adam. “Many people might think Max’s work is limited to our center, but in reality, his reach extends far beyond OTB,” she said. 

“Yes, he connects with around 300 individuals at OTB every day, but when he steps out into the community, that number skyrockets to 400, 500, and even more. With ParkIndy’s support, we’re able to share Max’s remarkable gifts with the world, making our community a brighter, better place for everyone.”