INDIANAPOLIS — City of Indianapolis officials, Edna Martin Christian Center leadership, and representatives from the Indianapolis Foundation recently gathered to celebrate the Achieving, Elevating, and Completing (ACE) Initiative, an Edna Martin Christian Center (EMCC) program. The program was recently awarded $175,000 in Elevation Grant funding. Edna Martin Christian Center is located at 2605 E. 25th St.
The ACE Initiative provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to middle and high school students ages 14 to 18 who are identified as high risk for suspension or expulsion. In collaboration with EMCC Partners, Phoenix Nicholas Center, We Bring HOPE, and the Co-Created Studio, Edna Martin Christian Center delivers a therapeutic framework where participating students will receive positive behavioral supports through specific program activities that enhance student’s post-secondary exploration and plans while cultivating character development through a curriculum rich in civility and soft skills.
ACE curriculum was first developed and implemented by Jazzmin Williams, Outreach and Program Manager of EMCC, under the direction of Immanuel Ivey, EMCC’s Senior Director of Workforce Development and Entrepreneurship. The curriculum now includes daily social-emotional programming, conflict resolution skill-building, self-reflection, art, boxing, yoga, and meditation. Additionally, students are provided weekly one-on-one, education-based social emotional learning mentorship and support by IUPUI collegiate volunteers and Crown Mentoring. Collectively, these activities provide students with tools to best equip them for navigating relationships with peers, parents, teachers, and community.
“Initiatives like ACE with an emphasis on mental health and supportive, positive activities for Indianapolis youth are absolutely vital for the continued progression and well-being for all in our city,” said OPHS Director Rodriguez.
“With this funding opportunity, EMCC wanted to pivot and focus more on prevention rather than intervention work,” said Senior Director Ivey. “Our goal is to receive referrals for additional education, skilling up, and entrepreneurship from the school system rather than the justice system. In order to accomplish this, we want to prevent our youth from committing crimes by furthering their education, skilling up, and making positive behavioral and mindset shifts.”
The Elevation Grant Program (previously known as the Violent Crime Prevention Grant Program) is a partnership between the City of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Foundation. The program will invest $45 million in neighborhoods over the next three years (2022, 2023, and 2024) to address the root causes of violent crime in Indianapolis through a comprehensive approach, including neighborhood empowerment and community building.
The Edna Martin Christian Center provides resources to residents in the Martindale-Brightwood and near-north-east side. Programs to assist residents with health and well-being, education, and many other goals are available. Visit ednamartincc.org for more information.
