Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, Reverend Dr. Charles Harrison, TenPoint Coalition financial partners and Fort Wayne UNITED representatives to announce the launch of Fort Wayne’s TenPoint Coalition.
Modeled after the successful Indianapolis TenPoint Coalition, Fort Wayne’s program will be the next step in positively influencing the lives of black males, families and neighborhoods by implementing proactive strategies to improve life outcomes, increase the quality of life and enhance community pride.
After collecting and reviewing data, the City has identified the Oxford Community Association as the first recipient of the City’s TenPoint Coalition initiative. Local TenPoint Coalition Foot Patrols will begin building relationships with Oxford neighborhood residents and will maintain a constant presence in the area. The focus will be on addressing youth gun violence as well as improving conditions and the quality of life for residents in the areas of education, health, and housing.
Trinity English Lutheran Church became the first financial partner to join with Fort Wayne UNITED in creating a TenPoint Coalition in Fort Wayne. With support from the following private donations and Attorney General Hill’s office, Fort Wayne UNITED has received the funding needed to launch Fort Wayne’s TenPoint Coalition: Sweetwater Sound, YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, Ambassador Enterprises, Arlan Friesen, Patti Hays, Wallen Baptist Church, Liz and Derek Berkes from Waiter On The Way, and Parkview Health.
The public is invited to the following TenPoint Coalition kickoff events:
Prayer in the Park, Sunday, October 28, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, Weisser Park Youth Center: This first official event for the TenPoint Coalition will be a prayer launch for the City’s TenPoint Coalition Foot Patrols.
Walk the Talk, Monday, October 29 – Friday, November 2, 5:30 – 6:45 pm, Weisser Park Youth Center: Representatives from area churches, TenPoint Coalition Foot Patrols and Fort Wayne residents will participate in five days of prayer walks through the Oxford Community Association.
“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,” said Mayor Henry. “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.”
“Rather than operating from a safe distance, the men and women of the TenPoint Coalition venture right into the hearts of troubled neighborhoods,” said Attorney General Hill. “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.”
“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.”
Reverend 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,” said Reverend Harrison. “We just feel blessed to be able to help spread a proven model that saves lives and builds communities.”