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Local pastors are teaming up to create jobs for teenagers this summer

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — In a news conference Friday, Ten Point Coalition and other pastors met inside Barnes United Methodist Church. The group detailed a plan to hold a prayer breakfast on June 6 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The breakfast will be used a fundraiser to hire 500 to 600 teenagers this summer.

The teens will work once a week and will be provided breakfast and lunch. Mentors will also be on hand to help guide the teenagers. Those selected for the summer jobs program will be assigned to clean-up duty in blighted areas.

Organizers are working on booking a surprise guest for breakfast. At the same time the group is appealing to the business community to give involved and donate.

“We will be meeting with the chamber of commerce. We have to get the private sector involved in this,” said Rev Charles Harrison with Ten Point.

Over the years, Pastor James Jackson with Fervent Prayer Church has created job opportunities for teens in the summer. Jackson estimates that since 2012 more than 1,000 teens were able to find summer jobs under his program.

“Many of the youth tell us ‘thank you,’” said Jackson.

Those that would like to donate or sign a teenager up for the program can go to Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church or call 317-925-4563.