Connecting hearts, minds and hands to meet needs in our community
Suburban/Urban Church Connection made by UNITE INDY pays off for urban youth! Jim's recent introduction of suburban St. Lukes' UMC Pastor Rob Fuquay to urban Pastor Clarence Moore of Northside New Era Baptist Church began a fruitful relationship. (What do you know?) The result was this St. Lukes-produced video for New Era's youth program, resulting in a check for $21,000+ to support its important work with marginalized youth. Our urban churches do the heavy lifting in some of our poorest neighborhoods. People who care are joining hands to help meet local needs through church and business alliances like this one. No strings, just love. Contact Jim to discuss how your business or church can make a connection of its own! Click Here for the video of Pastor Moore opening the check!!
UNITE INDY's forum spotlights 18% urban unemployment. In a time of full employment, the poverty in some of our urban neighborhoods stands out like a sore thumb. Many urban neighborhoods have an excess of re-entrants from the penal system coming home, an increased homeless population, and a lack of transportation for even skilled workers to get to job sites. These barriers contribute to unemployment rates that are 4 and 5 times higher than other areas. Watch this video of one man who experienced all this, but achieved success in spite of his circumstances .
Update on UNITE INDY'S Office: Pretty?
The variance has been approved, the papers are signed, and we have met lots of great neighbors. The men from New Life Development Ministries - all ex-offenders trained in the construction trades - are doing all they can demo-wise until the permit$ are approved. Looking good!
Meanwhile all our work continues connecting the good folks in Indianapolis with each other and getting everyone on the city-wide volunteer web site which can feed into your company's or church's website (and everyone will think it's yours alone!) You'll be surprised how easy it is. Click Here to talk to our tech guru!
I lost my phone.
For a moment I felt lost myself. I seriously wanted to cry. Gone were my contacts, my schedule, my lists of things to do. In spite of the claim that our workload would be lightened by computers and fancy phones, our work has expanded to 18 hours a day, seven days a week. Remember when Sunday was a day of rest? Most of us don't. Sundays, I catch up on everything I didn't do when I was catching up on work. Read Nancy's latest blog, "Claiming Peace" here.
There is so much to do...Can you help?
Anyone can tell you: Not much gets done without money. For UNITE INDY to get a city-wide volunteer/need website going it takes people with computer skills who work individually with churches, businesses, charities and others, so that each has its own portal to enter the world of need in our city. We need a place to meet. We need to publish and insert the powerful testimonies and round table discussions that give suburban Indianapolis a much more personal understanding of the issues faced by our poor and hopeless. These are just a few of our needs, but any donation is so appreciated! Donate Here !
UPCOMING EVENTS
Listed below are gatherings of organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for our inner city neighbors.

June 2018

Jobs For Life: Job Skills Training Classes - Ages 14 - 18
When: Sign up today for Class #2 June 26th - August 12
How: Register by calling 317-925-4132
Why: To get job skills that last a lifetime
Who: Christ Missionary Baptist Church
Where: CMBC Indy, 1001 Eugene Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Cost: No Charge
For info: Please visit  www.cmbcindy.org/jobs-for-life-indy

July 2018

Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) Breakfast
When:   July 3rd at 9:30 a.m. First Tuesday of every month except January and Sept.
Why:  Networking, featuring businesses, political figures, church and community events, job opportunities, etc.
Who:  Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
Where:  Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 2624 E. 25th St., Indianapolis, IN 46218
Cost:  $100 per year 
For info:  Please call Rev. Fitzhugh L. Lyons, Sr. or Rev. Perry Carter at 317-925-6851

Race and Cultural Relations Leadership Network
When:  July 6th at 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Why:  Fostering positive relationships among diverse populations and responding to racially and culturally charged issues
Who:  Committee of Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee
Where:  The Indianapolis Urban League, 777 Indiana Ave # 1, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Cost:  Free
For info:   Email Toby Miller , RCRLN Director

Table Talk
When:  July 12th at 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Lunch provided)
Why:  A collaboration (not networking) of neighborhood food ministries and local community resources to address hunger in a holistic way by connecting those in need with those who have
Who:  Faith Home & Love Community
Where:  Krannert Room, 1100 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis, 46208
Cost:  Free
For info:  Please visit   www.fhlcommunity.org

August 2018

Urban Servant Leadership Unconference
When: August 25th at 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Why: To educate, inspire and empower current and emerging urban leaders — Learn from experienced community organizers how to network, advocate, sustain and grow as a leader in Indianapolis.
Who: UNITE FOR CHANGE
Where: Martin University, 2186 North Sherman Drive, Indianapolis 46218
Cost: Free

Jobs For Life: Job Skills Training Classes - Ages 14 - 18
When: Sign up today for Class #3 August 14th - October 14th
How: Register by calling 317-925-4132
Why: To get job skills that last a lifetime
Who: Christ Missionary Baptist Church
Where: CMBC Indy, 1001 Eugene Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Cost: No Charge
For info: Please visit  www.cmbcindy.org/jobs-for-life-indy

October 2018

Jobs For Life: Job Skills Training Classes - Ages 14 - 18
When: Sign up today for Class #4 October 16th - December 2nd
How: Register by calling 317-925-4132
Why: To get job skills that last a lifetime
Who: Christ Missionary Baptist Church
Where: CMBC Indy, 1001 Eugene Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Cost: No Charge
For info: Please visit  www.cmbcindy.org/jobs-for-life-indy
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