INDIANAPOLIS — A local nonprofit is using the power of the arts and emotional support for men to curb violence in Indianapolis.
The program has only been around a year and a half, but leaders said they're seeing results.
When it comes to decreasing violence in the community, most people have their own ideas on how to do it, but everyone agrees with one thing.
"It's heartbreaking because these are our neighbors," Bachelor of Arts Executive Director Derek Kendrick said.
Kendrick works with the Better Bro Project. He said the nonprofit is focused on getting to the root of the issue.
"We think that one of the root causes of gun violence is our emotional instability," Kendrick said.
They're able to accomplish this through programming that allows people to express themselves. They call it the "Bachelor of Arts."
"We do podcasts. We do storytelling. We do theater to show people how to respond in the middle of one of these crises. We are seeing that the arts can be a solution to societal issues," Kendrick said.
They also have group sessions where they discuss triggers and focus on recovery from traumatic situations. Richard Twine benefited from the program and is now helping others as a certified peer recovery coach.
"As far as it goes with some of the individuals – childhood trauma, family members that may have been incarcerated, substance abuse, homelessness, drug addiction – one of the key components we are dealing with now is mental illness," said Twine, who is the lead facilitator of the Better Bro Project.
Kendrick said creating a safe space for men to learn coping skills creates safer communities.
"We'd rather you get those emotions out in a safe space versus you get those emotions out when somebody bumps into you, somebody honks at you in traffic or you're stressed about your finances and you explode in that situation," Kendrick said.
For more information about the programs available and locations, visit ArtsHall.org or email info@artshall.org.