INDIANAPOLIS — Stop the Violence, a local organization dedicated to reducing gun-related incidents, is expanding its efforts by providing training for life coaches to implement similar initiatives within other groups and establishments.
The primary objective is to bring together individuals who share a common purpose of fostering positive transformations within the community.
Individuals participating in the life coach training program expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity. Darion Hutchinson shared, “I’m learning, I’m engaging, I’m identifying certain things that’s different. Being able to meet other individuals that are in the same mind frame as me to try to make a change is a wonderful thing.” Hutchinson, one of the youngest participants at 26, emphasized the personal significance of this endeavor, having been a victim of gun violence himself. He highlighted the importance of addressing issues affecting individuals in his age group and younger to initiate meaningful change.
The training sessions primarily revolved around the Violence Intervention Process (VIP).
During one of the sessions, the focus was on honing essential skills such as active listening, establishing trust within the community, particularly among the youth. Stop the Violence Executive Director Anthony Beverly emphasized the need for churches and organizations to form teams dedicated to supporting the aspirations of young individuals affected by violence-related lifestyles.
Despite a general decrease in homicide rates in Indianapolis in recent years, participants in the training session stressed that every life lost to gun violence is one too many. Pastor Paul Love of New Light Missionary Baptist Church, who also underwent the training, emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to address the issue rather than merely discussing it. He stated, “We rather be a part of the solution rather than being a part of the problem. Talking about it is not going to resolve it. We have to be able to get individuals with some skill sets to help them understand there is a better way.”
The recent training session marked the conclusion of the training program for approximately 15 new life coaches. These individuals are now prepared to apply their newfound knowledge and skills within the community. Plans are already underway for another training session with a fresh group scheduled for the end of March.
The overarching objective of the program is to foster collaboration and teamwork in achieving its mission. By establishing VIP teams and collaborating with small businesses, faith-based organizations, non-profits, and other service providers, the program aims to create a robust support network to assist participants effectively.