Connecting hearts, minds, and hands to meet needs in our community
The Marion County Reentry Coalition
hosts an annual event that brings together every corner of the reentry effort from central Indiana. Nancy Cotterill of UNITE INDY was asked to moderate the panel discussion on faith-based reentry efforts and is pictured with panel member Rev. Ken Johnson (left) of New Heights Church and Richard Samuels of Growing Indy, who opened and closed the session. Faith-based organizations work differently, bringing the help and hope of God to all those they touch. So much great information was shared--we hope you were able to attend! Find out more!
Reshaping Black Philanthropy: Inspiring the Next Generation...
The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy presented a panel this month of those who truly are reshaping black philanthropic giving. Here, Tiara Dungy, Tony Dungy’s daughter, is explaining that she was raised never to spend time or money foolishly, but rather to spend time and money on others. It was pointed out that blacks are No. 1 in terms of philanthropic giving among minorities, as the panel discussed current trends in black giving.
Left to right on the panel are:
Panel members: Edward Jones , Vice President of Programs, ABFE ; Charmain Brown ,  Senior Scholarship Officer, The Denver Foundation ; Collin Mays, Mays Family Scholarship Creator; Tiara Dungy, Doctoral Student, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy; Kim Nyoni, Associate Vice President for Development, University of Nevada Las Vegas ; Akilah Wallace, Executive Director, Faith in Texas ; and Moderator, (far left): Dr. Una Osili, Associate Dean for Research and International Programs; Professor of Economics and Philanthropic Studies; Dean's Fellow, Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, part of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy . Check out the full video
Recent Faith & Action event promotes Second Chance Act for reentrants
Van Jones, a CNN commentator and special advisor to President Barack Obama, praised President Donald Trump at October's Faith & Action event for promoting and signing the First Steps Act. The new law is making our justice system fairer and will help inmates successfully transition back into society. It will increase sentence modifications and expand avenues for eligible elderly and terminally ill prisoners to get their sentences reduced, or be transferred to home confinement when possible, among other benefits. Learn more about Faith & Action or More on the First Steps Act
Getting what you need: Wesley's tips for non-profits
Announce another charitable partner’s needs at church or during a meeting, see if anyone is interested in volunteering. Remember that we are each other’s best allies . Email me for help !
Friends of 38th Street Coalition working for a better neighborhood
UNITE INDY' s Jim Cotterill, met with Amy Bosworth of Friends of 38th Street and Julia Baker of Crown Hill Cemetery (seated), at a meet and greet event, bringing together area residents and business leaders. Thirty-Eighth Street anchors a critical Indianapolis area that is negatively affected by the quality of the sidewalks and streets, the under-enforcement of speed limits, trash issues, and buildings that have fallen into disrepair. Several neighborhood associations and businesses are involved in this coalition with hopes to improve the the level of livability for all in the area. Check out Friends of 38th St.
Ever wonder what kind of letter a prisoner writes?
Many people know that as a result of a UNITE INDY publication sent to Putnamville Correctional Facility, Nancy received a letter from an inmate named Jesse. Since then, she and Jesse have written one or two letters a week back and forth for a couple of years. Since many have wondered what kind of letters she receives, Nancy decided to share this one with you. As you will see, he is working toward a sentence mitigation that will take a year or two off his overly-long incarceration. This letter is full of hope as he deals with the paperwork involved. Read it in Nancy's blog post.
Wesley says: Once our charity partners post their needs on UNITE INDY ...They should be sure to link them to their social media platforms and newsletters as well! This way they'll reach the widest audience ! Email me for help! 
UNITE INDY Partner of the Month is New Life Development Ministries
New Life has the ideal volunteer opportunity for a group interested in helping beautify an important urban corner. It's time for a new look for the ministry's building--a place that is used to train reentrants in construction skills so that they can find employment to support their families. On a warm day you can join together to paint New Life’s building or paint a mural at 2819 Clifton Street 46208 . To sign up, Click Here
Change Your City With Your Change
If you like the work UNITE INDY is doing to transform the city of Indianapolis, here’s a painless way you can support our efforts.
Just sign up through the link below and your credit or debit card purchases will round up a few cents to the next dollar toward a donation to support this work. For just pennies a purchase, you can join others who care about our city in support of the work we do to bring hope to our most hopeless neighborhoods.
You can even set a maximum for the total amount given each month. Change your city with your change! Visit RoundUpAPP.com , and click on "Start Giving Now."
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!