Volunteers breathe new life into near north side community center

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A rundown community center is being transformed into a place that could make a real difference.

On Friday, volunteers were putting the finishing touches on the Hope Christian Community Center.

Pastor Robert Malone said the community is desperate for a community center.

It’s “somewhere they can go to get help,” Malone said.

Programs are planned for children and seniors who live in the near north side community.

Circle Up Indy, a group focused on promoting peace while helping others, is leading the charge on this project.

“These guys wake up every morning trying to protect their officers as well as trying to protect you,” a speaker for the group tells an audience. “Who do you guys call when something goes wrong? Them.”

The “them” he’s talking about? IMPD and the Department of Public Safety.

“There is no lock that is as strong as a tight-knit community,” Director of Public Safety David Wantz said.

And for those IMPD officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, volunteers have painted a wall with a blue line.

For this community, the Hope Christian Community Center is a pillar of hope.