In the midst of violence, the James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy in Indianapolis offers children and families free fresh chef inspired dinners.
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- 3 hours south of Chicago, over 9,109 violent crimes (murder, robbery, domestic violence and homicides) occurred in Indianapolis in 2024.
12 days ago, multiple people were shot on Indianapolis' far eastside near North Mitthoefer Road.
Similar to pockets of human relief in the Middle East, within a violent area of Indianapolis, free chef inspired dinners by the Quest company are being served to children and families of the James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy.
Whereas some schools may offer breakfast and lunch to students, this special school serves an entire day's nutrition (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for free to students who may not have access to food in the evening. The invitation is also extended to their parents leaving work.
Former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development employee, Angela Burks notes, "It is beautiful and rare that a school would provide a daily fresh dinner to students and families for free in such a violent area. It reflects the compassion of Americans."
The dinner program was created by Phalen Leadership Academy Executive Director Nicole Fama and school founder Earl Martin Phalen.
Phalen was born into the foster care system in 1967. 70% of his African American male peers would end up in jail, but against great odds, Phalen graduated from Yale University and Harvard Law School. Phalen Leadership Academies has 17 schools across the nation serving 7,000 children in at-risk neighborhoods.
12 days ago in Indianapolis, a double shooting occurred minutes from the school Phalen founded. Five years ago, one his outstanding sophomores, Keleante Brewer was murdered on the way to playing basketball.
Every evening, children and parents who sometimes walk over bullet casings to reach a home with little food, now have a special hope that people care.
To learn more about a pocket of relief and hope in America, contact foster care survivor and school founder Earl Martin Phalen at [email protected]
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SOURCE Phalen Leadership Academy
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