In the News

Indianapolis Business Journal Amid a nationwide worker shortage, central Indiana employers are increasingly taking a chance on new hires who have been arrested or convicted of a crime. William Eland had just such an opportunity. He pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted armed robbery in 2021, and while on electronic monitoring, he landed a...Continue reading NEWS: Worker shortage leads firms to hire more ex-offenders →Read More »

Read about plans to conduct a new study to examine the results for reentrants who received transportation services to and from work, Unite Indy’s participation at the recent OPHS Job Fair, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our August 2023 newsletter.Read More »

Read about how payday lenders gouge borrowers with rates as high as 391% APR, Conexus’s Catapult program, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our July 2023 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our Reentry Transportation Program Report, job opportunities for those living in work release programs, under home detention, or those with ankle monitors, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our June 2023 newsletter.Read More »

Read about how the Second Chance Indy Job Fair surpassed all expectations, the iNDY Network partnership with UNITE INDY, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our May 2023 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the Second Chance Indy Job Fair occurring on April 19th, RecyleForce hosting UNITE INDY to Celebrate their partnership, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our April 2023 newsletter.Read More »

Read about how our Jobs for Life graduate now has her dream job, how reentrants can receive training for high-pay jobs, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in ourRead More »

Second Chance: Partnerships with Howard County Work Release Help Incarcerated Find Jobs Things looked bleak for Michael Paul’s future when he was arrested in 2018 for low-level felony charges for selling drugs and criminal confinement. As he put it, he had been going “full throttle” at the time. But instead of serving his sentences in...Continue reading News: Kokomo Tribune: A Second Chance →Read More »

Read about whether loan shark mobsters are supported by the Indiana Legislature, how Unite Indy’s Lamon Rush helps guide reentrants to jobs, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our February 2023 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Unite Indy’s support of the You Yes You! Project which helps incarcerated fathers build and maintain relationships with their children, the top 10 pitfalls for reentrants to avoid as they are released from incarceration, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our January 2023 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Lamon Rush, who has joined our team to staff the Reentry Room in the new Indianapolis-Marion County Adult Detention Center, our discussion with Park 100 Foods’ executive team about continued reentrant hiring, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our December 2022 newsletter.Read More »

Read about six women who graduated from a 16-week Jobs for Life course, peace keepers who work in the community visiting families of murder victims and knocking on the doors of known potential shooters, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our November 2022 newsletter.Read More »

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Read about Nancy’s upcoming speech at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, plans for a new reentry room at the new Marion County Jail, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our October 2022 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our meeting with FSSA’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Stop the Violence Indianapolis’ event for basketball players to discuss teen gun violence, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our September 2022 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the City’s and the State’s Support UNITE INDY’s Reentry Transportation Program, how a Pendleton inmate is a regular donor to UNITE INDY, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our August 2022 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the 400 reentrants served at a recent job fair, how Jobs for Life training kicked off in Shelby County, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our July 2022 newsletter.Read More »

Read about how faith can fortify our fight against violence, Unite Indy’s participation at the IDOC’s upcoming job fair, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our June 2022 newsletter.Read More »

INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — By working together, UNITE INDY, Indiana Department of Corrections Parole, Marion County Community Corrections, and Marion County Probation have given Hoosiers on parole, probation, under supervision with community corrections, or those who have a past felony conviction a second chance. The Second Chance Job and Resource Fair is an opportunity to network...Continue reading News: Job Fair Created to Help Those Released from Incarceration →Read More »

Read about how almost 40 people from Shelbyville churches met to learn more about becoming Champions to mentor inmates in area jails, how Park 100 Foods is working with the Drug Diversion Court of Howard County to keep drug offenders out of jail and on their way to wellness, and about other happenings at Unite...Continue reading Newsletter: May 2022 →Read More »

Read about how Unite Indy’s vans are transporting hundreds to job sites, how 30 champions have signed up for the Jobs for Life training at Crossroad Community Church, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our April 2022 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the Indiana Department of Correction’s 2020 Recidivism Report, Shelby County’s efforts to assist reentrants, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our March 2022 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our coordination with Boone County’s Economic Development Corporation to help provide jobs for reentrants, our efforts to combat pay day loans, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our February 2022 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Unite Indy’s recent meeting with Winta Gebremichael, Director of Reentry for the City of Indianapolis, the Gun Violence Reduction Strategy unveiled by Mayor Hogsett, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our January 2022 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our successful Second Chance Indy Job Fair, a new federal bill that would cap payday and car title loans, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our December 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about how UNITE INDY is joining with IN Dept. of Corrections to launch the Second Chance Indy Job Fair, how payday loans trap consumers in a never-ending cycle of debt, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our November 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about UNITE INDY being honored at the Indy Prayer Breakfast, a “must read” letter to our Inmate Correspondent Team Leader, and about other happenings at Unite Indy in our October 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about efforts to curb gun violence in our city, more details about the Second Chance Staffing Study conducted by Butler University’s Lacy School of Business, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our September 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Jim Cotterill’s comments on Inside Indiana Business, Mayor Hogsett’s announcement of more than $50 million for “root cause” services like mental health care, hunger relief, and workforce development, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our August 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Jim and Nancy Cotterill launched UNITE INDY four years ago to help those living in poverty find jobs. Now, they’re helping inmates prepare to find work when they are released. Jim Cotterill explains how the program works.Read More »

Read about a weekly opportunity to pray to reduce violence in our city, Unity Indy’s plans to provide services in Central Indiana jails and prisons, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our July 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about recent police interaction events explained by the Marion County Prosecutor, good news from a Butler University study about hiring ex-offenders, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our June 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the effect federal unemployment assistance is having on reentrant pursuit of new employment, a recent success against predatory payday lending practices, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our May 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Celebrating Re-entry, an upcoming event that will honor Justice involved individuals who have successfully re-entered society, the new leader of our Inmate Letter Writing Team, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our April 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our recent meeting with the Jobs for Life students, Unite Indy’s newest Resource Partner, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our March 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about how we got our start fighting racism and poverty four years ago, the upcoming streaming sessions on improving financial health among African Americans, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our February 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Unite Indy’s first Jobs for Life reentry class, how Hoosiers for Responsible Lending will take on predatory lending, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our January 2021 newsletter.Read More »

Read about fighting the root cause of poverty by training people why they should work, how to work, how to find a job, how to keep a job, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our December 2020 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our need for more Second Chance Ambassadors, how you can be a volunteer Jobs for Life certified trainer, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our November 2020 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our latest efforts to get Indiana’s laws changed to set limits on payday loans, our hopes for a permanent IMPD Diversity and Inclusion Council, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our October 2020 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our group of retired business people and some formerly incarcerated individuals who are now serving as SecondChanceIndy Ambassadors, how pay day lenders are working to side step state interest rate caps, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our September 2020 newsletter.Read More »

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Community Link hosts Carolene Mays-Medley and Marco Dominguez had a conversation with the leaders of Unite Indy in Thursday’s edition of “We Stand Together.” Jim and Nancy Cotterill started Unite Indy to raise awareness and resources in the inner city to deal with issues like race relations, unemployment and poverty. For more,...Continue reading NEWS: We Stand Together: Unite Indy →Read More »

Read about the need for increased rental assistance funds in our city, our new partner, Launch HOPE, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our August 2020 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the Indiana Black Caucus’ proposed changes to police procedures, resources to fight predatory payday lending practices, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our July 2020 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Juneteenth, Potential for Changes at IMPD, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our June 2020 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our new website, SecondChanceIndy.com, that will support justice-involved individuals in their search for available jobs, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our May 2020 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our thoughts honoring IMPD Officer Breann Leath, our Second-Chance Job Website that is under development, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our April 2020 newsletter.Read More »

On April 10, 2020, Jim was interviewed yesterday on a Faith Hope & Love Community Facebook Live event by Merlin Gonzales. We talked about UNITE INDY, COVID-19, and why UNITE INDY is a participating ministry in Joint Christian Response, a local affiliate of Christian Emergency Network.Read More »

We’re hopeful that the research being done by the Lacy School of Business at Butler University will substantiate the anecdotal evidence we have which indicates that employers can receive multiple benefits as a result of their willingness to give second chances to ex-offenders.Read More »

Read about IMPD’s approach to the criminal homicide issue, the Social Impact Collective, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our March 2020 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the continuing gun violence in Indianapolis, how UNITE INDY is helping fund a study by Butler University that could dramatically improve the job market for ex-offenders, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our February 2020 newsletter.Read More »

In the last five years payday loan companies have drained $322 million out of the Indiana economy in fees and high interest rates, making huge profits off the backs of the poor, mostly affecting those in our urban areas and predominantly people of color, thanks to the Indiana legislature, which in 2002 carved a special...Continue reading News: Set Limits to 36% for Payday Loans →Read More »

Read about proposed legislation to address payday loan usury, the more than 12,000 ex-offenders rejoining society in Central Indiana each year, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our January 2020 newsletter.Read More »

Every year payday loan companies take $70 million out of the Indiana economy in fees and make huge profits off the backs of the poor, mostly affecting those in our urban areas and predominantly people of color. These loans are sold as a solution to a short-term financial need, in truth they are a trap...Continue reading NEWS: Predatory Payday Loans Harm Indiana’s Most Vulnerable Residents →Read More »

Read about our partner of the month, how you can donate to support Unite Indy, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our December 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the Marion County Reentry Coalition, reshaping Black philanthropy, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our November 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Jim and Nancy Cotterill visit with Bryan Hudson of the Vision Stream Network to talk about the background, mission, and efforts underway at Unite Indy.Read More »

Read about UNITE INDY’s challenge to our Mayor and Indy businesses, the Race & Cultural Relations Leadership Network’s 25th Anniversary, and other happenings at Unite Indy in ourRead More »

Their long-term goal is expand the state motto, from the Crossroads of America to Heart of America. Russ Pulliam Jim Cotterill could retire to a Florida beach or a golf course lake. Instead he is tackling one of the city’s hardest challenges — race relations. He and his wife Nancy already have served; they helped...Continue reading NEWS: Former journalists adding some heart to the Crossroads of America →Read More »

Letter to the Editor I commend Nate Feltman for his commentary, “Who has a bold vision for the future of Indy?” in the Aug. 30 IBJ. I agree wholeheartedly with Feltman’s statement, “The next mayor should set a vision that includes novel ideas for ensuring Indy’s growth, relevancy and livability.” Everything starts with a vision....Continue reading NEWS: Business leaders must help heal city’s ugly underbelly →Read More »

Read about the IMPD Diversity Think Tank, our continuing efforts to change payday loans in Indiana, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our September 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the perils of payday loans, our partner of the month, NeighborLink, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our August 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Jim’s ride along with IMPD, a new prayer group for businessmen, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our July 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Jeff Henderson’s powerful keynote address at this year’s Indianapolis Urban League’s annual Equal Opportunity Day luncheon, Citizen 7 Indy, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our June 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Co-hosts of WISH TV Channel 8’s “Community Link” Carolene Mays-Medley and Marco Dominguez interviewed the co-founders of UNITE INDY, Jim and Nancy Cotterill. During the interview, the Cotterill’s explain why they started UNITE INDY, now in its third year, and more. Watch the interview now!Read More »

Read about Jim Cotterill’s post on LinkedIn that has received more than 700 likes and almost 36,000 views, Christian Theological Seminary’s Faith and Action Push Back Poverty event, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our May 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards, our Partner of the Month, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our April 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Read about UNITE INDY’s Partner of the Month, body cams for police, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our March 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Read about UNITE INDY’s Partner of the Month, and Jim and Nancy Cotterill being awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Award from Indiana Minority Business Magazine, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our February 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Read about how recidivism is down 8% since 2017, how Oakland may have a solution Indianapolis can borrow to reduce the number of criminal homicides, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our January 2019 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the 2018 Youth Leadership and Prevention Summit, Unite Indy’s Partner of the Month, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our December 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the Indianapolis Urban League’s Black Men Talking about Black Men Event, Unite Indy’s Partner of the Month, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our November 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Merchandise Warehouse, Unite Indy’s Partner of the Month, Unite Indy being awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our October 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the St. Luke’s UMC’s event focusing on gun violence, Unite Indy’s Partner of the Month, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our September 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about the Central Indiana Community Foundation’s new mission, Str8Up Ministries, upcoming events, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our August 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Salesforce’s support of Unite Indy, how you can donate to help Outreach address teen homelessness, upcoming events, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our July 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Unite Indy’s focus on urban unemployment, our new office location, upcoming events, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our June 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Unite Indy’s Forum on Urban Employment on May 15th, how you can support Unite Indy’s development of a city-wide volunteer/need website, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our May 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Unite Indy’s efforts to develop a city-wide volunteer/need website, our recent Serving the Servants brunch, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our April 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Unite Indy’s first steps to find a new home on 38th street, upcoming events, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our March 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about Rev. Grace Imathiu’s wonderful message on Mark 10:51, upcoming events, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our February 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about how we joined in honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., upcoming events, and other happenings at Unite Indy in our January 2018 newsletter.Read More »

Read about how a Butler professor’s youth empowerment initiative got a start at the Unite Indy office and other happenings at Unite Indy in our December 2017 newsletter.Read More »

Read about stepping into your comfort zone by helping someone else and other happenings at Unite Indy in our November 2017 newsletter.Read More »

Check out what urban pastors are facing and all Unite Indy is doing in our city in our October 2017 newsletter.Read More »

Read about our upcoming meeting with urban pastors and other happenings at Unite Indy in our September 2017 newsletter.Read More »

Watch as Jim and Nancy Cotterill explain the origin of UNITE INDY to reporter Angela Cain.Read More »

Read about an exciting suburban church/urban school partnership and other happenings at Unite Indy in our August 2017 newsletter.Read More »

Indianapolis Recorder If your next-door neighbor’s house caught on fire, would you be concerned? Pastor John Girton of Christ Missionary Baptist Church is teaching community members how to weaken the “flames” destroying our city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods, including violence, unstable family situations, health inequality and unemployment. “Where I live, everyone’s house might include people from...Continue reading NEWS: Faith in action: Faith-based initiatives seek solutions, connect communities →Read More »

Indianapolis Star A new nonprofit is promising to unite churches, businesses and city leaders in an effort to tackle racism and poverty in Indianapolis’ highest crime areas. Unite Indy will mobilize volunteers, expertise and funding to support urban churches, ministries and charities in hopes of bringing jobs and new opportunities to the Indianapolis neighborhoods that...Continue reading NEWS: Group aims to tackle racism, poverty by uniting others →Read More »

News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Nancy Cotterill Phone 317 279 6670 NC@UniteIndy.org UniteIndy.org UNITE INDY Brings City Leaders Together to Target Race Issues, Build Support for Underserved People, Neighborhoods and Charities INDIANAPOLIS, IN, MAY 12, 2017 — Jim Cotterill, former president of National Christian Foundation Indiana and former publisher of Indianapolis Business Journal has...Continue reading Press Release: UNITE INDY Brings City Leaders Together →Read More »