Connecting hearts, minds, and hands to meet needs in our community
UNITE INDY'S New Second Chance Site 
Answers the Question: "Who will hire me?"
UNITE INDY is now in the final testing phase of its SecondChanceIndy.com web site that will support justice-involved individuals in their search for available jobs. Also provided are links to resources they will need, like help in finding affordable housing, food, legal assistance, and much more.
The 2018 Recidivism Report released by the Indiana Department of Corrections said that 43.9 percent of those who came back to Marion County in 2015 returned to prison within three years of release date. In stark contrast to those statistics, a national study reports the recidivism rates for those who are placed in jobs shortly after their release ranges from 3.3 to 8 percent.
Based on those statistics and driven by close personal relationships that we have developed with those in the penal justice system, UNITE INDY is providing this site to be a source of information that has never before been available to ex-offenders--specifically focused on connecting those reentering our community from incarceration with area employers willing to provide a second chance.
We’re proud to announce that this site is scheduled to go live by the end of this month. It is a FREE SERVICE for ex-offenders, employers and resource providers. Check us out at SecondChanceIndy.com.
Friends Fostering Grace Relationships
Our friend, Dr. Charles Ware, founder of Grace Relations Network met (via Zoom of course) with Jim Cotterill, of UNITE INDY recently to discuss a collaborative partnership to unite people, churches, not-for-profits, businesses, government agencies, volunteers, and others across all racial and socio-economic lines to meet needs in our community. Ware and Cotterill have a strong personal relationship that is not only useful, but absolutely necessary to fuel a highly effective effort. What is Grace Relations ? More on this to come.
Sean Reed Fatally Shot in Exchange with IMPD
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, an IMPD officer fatally shot Dreasjon “Sean” Reed, 21, last Wednesday night following a high speed chase and an exchange of gunfire. The police are in the midst of an internal affairs investigation, but community groups say that is insufficient and that an independent investigation needs to be conducted. 
Demonstrators have gathered to express both frustration and anger. We encourage the community to remain calm while investigations are being conducted. We have faith that IMPD Chief Randal Taylor will be transparent about the facts, ensuring the proper accountability. Pray for peace as we mourn the loss of Sean Reed along with his family and friends.
YOU May Be Able To Help Reduce Recidivism
A job isn't the only thing that returning ex-offenders need to succeed after release. In addition to Jobs Available listings,  SecondChanceIndy.com will provide reentrants with a comprehensive list of links to resources including housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and a host of other services.
Please take a look at our Resources list, at the link above, which includes hundreds of food pantries and churches. Please don’t hesitate to Contact Us to add to our Resources page services that you believe we missed. We have thousands of reentrants who need your help. Help us help them and cut the recidivism rate from 44% to 4%.
We're Not Really Crazy...We Just Feel That Way
All over the country, people who were at first happy to have a break in their busy lives, angling for bulk toilet paper online, are by this time frustrated, bored, and lonely. They are eating more, sleeping more, and generally range from lethargic to depressed . When everything is rolling along, focus is easy. The day is not wide open. It is planned. This loosey-goosey, is-there-anything-new-on-Netflix, watch-Sunday-service-in-your-PJs stuff is making me dull as a stump... Read more of Nancy's fun blog!
Please Support Our Work by Donating Your Change!
We have partnered with a new mobile app and website that allows you to automatically donate the change from your credit card purchases to support our work. It’s small change for you, but a game changer for us! Check out the RoundUp App and download it for iPhone, Android or use the Web Version. Every little bit helps a lot! Thank you!!!
Churches Help Surrounding Communities Through UNITE INDY's Love Your Neighbor Free Software
Now more than ever, Churches are looking for innovative ways to care for their neighbors. To answer that need, a new web-based platform called "Love Your Neighbor" is available to churches free from  UNITE INDY  in partnership with our technology partner, Meet The Need, to put digital power behind your neighborhood volunteer efforts, expanding the reach of your church. Your Neighborhood Leaders and church members will easily become the hands and feet of Christ to shut-ins, families in need and others in distress, being able to track and answer needs through this easy to use software. No lost information, no duplications of effort...this is a simple way for churches large and small to truly Love Your Neighbor. View a short video! Contact UNITE INDY to sign up!
What we do makes a difference!
UNITE INDY is connecting people every day to make a difference for those in our city who live in in perpetual want. It builds bridges of understanding between those who need help and those who can help.
• Connecting — UNITE INDY introduces urban pastors and ministry leaders to suburban pastors and business leaders. We also make available—At No Charge—a web-based system that connects churches, businesses, ministries, to charities enabling them to raise volunteers and publicize needed items.
• Raising Awareness — Through print, television, and radio UNITE INDY is sharing the needs of our community and celebrating victories.  
• Serving the Servants — UNITE INDY comes behind urban pastors and ministry leaders by addressing personal and professional needs for these men who work tirelessly in their neighborhoods to care for the needy and bereft.

Remember, almost 1 out of every 3 children in Indianapolis lives below the poverty level, yet our economy is roaring, and unemployment is at a historic low. But all this good news stops at the lines surrounding many of our inner city neighborhoods. In some neighborhoods of Marion County unemployment exceeds 20%. and poverty remains the overwhelming divider of people.

Please send a check today to UNITE INDY, 241 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Or donate via credit card by clicking here . It is secure and safe. By sending your fully tax deductible gift* now we can have a greater impact meeting needs in our community in 2020.

Many, many thanks!
* UNITE INDY, Inc. is approved under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) as a Public Charity, donors can deduct contributions they make under IRC Section 170.
Did someone share this email with you? Sign up to subscribe to our newsletter!