Mayor announces plan to move forward with Fort Wayne UNITED, Ten Point Coalition

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – A city initiative that was put on hold earlier this year will have new life, separate and apart from the guidance of city officials.

Thursday, Mayor Sharon Tucker announced Fort Wayne UNITED and its programs, including the Ten Point Coalition, are being handed over to a committee that will work to establish it as a 501(c)(3) entity.

Fort Wayne UNITED and its initiatives – championed by the late Mayor Tom Henry – had been “on pause” for several months while the city’s new administration under Tucker could review its efforts. According to the release, Tucker and her administration reviewed the programming over the last several weeks.

“The review focused on examining policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the protection of the individuals involved in Fort Wayne UNITED’s multiple programs, city government as a whole, and city taxpayers,” the release said.

Fort Wayne UNITED “is designed to answer the call to enhance opportunities, advance youth advocacy and help create a safer city for all, but more specifically for Black men and boys,” according to the website.

Its Ten Point Coalition , which was created in 2018, impacts “young people, families, local businesses, and neighborhoods by implementing proactive strategies to reduce violence and emphasize the importance of education, employment and community partnerships.”

In September, Tucker offered for the coalition to function part-time as city employees funded through donations or grants.

“The Fort Wayne UNITED Steering Committee recently shared with Mayor Tucker its desire to oversee and manage Fort Wayne UNITED initiatives, including the Ten Point Coalition, moving forward,” the release stated. “Accordingly, the City will neither oversee nor directly participate in Fort Wayne UNITED programming as of today.”

According to the release, Tucker and city officials wish the committee well in its efforts to once again provide Fort Wayne UNITED as a resource to the community.

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