News
Fort Wayne’s Ten Point Coalition Makes a Comeback with ‘Soft Re-Launch’
<p>The Ten Point Coalition, a community-driven initiative aimed at reducing crime and fostering unity in Fort Wayne, is back. After a brief pause due to internal challenges, the program officially returned on Thursday with a ‘soft re-launch’ in the Oxford neighborhood. Leaders say this is the first step toward a full-scale revival.</p>
<h2>A Program with a Purpose</h2>
<p>The Ten Point Coalition was first introduced in 2018 under former Mayor Tom Henry. Its primary mission: to combat crime and uplift communities through grassroots engagement. The Oxford neighborhood was a major focus, and over the years, crime statistics showed significant improvements after the coalition’s intervention.</p>
<p>However, in August 2024, Mayor Sharon Tucker hit the brakes on the program, citing internal issues that needed to be addressed. The pause, though controversial, was seen as necessary to ensure better protection for coalition members and strengthen its structure for long-term success.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11305" src="https://budgyapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fort-Wayne-Ten-Point-Coalition-community-walk.jpg" alt="Fort Wayne Ten Point Coalition community walk" width="844" height="406" /></p>
<h2>Leadership Changes and a Fresh Start</h2>
<p>In February 2025, city officials and community leaders announced that the program would be revived under the umbrella of Fort Wayne UNITED. One of the biggest moves was the appointment of George Hicks as the new executive director.</p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li><strong>Why Hicks?</strong>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Deep community ties and experience</li>
<li>Passion for social change</li>
<li>Strong leadership skills</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&#8220;George is a staple in this community,&#8221; said Fort Wayne UNITED’s board chair. &#8220;We took our time to find the right person with the right heart and passion.&#8221;</p>
<p>Hicks himself acknowledged the journey ahead, saying, &#8220;Based on the future vision, there’s so much to be done. The groundwork has been laid, so as we move forward, we’re building on this groundwork.&#8221;</p>
<h2>Stepping Back into the Community</h2>
<p>On Thursday, members of Fort Wayne UNITED and the Ten Point Coalition gathered on the city’s southeast side for a walk through the Oxford neighborhood. The event, though informal, marked the coalition’s official return.</p>
<p>For many, the sight of coalition members back in the neighborhood was a reassuring one. The walk served as a symbol of commitment—leaders reconnecting with residents and reaffirming their mission.</p>
<h2>Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Coalition?</h2>
<p>While this re-launch was a step in the right direction, there’s still plenty of work ahead. Hicks and his team have ambitious plans:</p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Strengthening partnerships with local organizations</li>
<li>Expanding outreach programs</li>
<li>Providing more opportunities for at-risk residents</li>
</ul>
<p>Despite challenges, the coalition’s impact in the past cannot be ignored. Crime rates in the Oxford neighborhood saw a noticeable drop after the program&#8217;s initial launch. The hope is that, with the right leadership and support, this new chapter will be just as effective—if not more.</p>
<p>For now, community members are watching closely, hopeful that the Ten Point Coalition will once again become a driving force for change in Fort Wayne.</p>