INDIANAPOLIS — A community magazine is working to create a new image for a community that has been hard hit by crime and poverty. The Editor and Chief of "Indy Far East Magazine," Dennis Jarrett, told WRTV's Amber Grigley that it's about telling a better story than what's been shared about the far east side.
"If nobody's going to tell the story, then we're going to tell the story,” Jarrett said.
A message made loud and clear, allowing Hoosiers to see the far east side beyond the imperfect headlines.
"It's really painful to see that the far east side is being kind of washed with one paintbrush of negativity," Jarret said.
Jarrett said the idea to start "Indy Far East" magazine came to him after receiving a community-based magazine in the mail.
"I found out that Carmel had an edition, Kokomo had an edition, Avon had an edition, Fishers, Geist had an edition, Center Grove. When I got to the far east side, nothing," Jarrett said.
Jarrett went to work, creating a similar magazine for the far east side to make residents proud.
"There's a lot of great things going on. There are a lot of positive people not only working and enhancing the quality of life on the far east side, but I can't even tell you the number of people who came out of the far east side doing great things, not just in the city, and state, but across the nation," said Jarrett.
"For me personally, it means a lot. I am from the east side. Grew up in 46226," Kendra Nowell, CEO of C.A.F.E. said.
Nowell was featured in the July edition of "Indy Far East" magazine. Her organization café, community alliance on the far east side, has been helping the community thrive for 25 years.
"We serve as a community hub to other organizations. We offer wrap-around services for residents of the far east side, and we do all kinds of community events to bring the community together," Nowell said.
Nowell said C.A.F.E. poured 11 million dollars towards rental assistance for residents who were hit hard by the pandemic.
A gesture Jarrett hopes will spark a new narrative for the community.
"It is our hope that we can increase from 4,000 copies to 6,000 copies. From 6,00 copies to 10,000 copies. We'd like to see this free magazine in every household on the far east side," Jarrett said.
Jarrett also serves as the communications director for Warren Township Schools. The district's superintendent helped provide financial assistance for the first four months of the magazine's run.
Jarrett said he's now looking for more community partners to help keep it going.
-
Peony plantings happening across Noblesville despite the snow and cold
Peony roots are being planted across Noblesville this week ahead of the 2025 Indiana Peony Festival.
Water systems send letters to customers about lead service lines
Water systems across Indiana are notifying homeowners they may have potentially dangerous water pipes on their property.
Dominated by Ohio State for years, Indiana has a chance for the big payback
No. 2 Ohio State will have its hands full against a surprising Indiana team that is undefeated and No. 5 in the rankings.
Anthony Richardson is out to prove himself again when Colts and Lions square off
Anthony Richardson wants his doubters to know one thing: Last week's performance was no fluke. All he has to do Sunday is prove it.
