Youth group does not get crime prevention grant

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Young Men Incorporated has been part of the city of Indianapolis for 18-years.

The group teaches young African American teenage boys discipline and how to serve others.

“This group has meant so much to me,” said member James Williams. “I wasn’t the perfect child.”

Often the teen’s fiery leader is right beside them.

Reverend Malachi Walker leads the boys two days a week at local church from 8am to 4pm. The group is compromised of a skilled drill team.

The city has supported the Young Men Inc. through grants; however the past couple of years the group has not received funding from the city.

Indianapolis Parks Foundation is charged with administering the money. This year they awarded a portion of the 1.8 million dollars to 18 different groups nine of those were issued funding for the first time.

“We don’t know if the money will be around tomorrow we need to challenge these programs to go out and find other dollars,” said President of Indianapolis Parks Foundation Cindy Porteous.

Without the funding, Young Men Inc. is now faced to find additional money to keep the program afloat.

This Friday the group will hold a fundraising event at 52nd Keystone.

The group needs about 10-thousand dollars this summer to keep 100 boys in their summer program.

If you would like to find out how you can help Young Men Inc. call 317-437-7937.