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Turning pain into action: Woman opens center for teens

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Michelle Grays has two sons. Eight years ago, her son James Campbell’s body was discovered in Lawrence. Investigators labeled the shocking discovery a death investigation. Gray would also lose her second son, to a lengthy prison sentence.

For more than 30 years, Grays has called the east side of Indianapolis home. She watched as children in her neighborhood started to die.

“I can’t take any more, we’ve buried three children in 11 months in my neighborhood,” said Grays.

Recently Grays turned her pain into action. She decided to open a center for teens, young adults and parents on 42nd and Post Road. The old business building will house computer programs, mentoring and programs to help beautify the community.

“We are going to cut the grass and cut the bushes, crime can’t stay, or they will get caught,” said Grays as she carried a big smile.

However, Grays smile would turn to a frown later on Friday. Just a mile away from the Parents Against Gangs building, Grays got a call about a murder scene on 42nd and Emerson.

According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department someone shot at a man and a woman as they were in a car. The woman drove away to a gas station for help. A bullet grazed her, but she is expected to be okay; however, her passenger would die from his injures.

While on the scene, a family waited to learn the identity of the victim. While police tried to verify the victim’s identity, Grays stayed with the family.

Grays told 24-Hour News 8 where she finds the strength to carry on.

“Jesus, Jesus will give the courage, the power and motivation to do what I got to do, this is not my project but his,” said Grays.

On Saturday Grays will inform the city that Parents against Gangs is here to help. The group will have rally on 8944 East 42nd Street at 1 p.m.

The event is free and open to community. Grays added she will need help in getting Parents against Gangs’ building together. She is calling on contractors in the city to help make repairs to the building.