News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Mayor Henry and Fort Wayne UNITED unveil Meals 4 Healing
(February 28, 2018) – Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne UNITED today unveiled the Meals 4 Healing initiative that’s designed to serve families who have lost loved ones to homicide. The initiative was developed through the Fort Wayne UNITED clergy subcommittee.
When a homicide takes place, families of victims will be engaged with a case worker from the Victim Assistance team within the Fort Wayne Police Department to be given the opportunity to receive meals while grieving. When the decision is made by the family to receive the service, hot meals will be delivered to their homes by a Fort Wayne UNITED church for seven days. Churches will provide the family with church contact information, free services, support groups, and victim assistance information for follow-up help, if needed. Parkview Health is also a partner in the Meals 4 Healing effort.
Meals 4 Healing churches:
- Blackhawk Ministries
- Hope Community Church
- King’s Community Outreach
- New Covenant Worship Center
- Pathway Community Church
- The Chapel
- Trinity English Lutheran Church
- Wallen Baptist Church
“We’re fortunate to be part of a caring and giving community,” said Mayor Henry. “We want residents to know we have resources available to make a meaningful difference. Fort Wayne UNITED, the Fort Wayne Police Department, Victim Assistance, partner churches, and Parkview are demonstrating a commitment and willingness to help and impact lives in a positive way during difficult times.”
Fort Wayne UNITED is a mayoral initiative started by Mayor Henry in 2016. Under the direction of Iric Headley and a steering committee of local volunteers, it places two national efforts, Cities United and My Brother’s Keeper, into one program to provide positive opportunities and hope for black men and boys and make a meaningful difference with an emphasis on listening, input, letting voices be heard, and engagement.
Fort Wayne UNITED’s vision is for every black male in Fort Wayne to be respected and valued with an opportunity to reach their full potential. The mission is to advocate for and implement policies, practices and procedures to ensure equity and opportunity for black fathers, brothers and sons at home, work, school, and the community through collaborative efforts.
For more information, visit www.FortWayneUNITED.org.
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