State Prison Population on the Rise

The Indiana State Prison population rose 5.3% last year, while the national average dipped by 0.4%, the first time since 1972. Indiana's violent crime rate has fallen, but the prison population has continued to swell more than 4% each year. The findings are outlined in the March 17 edition of the Indianapolis Star.

Today, just under 30,000 people are incarcerated in Indiana. Most of them will return home and they will need assistance turning their life around. Over 5,000 ex-offenders will return to Marion County this year. Trusted Mentors is helping by providing these men and women with mentors who can listen, encourage and guide as they begin a new journey.

To read the Indianapolis Star article, click here. If you have an interest in mentoring an ex-offender, please contact Bryan at 317-985-5041.

Stay at Home Update

So far, Trusted Mentors has raised over $1,600 for the "Stay at Home" Event. We need to raise $3,400 more by March 31st to take advantage of the $5,000 matching grant donation!

Help us out. Help us prevent homelessness. While you enjoy a nice evening at home this month, please think of those who may not have a home, or are struggling to keep their home. Think of Trusted Mentors and our work to help the disadvantaged and at-risk in our community.

You can donate now by clicking here. Or you can mail your donation to:

Trusted Mentors
872 Virginia Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Thanks for all you do!

P.S. Don't forget to send us a photo of your "Stay at Home" evening. We'll be sure to post it on the blog!

Cup O' Joe Benefits Trusted Mentors

Looking for a new, trendy coffee spot for your morning routine, or afternoon wake up? Visit the quaint, non-profit Calvin Flethcher's Coffee Company, nestled in a convenient location on Virginia Avenue at the edge of Fountain Square. When you visit, be sure to tip the barista! All tips this month will be donated to Trusted Mentors.

To learn more about Calvin Fletcher Coffee Co., visit their website or stop by and order yourself a good Cup of Joe at 615 Virginia Avenue.

Stay at Home to Help Others Stay Housed

We are inviting you to stay HOME

Home - where memories are created

Home - where a family shares meals

Home- where you relax after the struggles of a busy day

Home - where you stay warm during this cold and snowy winter

When? Any Night in March, 2010

While you enjoy an evening in the warmth of your own home, help others stay housed. Make a donation to Trusted Mentors, and make a difference in the lives of people overcoming homelessness and poverty.

Your financial support helps mentors support people at-risk for homelessness. Last year, 90% of our mentees stayed housed! In 2010, we are looking forward to greater achievements in preventing homelessness.

Donate today, and double your impact. Your contribution will be matched dollar to dollar - with a $5,000 matching grant. Donate before March 31!

Please tear-off and complete your donation form below. Return the form and your check (made payable to Trusted Mentors).

Or, make a secure donation on-line at www.trustedmentors.org/invest

All contributors will be entered to win one custom home portrait created by local artist, Judy Bryon (www.ivyandarches.com). This prize, valued at $200, includes an 8X10 illustration, matted to fit an 11x14 frame (not provided) and a set of 20 note cards. (The winner must provide photographs of his/her home).

March Training Dates

Mentor training dates for the month of March have been set. Please join us to learn more about Trusted Mentors and how you can become a mentor to an at-risk adult. Help prevent homelessness, help an adult rebuild their life- Become a Mentor!

Tuesday, March 9th (Part A)
6-8pm
Lynhurst Baptist Church
1250 S. Lynhurst Drive

Monday, March 22nd (Part B)
6-8pm
Trusted Mentors
872 Virginia Avenue

Hope to see you this month!

New Referring Agency: Welcome AIC!

The American Indian Center (AIC) is an organization that promotes the empowerment of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Indiana to achieve personal, social, cultural and economic growth that enhances the quality of their life. AIC is also working to promote the mutual understanding and respect among Indian and non-Indian people in our community.

AIC has been helping Indiana's Native population since 1992 through job readiness programs, resume and interview skills, transportation assistance, work clothes, job placement, health outreach, tuition assistance, and other programs.

Beginning in March Trusted Mentors will begin providing mentors to individuals at the American Indian Center. We are pleased to have AIC on board and look forward to working with them to promote the well-being of Native Americans in our community.

To learn more about AIC, please visit their website. If you are interested in mentoring please contact Bryan at bhannon@trustedmentors.org

B2R Planning Committee

It's hard to believe, but Bags 2 Riches is less than 7 months away! September 24th, 2010!!

We had our first planning committee meeting last week and we look forward to a great event this year! Thanks to everyone who has signed on to help with the planning committee. We already have some dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who will make this year's event very special.

If you have an interest in volunteering at B2R, want to make a handbag for the competition, want to recruit friends to make a handbag, or wish to join the planning committee, please email me at bhannon@trustedmentors.org