Areas Served: All of Marion County
Organization Address: 5330 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46218
Age Groups/Grades Served: High School

Saving A Valuable Endangered Species (SAVES) is an organization founded by Pastor Kenneth Sullivan Jr. to help keep youth off the streets and out of harms way by providing meaningful programs and job opportunities to help youth grow in having meaningful lives. Our mission is to support at-risk individuals and families through programs and resources to build safe, stable communities. Youth participate in sessions on study skills, professionalism, essay writing, and effective communication. Youth participate in de-escalation training to prevent violence.

Our Programs:
Teen Talk – Young people need a safe place to express themselves. The Teen Talk targets two groups of teens; 13-15 year-old and 16 -19 year-old teens. The forums are town hall style, and feature a mental health professional to provide coping methods and resources for the youth. The Teen Talk series are launched each year, and features relevant and planned topics each month of the program.
Safe Streets Summer Employment Program – This learn-and-earn program is for youth interested in gaining work experience and life skills in a positive environment. Teens complete applications, participate in interviews, keep a time sheet, and learn job skills that include professional communication, audio-visual technology, building maintenance, and community outreach.
Building Families Initiative – This initiative is designed to equip entire families with tools, resources and relationships to facilitate their success and stabilize their lives. SAVES recruits families from the 46218 zip code for this six month program.
Social Justice Initiative – This programming targets youth and families to educate community members on voting, criminal justice, financial literacy, and other opportunities to facilitate a bright future.
Building Men – This mentoring program, executed in partnership with with Wheeler-Dowe Boys and Girls Club with generous support from Duke Energy, provides an opportunity for young men and adult mentors to build relationship while sharing insights on key topics for personal growth.