On the edge of HOPE

Dear Members of the Indianapolis Community,

What we are witnessing in our city and in cities all across the nation is a sense of grief, anger, righteous indignation, and hope. We are feeling and seeing a mix of emotions that are both complex and simple. Many of you may be having conversations with family and friends about your own experiences with injustice or suffering and in relating to those you know who have suffered.

Keep having those conversations. What we are experiencing is a human, personal and relatable collective experience. Even when something does not happen to you directly, it is effecting you and all of us. Perhaps this is what we have been learning through the experience of the pandemic – that we are all in this together, we are not as separate as we have once lived, we are connected, and we are neighbors – even if we do not know each other well.

Let’s take this time to have discussions, to listen, and to listen more. Reach out to those you may not otherwise seek out. Remember that while conflict is a part of life and sometimes inevitable, we can always be peaceful toward one another. Relationships matter. People matter. Your life matters.

I believe this city and our nation may be on the edge of important opportunity and change. We all have a role to play in creating a better today and tomorrow. For this we can all be hopeful.

Mental health is an essential key to a thriving life. For 45 years Reach For Youth has been providing access to essential mental health to families of Indianapolis and Greenwood communities. Our mission is to serve all families, particularly those who do not have the means to pay for such services.

If you need someone to talk to – reach out. We at Reach For Youth are here – especially in times like these.