INDIANAPOLIS — A conversation about preventing youth violence in Indianapolis brought people together at Ivy Tech Wednesday.
The focus was to highlight resources for the community and identifying gaps that can be addressed.
It also gave young people an opportunity to have their voices heard, sharing ideas about what they need.
Organizers with the Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition say helping kids starts with this kind of networking.
"Today is just about fostering that connection and that open conversation because it all starts with a conversation," said Shalise Truxler,
The Youth Violence Prevention Coalition is made up of dozens of organizations, including businesses, schools and health care providers.
Back in June, the city's Office of Public Health and Safety announced the hiring of a chief violence prevention officer.
"I've been putting in work for a long time in order to get to this point," said Ralph Durrett, Jr., who was hired for the new position.
According to Durrett, his focus is to meet youth where they are.
"My priority is engaging the youth as much as I possibly can — not just engaging the youth but engaging anyone I come in contact with as much as I can," Durett said. "I want to be a gap-filler, so wherever the gaps are, I want to fill those gaps."
According to OPHS, Durrett will "integrate preventative measures into current and future programming" and address root causes of crime.
"There's so many people doing great work right now, and I just want to engage them as much as I possibly can and help them out, but the kids need representation. They want to see somebody that looks like them in these positions," Durrett said.