10/02/2026
Closing out this Friday feeling grateful for the opportunity to bring Indianapolis’ youth violence intervention work into a national conversation.
Damita Lane Jefferson MSW, TaTanisha Thames , and Kia Wright were invited to share about the Indianapolis Youth Violence Reduction Initiative and what we are learning alongside young people, caregivers, and our partners.
The convening centered on The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR) report, HR²: Effective Services and Supports for Youth Who Are High Risk and Hard to Reach. It raises an important question for all of us: How do we build support that reaches young people facing the greatest barriers to safety and connection?
At VOICES Corporation, that question shows up in everyday decisions. Making another call. Listening to a caregiver. Helping a young person work through conflict. Coordinating with partners so a referral becomes a relationship and support becomes something a family can actually use.
We shared how we help young people feel seen, build skills to navigate difficult moments, and connect with meaningful opportunities. We also talked about the persistence this takes—and how much we continue to learn.
I was especially proud to stand alongside Damita and TaTanisha, whose leadership and care help make this work possible.
Heading into the weekend, I’m carrying this thought: We have to build the conditions that make it possible for young people to feel safe, stay connected, and imagine a future worth moving toward.
Grateful for the invitation, the exchange, and the opportunity to keep learning together.
Read the HR² report here:
https://lnkd.in/giAFiNfr
