One local faith-based leader is at the forefront of community efforts to curb crime and promote safety, particularly in Indianapolis.

The mission started in 1999. The Indianapolis TenPoint Coalition is a clergy-led group of community volunteers and law enforcement with a mission to make Indy a safer place, and to have better communication between the police and local neighborhoods, especially African American communities.

The Rev. Charles Harrison of Barnes United Methodist Church is at the helm of the coalition.

Harrison and other pastors got the inspiration to start their own group by Boston’s TenPoint Coalition which launched in the early 90s.

Over the years the organization has connected with over 160,000 people in Indianapolis by walking the streets daily in 12 hotspot areas including: Crown Hill, Mapleton-Fall Creek, Butler-Tarkington, and Riverside neighborhoods.

Community leaders take the time to stop and talk to at-risk youth. Harrison says he can relate to many of the kids he talks to. He takes the passion from his church congregation to the streets.

The group also works with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and local neighborhood groups to connect people with resources. Hunger, drug trafficking, and an increase of interpersonal conflicts are some of the root causes of violence, Harrison said.

Hundreds of young people have been supported through activities like mentoring, sports, job training, and educational programs.

Expanding their safety model to more communities continues to be their goal. Harrison says the relationships he’s built are long-lasting and he hopes the church stays at the forefront of the mission.

Indianapolis TenPoint Coalition says its work is far from over. They’re calling on the community to join their mission and help create a safer, brighter future for Indianapolis youth.

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