The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced it is organizing a 5k fun run/walk to help create summer jobs for Indianapolis youth.
The event, which will start and finish on East Market Street in front of City Market, is scheduled for June 7 at 9 a.m. and will be free to anyone who wishes to participate.
“The youth we have spoken to, whether it be through my ‘Your Life Matters’ initiative or through one of our ‘Community Conversations,’ have been consistent in their message to us that there are not enough summer job opportunities,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “A summer job can provide much-needed income, structure, mentoring, and in some cases, even a meal that a young person may not otherwise get.”
Fundraising in support of the event is already under way with a total of $21,500 raised thus far. Co-sponsors of the event include the Indy Public Safety Foundation, Indiana Black Expo, Citizen’s Energy, the Department of Public Safety and the Indianapolis Foundation – a close affiliate of the Central Indiana Community Foundation.
Event participants will be encouraged to make a donation the day of the event to raise additional funds for the program.
“We are grateful to our partners in this effort, who have been outstanding in their response to this idea and in their understanding of the need for more youth summer jobs,” said Public Safety Director Troy Riggs. “This event will certainly not be the sole solution, but it will be a start and can help raise awareness of the challenges faced by some of our youth.”
All proceeds will be presented to the Indy Public Safety Foundation, which will immediately begin accepting youth summer job creation proposals from DPS-endorsed service providers. Funding will be awarded at the discretion of the foundation in support of proposals that create youth employment opportunities this summer. DPS will hold administrative reviews with any provider that receives funding following the completion of their youth employment program.
For more information on the 5k fun run/walk or to make a donation, visit the Indy Public Safety Foundation website at indypsf.org.
