AG Curtis Hill joins event marking one year of TenPoint chapter on Indy’s Far Eastside

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Attorney General Curtis Hill joined community leaders at a press conference marking the first year of operation for a Far Eastside Indianapolis chapter of the TenPoint Coalition, a grass-roots organization committed to reducing urban youth gun violence.

“When we look at the TenPoint Coalition, we see the power of good ideas put into practice,” Attorney General Hill said. “Many people come up with good ideas, but fewer people transform those ideas into action. . . . The men and women of TenPoint are making a true and lasting difference in the lives of people, in the lives of neighborhoods and in the dialogue that’s happening across our state and even across the nation.”

The TenPoint Coalition last year also expanded into the cities of Fort Wayne and Gary.

Rev. Charles Harrison, president of the TenPoint Coalition, expressed gratitude for the many success stories he has witnessed.

“We feel blessed to be able to spread a proven model that saves lives and builds communities,” he said.

Both Attorney General Hill and Rev. Harrison praised local police for developing a productive partnership with the TenPoint Coalition. On hand at today’s event were Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Josh Barker, Lawrence Police Chief David Hofmann and Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier.

“The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is committed to partnering with grass-roots groups to address violence and those factors that lead to violence,” Barker said. “We are encouraged by the tremendous effort occurring on the east side of our city to address violence. Groups like TenPoint and many others are an important part of that collaborative citizen/police effort for change.”

Connie Miles was among several Eastside residents attending today’s press conference. In 2014, her 25-year-old son, Derrick, died after being shot. After his death, Miles got involved with TenPoint.

“In TenPoint, I found a new family,” she said. “We listen to what people have to say. We listen to people’s problems and we try to help whoever we can help. In the process, we’re working to stop the violence and stop the crime.”

In addition to today’s press conference, the TenPoint Coalition also plans a training event at 6 p.m. this evening at Barnes United Methodist Church, 900 W. 30th St., Indianapolis. It will include representatives from Gary, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.