Connecting hearts, minds, and hands to meet needs in our community
Juneteenth or Freedom Day Recognized Nationwide?
On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger publicly recited federal orders in Galveston, Texas, proclaiming all previously enslaved people in Texas free. It was almost two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and months since Civil War had ended with the defeat of the Confederate States, but, Texas was the most remote of the slave states, with a low presence of Union troops, so enforcement of the proclamation had been slow and inconsistent.The date became remembered as "Juneteenth", and a celebration that started in Texas, spread over the years through the South. 
Almost 200,000 Hoosiers including 1,500 African Americans, fought for the end of slavery during the Civil War. What a tribute to them and to all those enslaved it would be if Indiana and the nation recognized this day as well. More on Juneteenth.
Chief Taylor Discusses Potential for IMPD Changes on Zoom Meeting
After two weeks of unrest, mass protests, and riots nationwide, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor addressed members of GIPC's Race & Cultural Relations Leadership Network regarding the current push to defund local police departments and a push to change IMPD's Use of Force Review Board into a 100 percent civilian board. Chief Taylor reminded the group that he has only been in the job for a few months, and although he is in favor of adding more civilians on the board, he could not support a change to a 100 percent civilian board. He requested a special prosecutor in the recent IMPD shooting of Dreasjon "Sean" Reed, and he promised continued transparency. UNITE INDY has confidence in Chief Taylor and his ongoing efforts to make our police force everything our community needs it to be. The Chief's own words on recent police actions.
UPDATE: Second Chance Indy: Jobs for Reentrants
Work continues on UNITE INDY'S Second Chance web site that will help many of the 12,000 justice-involved individuals who return to Marion County every year in search of the jobs they need to support themselves and their families, which also help to reduce recidivism overall. We are now in the stage of attaching employers to the site as we plan to go live in the near future.
The site will include information on available jobs, but also provide help with reentry, substance abuse and recovery, housing, education, parole and probation information, as well as resume development, help with IDs and licenses, transportation, finances and more! Stay tuned! In the meantime, visit SecondChanceIndy.com.
We can't change what happened...
But maybe we can join the mourners across the country who feel powerless but want to take some kind of stand…want to go on the record with all those who have been damaged by the actions of a bad cop. Yes, there are shootings every day. Violence is everywhere. But Floyd’s death was not just a murder, it was a crucifixion--public, humiliating, and lethal.
Change and justice must come. Respect and love must come. Acceptance and friendship must flourish. Maya Angelou wrote, “ It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength .” I would add that if you didn’t learn this as a child, it’s time to learn it as an adult. Way past time. May it be the last time whole races of people take on the guilt for one who has acted so callously. Read Nancy's 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. And, name us as your charity. Every little bit helps a lot! Thank you!!!
Get the "Love Your Neighbor" Free Software and Put Power Behind your Church Outreach Efforts
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!