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Last updated on Thursday, October 25, 2018
(FORT WAYNE) - Attorney General Curtis Hill today joined Fort Wayne leaders in announcing the official launch of a TenPoint Coalition chapter in the city.
The Fort Wayne TenPoint Coalition is receiving seed money in the form of a startup grant of approximately $50,000 from the Indiana Drug Enforcement Association (IDEA), which itself last year received a larger grant from the Office of the Attorney General to be used to help spread neighborhood crime-fighting efforts statewide. In addition, the Indianapolis TenPoint Coalition is receiving a stipend from IDEA for the purpose of providing logistical training and support to the Fort Wayne chapter.
In Indianapolis, TenPoint has markedly reduced urban youth gun violence in neighborhoods where the initiative has been utilized. The Fort Wayne chapter will focus its initial efforts in the city's Oxford neighborhood.
"Rather than operating from a safe distance, the men and women of the TenPoint Coalition venture right into the hearts of troubled neighborhoods," Attorney General Curtis Hill said. "They build connections and relationships with the very same at-risk youth who are most apt to make dangerous and destructive choices. This is a big reason they are so effective in reducing urban youth gun violence and helping young people find new and better paths. Given the good work already demonstrated here in Fort Wayne by Iric Headley and Fort Wayne UNITED, I believe we're seeing the beginnings of a beautiful new partnership."
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry welcomed TenPoint to his city.
"The TenPoint Coalition in Fort Wayne is a critical initiative that I'm so encouraged about as we come together to address challenges and work collectively to provide hope and new opportunities," Mayor Henry said. "I appreciate and value the leadership and commitment from Attorney General Hill, Reverend Harrison, and the Fort Wayne UNITED team as we share a common goal to help residents and neighborhoods grow and thrive in a safe environment."
Fort Wayne UNITED Director Iric Headley expressed eagerness to participate in continued collaborative efforts to reduce violence.
"The Fort Wayne UNITED TenPoint Coalition seeks to improve life outcomes, increase the quality of life in our neighborhoods and enhance community pride," said Fort Wayne UNITED Director Iric Headley. "In partnership with the Indiana Attorney General's office and Reverend Harrison, our city is ready to make a powerful difference. Our innovative approach will bring residents, families, and neighborhoods together and invite them to play a meaningful role in the solution. We're confident we'll become a more united and understanding city that's willing to tackle challenging issues in a positive manner that will lead to lasting results."
The Rev. Charles Harrison, leader of the Indianapolis TenPoint Coalition, said he looks forward to being deeply involved with the Fort Wayne chapter.
"With 19 years of experience in Indianapolis, we have learned so many different lessons that we are eager to share with anyone interested enough to listen," Rev. Harrison said. "We just feel blessed to be able to help spread a proven model that saves lives and builds communities."
Trinity English Lutheran Church became the first financial partner to join with Fort Wayne UNITED in creating a TenPoint Coalition in Fort Wayne. Besides the Office of the Attorney General, other contributors to the new chapter include Ambassador Enterprises; Arlan Friesen; Liz and Derek Berkes from Waiter on the Way; Parkview Health; Patti Hays; Sweetwater Sound; Wallen Baptist Church; and YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne.
The Fort Wayne chapter becomes the third TenPoint startup in Indiana facilitated partly through seed funding from the Office of the Attorney General.
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