INDIANAPOLIS — Parents living at Indy's Hubbard Gardens Apartments want the same thing every family hopes for their children: An opportunity for kids to be kids. But parents like Shai Love said that's not always possible.
"She asks to go outside every day," said Love. "Sometimes I am worried. I have let her go outside and she comes back good, but I don't want to have to worry about when she goes to the park by herself."
It's a fear Tonya Kirby, also a Hubbard Gardens resident, said is heartbreaking.
"Even the parks now, the young kids can't go and play in them because of all the gang banging or whatever differences they have," Kirby said.
On Thursday, Indy Peace Fellowship fired up the grill, put on an Easter Egg hunt and brought services to the community.
"I haven't seen this many children gathered together in such a long time," said Kirby. "I'm just thankful."
Services like educational and learning opportunities, free meals and employment training were offered to those who attended. Lorie Bohannon with the Indy Public Safety Foundation said it's all about bridging gaps and creating a safer community.
"In our efforts to reduce gun violence, we connect the communities to these resources and bring them onsite, if possible, and help them overcome the barriers and break down those barriers to help them succeed and thrive," Bohannon said.
Neighbors said events like Thursday's are a good way to start important conversations.
"We have a lot of mental illness, broken homes," Kirby said. "These things bring us together to help the young people to talk about our problems."
Neighbors also received flyers about upcoming events, like a Sexual Assault Awareness program. It's sponsored by the Indianapolis Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. It's set for Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside.
Flyers for Indy Parks Summer Day Camp scholarships were also available. The scholarships for children of all ages are based on financial need. For more information call, 317-327-7275.